Cottage on the Gulf in Aripeka • Pool & Kayaks

Wake up to coastal bliss at Crane Crossing! Enjoy coffee on the screened front porch, float in the private screened pool, launch the complimentary kayaks, or bring your boat to tie up at the private dock with direct Gulf access. With 2 cozy bedrooms, a full kitchen, and fast Wi-Fi, your getaway is ready. Paddle pristine mangrove inlets, fish the flats, or catch evening breezes without the crowds. The ultimate Old Florida escape for boaters, anglers, paddlers, and sunset chasers.

Your getaway sits directly on the sacred ground where Aripeka’s history truly began!
The property is the exact site of the large, historic pioneer home built by the Littell family, who arrived here via covered wagon in 1886. The original patriarch was the town’s first school teacher and postmaster. By staying here, you are literally standing where the town's founding family lived, worked, and welcomed the community for generations.

When you come here you're not just visiting Old Florida, you're staying in a piece of it.

If you are bringing your own boat or jet ski, the historic Norfleet's Fish Camp public boat ramp and store is located in town just over the bridge for quick Gulf access. Once on the water it's a short trip to the Hernando Beach flats which is a local favorite for anchoring out to spend the day swimming, grilling and soaking up the sun!
Feel free to keep your boat docked at the cottage dock during your stay instead of using the boat ramp each time you're ready to hit the water.

For guests who bring airboats, the property offers fantastic access! We encourage you to explore the marsh trails, islands and mangrove trails. (Please be sure to check Hammock Creek tides).
✨Tide times vary daily - often high enough to swim & play during sunny days🌞 Check Hammock Creek Tide Times for most accurate times.

Local Wildlife Around Aripeka Key & the Cottage:

Grab your morning coffee and relax on the screened-in porch to catch a glimpse of some of Nature Coast's finest!

We named the cottage Crane Crossing for a reason! Sandhill Cranes are frequent Nature Coast stars, with prime viewing in the evenings just before sunset as they take flight out to the islands for the night.

You may spot wild turkeys 🦃currently with a few babies traveling out of the marsh across the backyard.

Other native birds you may spot are White Ibis, Blue Herons & Great Herons frequenting the marsh for crustaceans. We have a couple of Red Shoulder Hawks that love hanging in the treetops, you'll most likely hear them in the morning before you see them.

Peacocks 🦚Keep an eye out for local peacocks, including a couple with babies, crossing the road on your way to Norfleet's Fish Camp and boat ramp. Sometimes they even make their way strolling right down our street in front of the cottage.

Deer 🦌 have been seen casually walking around the yard checking out the neighborhood.

The entire cottage is your cozy home away from home during your stay!
2 bedroom 1 bath, full kitchen, screened pool and deck with seating.

Please note the fireplace in the living room is ONLY for aesthetics, it is NOT in operation for real fires.

Beyond the cottage, explore the Gulf with our complimentary Kayaks.

Directly across from the front porch is your private dock to sit & relax or launch the kayaks from.

The garage and outdoor storage are not accessible for guests, owner access only. Thank you for understanding.

We are local! We live within walking distance from the cottage. If you need anything at all during your stay please don't hesitate to reach out, that's what we're here for.

Historic Aripeka is a small fishing village right on the Nature Coast.
Here you get a rare glimpse into authentic Old Florida because if you blink you could miss it. Even Babe Ruth escaped here to unwind, trading the spotlight for quiet days on the water guided by the town's very own young Bartow Littell to the best fishing holes only he knew. Bartow could never have imagined at the time how he was shaping the town's history. Mr. Littell and his family went on to purchase land in town and build homes, where many of the family still reside to this day. Your getaway sits directly on the sacred ground where Aripeka’s history truly began!
The property is the exact site of the large, historic pioneer home built by the Littell family, who arrived here via covered wagon in 1886. The original patriarch was the town’s first school teacher and postmaster. By staying here, you are literally standing where the town's founding family lived, worked, and welcomed the community for generations.

When you come here you're not just visiting Old Florida, you're staying in a piece of it. So here's your opportunity to slow down and enjoy.... isn't that what we work so hard for?

This town is peaceful & secluded tucked away from daily commutes yet still minutes from local shops & dining.
Here's what's right in the Neighborhood, within
walking distance or short drive:

Norfleet's Fish Camp & Boat Ramp is just down the lane at the historic bridge. You'll have easy access for launching boats or watching coastal sunsets.

Aripeka Stone Crab Company is where you can pick up the freshest local Gulf catches and world-class seasonal stone crabs straight from the docks.

Aripeka Adventures is where you can hop on an airboat tour right in town to explore backcountry waterways, islands, and a chance to see dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, etc

Aripeka Sandhill Preserve offers miles of scenic, shaded nature trails perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and morning walks.

Quick Day Trips:

10–15 Mins: SunWest Park (wakeboarding & beach) and coastal seafood restaurants.

15–20 Mins: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (freshwater springs & live mermaids) and Pine Island Beach.

For your maximum comfort during your stay and to preserve our natural wood floors for future guests to enjoy, we maintain a strictly pet-free home. While pets are not permitted, we support our veterans who fought to keep our beautiful country free and follow platform guidelines regarding trained service animals only. Please notify us prior to booking if you will be accompanied by one so we can make the necessary accommodations to our cabin to prepare for your pet.
Please note, we do not accept ESA's (Emotional Support Animals) under our no-pet policy. Thank you for understanding.

We also want to note that kids are absolutely welcome, many families have come to enjoy with kids of all ages.
However, you'll notice we don't list this space as a kid friendly environment for the following reasons:
We do not have protective outlet covers, the cottage is located right on our town's main road, we are close to a body of water and we have an in ground pool without a child safety fence around it.
If you have little humans with you please be mindful of these things. 🙏