Entire home

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

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

A wooden pathway leading to a modern building with large windows, a seating area with a table and chairs, and a variety of plants and decorative items. - The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL, (Cross Creek)
A cozy living area with a wicker sofa, a small stool, and a potted plant. - The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL, (Cross Creek)
A spacious room with a large sliding glass door leading to an outdoor deck. The room features a blue carpet, a welcome mat, and a wooden table with a decorative swan centerpiece. - The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL, (Cross Creek)
A rustic cabin with a wooden exterior, surrounded by a natural setting with trees and a small pond. - The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL, (Cross Creek)
A cozy living room with a green sofa, wooden coffee table, and a vintage radio. - The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL, (Cross Creek)
The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL, provides a firepit and more. Guests can connect to in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroom

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue
  • Fireplace

Add dates for prices

About this property

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.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Food and drink

  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven

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

  • Smoke-free property

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)

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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 to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds, gather used towels and store extra beds
Take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that 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

About the area

Hawthorne is home to this cottage. Micanopy Historical Society Museum and Hippodrome State Theatre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Ironwood Golf Course and Regal Celebration Pointe. Thomas Center and Florida Museum of Natural History are also worth visiting. Visit our Hawthorne travel guide
View more Cottages in Hawthorne
Map
Cross Creek, FL

What's nearby

  • An aerial view of a historic town with red-roofed buildings, a large stadium, and surrounding greenery.
    University of Florida
    31 min drive - 35.7 km
  • A football stadium filled with spectators and cheerleaders.
    Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
    34 min drive - 37.4 km
  • A person kayaking on a calm river surrounded by dense, green foliage and tall trees.
    Silver Springs State Park
    36 min drive - 52.3 km
  • Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Park
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • World Equestrian Center – Ocala
    40 min drive - 58.1 km

Getting around

  • Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)
    36 min drive

Restaurants

  • Antonio's cucina italiana
    19 min drive
  • Five Star Pizza
    11 min drive
  • The Yearling Restaurant
    2 min walk
  • Flyers Cafe
    11 min drive
  • Georges
    22 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL, pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL,?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL,?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL,?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Blue Heron Hideaway- 2-bedroom cottage in lovely Cross Creek, FL, located?

Situated in Hawthorne, this cottage is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Park and within 12 miles (20 km) of Micanopy Historical Society Museum and Kate's Fish Camp. University of Florida and Price's Scrub State Park are also within 20 miles (32 km).

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Reviews

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

9.0

Wonderful

9.2

Cleanliness

9.8

Location
Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 15 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 15 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 15 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 15 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Property very clean and cozy, perfect quiet getaway for two. The water is not drinkable so need to bring own water bottles/jugs.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great stay! The place was clean, cozy, and full of quirky charm while still feeling very private. We loved the beautiful deck overlooking the creek and the screened-in porch. It’s also conveniently close to Micanopy and Ocala for some great antique shopping. Perfect for a weekend getaway—we would definitely come back! Thanks Shanica!!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I really enjoyed my stay here! It’s a beautiful quiet area and the home is very cozy. The host was very helpful and communicated quickly. I am looking forward to coming back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property is definitely for the historian, nature lover, and person seeking a quiet experience. It's a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle. It is located close to so many parks--state, county and city as well as federal. For bird watchers and wildlife lovers I suggest Sweetwater Park--it was not on our list but we had a lovely tram tour that was a highlight for us.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

6/10 Okay

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 review

8/10 Good

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