Entire home

Monkey Business – Private Lake, Dock, Stunning Views, Close to Gainesville UF

Photo gallery for Monkey Business – Private Lake, Dock, Stunning Views, Close to Gainesville UF

Private Dock
Topiary Monkeys hanging from trees at sunset.
Front of House
Topiary Monkeys hanging from trees at sunset.
Full Kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Hawthorne, FL
  • Place, Clear Lake
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Lake Galilee
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Putnam Lakes Preserve
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Airport, Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)
    ‪36 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1 (Downstairs)

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2 (Upstairs)

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3 (Upstairs)

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1 (Downstairs)

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2 (Upstairs)

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Monkey Business – Private Lake, Dock, Stunning Views, Close to Gainesville UF

Welcome to Monkey Business – your private lakefront escape just 30 minutes from Gainesville! Nestled in the quiet charm of Hawthorne, FL, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath retreat is the perfect getaway for families, couples, or friends looking to relax, explore, and enjoy the best of outdoor living.

Monkey Business gets its name from the whimsical topiary monkeys hanging from the trees, just one of the many charming and playful details that make this place unforgettable.

Wake up to the serene sounds of nature and step out onto your private dock overlooking beautiful Cowpen Lake, a private lake, ensuring peace, privacy, and plenty of space to roam and play. Bring your own boat and take advantage of the boat lift at the dock, or enjoy our inclusive fleet of lake toys: a floating pad, stand-up paddleboard, pedal boat, kayak, canoe, beach floats, and toys - everything you need for an amazing day on the water.

Spend your evenings unwinding in the private hot tub or enjoying a peaceful sunset from the dock. After a full day of swimming, paddling, or fishing, rinse off in the outdoor shower and gather with loved ones on the porch or around the spacious living area.

Inside, you'll find two cozy queen beds, one full bed, and an air mattress with ample space to set it up in the living room. Central heating and air conditioning ensure year-round comfort, and both bathrooms are fully stocked with essentials (including hair dryers). Cook up something delicious in the fully equipped kitchen or wind down with games and conversation in the open living space.

Whether you're lounging by the water, exploring local trails and springs, or simply enjoying the serenity of nature, Monkey Business offers the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility, just close enough to Gainesville (and UF) while still feeling like your own private world.

For your security, the property is equipped with exterior cameras. These are located at the front door, side yard, backyard (not porch), and garage area. No cameras are inside or in private spaces.

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

About the area

Hawthorne

Located in Hawthorne, this holiday home is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Putnam Lakes Preserve and Orange Creek Restoration Area. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and hunting.
Map
Hawthorne, FL

What's nearby

  • Clear Lake - 4 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Lake Galilee - 4 min drive - 5.3 km
  • Ladys-Slipper Lake - 7 min drive - 8.7 km
  • Putnam Lakes Preserve - 8 min drive - 8.2 km
  • Lake Lucy - 9 min drive - 10.0 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Love's Travel Stop - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Tootsie's Tacos & Burgers - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Little Debbies - ‬7 min drive

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
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

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melissa C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything about the place stood out and the host was amazing and communication was the best ever.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emma

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful country retreat with incredible porch and private dock. Reading books and board games galore. Definitely a perfect relaxing hideaway. Hosts were amazing and made our stay so comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angell

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The pictures accurately depict the property. What the pictures don't show is how much care and thought goes into preparing for your arrival ~ there was a hand written note waiting for us! The hosts had amazing communication and made sure every little detail was tended to prior to arrival but then reached out to be sure we knew they were there if we needed anything during our stay. The house smelled amazing and was extremely clean. There are 2 different dining areas, a full kitchen, plenty of extra blankets and towels, and an incredible lake view. We would definitely recommend this property to others and would return if in the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

RYAN S.

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback