Lily Pad Cottage-Summer lake escapes starts here, slow mornings & sunny days.
The Lily Pad offers a quieter kind of luxury—where time slows, the lake sets the rhythm, and comfort comes naturally.
Begin your mornings with coffee overlooking the water, spend your afternoons relaxing on the porches or exploring nearby springs, and end the day under the evening sky in the hot tub or by the fire pit. Designed to feel peaceful and unhurried, The Lily Pad makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile.
Guests often tell us: • They disconnect more than expected • They unwind faster than planned • They wish they had booked longer
Extended stay discounts available.
Please note: while the lake is visible from the cottage, the home is set slightly back from the shoreline, just a short shaded path from the water’s edge.
Ideal for Relaxation or Remote Work Whether you're planning a quiet getaway, a longer seasonal stay, or a “work-from-home away from home” escape, The Lily Pad is fully equipped with high-speed WiFi, streaming services, printer access, and monitor setup availability.
Located near dozens of natural springs, the cottage is also conveniently: • 20 minutes from Gainesville Airport • 30 minutes from Gator sports and Gainesville attractions
The Space This cozy cottage near beautiful Swan Lake offers a peaceful escape surrounded by nature. Watch deer graze in the mornings, listen to owls and hawks in the evenings, and enjoy all the comforts of a thoughtfully prepared retreat.
Outdoor Living • Two screened porches • Dining patio with charcoal and gas grills • Outdoor shower • Gazebo with Inflatable hot tub • Fire pit and Corn Hole game • Sandy beach areas with Adirondack chairs
Guests also enjoy access to: • Kayaks • Canoe • Pedal boat • Two stand-up paddle boards
(Watercraft and hot tub use require signed liability waiver at check-in.)
Sleeping Arrangements • One Queen bedroom featuring a Mattress Genie adjustable bed wedge system • One King bedroom that may be converted into two Twin beds upon request
Need only one bedroom and bath? Ask before booking about reduced-rate options with one suite closed off.
Amenities • Modern kitchen with washer/dryer • Roku TVs and streaming access • High-speed WiFi • Electric fireplace ambiance with or without heat • Contactless SmartLock check-in • Parking for up to 3 vehicles
Welcoming lights, coffee, tea, and small treats are provided upon arrival.
Optional Enhancements Make your stay even more memorable with optional add-ons: • Celebration cakes & themed décor • Pre-stocked groceries • Catered meals • In-home massage services • Mid-stay housekeeping • Early check-in or late departure options Advance arrangements required.
Important Details • Maximum occupancy: 4 guests • Maximum stay: 16 days • Not childproofed; generally not recommended for children under 12 due to water hazards and hot tub • No pets allowed • No parties, events, or gatherings over 6 people total • No smoking or vaping indoors or on porches
Starter supplies of paper goods, coffee, tea, detergent, linens, and beach towels are provided.
Exterior Ring camera monitors the entry area only.
Bonus Experience Ask about the host’s monthly scrapbooking workshops held next door—private workshops may also be arranged with advance notice.
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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
Do not strip or wash used bed linens-leave bed unmade if slept in.
Turn off TV's and fireplace.
Turn down heat to 68F and AC up to 80F
Contact us via text when you have departed the cottage.
Lost or left items are not guaranteed to be returned. If it is possible, guest is responsible for any costs incurred including mileage and time required to return items.
Any unopened or fresh items that are left behind due to flight restrictions will be greatly appreciated by the cleaning staff. Opened items should be discarded in the outside trash.
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 be asked to remit payment to technician.
No pets allowed except for 1 service animal/rental that are trained to perform a physical task, must be properly harnessed, controlled, never left.
Tampering with WIFI or Ring Doorbell is prohibited. Complimentary Wi-Fi and Roku TVs provided. Starter consumable supplies incl. Shared use of boats
Important information
You need to know
Property # 4619095vb
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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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 cottage is in a rural area and on a lake. 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. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hunting and ecotours nearby.
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
Frequently asked questions
Is Lily Pad Cottage-Summer lake escapes starts here, slow mornings & sunny days. pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Lily Pad Cottage-Summer lake escapes starts here, slow mornings & sunny days.?
As of 13 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lily Pad Cottage-Summer lake escapes starts here, slow mornings & sunny days. on 18 Aug, 2026 start from S$356, 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 at Lily Pad Cottage-Summer lake escapes starts here, slow mornings & sunny days.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Lily Pad Cottage-Summer lake escapes starts here, slow mornings & sunny days.?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Lily Pad Cottage-Summer lake escapes starts here, slow mornings & sunny days.?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Lily Pad Cottage-Summer lake escapes starts here, slow mornings & sunny days. located?
Situated on a lake, this cottage is 3 mi (4.8 km) from Santa Fe Lake and within 12 miles (20 km) of Flamingo Lake and Hart Lake. Lovers Lake is 12.4 mi (19.9 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Thank you for the kind words! We had a blast decorating and adding all the little touches — so glad you enjoyed them! Our goal is to make it feel like a cozy lakeside escape with everything you need (and a few fun surprises). Next time you’re ready for sunrise views and a splash of peace and quiet, we’d love to welcome you back!
Our host was great. Made sure everything was perfect. The cottage was spotless. Had all the supplies we needed for our stay. When we arrived there was a welcome basket. Impressive!I particularly enjoyed the screened porches. Very relaxing area with great seating options.Was impressed with the fluffy towels in bedroom. A great place to spend a quiet, relaxing week.
Charlotte and Arthur R.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Feb, 2026
You were a delight to host and we do hope you will return because we would love to have you. Take care of yourself. I personally know your challenges from my own experience.
About the host
Hosted by Sandra Lyons
Hi, we are Becky and Sandy, your hosts. We’ve called Swan Lake home for 50+ years, and it still takes our breath away. We built The Lily Pad just three years ago for co-host, Becky, with the vision of sharing this peaceful lakeside setting with guests while she’s away for work. Every room in this thoughtfully designed cottage offers beautiful lake and garden views to make the most of this stunning location. Please treat it with respect because when you leave, she returns to her 'home'.
Why they chose this property
Each day, as we 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 or sightseeing on our quiet, private lake. It truly feels like a little piece of heaven on earth.
What makes this property unique
Our 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 (and if you are looking for a discount, we can lock off one suite during your stay but you must inquire prior to finalizing your reservations), complete with its own bathroom and either a spacious walk-in closet or an armoire, offering comfort and privacy for all guests. The hot tub is the perfect place to soak away stress and settle into vacation mode.
Just a short stroll down a shaded path leads you to the sparkling waters and sandy beach of the lake—ideal for kayaking, swimming, or simply enjoying the view. One visit to The Lily Pad Cottage is rarely enough—our guests often find themselves coming back again and again.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests