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Sandy Toes Bungalow-Cozy 2/2 Lake Retreat, Lakeview/Access, Firepit, Hot tub
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Reviews
9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 5102.2 sq m
Popular amenities
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
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Sandy Toes Bungalow-Cozy 2/2 Lake Retreat, Lakeview/Access, Firepit, Hot tub
Are you already dreading the long, cold winter? Then our short term to mid-term bungalow is just what you need! Escape the cold and enjoy "old Florida" the way it was meant to be-skip the concrete and traffic and enjoy this rural setting away from it all!
Features You’ll Love:
• Spacious Living Area: Open living and inviting—perfect for quality time together.
• Two Master Suites: Each with large walk-in closets, one featuring a queen bed and the other with two twin beds that convert into a king. Sleeps four in beds with a twin air mattress upon request (5 guest maximum).
• Two Bathrooms: One with a shower and another with a tub/shower combination for added convenience.
• Fully Equipped Kitchen: Everything you need to prepare meals, from morning coffee to family dinners.
• Laundry/Utility Room: Washer and dryer for your convenience. Bed and bath linens provided.
• Electric Fireplace: Cozy up on cooler evenings or Central A/C and Heat-Stay comfortable year-round.
Outdoor Paradise:
• Screened Front Porch: Offers a view of the serene, spring-fed, sand-bottom lake, while sipping your morning coffee.
• Screened Back Porch: Overlooks a peaceful wooded area—perfect for quiet relaxation.
• Fire Pit Options: Enjoy the private fire pit or a small beach firepit near the Shade Sails.
• Water Activities: Two kayaks, one canoe, two stand-up paddleboards, and a peddle boat are available for your use. Or cast a line for fishing. Boats are ‘shared’ with another cottage so reservations are recommended.
• Beach Relaxation: A shaded path leads to the lake’s shared beach, complete with sun shade sails, beach chairs, a small firepit, a hammock and a picnic table. Feel free to move chairs and adjust the sails for comfort.
• Fun and Games: Play a friendly game on the shared corn hole pad between the two cottages or inside with puzzles, books or board games.
• Screened Gazebo with inflatable hot tub that easily accommodates 4 people.
Convenience and Extras:
• Housekeeping Services: Bi-weekly light cleaning included during your midterm stay of over two weeks.
• Grilling Options: Choose between a gas or charcoal grill for outdoor cooking.
• Information Binder: Filled with local attractions, day trip ideas, and a private or group scrapbooking workshop opportunity next door offered by the host. Ask for details.
• Proximity to Attractions: Central to Florida’s springs, perfect for sightseeing, UF Gator activities, Snowbirds, honeymoons, or peaceful getaways. 20 minutes to Gainesville airport, 90 minutes to Jacksonville airport. No more than 90 minutes from either the Atlantic coast or Gulf coast.
Additional Details:
• Fully Furnished: Yard maintenance included for a stress-free stay.
• Neighboring Cottage: Planning a two-family vacation? An additional cottage next door may also be available. Look for our listing of The Lily Pad, sleeps a maximum of 4 or rent them together.
• New Build: Freshly completed in 2025, this home features modern comforts in a rustic, rural setting-get close to nature.
• Rental Options: Mid-term and seasonal stays are preferred, with short-term rentals welcome. Weekly and monthly stays available with discounts; no rentals over 4 months without host approval.
This lakeside retreat is fully furnished, with yard maintenance included, making it a worry-free escape. Whether you're kayaking on the lake, lounging on the porch, or gathering around the fire pit or attending a nearby event, this bungalow is perfect for a weekend, a week, a month or a season.
Book your stay today and experience the beauty and tranquility of lake living!
Features You’ll Love:
• Spacious Living Area: Open living and inviting—perfect for quality time together.
• Two Master Suites: Each with large walk-in closets, one featuring a queen bed and the other with two twin beds that convert into a king. Sleeps four in beds with a twin air mattress upon request (5 guest maximum).
