Step Back in Time Where History Meets Lakefront Serenity. Seller is offering up to $5k in concessions to help with buyers’ closing costs! Welcome to the Old McIntosh House — a timeless historic gem believed to have been built in 1908, officially recorded in 1950. Lovingly restored and thoughtfully updated, this remarkable home perfectly blends Old Florida charm with modern comfort. Nearly 8 acres along spring-fed Lake Jeffords, one of North Central Florida’s most peaceful and picturesque lakes. Built by Edgar Johnson, this one-of-a-kind residence first served as the Hawthorne town library before being carefully relocated to its tranquil lakeside setting in 1990. Today, it stands as a living piece of history – surrounded by majestic oaks, natural landscaping, and about 200 feet of private lake frontage. Inside, this home’s history shines through every detail: 11-foot ceilings, original cypress wood floors, handcrafted beadboard walls and ceilings, and authentic millwork preserved with care. Two wood-burning fireplaces, one in the great room and one in the primary suite, create inviting spaces to gather and unwind. The sunroom and the bonus room offer versatility and plenty of natural light perfect for reading, hobbies, or a quiet home office. The kitchen blends character and convenience with refinished original cabinetry, a composite farm sink, dishwasher, new refrigerator, and glass-top stove. Every upgrade honors the home’s heritage while ensuring long-term comfort, including a brand-new metal roof (April 2025) and numerous mechanical updates for worry-free ownership. A scenic driveway easement leads you to your own private, gated entrance, where the property opens up into a serene, park-like retreat. Here, manicured beauty meets natural wilderness of the property includes lush wetlands near the lake’s edge, creating a rich habitat for deer, turkeys, and countless bird species that enhance the property’s peaceful, natural charm. Enjoy quiet mornings on the back deck, peaceful afternoons watching wildlife, and golden sunsets reflecting on the water. Whether you’re seeking a full-time residence, a winter escape, or a multi-generational family compound, this property offers privacy, space, and soul in one extraordinary package. Located just 35 minutes from the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, and minutes to Gainesville, Melrose, and Hawthorne, this lakeside retreat combines historic beauty, modern comfort, and accessibility to everything North Central Florida has to offer. With no HOA, an assumable mortgage option with a very low interest rate, this one-of-a-kind property invites you to continue its story where history, nature, and comfort meet on the peaceful shores of Lake Jeffords. And if you’re dreaming bigger — the neighboring 9.34-acre property is also for sale (MLS#And if you’re dreaming bigger — the neighboring 9.34-acre property is also for sale (MLS#GC531741 )!
Together, these parcels create an incredible opportunity to build a family compound, fish camp, Airbnb retreat, or even bring the farm and make your lakeside dreams a reality.
Improvements Include:
New Metal Roof – April 2025, New Well & Pump (2023) – with warranty, Water Purification System (2023), Electric Car Charging Station (2024), Septic Tank Pumped (2023), New HVAC (2023) with 10-year warranty, Refrigerator (2025), dishwasher (2023), Farm sink (2022), Glass-top stove (2021).
