568 SW Rattlesnake Glen – Santa Fe Riverfront Retreat on 10 Acres – Fort White, FL – $299,900

Property Overview

Set among towering trees and natural woodland, this single-family residence offers a setting that feels removed from the pace of everyday life. The home is elevated on a raised foundation, with wood siding and a metal roof complementing its rustic character. Its elevated position and surrounding landscape create a distinctive country retreat in the Santa Fe River area.

Inside, natural wood surfaces establish a warm, cabin-inspired atmosphere. Hardwood floors, wood walls, and vaulted wood ceilings bring texture throughout the living spaces. The living and dining areas connect with the kitchen in a combined layout designed for everyday living and gathering.

Screened porches and elevated outdoor spaces extend the living area into the surrounding landscape. A fireplace in the living room adds another defining feature, while built-in bedroom closets, central heating and cooling, and included household appliances provide practical residential amenities.

Interior Features

Living and Gathering Spaces

The living room and dining area share a connected layout, with vaulted wood ceilings and natural wood finishes providing the main architectural character. A living-room fireplace creates a focal point, and ceiling fans offer an additional comfort feature.

Kitchen

The kitchen connects with the family and living areas and features solid wood cabinetry, solid-surface countertops, and a functional open relationship with the adjoining spaces. Natural wood finishes complement the home’s rustic interior.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

The home has three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Built-in closets are listed in the bedrooms, and the main living spaces, kitchen, and bathrooms are located on the first and only level of the residence.

Appliances and Comfort

• Central heating
• Central air conditioning
• Cooktop
• Refrigerator
• Freezer
• Washer and dryer
• Ceiling fans and thermostat
• Hardwood flooring
• Living-room fireplace

Exterior Features and Outdoor Living

The residence stands elevated on a raised foundation and features wood siding, a metal roof, and a one-level layout. The wooded acreage provides a natural backdrop, with outdoor features that include a balcony, screened porches described in the property listing, awnings, exterior lighting, a private entrance, and an outdoor shower.

A private yard, garden features, and storage areas add to the property’s outdoor character. The setting offers space to enjoy the surrounding trees and landscape while maintaining a connection to the Santa Fe River area.

Land and Riverfront Setting

The property encompasses 10 acres in the Rum Island Ranches area of Fort White. Its riverfront setting is a defining characteristic, offering a natural environment associated with paddling, fishing, swimming, and exploring North Florida’s freshwater waterways.

Rum Island Springs County Park is a nearby recreational destination with access to the Santa Fe River and a freshwater spring. The property description places the park within walking distance; actual walking routes and access conditions should be confirmed in person.

Buyers considering riverfront ownership should independently investigate flood-zone status, riverbank conditions, applicable environmental regulations, and any restrictions affecting improvements or access to the water.

Structure, Construction and Property Systems

The home’s age, elevated construction, riverfront location, and private utility systems make an inspection of the roof, foundation, electrical and plumbing systems, well, septic system, and applicable flood requirements particularly important during due diligence.

Buyer Area Research: Fort White, Florida

Area Overview

Fort White is a small community in Columbia County in North Central Florida. The surrounding region is known for freshwater springs, river corridors, wooded landscapes, and outdoor recreation. The area offers a rural setting, with larger concentrations of shopping, healthcare, and other services available in nearby regional communities.

Columbia County had an estimated population of 74,094 in July 2025, an increase of approximately 6.3% from the revised April 2020 population estimate. These figures describe the county as a whole rather than Fort White or the immediate property surroundings.

Fort White is connected to the regional road network through U.S. Highway 27, State Road 47, and County Road 18. Lake City and Gainesville provide broader access to commercial services, educational institutions, medical facilities, and employment centers.

Safety and Crime

Crime statistics should be evaluated using the reporting geography, year, and specific offense category rather than treated as a direct measure of conditions at an individual property.

For 2024, Columbia County recorded a violent-crime rate of approximately 286.9 incidents per 100,000 residents in the Florida county-level statistical series. The comparable statewide rate was approximately 145.7 per 100,000 residents. These are county-level figures and should not be interpreted as rates for Fort White or this riverfront property.

A sufficiently verified, comparable multi-year series for burglary, theft, robbery, aggravated assault, and motor vehicle theft specific to the immediate property area is not included here. Buyers should review the latest available local law-enforcement data and consider the property’s rural setting, access, and security needs independently.

Schools and Education

Fort White is served by the Columbia County School District. Schools in the Fort White area include:

• Fort White Elementary School: Public elementary education, including prekindergarten through grade five.
• Fort White Middle School: A local public middle-school option; confirm the current grade configuration with the district.
• Fort White High School: Public secondary education in the Fort White community.

Nearby school locations do not establish enrollment eligibility. Buyers should confirm the current school assignment for the property address directly with the district, along with transportation arrangements, grade configurations, and available programs.

Healthcare and Hospitals

Healthcare services are available in the broader North Central Florida region, with additional hospital and specialist options in Lake City and Gainesville.

• HCA Florida Lake City Hospital — Lake City: Hospital services for the surrounding region.
• North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Lake City medical center — Lake City: Veterans’ healthcare services.
• UF Health Shands Hospital — Gainesville: A major hospital and academic medical center.
• Local pharmacies and outpatient services: Fort White and neighboring communities have options for routine prescriptions and selected healthcare needs.

