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Sandy Toes Bungalow-Welcome barefoot days, lake sunsets & your dog by your side.

Photo gallery for Sandy Toes Bungalow-Welcome barefoot days, lake sunsets & your dog by your side.

At sunset enjoy the warm glow of a well lit modern bungalow
Your view across the open field to the lake.
Relax on the front porch, enjoy the peace while enjoying a view of the lake
A spacious living room enjoys open living with the kitchen and dining areas
King bed can be separated into 2 twin beds.  A Computer monitor is available

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

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

Bathroom 2

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

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Sandy Toes Bungalow-Welcome barefoot days, lake sunsets & your dog by your side.

Are you ready for Spring or maybe Summer? Then our short term to mid-term bungalow is just what you need! Escape the cold and maybe even snow and enjoy "old Florida" the way it was meant to be-skip the concrete and traffic and enjoy this rural lake setting away from it all! You'll enjoy warm breezes as you sit on screen porches or dig your feet into the sand beach while enjoying a sunrise or sunset over the lake. And if you only need one bedroom and bathroom, we can discount your stay by blocking off one bedroom and bath. You MUST inquire about this feature prior to finalizing your reservation. We also offer discounts for weekly or monthly stays. And we are filing up fast for NEXT WINTER so be sure to check your calendar now and make reservations.

Features You’ll Love:
• Spacious Living Area: Open living and inviting—perfect for quality time together.
• Two Master Suites: Each with large walk-in closets, one featuring a queen bed and the other with two twin beds that convert into a king. Sleeps four in beds with a twin rollaway bed upon request (5 guest maximum). We can block off one suite if you don't need two bedrooms and bathrooms but ask in advance of finalizing reservations.
• Two Bathrooms: One with a shower and another with a tub/shower combination for added convenience.
• Fully Equipped Kitchen: Everything you need to prepare meals, from morning coffee to family dinners. If you need catering options, we can provide suggestions.
• Laundry/Utility Room: Washer and dryer for your convenience. Bed and bath linens provided.
• Electric Fireplace: Cozy up on cooler evenings or Central A/C and Heat - Stay comfortable year-round.

Outdoor Paradise:
• Screened Front Porch: Offers a view of the serene, spring-fed, sand-bottom lake, while sipping your morning coffee.
• Screened Back Porch: Overlooks a peaceful wooded area—perfect for quiet relaxation.
• Fire Pit Options: Enjoy the private fire pit or a small beach firepit near the Shade Sails. (we are currently under a burn ban until further notice)
• Water Activities: Two kayaks, one canoe, two stand-up paddleboards, and a peddle boat are available for your use. Or cast a line for fishing. Boats are ‘shared’ with another cottage so reservations are recommended. Bring your own fishing equipment. And don't forget a swim in the clear blue waters of Swan Lake!
• Beach Relaxation: A shaded path leads to the lake’s shared beach (with 3 other homes), complete with sun shade sails, beach chairs, a small firepit, a hammock and a picnic table. Feel free to move chairs and adjust the sails for comfort.
• Fun and Games: Play a friendly game on the shared corn hole pad between the two cottages or inside with puzzles, books or board games.
• Screened Gazebo with inflatable hot tub that easily accommodates 4 people. No dogs allowed in Gazebo or hot tub.

Convenience and Extras:
Make your stay even more memorable…
Celebrating something special—or just want to make your getaway extra easy? We offer a variety of thoughtful add-ons to help you relax, surprise someone you love, or simply enjoy more of your time at the lake.

Celebrations & Surprises
Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or “just because” moments
• Custom celebration cake or pastries
• Themed decorating (banners, balloons, florals & more)
• Surprise setup prior to arrival

Arrive & Unwind
Skip the errands and settle right in
• Pre-stocked groceries, unpacked before you arrive

Cozy Lake Nights
• Extra firewood for the fire pit ($10 per bundle; starter pack included)

Easy Dining
• Catered meals for groups of 4+ (freshly prepared off-site and delivered)

Relax & Recharge
• In-home massage services (availability varies)

Stay Refresh
• Mid-stay housekeeping (kitchen, bathrooms, floors) – $75
• Linen washing service (towels, sheets, blankets) – $25
(Washer/dryer also available in-unit for DIY use)

Extra Comfort
• Rollaway bed setup – $25
(Complimentary if requested prior to arrival)

Flexible Timing Options
Enjoy a little more time to settle in or linger longer
• Early Arrival (12 PM) – $50
• Extended Departure (3 PM) – $50

A few helpful notes:
• Pricing for select items (like catering, cakes, and décor) is based on current market rates and confirmed closer to your stay
• Advance notice is required for all add-ons so we can prepare everything just right
• Availability may vary based on booking schedule and timing

Pro tip: The longer you stay, the more you can enjoy—ask about extended stay options for the best experience at Sandy Toes.

• Housekeeping Services: Bi-weekly light cleaning included during any midterm stay of over two weeks. Additional cleaning services can be provided for a fee. Ask.
• Grilling Options: Choose between a gas or charcoal grill for outdoor cooking.
• Information Binder: Filled with local attractions, day trip ideas (host is willing to make recommendations), and a private or group scrapbooking workshop opportunity next door offered by the host. Ask for details.
• Proximity to Attractions: Central to Florida’s springs, perfect for sightseeing, UF Gator activities, Snowbirds, honeymoons, or peaceful getaways. 20 minutes to Gainesville airport, 90 minutes to Jacksonville airport. No more than 90 minutes from either the Atlantic coast or Gulf coast.

