The Lily Pad-The perfect place to enjoy spring at a peaceful, beautiful lake. Fireplace for cool nights. Queen & King bed or split for twins. Well furnished. Cozy Firepits for roasting marshmallows! A taste of 'old Florida' the way it was meant to be! Avoid the traffic and crowds of the coast in favor of a quiet lake setting. Perfect for Getaways, Sightseeing with family, Relaxation, Snow bird escape from snow and cold to thaw out, Honeymoons, UF Gator activities. Please note that while the lake can be seen from the cottage, it is not at the shoreline but down a short path.
Ideal location to work 'from home' away from home. Monitor set up, WIFI, Streaming and printing services available.
Two screened porches, dining patio with grill, outdoor shower and inflatable hot tub expands your living space to the outdoors and then swim in the clear spring-fed lake after using the boats that include kayaks, canoe, Peddle boat and two stand up Paddle boards. If you need only one bedroom and one bath, inquire prior to finalizing your reservation and we can arrange to close off one of the suites for a discount.
Visit dozens of nearby springs and it is just 30 min. to Gator sports and 20 min. from the Gainesville airport.
The Space
Welcome to the Lily Pad, your serene retreat! Our cozy cottage, nestled down the path to beautiful Swan Lake, offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and a warm lake escape for Snowbirds or a great small family escape. Enjoy breakfast coffee while watching the deer graze and listen to the owls and hawks call their greetings.
Booking Details:
Maximum stay: 16 days.
Maximum occupancy: 4 guests (including children).
Children under 12 not recommended-cottage is not child proofed. Exceptions can be made but please ask prior to booking.
Additional charge for child guests over our maximum of 4 guest if sharing a bed or in the Pack'N Play.
Not recommended for children under 5 due to hot tub and lake. Exceptions can be made but ask prior to booking.
Mold-free home and natural cleaning products used throughout.
Arrival Experience:
Welcoming lights and treats upon arrival.
Cozy ambiance with electric fireplace.
Impeccably clean, 3 year old cottage.
Short walk down a path to the spring-fed lake.
Amenities:
Access to kayaks, canoe, paddle boards and pedal boat and use of an inflatable hot tub all with a signed LIABILITY RELEASE FORM available at check in in the Welcome Basket.
Scrapbook Workshop in Host's home monthly (ask for details if interested)
Shaded and sunny sandy beach areas with Adirondack chairs.
Please note that the cottage is not at the shoreline of the lake but set back with glimpses of the lake from all front windows and only a few yards down a shaded path to the beach.
Screened porch and charcoal grill.
Modern kitchen with laundry facilities plus washer and dryer.
High-speed internet and Roku TVs and Antennae (conditional to technical issues beyond our control).
Parking for 2 cars and a trailer or three cars.
One Queen size bedroom with a Mattress Genie Adjustable Bed Wedge System Raise/Lower Support
A King bedroom that can be converted to two twins upon request.
Outdoor Living:
Back patio with charcoal grill, hot tub, and fire pit.
Corn Hole game for outdoor entertainment.
Info brochures with local info and day trip suggestions.
Ceiling fans and central heating/AC for comfort.
Inflatable Hot Tub on back porch is screened and under cover.
Fireplace ambiance can be used with or without heat.
Hospitality:
We live next door to assist guests.
Complimentary starter supply of ground and K-cups coffee and tea in the kitchen Coffee Corner.
Contactless check in with SmartLock.
Scrapbook workshop in Host's home just steps away. Ask for dates, price and details.
Guest access
NOTICE: Enhanced Arrival & Departure Options
For added comfort and flexibility, we offer the option to extend your stay beyond our standard check-in and check-out times:
âą Early Arrival (12:00 PM): $50
âą Extended Departure (3:00 PM): $50
These enhancements allow you to settle in sooner or linger a little longer, making the most of your time at the property.
Requests must be made prior to reservation confirmation so the option can be added to your booking. Availability is limited and based on our reservation calendar and housekeeping schedule.
Weâre always happy to accommodate whenever possible and help you enjoy a more relaxed, unhurried stay.
You'll have full access to the house and property, except for an active owner's garage and two locked Owner's Closets. There's a designated path from the driveway to the lake. On calm nights, feel free to enjoy the fire pit in the cottage back yard, or a small one down on the lakeshore (we are currently under a burn ban due to drought). Free starter fire wood is provided - more can be purchased by the bundle from owner or hardware store.
We provide Starter Basics such as toilet paper, paper towels, and tissues, and coffee but we kindly ask guests to purchase them when depleted. All linens, including beach towels, are provided for your convenience but please bring your own if you anticipate staining from tanning products, skin or hair dyes or lotions. A small amount of detergent is provided for clothes or linen washing but you will need to provide your own when depleted.
Ask about your host's monthly scrapbooking workshop held on Fridays or Saturdays once a month in the Host's home next door. Workshops are free and meals are ordered out at each participant's expense. Beverages are provided and guests are asked to bring a snack to share. Creative Memories scrapbook supplies are available on a limited basis for purchase. Reservations are required. Space is limited so contact Sandy as soon as you know you wish to attend. Or schedule a PRIVATE workshop!
Other things to note
BECAUSE OF WATER HAZARDS, THIS COTTAGE IS NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS OLD! Young children must be reviewed by host prior to accepting the reservation.
No pets allowed and if any animals are detected, it will result in a warning to remove the animal or a cancellation of the reservation.
No parties and events in this rural but residential neighborhood.
No gatherings over 6 people, including the reservations guests, at one time in this VERY small cottage.
Visiting guests must be registered upon arrival per insurance requirements
Maximum of 3 cars allowed in the parking area
20 minutes from Gainesville airport, 90 minutes from Jax airport
Event venues available nearby:
Melrose Community Center (accommodates up to 83 people)
Lake Swan Camp (available for day or night reunions and events)
The Barn event venue 8 miles
Ask for details about event rentals nearby
No smoking or vaping indoors or on porches, and illegal drug use, strictly prohibited for safety reasons. We will report any illegal drug use to authorities.
Exterior Ring doorbell records activity outside the screened front door and is motion-activated. We can help via the RING with any entry code issues. This feature is disconnect for your privacy after you arrive.
WIFI or doorbell should not be disconnected or disabled; doing so will result in immediate cancellation of the reservation
Here is a list of free channels that you can find on our Roku TV's-Freeform, Sling, Plex, Tubi, Peacock, Pluto Tv, Freevee, Fawesome, Stir, BYUTV, Freetv. Bring along your passwords to use personal streaming services.