Feathered Friends and Gardens at our Central Florida Hotel Alternative

Our Central Florida accommodations feature unique gardens that change year round, offering a casual and pretty landscape, making us an ideal Central Florida hotel alternative. We are set amid 8 acres of beautiful lakefront land. That makes us feel very rural, even though we are only minutes from everything, including just 10 minutes to Orlando!

Explore our Park-like Oasis

In this Central Florida garden, a Certified Wildlife Habitat, each area of the yard has something different for you to see. We have lots to show off to you, from the exotic to the plain. Ginger is next to elephant ears, is next to azaela bushes, are next to oranges, are near basil, behind palm trees. Come and see what we have for you!

Take in the garden and lake views from the porch, or enjoy a stroll around the lake on the trails. Our environment is what sets us apart from Central Florida Hotels, providing a unique garden stay.

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Wildlife Habitat sign

Thurston House

exterior view of Thurston House BB

lake view from front porch

Sitting area on porch

Thurston House Porch

Grounds and Lake at Thurston House

wild orchids

Palmetto fronds

camelia

hibicus

tropical plant

Lake

Thurston House BB

Sunset view

Thurston House at Night

Wildlife Habitat sign

Thurston House

exterior view of Thurston House BB

lake view from front porch

Sitting area on porch

Thurston House Porch

Grounds and Lake at Thurston House

wild orchids

Palmetto fronds

camelia

hibicus

tropical plant

Lake

Thurston House BB

Sunset view

Thurston House at Night

Barred Owls

White Ibis

sunrise at Thurston House with bird in sky

Snowy Egret

Red-shouldered Hawk

Great Egret in Flight

Great White Heron

Great Blue Heron Flying

A cute Sandhill crane chick walks with its parent along a Florida lake

Birding at Thurston House

Birds seem to sense that our Central Florida accommodations are a Certified Wildlife Habitat, and know there is food, water and shelter here for them to enjoy. They make their nests among the many trees and bushes that are here on over 8 acres of beautiful lakefront land. Just a half mile walk from our Central Florida Bed & Breakfast will bring you to an official Audubon Birds of Prey Center. There you can view birds such as kites, hawks, kestrels, owls and falcons in their natural habitats. “Trouble” and “Francis,” both bald eagles, are unable to be released back into the wild, so they are on display daily to visitors.

Stroll around any of our 22 Maitland lakes, and you will see our feathered friends in their natural environments. Lake Lily boasts many duck families, along with snowy egrets, great blue herons, ibis and anhinga.

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What Our Guests are Saying:

“Absolutely a wonderful experience. Beverly was gracious and a wonderful hostess, chef and knew the area. We came to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. We enjoyed the house, lake and beautiful grounds. The room was so well kept and comfortable. We will enjoy coming again soon.” Mark D. Read More Reviews!

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