Keys to Escape

This cozy waterfront cottage is in the Ozello Keys, a quaint town within the city of Crystal River. This home is perfect for those who love nature and being on the water. Situated between Crystal River and Homosassa, you have immediate access to fishing, snorkeling, and scalloping without all the hustle and bustle of the neighboring towns. The home has waterfront views out front and a canal out back. There is a fully stocked kitchen and a grill where you can prepare your days' catch. Kayaks are on site as well as a boathouse to store your boat. You have direct access to the St. Martin’s River where you can be fishing in minutes. The front porch is a great place to drink your coffee in the morning and watch the sunset in the evening. Relax on the swing out back and watch the many birds that frequent this area. ***SCALLOPING*** Scallop season in Citrus County is July 1 through September 24. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website is a good resource for more information. Ozello is a perfect location if you want to get to the scallop grounds quickly. You can expect a 20-30 minute drive to the scallop grounds (depending on motor size), compared to an hour drive from Crystal River and Homosassa. There are several tour guides in the area if you don't have your own boat. My family loves animals and has four rescue dogs. We know the importance of being able to travel and vacation with them, and will accommodate your dogs if we can. Please contact us for size and number restrictions. We cannot allow cats due to allergies. A dog fee of $100 for one dog and $50 for each additional dog (negotiable) is required. Longer stays may warrant a refundable pet deposit in addition. The house has been fully renovated so we have to be mindful of wear and tear. The yard is fully fenced except at the waters edge. Grocery shopping is about 15-20 minutes away. There is a Smart TV and WI-FI but no cable. We expect you’ll spend more time outside than in. Bring your passwords so you can log in to your streaming apps. We have an assortment of children’s and adult books, as well as games and puzzles. Each bedroom has a queen bed and the spare room has a twin trundle that would be most comfortable for a child. There are no televisions in the bedrooms. The bathrooms both have showers and are stocked with liquid hand soap, liquid body soap, and shampoo and conditioner. Enjoy the outdoor shower with hot and cold water after a long day on the water. There is a washer and dryer in the shed on the property. Central heat and air means you’ll be comfortable in all seasons. The kitchen is fully stocked with everything you need to prepare a full meal. Kitchen items: *mixing bowls *baking dishes *glassware containers for leftovers *blender *toaster *slow cooker (insta-pot) *cast iron pans if you like to prepare your fish this way *coffee pot can be used to make a full pot or single cup- the front porch or the back swing are great places to enjoy your coffee *water dispenser with a 5 gallon jug for drinking *refrigerator has an ice machine *dish soap, dishwasher tablets, trash bags, dish scrubber *spices and olive oil *paper towels Park your boat in the boathouse to keep it out of the elements and ready to go. You can also go for a kayak ride on the two single kayaks and one double. Kayak fishing is popular here because you can be on the fish in minutes. ***Boathouse Considerations*** If you are considering bringing your boat, please note that Ozello waters are not as deep as Crystal River and Homosassa. Deep V boats are questionable during the summer months and most likely out of the question during the winter low tides. We park a 21 foot bay boat easily in the boat house, but anything longer will likely have the back end sticking out uncovered. A final thing to consider is that a tower or t-top will not fit completely in the boathouse. You can tie up mid-way into the boathouse but will not be able to fit completely. You are also welcome to store the boat trailered at the house and launch at the many marinas around town. If you are unsure that your boat will be a good fit, please reach out to ask questions. The grill outside has all of the necessary grill tools you’ll need to prepare your days’ catch. The swing is so relaxing to enjoy your morning coffee or an afternoon beverage. We have seen dolphin, manatees, and otters out back. Out front you are right on a small bay where we have seen dolphin, otters, and so many jumping mullet. Kids can spend hours fishing out front. Out back you are likely to catch catfish. You can bring your bikes or golf cart and cruise around. During non-COVID times there are craft fairs and chili cook-offs at the civic center, as well as a Christmas boat parade. Ozello Island Church is less than a half mile away. We hope you come to Ozello and fall in love with the town we can’t get enough of. The Ozello Marina is a half mile away where you can book scallop and fishing tours or airboat rides (a must do!), get fishing advice, or buy bait, gas, bagged ice, ice cream, and souvenirs. The owners are very friendly and helpful. There are three restaurants on the island itself so you never have to leave. Pecks Old Port Cove is the farthest away at mile marker 9 (we are at 6). The sunsets at Pecks are the best on the island. The Island Outpost is a local favorite where you can purchase convenience store items and order a delicious meal. Favorite dishes are the country scramble for breakfast, chicken wings, clam chowder, and their weekly specials. They also sell gas. Within walking distance of the house is Backwater Finns. They have a full bar and typically have live music on the weekends, as well as indoor and outdoor seating. Favorite meals are their stuffed angels (stuffed bacon wrapped shrimp) and their seafood platters. Our goal is that you bring just the essentials and enjoy all that our house has to offer for a relaxing vacation. Please contact us if you have any questions and we hope to meet you soon!