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Sandy Toes Lake Bungalow-2/2,U of FL, King, Firepit, 1 Dog ,Boats, Fish, Hot Tub

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A backyard with a barbecue area, outdoor seating, and a stone pathway.
A two-story house with a porch, surrounded by trees and a well-maintained lawn.
A kitchen with white cabinets, a wooden island, and a dining area with a table and chairs.
A living room with a sofa, armchairs, a coffee table, and a dining table.
A kitchen area with a coffee machine, a kettle, and various kitchenware on a cart.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Your own private chef
    One of the few properties offering private chef services.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 5

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
Melrose, FL
  • Place, Santa Fe Lake
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Lake Geneva
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Single Vision Inc.
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Airport, Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)
    ‪27 min drive‬

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 Lake Bungalow-2/2,U of FL, King, Firepit, 1 Dog ,Boats, Fish, Hot Tub

Escape to Sandy Toes Bungalow, a peaceful lake retreat where “Old Florida” still exists—quiet mornings, warm breezes, starry nights, and no traffic in sight. Nestled on beautiful lake, this fully furnished bungalow is perfect for couples, small families, snowbirds, extended stays, UF visits, or anyone ready to slow down and recharge.

Spend your days kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, relaxing on the sandy beach, grilling your favorite steak or simply enjoying coffee on one of the screened porches while watching the sunrise over the water. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, seasonal escape, or mid-term stay, Sandy Toes was designed for comfort, connection, and easy lake living.

THE SPACE
• Spacious open living area perfect for relaxing together
• Two private master suites with large walk-in closets
• One suite features a queen bed
• Second suite offers two twin beds that convert to a king
• Sleeps up to 5 with optional rollaway bed
• If you only need one bedroom/bathroom, ask about discounted single-suite pricing BEFORE booking
• Two full bathrooms (one shower, one tub/shower combo)
• Fully equipped kitchen with everything needed for cooking and dining
• Washer/dryer and linens included
• Electric fireplace plus central heat and A/C for year-round comfort

OUTDOOR LIVING
• Screened front porch with lake views
• Screened back porch overlooking peaceful woods
• Private fire pit plus shared beach firepit area
• Screened gazebo with inflatable hot tub for up to 4 guests
• Shared sandy beach with shade sails, hammock, picnic table, and beach chairs
• Corn hole, puzzles, books, and board games for laid-back fun

LAKE FUN
Enjoy access to shared lake toys including:
• Kayaks
• Canoe
• Paddleboards
• Paddle boat

Bring your fishing gear and enjoy swimming in the clear spring-fed waters. Watercraft are shared with the neighboring cottage, so advance scheduling is recommended.

SPECIAL TOUCHES & ADD-ONS
Want to make your stay extra memorable? Ask about:
• Pre-stocked groceries
• Celebration décor, cakes, or surprise setups
• Catered meals for groups
• In-home massage services
• Mid-stay housekeeping
• Extra firewood bundles
• Early check-in or late check-out options

Extended stay discounts available for weekly and monthly reservations.

LOCATION
Conveniently located near Gainesville, Florida springs, UF events, and day trips to both Florida coasts.
• Approximately 20 minutes to Gainesville Airport
• About 90 minutes to Jacksonville Airport
• Rural setting with easy access to shopping and dining in nearby Melrose and Keystone Heights

GOOD TO KNOW
• One small dog under 40 lbs allowed
• No pets in the gazebo or hot tub or in the lake
• Built in 2025 with modern comforts and relaxed lake charm
• Additional neighboring cottage, The Lily Pad, may also be available for larger groups or multi-family stays. Ask.
• Mid-term and seasonal stays welcome. No long term stays over 4 months allowed

A few reasons this might NOT be the place for you:
• You dislike peace and quiet
• Birdsong annoys you
• Relaxing feels unproductive
• Sunsets are overrated
• You prefer traffic over lake breezes
• You absolutely do NOT want to make great memories

For everyone else… Sandy Toes is ready when you are. Summer has arrived!

