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Lily Pad Cottage-Summer lake escapes starts here, slow mornings & sunny days.

Photo gallery for Lily Pad Cottage-Summer lake escapes starts here, slow mornings & sunny days.

A cozy lodge with a welcoming entrance, a covered porch, and a gravel driveway.
The beach provides shade sails and a hammock and relaxing chairs
Why not trade the crowded beach for a peaceful sunrise or sunset on the lake?
The front screen porch allows for a view of the lake and a place to relax
Bright, fully equipped kitchen is open to the living area for easy conversation

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

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

Bathroom 2

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

Spaces

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

About this property

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.

Add dates for prices

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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

Not baby proofed. Not suitable for non-swimmers

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Events

No events allowed

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Pets

No pets allowed

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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

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.
Map
MELROSE, FL, 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

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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 5 out of 5 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 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

9.2/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyed our stay, very clean little cottage and well equipped kitchen. Nice quiet location.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar, 2026
Thank you so much and we look forward to hosting you again next year!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful little 2 BR cottage lacking nothing. Coffee on front screened porch was heavenly with the breeze. Hosts very responsive.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Apr, 2026
Thank you for staying with us and your review. We hope you make the trip down here again and pick the Lily Pad as your home away from home. God bless.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sdpeene

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Such a beautiful little cabin near the lake. Really enjoyed our time. The owners thought of everything to make our stay easily and enjoyable.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kendra b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Well decorated with many amenities
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Sept, 2025
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!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte and Arthur R.

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

Host profile image

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

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