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,

Interior
Interior
Terrace/patio
Terrace/patio
Enjoy the large screened in porch attached to brand new deck.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Cross Creek, FL
  • Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Park
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
  • University of Florida
    ‪30 min drive‬
  • Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)
    ‪36 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai

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 manager

Shanica Crider
Premier Host

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Amenities

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

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total
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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

About the area

Hawthorne

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. The Orange Shop and The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park are also worth visiting.
Map
Cross Creek, FL

What's nearby

  • Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Park - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Shands at the University of Florida - 29 min drive - 31.4 km
  • University of Florida - 30 min drive - 31.6 km
  • Ben Hill Griffin Stadium - 31 min drive - 31.5 km
  • World Equestrian Center – Ocala - 40 min drive - 49.8 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Eagles Nest Bar and Grill - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪The Yearling Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪US Vets Post 102 - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Ted's Restaurant - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Georgie's Lakeside Restaurant & Lounge - ‬24 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).

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 The Orange Shop and Micanopy Historical Society Museum. Micanopy Cemetery is 10 mi (16.1 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 4 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

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

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

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

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

About the host

Hosted by Shanica Crider

Host profile image
I'm born and raised a few miles from Cross Creek, I always loved visiting the Yearling Restaurant as a little girl. I've traveled the world and lived in multiple states, but in 2016, I returned home to help manage my father's rental properties. One by one I renovated the rentals and grew a passion for renovation and rehabilitation of old structures. I love thrifting, visiting yard sales, crafting, and breathing new life into old treasures. I purchased this property in February 2024, and after a year of hard work, I listed it on VRBO on the anniversary of my purchase. I hope it will bring my guests as much joy as it brings me. My little oasis of peace and tranquility. I have two year old twin toddlers at home so when I visit the Blue Heron Hideaway to work it feels like a vacation. I got into vacation rentals as a form of supplemental income and hoping the interactions I have with my guests and relationships I make will contribute to my real estate career. I love to meet people and show them the beauty of the real, old Florida.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests