The Casita at Casa Cascada is a destination, resort-style, private guest house set in a lush, tropical oasis featuring a natural swimming pool and waterfalls. It was designed and built by the host, artist Michael E. Arth (MichaelEArth.com), and finished in 2025.
Located in downtown DeLand’s Historic Garden District, it is an ideal hub from which to explore the endless attractions that DeLand and Central Florida have to offer. DeLand’s award-winning downtown, including historic structures dating back as far as the 1880s, is located midway between Daytona Beach and Orlando, being only thirty minutes in either direction. New Smyrna Beach, a Mecca for surfing and other water sports on Florida’s “Fun Coast”, is even closer. DeLand is also located close to various large springs and nature preserves, as well as the St. John’s River.
This listing is for the second level “Casita,” a complete apartment with a separate bedroom accessible through an arch and Indian temple portal. The Casita has a full kitchen, laundry, and closet, dining area, and media room. The TV can swivel for viewing from the dining area. The bathroom in the Casita has a two-person soaking tub with a shower option.
If you wish to rent the Studio (https://t.vrbo.io/ENcNDCSLcRb) separately, or both the Casita (and Studio together (https://t.vrbo.io/wNOmP0BLcRb), they have their own separate listings on Vrbo.
The Studio, which can be rented separately or together with the Casita, is a ground floor unit with a kitchenette and is wheelchair accessible. The curb-less shower has faux rock walls, and a living wall. The Studio can sleep up to four, with two people in the bedroom and two being on a sofa bed in the living room.
The defining feature of Casa Cascada is the natural swimming pool fed from the Florida aquifer. The spring water is filtered even more through a water garden that functions as a biological filter, and run through a UV sanitizer before being aerated in the waterfalls. The pure, chemical-free water feels silky to the skin, and quite different from a chlorinated pool.
The newly constructed building is quiet and safe, being on high ground and storm-proof with thick, reinforced concrete walls, floors and ceilings.
There are free 110 and 220 volt charging outlets in the parking lot if you have an electric vehicle.
Orlando International Airport is one hour away by car, but also accessible by light rail and bus. A bus terminal is two blocks away.
San Augustine, the oldest European-established continuously occupied city in the contiguous U.S., was founded by the Spanish in 1565. It’s an easy day trip from DeLand being only one hour’s drive.
DeLand’s pedestrian friendly, award-winning downtown has 68 historic buildings, with its charming restaurants, sidewalk cafes, museums, antique stores, and other shops. The main street, one block from Casa Cascada, is periodically shut down for various art shows, parades, and other events.
Every Friday night there is a farmer's market at Artisan Alley three blocks away, close to the historic Athen's theater. DeLand is known as "The Athens of Florida" because of Stetson University. It is also known as the "Skydiving capital of the country" because of the versatile DeLand Airport and the excellent weather.
The Artisan, a boutique hotel, restaurant, and bar is one block away.
A tree-lined bicycle and pedestrian trail runs next to Casa Cascada connecting to Stetson University. Two blocks to the south is Earl Brown Park, with its small lake and fountains. Various art festivals and an annual fireworks display is held here every year. Stetson football and baseball stadiums are adjacent to the park.
Casa Cascada takes you to another world, while also being the gateway to the world around you in Central Florida.
