Entire home

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

Outdoor seating chairs, a concrete pathway, and a view of a body of water.
A wooden boardwalk leading to a building with a green roof, surrounded by trees with Spanish moss.
A room with a wooden floor, two rocking chairs, a bookshelf filled with books and decorative items, and a window with blinds.
A room with wicker furniture, a ceiling fan, and large windows.
A wooden dining table with four plates, a small plant, and a coffee pot on a bench.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • Scenic water view
    Relax and unwind with top-rated water views, offering a scenic experience.
  • By the lake
    Guests love the beautiful lakefront location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to Santa Fe Lake

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Dog-friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air-conditioning
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet

Explore the area

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

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Single 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

Add dates for prices

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Sandy Beach On Lake Santa Fe!!
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  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (66 reviews)
Sandy Beach On Lake Santa Fe!!

About the area

Melrose

Located in Melrose, this holiday 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 Holiday homes in MelroseOpens in a new window
Map
Melrose, FL

What's nearby

  • Santa Fe Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • University of Florida - 30 min drive - 36.6 km
  • Gainesville Raceway - 30 min drive - 41.0 km
  • Ben Hill Griffin Stadium - 32 min drive - 38.3 km
  • Sante Fe College - 43 min drive - 58.2 km

Getting around

  • Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Stone’s Irish Pub - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Hardee's - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Florida Cracker Oyster Bar & Grill - ‬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 9 kg per pet.

How much is parking at Lake living close to Gainesville, UF Health and University of Florida?

On-site 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?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

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

Situated on a lake, this holiday home is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Santa Fe Lake and within 12 miles (20 km) of Santa Fe River and Waldo Motorsports. Cowpen Lake is 12 mi (19.4 km) away.

Reviews

9.8

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. 92 out of 106 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 106 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 106 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 106 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 106 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We love this place
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The home and property was beautiful. Any issues were resolved quickly by the owners. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property worked out great for a weekend at the lake and attending a Gator game. It was an easy 25 minute drive to UF and less than 5 minutes from restaurants in Melrose. Both Gator Bait and Betty's Pizza were very good. Loved how casual and cozy the house was. Erica was wonderful and always quick to respond. We would definitely stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 23 Mar 2026
And we would love to have you back :)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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

Vacation

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family time

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

8/10 Good

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lake vacay

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

10/10 Excellent

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

Lake Santa fe

Beautiful property
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 17 Jul 2025
We always enjoy hosting you!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lake Santa Fe

Lovely and cozy
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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 4 Nov 2024
We are so happy you enjoyed your stay and can't wait to have you visit again!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Wedding

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

10/10 Excellent

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

September 2023 visit

It’s always a pleasure to visit this home and lake Santa Fe. This part of Florida is as beautiful as ever (but let’s keep that a secret). Thanks for the visit!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
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