MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
About Us
It all began with a dream...
MEET YOUR HOST, KRIS HARTLAND
Greetings from our favorite spot in the Sunshine State!
Welcome to Riverbend Retreat Fla.
Greetings from our favorite spot in the Sunshine State!
We’re Kris and Bob, a couple with a long-time dream of creating a place that inspires rest, reflection, and recreation. We wanted to embrace Florida’s beauty while providing space to dream new dreams and consider what’s next. Combining our love of hospitality, family, faith, travel, and entertaining, we envisioned a retreat that would nourish the soul as much as the senses.
That vision became reality when we found Emerald House in 2017. With its breezy Florida-style architecture and tranquil, natural setting, we knew it was the perfect foundation to build what is now Riverbend Retreat Fla.
Since purchasing the property, we’ve lovingly refreshed and renewed every corner—inside and out. We’re continually enhancing the experience for our guests, and are proud to be a fully licensed Bed & Breakfast and members of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association.
Thoughtfully Designed for Groups Large and Small
We can comfortably host 1 to 18 guests, with:
The Guest House accommodating up to 7 guests
Three private suites in the main house for 1–2 guests each
Our most popular setup: 10–12 guests across both houses, ideal for families, retreats,
or special gatherings
Each room features luxurious Tempur-Pedic mattresses that can be arranged as two twins or one king, offering flexibility and comfort.
Amenities for Every Mood
Whether you’re here to unwind, play, or connect, our retreat offers a wide range of amenities:
Fireplaces, Pool & Spa
Ping Pong, Jumbo Chess, Board Games & Books
Musical Instruments, Peloton Plus, Free Weights, Yoga Mats
Karaoke, Fire Pit, Putting Green, Gazebo
Dock, Fishing Poles, Kayaks & Paddle Board
EV Charging Station (Tesla & universal)
We can also help coordinate guided tours, boat rides, and private dining experiences. Every stay
includes a complimentary breakfast tray or basket to start your mornings right.
And don’t forget to say hello to our retreat’s friendliest residents—T-Rex and Teddy, our two sweet
bunnies tucked behind the Emerald House.
Meet Your Hosts
Bob and I are both in our 60s and still working full-time, but when we’re on-site, we’re happy to be available during your stay. We’re warm, welcoming, and professional—and deeply committed to making your time here meaningful and memorable.
What began as a personal retreat dream has expanded to include new friends like you. If you’re looking for a place to rest, recharge, and reconnect, we’d love to welcome you to the Riverbend Retreat family.
Let our dream become part of your story.
Warmly,
Kris & Bob
Riverbend Retreat Fla.
My husband and I with some of our family at
the dock right before purchasing the home!
Two of my grandchildren doing stretching on the dock
Cheers! My Mom loves staying here sometimes too. Watching sunset on the dock is her favorite time.
Family enjoying the kayaks on the Alafia River!
My oldest daughter, Jen, and my son-in-law, Jared Blake (yes, from The Voice!)
A fox we happened to catch a picture of a few houses down from ours!
Our assistant, Barrett, enjoying the ping-pong table!
Greetings from Riverview, Florida!
OUR LOCATION
Riverbend Retreat is a convenient hideaway just a mile off I-75 and near to plenty of shopping, restaurants and entertainment, yet secluded by the Alafia River on two sides an a 80-acre preserve on another. Enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking or relaxing in the hammock or on the deck.
We've caught glimpses of many different forms of wildlife (recently, a fox!) For fisherman, they can enjoy our river filled with Sheepshead, Red Snapper, Speckled Trout, Snook, Spotted Bass and Florida Gar.
We have only one adjacent neighbor. Our neighborhood is agriculturally zoned and you'll see horses, cattle and chickens on your drive in.
This unique property lends itself to a tranquil adventurous time to breath and stretch. We look forward to sharing this true Florida experience with you!
Getting around
Come by car or boat. We have plenty of parking or docking for either. It is easy to get around Riverview. We are about 30 minutes from Tampa International Airport and an hour either way to Disney or the Gulf beaches.
It is easy to get around, but you don't really have to go anywhere because there is so much to enjoy right here!
PLEASE NOTE: Viewing of the property is by appointment or reservation only. If you would like to schedule a viewing appointment prior to your stay, please call Kris Hartland at (727) 421-9512.
If you want to explore the area some more, feel free to check out our personal recommendations!
View our 'Plan Your Trip' page.
