Question 1

Can I dock and charge my boat?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have several boat slips directly on the Dora Canal, which provides guests direct boat access to the entire Harris Chain of Lakes. We've recently upgraded some amenities tailored for our boating and fishing guests.

This includes installing several boat slips, a boat charging station, rebuilding the seawall, and adding a fish cleaning station. To park boats on our boat slips, just launch your boat down the street at Summerall Park.

Question 2

How close is downtown?

Accepted Answer

We are less than half a mile from downtown Tavares, known as "America's Seaplane City." Guests can enjoy the nearby waterfront restaurants, seaplane base, live entertainment, unique boutiques, and more. Despite being near the city center, our property is tucked away within the natural beauty of the Dora Canal.

Question 3

Are pets allowed?

Accepted Answer

We love animals! However, to keep our rentals in top condition, we only allow certain pre-approved pets in one designated cottage — Cottage 34: Coconut Cottage. If you'd like to bring your pet along, please reach out to us for pre-approval before finalizing your reservation.

The pet fee depends on how long you stay: $25 per night for stays of 2–6 nights, $20 per night for 7–29 nights, and $10 per night for 30 nights or more.

Question 4

How many guests can stay?

Accepted Answer

Every cottage includes 2 guests in the nightly rate, with a queen bed. Six of our cottages — 22, 23, 31, 32, 35, and 36 — can sleep up to 4: the 3rd and 4th guests stay on the pull-out couch for $50 per night each, and we'll provide the extra bedding on request. Cottages 33 and 34 are our two studios and sleep 2 guests only.

Question 5

Do I have to be 55+?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not have to be 55+ years old to book any of our rental cottages.

The 55+ age restriction applies only to our residential mobile-home tenants, and never to guests staying in the vacation cottages. That mixed-use setup is what gives our guests a quieter, more relaxing stay than a standard hotel or vacation rental.

Question 6

What's Dora Canal Court's history?

Accepted Answer

Dora Canal Court has been family owned and run since 1971. As part of the Tavares community for over 50 years, we are proud to be the third-generation to own and operate carrying forward a family legacy that began with my grandparents.

After they developed dementia, we made a commitment to "rebuild from below the ground up" to preserve the community atmosphere they built. Since then, we have completely reimagined the guest experience, including:

⚓︎ Fully Renovated Cottages: All 8 vacation rentals have been stripped to the studs and refurnished with modern comforts.

⚓︎ Enhanced Waterfront Amenities: We’ve added dedicated boat slips and facilities specifically tailored to boaters and fishers.

⚓︎ New Community Spaces: Guests now enjoy our brand-new community clubhouse and outdoor lounge area, which was designed to create the same relaxing, friendly environment our grandparents envisioned over 50 years ago.

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