Willis Oaks Country Cottage

A peaceful 2-bedroom country cottage on 20 private acres of grand old oaks, just 1.7 miles from Blue Grotto.

The Story Behind Willis Oaks

Willis Oaks is named for our grandfather, Willis Watson, born in 1893. To us grandchildren he was "PaPa"; to everyone else he was "Sunny," for his bright and calm nature. He was a gentle man with deep ties to this community, and he always welcomed anyone who came his way. His land held some of the most majestic oaks in the area, tall and winding, with branches that seemed to reach forever. As children, we would stand beneath them and marvel at their beautiful shapes. Today, those three trees shape our memory of him, and his oaks are scattered throughout our 20-acre property. Stay beneath them and be welcomed the way Sunny welcomed everyone.

Relax, rejuvenate and unplug, close to nature in true country calm.

The cottage

750 sq ft · 2 bedrooms · 1 bath · sleeps up to 6. Full kitchen with dishwasher and coffee maker, washer and dryer, Wi-Fi, central heat and A/C, smart TV, and keypad self check-in. 20 private acres of oaks, with a fire pit, BBQ grill, patio and outdoor seating. Pets welcome, with a huge yard to walk the dogs.

Springs and attractions (driving distance)

Blue Grotto Dive Resort, 1.7 mi · Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring, 3.2 mi · Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens, 3.3 mi · Kirby Family Farm, 4.7 mi · Two Tails Ranch elephant sanctuary, 7.4 mi · HITS Post Time Farm horse shows, 13.2 mi · University of Florida / Gainesville, 22 mi · Rainbow Springs State Park, 23.5 mi · World Equestrian Center (Ocala), 24 mi

Your neighbors

Bronson Heights Family Nursery is right across the road, a family-run plant nursery. Rafter Cross Cowboy Church is next door: open-air pole-barn worship, a rodeo arena, and a "come as you are" welcome.

Next door this season (hosted by Rafter Cross Cowboy Church; see facebook.com/RafterCrossCowboyChurch for the latest)

Sundays 10 AM: worship plus Kids Church & Youth · Wednesdays: 6 PM supper, 7 PM service · Bull riding practice every other Friday, 6:30 PM

Oct 29: Women's Fire Pit Fellowship · Nov 7 & Dec 5: Men's Breakfast · Nov 26: Thanksgiving Community Dinner · Dec 12: Christmas Under the Barn · Dec 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service · Dec 31: New Year's Eve Bull Bash

Food and groceries

Casa Cruz (Puerto Rican), 3.2 mi · Sister's Place (Southern cooking), 3.8 mi · Downtown Williston & Heritage Park, 4 mi · Winn-Dixie, 4 mi · Sweet Berry Farms nursery, 4.8 mi

Perfect for cave divers and snorkelers, UF game weekends and family visits, horse-show travelers (HITS and WEC), families with pets, and anyone ready to unplug.