Rustic Retreat on Mercer Lake

This lakefront, secluded, quietly rustic Florence vacation rental is a great place to unplug and relax while taking in the spectacular views of Mercer Lake. Bring the whole family to enjoy a restful trip away from the worries of daily life from the comfort of your own deck and private dock on the lake.

Your vacation home is five miles northeast of town, in a heavily forested area right on the edge of Mercer Lake, so you won't hear the highway or any of the noises of the bustling small town of Florence. The lake is just a few steps from your house, but within a 15-minute drive are a myriad of other great places to visit, including Old Town Florence, the beach, Heceta Head lighthouse, and some of the best sand dunes in the state.

The owners of this house have lovingly decorated it with a nautical theme and seaside colors, so you will surely feel at home here.

When you drive to this home, especially through the mile or so of dirt road, you will be amazed how beautiful the area is. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom house has enough beds to sleep nine people, though the loft would be a great space for a few extra children as long as they bring sleeping bags. Two dogs are also welcome, though a nightly fee per dog and minimum fee per stay will apply and all dogs must be kept on leashes when outside the home.

On the main floor, the upper level, walk through the cozy and bright living room and choose your favorite seat to watch the lake. This room is a great place to sit and chat with your guests and enjoy the view. Because this house has no TV (though it does have Wifi and a telephone), it is a great place to take a group of people and enjoy a few days without all the electronic devices we spend so much time with. Grab a board game or book off the shelf, or bring along some of your own favorites, and spend an evening appreciating each others' company!

Just past the living area is a dining table that overlooks the lake, as well as a full kitchen. This kitchen has a stove, oven, microwave, fridge, coffeemaker, and various pans and dishes, so you will have everything you may need to cook up a nice meal. You could even go fishing in the lake or nearby Siuslaw River, clamming during low tide, or crabbing off the South Jetty, and cook up a fresh seafood dinner in the kitchen!

Also on the main floor is a full bathroom, a bedroom with a full-size bed, and another sleeping area with a queen-size bed. A loft, accessible with a sturdy wood ladder, provides a great place for children to play games or have a campout in their sleeping bags at night.

The lower level of this home has another full bathroom and a washer and dryer, so you won't have to worry about getting your clothes wet and sandy at the beach. You will also find a large bedroom with two queen beds and a standalone twin bed, making this a quiet and comfortable place to sleep after a day spent outside breathing in the fresh air. Please note this bedroom is completely separate from the main living space - guests have to take an outdoor staircase to access it.

Just outside both levels of this house is a gorgeous private deck! The upper deck is ideal for sitting and watching the sun reflect off the lake, and you could even bring lunch outside and eat on the picnic table while listening to the breeze rustle through the fir trees. The lower deck opens to the grassy yard, where you will find a firepit for you to use.

Walk down a few stairs to reach your private dock - great place to go swimming or paddle around the lake! Mercer Lake is very quiet and a safe place to swim, so fans of the water will love it here. Even if you don't love swimming, just being near this gorgeous lake and breathing the fresh air will clear your head and leave you feeling at ease.

When you're ready to visit the attractions near Florence, you have many options waiting for you. For people who prefer to be more active, there are two fantastic golf courses, numerous lakes and the Siuslaw River to use for boating and fishing, hiking trails, and amazing sand dunes. Just five minutes south of town you can go on an amazingly fun sand rail tour of the dunes.

Those who are less fond of being active on a vacation will also find plenty to do. The beach is always alluring, and North Jetty is a great area for an easy stroll. Be sure to leave energy to walk along Bay Street, where there are fabulous restaurants, shops, a boardwalk along the river, and a weekend farmers market during the warmer months.

Although Florence isn't famous for its nightlife, the Three Rivers Casino is a fantastic place to spend a few hours. If you visit toward the end of May, the Rhododendron Festival will be in full swing, which means a carnival, car show, parades, kite festival, and blooming rhododendrons everywhere in town.

If a restful vacation to a charming coastal town is just what you need, this gorgeous lakefront Central Coast vacation rental is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature.

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