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
Under 12 yrs, host review due to water hazards.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
1 DOG ONLY Not allowed on furniture or left alone.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Leave kitchen clutter free, start dishwasher or hand wash and drip dry. Log off accounts added on TV. Set temp to 80F AC or 68F Heat, turn off fireplace & fans
Leave all beds that have been slept in UNMADE. Please put all used towels on the floor in the bathrooms or in front of the washing machine. DO NOT START LAUNDRY OF ANY KIND! Text us when you leave.
We strive to ensure that everything is in working order upon your arrival. If you notice anything amiss, please let us know immediately so we can address it by repairing, replacing, or removing it.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
If a guest reports a 'problem' and a technician finds there is no 'problem', the guest will remit payment to technician.
Tampering with WIFI or Ring Doorbell is prohibited and will result in immediate cancellation.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 4618675vb
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

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 hunting and cycling.
Map
Melrose, FL

What's nearby

  • Santa Fe Lake - 5 min drive - 5.3 km
  • Lake Geneva - 8 min drive - 9.4 km
  • Single Vision Inc. - 9 min drive - 9.3 km
  • Flamingo Lake - 18 min drive - 23.1 km
  • Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park - 19 min drive - 23.8 km

Getting around

  • Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Sandy Toes Lake Bungalow-2/2,U of FL, King, Firepit, 1 Dog ,Boats, Fish, Hot Tub pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much is parking at Sandy Toes Lake Bungalow-2/2,U of FL, King, Firepit, 1 Dog ,Boats, Fish, Hot Tub?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Sandy Toes Lake Bungalow-2/2,U of FL, King, Firepit, 1 Dog ,Boats, Fish, Hot Tub?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sandy Toes Lake Bungalow-2/2,U of FL, King, Firepit, 1 Dog ,Boats, Fish, Hot Tub?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Sandy Toes Lake Bungalow-2/2,U of FL, King, Firepit, 1 Dog ,Boats, Fish, Hot Tub located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 3 mi (4.8 km) from Santa Fe Lake and within 12 miles (20 km) of Lake Geneva and Cowpen Lake. Crystal Lake and Flamingo Lake are also within 12 miles (20 km).

About the host

Hosted by Sandra Lyons

Host profile image
Hi, I’m Sandy, your host. I’ve called Swan Lake home for over 50 years, and it still takes my breath away. We built Sandy Toes Bungalow with the vision of sharing this peaceful lakeside setting with guests. Every room in this thoughtfully designed cottage offers beautiful lake views to make the most of this stunning location.

After years of travel and home exchanges, I understand what makes a stay feel special—and we’ve worked hard to create that here. The cottage is solidly built, chemical-free, and mold-free, so you can breathe easy and truly relax. We hope you will come to love this place as much as we do.

Why they chose this property

Each day, as I gaze out at the lake and witness its ever-changing moods—sometimes still as glass, other times stirred with dark, rolling waves—I’m reminded of how truly blessed we are to witness God’s creation right in our backyard. The gentle sounds of birds and woodland creatures create a peaceful rhythm that quiets the noise of everyday life. We love watching the occasional boat drift by, its passengers soaking in the joy of skiing, fishing or sightseeing on our quiet, private lake. It truly feels like a little piece of heaven on earth.

What makes this property unique

Our brand new cottage was thoughtfully built with quality and wellness in mind—it's completely chemical-free and mold-free, so you can breathe easy and relax fully. You'll love unwinding on one of the two screened porches, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature—birds calling overhead and small woodland creatures chattering nearby.

Each bedroom is a private suite, complete with its own bathroom and either a spacious walk-in closet offering comfort and privacy for all guests. Only need one bedroom and bath? We can close out one suite and discount your stay but you must ask for this prior to finalizing reservations. The lake is the perfect place to soak away stress and settle into vacation mode. And if you need an extra bed to sleep 5, we have a full size twin rollaway bed that can be set up.

Just a short stroll down a shaded path leads you to the sparkling waters of the lake—ideal for kayaking, swimming, fishing or simply enjoying the view. One visit to Sandy Toes Bungalow is rarely enough—our guests often find themselves coming back again and again. And a new option: bring ONE small, under 40 pound dog with you with a pet fee.

Languages:

English

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