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The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL,

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Terrace/patio
Dining
Interior
Interior
Interior

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroom

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

View in a map
Cross Creek, FL
  • Place, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Park
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Ocala Downtown Square
    ‪32 min drive‬
  • Place, University of Florida
    ‪33 min drive‬
  • Airport, Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)
    ‪36 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Hawthorne

This cottage places you within a 15-minute walk of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Park. The cottage includes a fireplace, a patio, and a microwave.
View more Cottages in HawthorneOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Park - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Ocala Downtown Square - 32 min drive - 29.1 miles
  • University of Florida - 33 min drive - 23.1 miles
  • Ben Hill Griffin Stadium - 36 min drive - 23.9 miles
  • World Equestrian Center – Ocala - 42 min drive - 37.0 miles

Getting around

  • Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Eagles Nest Cafe - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Antonio's cucina italiana - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪The Yearling Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Cow Pasture - ‬19 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL,

No matter if you're a passionate angler, a wildlife lover, a Florida history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, in town for a Gator game, or simply craving peace and quiet—you’re bound to love it here! Cross Creek offers a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle while being just a 20-minute drive from Gainesville and Ocala. It is conveniently located equally distant from popular attractions like the Ocala National Forest, High Springs (florida springs destination), the St. Johns River in Palatka, The University of Florida and Shands Hospital in Gainesville. The legendary Yearling Restaurant is just steps away offering authentic Florida cuisine and cocktails, If you have never been it is a must. Whether you're just passing through or planning a month-long stay, I've put great effort into creating a unique and delightful experience that blends Old Florida charm with modern comforts—one you'll surely want to revisit and share with friends.
The cottage is air-conditioned and features a patio and space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a fireplace, a microwave, and an oven.

Similar properties

View from property
Yearling Restaurant and Cabins
Hawthorne
  • Kitchen
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 208 reviews
$139 nightly
The price is $156
Jun 3 - Jun 4
Total with taxes and fees
Yearling Restaurant and Cabins

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Food and drink

  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Stovetop

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Things to do

  • Kayak

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:

Strip any used beds, gather used towels, and store extra beds

Take out the trash

Turn off the lights and return the keys

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • 2 total pets
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector.

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do close to this cottage?

This cottage is located in Hawthorne within a short 11-minute walk of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Park.

Will I be able to park at The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL,?

No, there isn't parking available at the cottage.

Is this cottage next to a casino?

No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this cottage?

No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL,?

Couples staying at this cottage will value amenities like a fireplace, a fireplace in some cottage, as well as a firepit.

Does The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL, have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this cottage.

Does this cottage offer breakfast?

No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this cottage allow pets to stay for free?

Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this cottage.

Does The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL, have connecting rooms available?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this cottage.

What is the closest airport to this cottage?

The closest major airport to this cottage is Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV), which is 21.3 mi away (36 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL,?

Yes, every cottage at The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL, comes with a patio.

The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL, Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 12 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 12 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 12 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 12 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

anthony m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Yes everything was wonderful
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquil stay in “old” Florida

Had a great experience. Loved the feel of going back in time.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing and peaceful with country charm. Thankful they allowed dogs. We like to travel with our dog and she was comfortable and enjoyed walking around the neighborhood. Not too far from Gainesville and we also enjoyed eating dinner at The Yearling which is right next door.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Historically Unique Place

Staying at The Blue Heron Hideaway is a true Florida getaway. The attention to detail and deep connection to this historic gem exceeds all expectations.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming Retreat!

If you’re looking for a charming, peaceful retreat, this is the place. Packed full of charm and attention to detail, this immaculately clean and cozy cabin is right for you. Shanica is a fabulous host who welcomed us into her fabulously redone house with open arms like family. The ability to rest, relax and get away from the busy city life was like none other. However, if you don’t appreciate the quiet of nature and its beauty combined with the lovely thought and detail the host has put into the place, then this one’s not for you!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jean S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Birthday Getaway at Blue Heron Hideaway

We had a fantastic weekend at this one-of-a-kind cottage. The house was clean and well maintained. The bed was super comfortable and the kitchen had everything we needed for our stay. We really enjoyed the huge deck outside with all the wildlife sounds and scenes.Shanica was incredibly responsive and thoughtful. She even left me a handwritten birthday note on the counter when we arrived. The house location was in a quiet neighborhood and conveniently located to everything I had on my birthday to do list.I especially enjoyed listening to the record player. It had a great selection of vinyl. I would stay there again in a heartbeat.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Anais V.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Beautiful Spot (with a few kinks)

Super cute spot in the Florida backcountry. We took a quick mother's day trip to enjoy a quiet, relaxing weekend while visiting the lakes and springs. Below are some pros and cons to our experience.Pros: Lovely patio, deck, and firepit area (with some firewood provided), modern amenities inside, stylish decor, easy check-in, fairly quick communicationCons: Smelly, yellow water, the TV on the patio only plays DVDs, spiders galore (inside and outside), lots of expired goodies left behind by others, and an unknown stain on one of the pillowcasesOverall, I would stay again despite the kinks but would be much more prepared to make it a smoother experience.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peace and Tranquility

I loved everything about this place! The huge new deck overlooking the canal with all the birds calling, the huge screened lanai, the comfort of the beds and the silky feel of the sheets. The decor is so interesting everywhere you look. Shani really has an eye for lovely things and gives great attention to detail. I loved looking through and playing the vinyl record collection and reading through the book collections she has all about Cross Creek. The bathroom is beautiful and unique. We had dinner both nights at the Yearling, a very popular restaurant a few houses away. A definite place to go while you are here. The Spanish moss (which is neither Spanish nor moss) hangs heavily on all the trees in the area and really enhances the mood of "old Florida" I may just have to use Shani's Realtor skills to find me a similar place of my own!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Chris H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
1st impression - Curb Appeal had us wondering what we had gotten into, a bit scary with all the flora everywhere, not knowing what slithering "eeeeks" are hiding behind or under it all! The Deck is Beautiful, it sad to see the water level on the canal so low as we had a boat to dock, but we made other arrangements to no fault of yours. The cottage was above all expectations as we entered: very clean, well stocked with everything we could have imagined, Bravo! A couple concerns: only 1 exit as all other doors were locked from the outside - outside bedroom door was not a tight seal, we put a rug along the bottom mainly for our own self comfort. Our last day there, the guys left a bit earlier than my grandaughter & I ... The guys locked the outside screen door when they left leaving us locked in.The reason for our stay : GATOR HUNTING, It was a first time for myself & my Granddaughter, Our hunt was on Lake Lochloosa - with cousins Andy & Kurt who live in this area, she & I from P.A. & Mid Florida. We had success bringing on board our boat a 10'11" - 311 lbd monster. Reminding me : The baby Gators are adorable, Yes, They Are Cute ..... All Guests, PLEASE DO NOT FEED the Gators, This makes them people friendly, not afraid, becoming a Nuisance to people near the water & those lil cuties become a BIG problem and must be removed !!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025