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Book your escape to paradise at The Lake Cottage at Santa Fe!

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Miscellaneous
Main entrance from parking
Simply stunning view from living room!
Sunset view from the cottage
Master bedroom with soft white linens and towels.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 81200 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bunk Room

2 Twin Bunk Beds

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Main bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Master bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Book your escape to paradise at The Lake Cottage at Santa Fe!

Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the perfect lakeside getaway at The Lake Cottage at Santa Fe! This stunning water’s edge cottage offers breathtaking views of Lake Santa Fe and provides the ideal setting for relaxation and fun activities like kayaking, fishing, and exploring the charming lakeside village of Melrose.

With three bedrooms and two baths, The Lake Cottage at Santa Fe can comfortably accommodate four adults and four children, making it the ultimate retreat for families or groups. The cottage features cozy queen beds and a bunk room with twin bunk beds, ensuring that everyone has a comfortable place to unwind. The top bunks are suitable for older children or adults weighing less than 170 pounds.

The fully-equipped kitchen and Traeger grill make meal preparation a breeze, whether you're cooking for the family or enjoying a romantic dinner for two. You can savor your meals at the dining table with a view of the lake or relax on the private dock while watching the sunset with a cup of coffee or tea from the coffee bar.

if you have a gluten sensitivity, you can still enjoy delicious meals without any worries. When requested, you will have a gluten-free toaster, waffle iron, pots, pans, cutting board and cooking utensils provided.

Fishing enthusiasts will love the amenities provided at The Lake Cottage at Santa Fe, including fishing poles and a fish cleaning station. And for art lovers, the first Friday artwalk in Melrose is a must-see event where you can discover the work of local artists and artisans. If you are planning a visit to the University of Florida, it’s only 23 miles away. The cottage has provided overnight accommodations for the bride and groom, and wedding guests attending local wedding venues in Brooker and Gainesville.

Escape to the tranquil and serene setting of The Lake Cottage at Santa Fe, surrounded by cypress trees, stunning sunsets, and offering a fire feature area for cozy evenings under the stars. Book your stay today and experience the best of lakeside living at The Lake Cottage at Santa Fe!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 24
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
Children must be supervised.It is not childproofed
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please be respectful of neighbors by observing quiet time from 10 pm to 7 am.
Exercise safety by wearing life vest, not diving from dock, supervising children at all times, and signing waiver in House Guide before using kayaks.

Important information

You need to know

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

About the neighborhood

Melrose

Located in Melrose, this vacation home is on a lake. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park and Gold Head Branch State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Waldo Motorsports and Thomas Center. Traveling with kids? Consider Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention, or check out an event or a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
View more Vacation Homes in MelroseOpens in a new window
Map
Melrose, FL

What's nearby

  • Santa Fe Lake - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Gainesville Raceway - 33 min drive - 45.9 km
  • University of Florida - 35 min drive - 43.6 km
  • Shands at the University of Florida - 37 min drive - 43.9 km
  • Ben Hill Griffin Stadium - 38 min drive - 44.6 km

Getting around

  • Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Hardee's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Stone’s Irish Pub - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Florida Cracker Oyster Bar & Grill - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Book your escape to paradise at The Lake Cottage at Santa Fe! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Book your escape to paradise at The Lake Cottage at Santa Fe!?

As of Mar 26, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Book your escape to paradise at The Lake Cottage at Santa Fe! on Apr 13, 2026 start from $358, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Book your escape to paradise at The Lake Cottage at Santa Fe!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Book your escape to paradise at The Lake Cottage at Santa Fe!?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Book your escape to paradise at The Lake Cottage at Santa Fe! located?

This family-friendly Melrose vacation home is located on a lake, steps from Santa Fe Lake, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park and Gold Head Branch State Park. Clear Lake and Lake Galilee are also within 16 mi (25 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 12 out of 12 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 12 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicole S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We'll be back

Another wonderful stay. The perfect cottage from which to enjoy Lake Santa Fe.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicole S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceeded expectations

Perfect place for a relaxing 50th birthday. The house, location, amenities and sunsets were all fabulous.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Candi C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely a great place to stay!!!

I was there with my family for a baby shower & reunion. The accommodations were great, they were so helpful and took every measure to make our stay so enjoyable. Can’t say enough about the house! It was great!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nathan E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and very comfortable lake cottage!

