This large Florida homestead (5 bedrooms, 6 baths) is a place of retreat for nurturing ones senses and soul. BayLaurel, as we call our homestead sits in the middle of thirty-five very private acres and is surrounded by open meadows, ponds, woodlands, and beautiful gardens. We are adjacent to thousands of acres of nature preserve and wildlife management area. BayLaurel is wonderfully appointed and is nestled amongst a grove of old oak trees. With over 100 windows, the outside elements are made to feel as if they are inside the home. There is a spacious and large living room with a slate and granite fireplace. There are multiple sets of french doors that open out onto decks, porches, and a gazebo that all overlook the open meadow, pond, waterfall and gardens. The kitchen is wonderfully appointed for the gourmet cook along with a breakfast table overlooking a garden. There is also a separate dining room inside as well as several dining areas on the porches and decks. There are five bedrooms, each with their own private bath. Almost daily we see deer and wild turkey on the edge of the meadows. There is also great bird-watching with a multitude of species available to observe. The first floor of the home also maintains a library, and a grand piano. There are multiple places throughout our 35-acre retreat, where you can walk through the wood, sit at a bench or small table and listen to the birds, read a book, write, or just sit quietly. A housekeeper and cook can be arranged if needed. Our homestead is just a two-minute drive outside the village of Micanopy. Our property is in the heart of North Florida’s eco-tourism center which abounds with numerous magnificent springs, rivers, lakes, horse farms and national forests that are available for hiking. Lakes and creeks for canoing as well as bicycle and walking trails are just down the road from our home.

Our homestead is just a two-minute drive outside the village of Micanopy. The historic village of Micanopy is the second oldest community in the state of Florida and still only has a population of 600 people. Micanopy is home to wonderful antique stores, bed and breakfast inns, and cafes. It is a little village that time has forgotten, much to our benefit. In the village of Micanopy, there is a very small limited grocery. The main shopping accommodations will be in the city of Gainesville which is fifteen minutes away. Gainesville is the academic and cultural capital of North Central Florida and is home to the University of Florida. Wonderful restaurants, theater, music, sports and museums are available in Gainesville. Our Homestead, BayLaurel, is located one hour and fifteen minutes from the Atlantic Ocean beaches, and one hour and fifteen minutes from the Gulf of Mexico beaches on the west coast of Florida. It is also one hour and forty-five minutes north of Orlando and Disneyworld.

We have available two adult bicycles as well as a vehicle that can be made available if there was a suitable exchange. A housekeeper and cook could also be arranged for seperate fee. We must respectfully request that no pets be brought to BayLaurel and that if smoking is a necessity, that it only be outside of the home with careful attention to collect all remains of the cigarettes. We will be able to have some one meet you to orient you to the home and how it operates as well as to answer any other questions you may have. Almost year round, there are flowers in the garden that you may pick and bring into the home. Also, throughout the year, there are fresh herbs in the garden available for your own culinary experimentation in the kitchen. Our home is filled with peace and serenity and we are confident that you will feel nurtured with your stay at BayLaurel.

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Our most desired destinations are small, quaint villages in the countryside; however, we equally enjoy vibrant urban centers with access to public transport. We are open to most any creative ideas and don't want to be limited to specific locations.

We are a married couple, a lawyer and a hospice nurse. We enjoy quiet, country settings and exploring small villages through hiking and bicycling. We have traveled and lived abroad extensively and have previously experienced successful home exchanges. We have two dogs, Jessie and Chris, an Australian Shepherd and a yellow lab. If necessary, they could stay with friends during your stay at BayLaurel. If you’re interested in BayLaurel, we can forward you more information and pictures about our home and the surrounding areas.

We are open to receiving all offers - please tempt us.