Consider a stay at Monkey Business – Private Lake, Dock, Stunning Views, Close to Gainesville UF and take advantage of a garden, a playground and laundry facilities. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
3 bedrooms2 bathrooms
Popular amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
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.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach loungers
Beach towels
Pool/Spa
Hot tub
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Ice maker
Lobster/crab pot
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Separate dining area
Entertainment
Books
Games
TV
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Area rugs in public areas
Hardwood flooring in public areas
Stair-free path to entrance
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
On a lake
On the waterfront
Things to do
Kayak
Water sports equipment
Birdwatching nearby
Cycling nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Rafting nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Swimming nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
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)
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:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
All used towels, hand towels, and washcloths should be placed in the laundry basket located beside the wash and dryer in the garage.
Return all lake toys and gear to where you found them - in the garage, on the bank of the lake, or stored under the dock.
Please turn the thermostat up to 76 before leaving and make sure the hot tub is covered. Ensure all windows and doors are closed and locked.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
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. Visit our Hawthorne travel guide
Is Monkey Business – Private Lake, Dock, Stunning Views, Close to Gainesville UF pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Monkey Business – Private Lake, Dock, Stunning Views, Close to Gainesville UF?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Monkey Business – Private Lake, Dock, Stunning Views, Close to Gainesville UF?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Monkey Business – Private Lake, Dock, Stunning Views, Close to Gainesville UF?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Monkey Business – Private Lake, Dock, Stunning Views, Close to Gainesville UF located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Clear Lake, Lake Galilee and Putnam Lakes Preserve. Ladys-Slipper Lake and Lake Lucy are also within 6 miles (10 km).
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Monkey Business – Private Lake, Dock, Stunning Views, Close to Gainesville UF Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
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.
Everything about the place stood out and the host was amazing and communication was the best ever.
Melissa C.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Emma
12 Sept 2025
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.