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Lake living close to Gainesville, UF Health and University of Florida

Photo gallery for Lake living close to Gainesville, UF Health and University of Florida

Miscellaneous
Fitness facility
Exterior
Back of house
Pull out sofa in living room

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Fireplace
    A rare find - cozy up in front of a warm, inviting fireplace.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to Santa Fe Lake
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 7

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Dog-friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Internet access
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
Melrose, FL
  • Place, Santa Fe Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, University of Florida
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Place, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
    ‪34 min drive‬
  • Airport, Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)
    ‪23 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Twin Bed and 1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

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

Bathroom 2

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

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Lake living close to Gainesville, UF Health and University of Florida

You will love spending your vacation relaxing lake side or enjoying Florida's largest water sports lake, Lake Santa Fe! Just 25 minutes to Gainesville and all it has to offer. You can go to a Gator game or hike the Hawthorne Trail to see Florida's natural wildlife. There's something for everyone!
*Sleeps 7 (5 in beds and 1 pullout couch)
*Pets allowed after owner consent.

Long-term rentals available.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 20 lbs per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Additional fee for pets
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 7411139ha
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
Long-term renters welcome
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 and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

Melrose

Located in Melrose, this vacation home is on a lake. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Thomas Center are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Waldo Motorsports and Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Stephen C. O'Connell Center or Gainesville Raceway.
View more Vacation Homes in MelroseOpens in a new window
Map
Melrose, FL

What's nearby

  • Santa Fe Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - 25 min drive - 32.1 km
  • University of Florida - 31 min drive - 38.4 km
  • Ben Hill Griffin Stadium - 34 min drive - 39.8 km
  • Sante Fe College - 44 min drive - 51.0 km

Getting around

  • Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Stone’s Irish Pub - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Florida Cracker Oyster Bar & Grill - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Hardee's - ‬19 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake living close to Gainesville, UF Health and University of Florida pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 20 lbs per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Lake living close to Gainesville, UF Health and University of Florida?

As of Jun 17, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lake living close to Gainesville, UF Health and University of Florida on Jun 21, 2026 start from $332, 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 Lake living close to Gainesville, UF Health and University of Florida?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lake living close to Gainesville, UF Health and University of Florida?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Lake living close to Gainesville, UF Health and University of Florida located?

Situated on a lake, this vacation home is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Santa Fe Lake and within 12 mi (20 km) of Santa Fe River and Waldo Motorsports. Ironwood Golf Course and Clear Lake are also within 16 mi (25 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 89 out of 102 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 102 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 102 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 102 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 102 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tricia C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quaint and private. Beautiful lake. Had everything we needed. Easy communication with the host. Easy check in
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
First timers on VRBO! The host communicated very well. We visited for graduation at UF. I was nervous to try out staying somewhere that wasn’t a hotel but it was such a great experience! The family really enjoyed the dock and there was plenty of space for everyone, It was about a 30 minute drive to UF which was not bad at all.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patty W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rustic lake place. Clean inside. Well appointed kitchen. Beautiful view of lake from huge sunroom and from living room. We brought our kayak and small sailboat. Perfect trip! Would love to stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 23, 2026
And we would love to have you back :)
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert M.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pleasant Lake Cottage. Very clean.

Family loved the place. Decorated like a 50's Diner, which I loved.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert G.

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

Vacation

Have stayed here several times, great as always
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Tammy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Even though we didn’t have internet for 5 days, we had a nice time. I do recommend the host to fix the kitchen floor, so others don’t trip or cut their toes. Also, the bathtub wasn’t clean.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 14, 2026
Thanks for the feedback, Tammy. I wish you would have mentioned the tub while I was there and I would have cleaned it for you. We are working hard on making improvements to the house and can't wait to share with guests!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy Z.

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

Lake House living

Perfect place to stay outside of Gainesville for University of Florida graduation.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gerri Y.

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

Lovely cottage

House was lovely and very comfortable - quiet and peaceful!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Douglas P.

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

Great location close to Gainesville

This is a Great Lake house with a covered dock providing full view of Lake Santa Fe. It is close to the boat ramp and is located on the southwest corner of the lake for easy access to town. Beautiful views of the lake from two viewing areas inside and a raised area outside provide relaxing time for watching or playing.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 17, 2025
We always enjoy hosting you!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joe H.

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

Nice family trip

Very nice location on the water. Brought my bass boat and had a great family outing.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

jennifer m.

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

Quaint lakeside cottage

Adorable and comfortable place with a beautiful lakeside view. The owners included many little touches to make our stay enjoyable.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tori H.

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

Family time

We love it here!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lorie C.

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

Another great trip!

This was our third stay! Wonderful as usual
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian G.

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

Lake vacay

We love it here!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura M.

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

A great stay

We have used this property for several years. It’s always clean and accommodating. Our favorite features are the spacious covered dock and the back porch overlooking the lake.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

pam n.

Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Wedding

We were here for a wedding
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brenda H.

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

Lake Santa fe

Beautiful property
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy C.

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

Great short stay

Great stay at the lake house. Beautiful views and a really unique, fun property. It was exactly what we needed. Very clean and cozy. Thank you! When we are in the area, we will stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 4, 2024
We are so happy you enjoyed your stay and can't wait to have you visit again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lorie C.

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

Another great stay!

So clean and comfy! Convenient to the public boat ramp. This was our 2nd trip. Love the views from the sunroom.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary H.

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

Great everything we needed and more. The home was very clean and well kept. So enjoyed the lake.

This was easy peasy! Will use Home away again
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

V H.

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

Lake Santa Fe

Lovely and cozy
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert G.

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

Family time

Had a great time just hanging out and enjoying the lake
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Johnny B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Anniversary

The place was great with the exception of the {swimming area)
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christina R.

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

Serene

The place is serene and beautiful beyond measure. Erica was extraordinary and kind with all communication. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

gregory a.

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

Back to school

Great end to the summer break and minutes away from campus
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

About the host

Hosted by Erica

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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