• Two Bathrooms: One with a shower and another with a tub/shower combination for added convenience.
• Fully Equipped Kitchen: Everything you need to prepare meals, from morning coffee to family dinners.
• Laundry/Utility Room: Washer and dryer for your convenience. Bed and bath linens provided.
• Electric Fireplace: Cozy up on cooler evenings or Central A/C and Heat-Stay comfortable year-round.
Outdoor Paradise:
• Screened Front Porch: Offers a view of the serene, spring-fed, sand-bottom lake, while sipping your morning coffee.
• Screened Back Porch: Overlooks a peaceful wooded area—perfect for quiet relaxation.
• Fire Pit Options: Enjoy the private fire pit or a small beach firepit near the Shade Sails.
• Water Activities: Two kayaks, one canoe, two stand-up paddleboards, and a peddle boat are available for your use. Or cast a line for fishing. Boats are ‘shared’ with another cottage so reservations are recommended.
• Beach Relaxation: A shaded path leads to the lake’s shared beach, complete with sun shade sails, beach chairs, a small firepit, a hammock and a picnic table. Feel free to move chairs and adjust the sails for comfort.
• Fun and Games: Play a friendly game on the shared corn hole pad between the two cottages or inside with puzzles, books or board games.
• Screened Gazebo with inflatable hot tub that easily accommodates 4 people.
Convenience and Extras:
• Housekeeping Services: Bi-weekly light cleaning included during your midterm stay of over two weeks.
• Grilling Options: Choose between a gas or charcoal grill for outdoor cooking.
• Information Binder: Filled with local attractions, day trip ideas, and a private or group scrapbooking workshop opportunity next door offered by the host. Ask for details.
• Proximity to Attractions: Central to Florida’s springs, perfect for sightseeing, UF Gator activities, Snowbirds, honeymoons, or peaceful getaways. 20 minutes to Gainesville airport, 90 minutes to Jacksonville airport. No more than 90 minutes from either the Atlantic coast or Gulf coast.
Additional Details:
• Fully Furnished: Yard maintenance included for a stress-free stay.
• Neighboring Cottage: Planning a two-family vacation? An additional cottage next door may also be available. Look for our listing of The Lily Pad, sleeps a maximum of 4 or rent them together.
• New Build: Freshly completed in 2025, this home features modern comforts in a rustic, rural setting-get close to nature.
• Rental Options: Mid-term and seasonal stays are preferred, with short-term rentals welcome. Weekly and monthly stays available with discounts; no rentals over 4 months without host approval.
This lakeside retreat is fully furnished, with yard maintenance included, making it a worry-free escape. Whether you're kayaking on the lake, lounging on the porch, or gathering around the fire pit or attending a nearby event, this bungalow is perfect for a weekend, a week, a month or a season.
Book your stay today and experience the beauty and tranquility of lake living!
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- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Air-conditioning
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (60 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Under 12 yrs, host review due to water hazards.
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Not allowed on furniture/beds or left alone.
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.
Important information
You need to know
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 Gold Head Branch State Park.
Melrose, FL
What's nearby
- Santa Fe Lake - 4 min drive - 4.6 km
- Single Vision Inc. - 8 min drive - 9.1 km
- Etoniah Creek State Forest - 13 min drive - 20.6 km
- Gold Head Branch State Park - 17 min drive - 23.5 km
- Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park - 17 min drive - 23.5 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 12 min drive
- Hardee's - 12 min drive
- Stone’s Irish Pub - 10 min drive
- Wendy's - 11 min drive
- Blue Water Bay Restaurant - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
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 window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
28 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Michael S.
12 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Michael S.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
8/10 Good
Samantha T.
8 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Short stay
Samantha T.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Cynthia V.
31 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy




Cynthia V.
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
Donna N.
1 Mar 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Donna N.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2026
About the host
Hosted by Sandra Lyons
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.
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. The lake 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 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.
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. The lake 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 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.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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