Additional Details:
• Fully Furnished: Yard maintenance included for a stress-free stay.
• Neighboring Cottage: Planning a two-family vacation? An additional cottage next door may also be available. Look for our listing of The Lily Pad, sleeps a maximum of 4 or rent them together.
• New Build: Freshly completed in 2025, this home features modern comforts in a rustic, rural setting - get close to nature.
• Rental Options: Mid-term and seasonal stays are preferred, with short-term rentals welcome. Weekly and monthly stays available with discounts; no rentals over 4 months without host approval.

This lakeside retreat is fully furnished, with yard maintenance included, making it a worry-free escape. Whether you're kayaking on the lake, lounging on the porch, gathering around the fire pit or attending a nearby event, this bungalow is perfect for a weekend, a week, a month or a season. ONE Small dog under 40 pounds allowed. Please don't ask for exceptions. We have been pet-free and are trying this option so we need honest results.

Here are 10 playful, tongue-in-cheek reasons not to stay:

1.You hate relaxing.
If sitting by the water with a drink in hand sounds unbearable, this is definitely not your place.
2. You strongly prefer traffic noise to birdsong.
Nature has a way of being… suspiciously peaceful here.
3. You don’t like cozy.
Blankets, soft beds, and charming spaces? Hard pass, right?
4. You’re committed to stress.
We’ve been known to accidentally lower blood pressure and improve moods.
5. You dislike sunsets.
Especially the kind that make you stop mid-sentence and just stare.
6. You prefer doing chores on vacation.
Because here, you might actually not feel like doing anything at all.
7. You don’t enjoy memory-making moments.
Laughing, unwinding, reconnecting… sounds exhausting.
8. You’re against fresh air.
We have entirely too much of it.
9. You don’t want to come back.
Fair warning: repeat visits tend to happen.
10. You’re looking for something forgettable.
This place has a bad habit of sticking with people—in the best way.

Book your stay today and experience the beauty and tranquility of lake living!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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About the area

Melrose

Located in Melrose, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Shoppers can check out Waldo Farmers Market, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park and Putnam Lakes Preserve. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and cycling.
Map
Melrose, FL

What's nearby

  • Santa Fe Lake - 7 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Single Vision Inc. - 10 min drive - 9.3 km
  • Etoniah Creek State Forest - 17 min drive - 20.3 km
  • Flamingo Lake - 20 min drive - 23.1 km
  • Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park - 23 min drive - 21.2 km

Getting around

  • Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Stone’s Irish Pub - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Hardee's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬11 min drive

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 5 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 5 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 5 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 5 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 5 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ann R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was amazing, wonderful location, wonder host, great amenities. We were here over Thanksgiving and the kitchen was fully stocked with pots, pans and untesils we needed. The use of the watercraft was a great bonus.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 May 2026
Thank you so much for staying with us and your kind review. It is very much appreciated. We hope to host you again some day.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our host was very attentive and checked with us to see if we needed anything several times during our stay. The home had a well stocked welcome basket, soda in the refrigerator and a well stocked pantry area. The bathrooms had all products that would be needed plus lots of towels. The home has a view of Swan Lake which is across the street from the house. Lake gear is provided, Guestbook with all sorts of local activities and restaurants. Would definitely rent again
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Mar 2026
Thank you so much for your great review and kind remarks. We enjoyed having you stay with us and we look forward to seeing you again in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great time relaxing and visiting with Family. About a 28 minute ride to Gainesville and really enjoyed Melrose as well as the surrounding towns. House was very clean and it was nice to have a grill available for steaks and Hamburgers. Will stay here again for sure!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Sept 2025
Thank you! We try to give our guests a feeling of a home-away-from-home experience. We love having them come back so we look forward to seeing more of you and your family in the future. Blessings.
Verified

8/10 Good

Samantha T.

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

Short stay

The bungalow was beautiful with everything we needed. We only used the house and did not go down to the lake, so unable to comment on that
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 May 2026
Thank you for your review. Perhaps you will come back again this summer and enjoy the lake amenities.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sandy Toes Bungalow is a recently built cottage with a partial view of Swan Lake and Swan Lake beach access. The floor plan is perfect for 2 couples or a couple with kids as the bedrooms are on either side allowing for privacy. The cottage is beautifully decorated. What stands out are the amenities. This bungalow is better stocked than any vacation rental I have ever been in. Just one instance. We like to cool and there were about 50 high end spices. In addition, there is an electric fireplace for ambiance. There is a hot tub in a private gazebo and a firepit surrounded by Adirondack type chairs. There is a gas grill. Oh, but the screened porches were my favorite. The front porch has a view of the lake about 300 feet away. Plenty of room there to put up your feet and read. The back screened porch is perfect for morning coffee and on warm days having breakfast and watching squirrels, hawks, birds, and an owl or two. The host, Sandy, has provided a great deal of information on things to do in the area and is very responsive to your needs. We loved that we were only an hour to an hour and a half from all sorts of things. We visited both the west coast and the east coast several times during our stay. We went on a glass bottom boat and saw manatees. There are great restaurants locally and in every direction. Truly a January to remember!
Front of Sandy Toes Bungalow.
Hawk in the back yard
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Jan 2026
Thank you for your lovely and thorough review. It is much appreciated and we look forward to hosting you again one day! You have been lovely guests.
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