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Sandy Toes Bungalow-Charming Lake Bungalow for a Family Summer Getaways

Photo gallery for Sandy Toes Bungalow-Charming Lake Bungalow for a Family Summer Getaways

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

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

  • Spa pool on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Melrose, FL
  • Place, Santa Fe Lake
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Single Vision Inc.
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Flamingo Lake
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Airport, Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)
    ‪31 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 Bungalow-Charming Lake Bungalow for a Family Summer Getaways

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!

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 0–17
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.
Guests planning to use fire pits or water activities must sign a liability waiver at time of check in. It will be in your Welcome basket.

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 cycling and hiking/biking trails.
View more Holiday homes in MelroseOpens in a new window
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
  • Hart Lake - 20 min drive - 23.5 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 Sandy Toes Bungalow-Charming Lake Bungalow for a Family Summer Getaways pet-friendly?

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

How much does it cost to stay at Sandy Toes Bungalow-Charming Lake Bungalow for a Family Summer Getaways?

As of 10 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sandy Toes Bungalow-Charming Lake Bungalow for a Family Summer Getaways on 12 Oct 2026 start from AU$372, 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 Sandy Toes Bungalow-Charming Lake Bungalow for a Family Summer Getaways?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Sandy Toes Bungalow-Charming Lake Bungalow for a Family Summer Getaways?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sandy Toes Bungalow-Charming Lake Bungalow for a Family Summer Getaways?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Sandy Toes Bungalow-Charming Lake Bungalow for a Family Summer Getaways 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 Flamingo Lake and Hart Lake. Lovers Lake is 12.4 mi (19.9 km) away.

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.

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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