Emergency response times, specialist availability, and travel distances vary. Buyers should confirm current services, insurance acceptance, and the nearest appropriate emergency department for their needs.

Housing Market History

Columbia County and the Fort White area have distinct housing markets, and countywide statistics may not reflect the value of a wooded, acreage-based riverfront residence. Rural properties can differ substantially from conventional homes because of land size, waterfront access, structural condition, flood exposure, and private utility systems.

Comparable annual historical home-value figures for a single, consistently defined Columbia County or Fort White market series for approximately 2021–2025 could not be established reliably for this listing. Rather than combine median asking prices, completed-sale prices, and modeled home-value estimates into a misleading table, no unverified annual values are presented.

For a meaningful market assessment, buyers should compare recent closed sales involving similar acreage, river access, construction type, living area, age, and condition. County assessments and asking prices are not necessarily equivalent to market value or final sale prices. Historical results describe past market activity and do not predict future appreciation.

Transportation and Regional Access

Fort White’s regional road connections include U.S. Highway 27, State Road 47, and County Road 18. These routes connect the community with neighboring towns and the wider North Central Florida region.

The property’s reported dirt-road access is an important practical consideration. Buyers should assess road maintenance, drainage, seasonal conditions, vehicle suitability, emergency access, and any private-road maintenance responsibilities.

Regional commercial and medical destinations are available in Lake City and Gainesville. Public transportation options in this rural area are more limited than in larger urban centers, so private vehicle access is an important consideration for most day-to-day travel.

Shopping and Everyday Services

Fort White offers a selection of everyday services, while larger shopping trips and a broader range of retail options may require travel to neighboring communities.

• Dollar General and Family Dollar: Discount retail options in the Fort White area.
• North Florida Pharmacy, Fort White: A local pharmacy serving routine prescription and related healthcare needs.
• Groceries and supermarkets: Additional grocery options are available in surrounding communities, including High Springs, Alachua, and Lake City.
• Hardware and home improvement: Local hardware services and larger home improvement retailers in the wider region can support property maintenance and renovation needs.
• Restaurants and convenience services: Local establishments serve everyday needs, with a wider selection in nearby towns and regional centers.

Store locations, operating hours, and service availability can change. Buyers should confirm current options and travel routes before relying on a particular business for regular needs.

Parks and Recreation

The Fort White area is well known for freshwater recreation, spring-fed waterways, and outdoor activities. The Santa Fe River and nearby natural areas provide opportunities for paddling, swimming, fishing, wildlife observation, and exploring the North Florida landscape.

Rum Island Springs County Park

Rum Island Springs County Park provides access to a freshwater spring and the Santa Fe River. Park amenities include a designated spring area, river access, picnic facilities, and opportunities for swimming and paddling. The park is a notable nearby destination for outdoor recreation.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a regional natural attraction known for its spring-fed river, paddling, tubing, and nature experiences. Seasonal operations and activity availability can vary.

Santa Fe River and Surrounding Natural Areas

The Santa Fe River corridor supports a range of water-based recreation and nature activities. Conditions may change with rainfall, water levels, and seasonal restrictions. Buyers should distinguish public recreation access from private property boundaries and verify any access rights that are important to them.

Utilities and Connectivity

The property has a private well and septic tank. These systems are distinct from public water and sewer service, and their operating condition, permits, capacity, and maintenance history should be reviewed during due diligence.

• Water: Private well reported for the property. Buyers should arrange appropriate water-quality testing and inspect the well system.
• Wastewater: Septic tank reported. Confirm permit records, system condition, tank location, and drain-field requirements.
• Electricity: Electric service is available in the wider Fort White area, but the property’s current provider and service details should be confirmed.
• Internet: Regional options may include fixed wireless, DSL, cable, fiber in selected locations, and satellite services. Availability and performance vary by address.
• Cellular service: Coverage depends on the carrier, terrain, vegetation, and network conditions. Verify reception at the property.
• Trash and recycling: Confirm collection arrangements, service eligibility, and any applicable fees for this specific address.
• Natural gas: Property-specific availability has not been confirmed.

Area-level utility availability does not guarantee that a particular provider serves this parcel. Confirm all service connections and any associated costs before closing, particularly if reliable internet access or remote work is a priority.

Development and Planning

Fort White’s planning and development framework includes local land-use regulations, zoning, building permits, and comprehensive planning. County-level development and building requirements may also apply to properties outside the town’s incorporated boundaries.

No specific proposed, pending, or approved development project has been established here as directly affecting this parcel. Buyers considering improvements, additional structures, changes of use, or rental activity should confirm the property’s jurisdiction, zoning interpretation, floodplain requirements, environmental constraints, building permits, and applicable restrictions with the appropriate county and regional authorities.

Because the property is situated along the Santa Fe River, prospective improvements may require additional consideration of flood risk, drainage, wetlands, setbacks, and environmental protections. Any future project should be evaluated on its own approvals and feasibility rather than assumed to be permitted.

Property Summary

Property characteristics, tax figures, zoning, utility arrangements, river access, and permitted uses should be confirmed during the buyer’s due diligence. Tax amounts and assessments may change.