This was a wonderful place to stay for the weekend. The lake views with the moss-draped trees are pretty amazing. The cottage is very comfortable and has everything needed. The host is awesome—she was very responsive and attentive to details (even providing little unasked for “extras”).
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Trent S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Everything was great

Top notch
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hannah B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Lake House

We were celebrating our sons 15th bday and also Fathers day. The house is very clean and well equipped. The beds were comfortable and we had everything we needed for our stay. Will definitely be back for another stay! Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Outstanding

This is the absolute best VRBO property we have ever stayed at. It’s everything it says it is online – plus more. Stephanie has outfitted the place with every amenity you could possibly want. She is a gracious and generous host.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joey K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous Lake Getaway

The Lake Cottage was perfect for my latest trip to Lake Santa Fe! The house is adorable, super clean and outfitted with anything you might need. Stephanie was a great host - she spent a lot of time welcoming me and showing me all aspects of the house and dock. It was a 10/10 experience for me, and I would highly recommend her home to anyone looking for a fabulous lake getaway!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

courtney b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nicest VRBO ever

We have stayed in several VRBO and Stephanie’s was the nicest yet. She had all the little things that makes the stay easy and upscale with coffee bar, bath amenities, chargers and mosquito spray just to name a few. If you are an outdoorsy person there are kayaks, life vests, fishing poles and even worms to fish with. The house was in impeccable shape. Everything was clean and in great shape. The lake is spring fed and crystal clear with beautiful sunsets off the pier. She was quick to answer any questions we had. It was awesome!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shelley P R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Register Rendezvous

we had an amazing time. The men got to fish, the kids got to go tubing & jetskiing. the young adults went kayaking. it was a great time. The house & grounds are immaculate. we had few hiccups, but they were handled very quickly & with such pleasure. Stephanie is definitely a plus 10 host. Mitch was accommodating with everything that we asked for him to do. He is a plus 10 as well. We will return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dorian M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent!

Stephanie doesn't miss a beat! The house, the amenities, the details, the VIEW are all simply amazing. Fresh muffins upon arrival, extremely clean and well organized house. Some staples (butter, eggs, drinks, SUCH good coffee!) are there ready for you, as well as everything you need for cooking and grilling, and not a detail is missed. You want to fish with the kids? Here's poles! Don't have bait? Here's a compost with worms! Forgot the s'more fixings? Right here in the cabinet! Kid wet at the door yelling for a towel? Towel basket right by the door! Kayaks, little beach, board games, even LEGOs for the kids. Truly an amazing time! We will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing In Every Way

Our family of five traveled to Melrose recently to visit family. Everything about this property was as described and so much more. This is the first accommodation/property in several years that not only met but exceeded our expectations. This private cottage and property are absolutely breathtaking. It was a pleasure communicating with the host regarding check-in/out and she was super helpful with giving suggestions about restaurants and local events. Upon arrival, we received a kind note and fresh baked muffins. The cottage was impeccably clean with great attention to detail. The lakeside deck and dock were spacious and well cared for as well. When we were not taking in the wonders of the outdoors, we enjoyed relaxing in the living room with the feeling of being right on top of the water. If you are planning on staying in Melrose, look no further. This cottage is amazing in every way with some of the best sunsets I have ever seen.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

About the host

Hosted by Stephanie Greathouse

Host profile image
We love to provide a haven where guests can relax and immerse themselves in this picturesque backdrop of nature while enjoying the comforts of a cozy home.
It is our sincere hope that you will relax and experience the tranquility and natural beauty that Lake Santa Fe has to offer. It is our passion and privilege to offer a home away from home and ensure that each guest feels valued and comfortable throughout their stay. This makes us happy. This is why we host!

Why they chose this property

I love living in Melrose. The cottage is just a couple of miles from “downtown” Melrose. Besides beautiful Lake Santa Fe, we enjoy farmer’s markets, restaurants where everyone knows your name, art galleries and community activities. Melrose is small town living at its best!

What makes this property unique

The lake cottage is as close to the water as you can get! It feels like you’re part of the lake as you sit in your living room . Outside your door, the dock is built around the cypress trees where you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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