Gilchrist Island is a pristine and untouched private island situated on a parcel of over 107 acres in the Lake Tsala Apopka chain of lakes in Citrus County Florida in the Crystal River area of Florida's Nature Coast. Gilchrist Island is 30 minutes south of Ocala and one mile to the East of the City of Hernando. The island shares a border to the East with Potts Nature Preserve; a 9,300 acre wildlife sanctuary with 30+ miles of hiking trails and 12 miles of equestrian trails. Pott's Preserve has a great website: http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/areas/potts.html and there are many good videos on YouTube of Pott's Preserve: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWL17jm2WWs Gilchrist Island has identical natural flora and fauna with abundant cabbage palms, oak hammocks, large cypress knees, and even wild orange trees. On the property we have seen wild boar, whitetail deer, tortoise, and even a fleeting glimpse of a bobcat a few years back. Bird watching and fishing opportunities are unsurpassed. Lake Tsala Apopka has Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, and Catfish. Gilchrist Island is currently zoned CL MH for Low Intensity Coastal and Lakes District (CL) manufactured homes are allowed. There are so many possibilities for use or development of this high ground island parcel, from a secluded upscale island estate, a religious retreat, a wildlife sanctuary, a hunting or fishing camp, a nature oriented bed and breakfast, a horse ranch, a cabin resort community, a fish farm, or even a golf course. Gilchrist Island is the perfect example of untouched Old Florida. Gilchrist Island has abundant high buildable ground and has the highest elevation of any property in Lake Tsala Apopka, (60' as per the Citrus County General Parcel map). The island exceeds the elevation of all of the adjoining 9,300 acres of Pott's Nature Preserve. The full legal description for this property is: SE 1/4 OF SE 1/4 SEC 19-18-20---AND---AND NE 1/4 N & E OF LK TSALA APOPKA SEC 30-18-20 TITLE IN OR BK 1154 PG and the property is described in an early Government survey as a parcel of 107.25 acres. Airboat, Argo amphibious ATV, or mud motor prop boats are the best means of access to the island. We had previously fabricated a trailerable pontoon barge to ferry our cars and heavy equipment out to the island, (barge was sold a few years ago, see the last photo in the Ebay listing). Standard prop boats for fishing and water skiing are fine for the main open water body of the lake. Construction of boat ramps, boat docks, boat houses, and all of the associated elevated walkways is permitted in any wetland areas of the property. Also available at an additional price, (not included in this sale) is a .75 acre lakeside residential lot located at 2677 N. Perfect Point off of N. Lakefront Drive in Hernando FL. We had planned to access the island from this shore side property that looks out to Gilchrist Island 1,000 yards out into the lake due East. Mail, trash service, and possibly electric service would originate from this shore side parcel. We were also going to ferry out our vehicles to the island from this shore side lot. 5 minute trip to Gilchrist Island. You may have an interest in this parcel ($40k) or you may have a better option to access the island. Gilchrist Island truly is a beautiful and unique property. Bordered by a 9,300 acre Nature Preserve, the island is very secluded and yet you are still just 30 minutes away from the high end restaurants and upscale shopping in Ocala. You have the best of both worlds.
This property is off market, which means it's not currently listed for sale or rent on Zillow. This may be different from what's available on other websites or public sources.
