Authentic "Old Florida" on Crooked Lake!

Authentic "Old Florida" on Crooked Lake! Surrounded by palmettos and Florida foliage, our 1930's rustic lakehouse is serene, private, and exceptionally relaxing. Spring-fed Crooked Lake is designated an "Outstanding Florida Waters" lake and is great for swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, and waterskiing. Huge screen porch, ping pong table, fully-equipped kitchen, dining room table for 12, spacious living area (great for games) -- you won't want to leave! This house is truly unique. It was built during the depression with surplus doors and windows, and has a natural rustic appeal. We want potential renters to know not to expect granite countertops and designer furniture--this is a real deal lake house where wet bathing suits, sand, and afternoon naps are the norm. Many of the interior walls are not finished (exposed studs and wires, see photos). If you like old Florida, staying here is a special experience you won't soon forget. Upstairs, you'll find a king memory foam bedroom, a queen memory foam bedroom, plus a huge old-school "dorm room" with 2 full beds and 4 twins--most new memory foam--a real hit with kids and extended family. In the large family room downstairs, two additional twins are used as daybeds--great for napping or extra guests. Guests have full access to our non-motorized water sports equipment in the garage including 4 stand-up paddle boards, 2 kayaks, life vests, floats, beach chairs, beach towels, and sand play equipment. Our motor boat (stored in garage) is not for guest use (it's waaaay too cantankerous).. The yard features large deck with table and chairs, a hammock, and an outdoor shower. A gas grill is available for guest use too and is stored in the garage. We do not live on site and we give guests their full privacy, but are only a text (and a few miles) away if there are any issues or questions. Babson Park is a sleepy little lake town located about a mile around the lake from our house, and has a convenience store and a fish house (The Crooked Bass). Lake Wales, just 5 miles from our house, is larger and has a well-equipped Publix Supermarket, a Super Walmart, a movie theater, restaurants (try the Crazy Fish), liquor stores, and the lovely and historic Bok Tower Gardens (GREAT for Kids!). The beautiful Florida coast is an hour's drive in either direction. Large theme parks like Lego Land (15 mile drive), Disney (40 mile drive), Universal Studios (40 mile drive) and Sea World (40 mile drive) are easily accessible, as are unique regional attractions like Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (Mermaid Show - 100 mile drive), and Tampa's Historic Ybor City (60 miles). You'll need a car, but you are just a few minutes drive to most conveniences. As mentioned in the main description, our house is surrounded by Florida's natural beauty, including an orange grove across the street. As a result, wildlife is abundant. You will see many types of birds (sandhill cranes are everywhere and you might even spot a bald eagle), as well as the occasional raccoon, possum, turtle, fox, otter or snake. Though it's VERY rare, we have occasionally (maybe three times in the 40 years we've owned it) seen an alligator on our side of the lake. Please respect all wildlife and do not trap, harm, or feed ANY Florida animal. If there is a nuisance animal please immediately notify Colleen, our house manager, so she can report it. Thunderstorms on the lake can be dramatic and exciting--especially in the summer. They can move quickly across the lake--so be ready to come up quickly if you sense the weather picking up. There's nothing better than hearing the sound of rain on our tin-roof! Built in the 30's for summer occupancy only, our house is not insulated. Though we installed Central Heat and air a few years ago, there is often (even in summer) a nice breeze off the lake so feel free to open up the house and use the attic fan if you like! If using the heat/air, you'll want to keep doors and windows closed to maximize effectiveness in this drafty old lakehouse!