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Lily Pad Cottage-Peaceful 2/2 Lake Cottage for Summer Relaxation and Fun

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No matter what time you arrive there is always a light on to guide you.
Beach
The front screen porch allows for a view of the lake and a place to relax
Living area
A  living area offers a love seat and two chairs in front of the TV & fireplace

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • 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 4

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View map
MELROSE, FL, FL
  • Place, Santa Fe Lake
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Single Vision Inc.
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Etoniah Creek State Forest
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Airport, Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)
    ‪31 min drive‬

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-Peaceful 2/2 Lake Cottage for Summer Relaxation and Fun

Welcome to The Lily Pad, a peaceful lake cottage designed for slowing down, settling in, and truly relaxing. Tucked into a quiet natural setting steps away from a beautiful lake, this cozy retreat blends comfort, privacy, and simple lake living with just the right touch of modern convenience.

Spend your mornings sipping coffee on the screened porch while deer wander nearby and birdsong fills the air. Afternoons are perfect for kayaking, exploring nearby springs, fishing, reading in the shade, or simply doing absolutely nothing at all. In the evenings, soak in the hot tub, gather around the fire pit, or enjoy the calm glow of the lake at sunset.

Guests often tell us they relax faster here than they expected—and wish they had booked longer.

The Lily Pad is ideal for couples, friends, remote workers, seasonal guests, and anyone craving a quieter pace and a break from traffic, noise, and crowded tourist areas.

THE SPACE
• Comfortable 2 bedroom / 2 bath cottage
• One Queen bedroom with adjustable Mattress Genie wedge system
• One King bedroom that may be converted into two Twin beds upon request
• Fully equipped kitchen with washer/dryer
• Cozy living area with Roku TV and streaming access
• High-speed WIFI, monitor setup availability, and printing service for remote work
• Electric fireplace ambiance with or without heat
• SmartLock self check-in
• Parking for up to 3 vehicles

Need only one bedroom and bath? Ask BEFORE booking about reduced-rate options with one suite closed off.

OUTDOOR LIVING
• Two screened porches for relaxing and dining
• Outdoor shower
• Dining patio with both gas and charcoal grills
• Porch with inflatable hot tub
• Fire pit and Corn Hole area
• Sandy shared beach spaces with Adirondack chairs and shade sails

LAKE ACTIVITIES
Guests enjoy access to shared:
• Kayaks
• Canoe
• Paddle boat
• Stand-up paddleboards

The cottage sits slightly back from the shoreline, connected by a short shaded walk to the water’s edge and beach area.

LOCATION
Perfectly located for both relaxation and adventure:
• Near dozens of Florida’s natural springs
• Approximately 20 minutes to Gainesville Airport
• About 30 minutes to UF, Gator sports, restaurants, and shopping

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
Want to make your stay extra special? Ask about:
• Celebration décor and cakes
• Pre-stocked groceries
• Catered meals
• In-home massage services
• Mid-stay housekeeping
• Early check-in or late departure options

Advance arrangements required for all add-ons.

IMPORTANT DETAILS
• Maximum occupancy: 4 guests
• Maximum stay: 16 days
• No pets allowed
• No parties or large gatherings
• No smoking or vaping indoors or on porches
• Not childproofed and generally not recommended for children under 12 due to water and hot tub access

Starter supplies of coffee, tea, linens, detergent, beach towels, and paper goods are included.

Exterior Ring camera monitors entry area only.

Bonus: Ask about the host’s nearby scrapbooking workshops and private creative sessions available by advance arrangement.

If you’ve been craving peaceful mornings, lake breezes, starry skies, and a place where nobody expects you to rush… The Lily Pad may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

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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
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 horse riding 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
  • 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 Lily Pad Cottage-Peaceful 2/2 Lake Cottage for Summer Relaxation and Fun pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Lily Pad Cottage-Peaceful 2/2 Lake Cottage for Summer Relaxation and Fun?

As of 18 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lily Pad Cottage-Peaceful 2/2 Lake Cottage for Summer Relaxation and Fun on 16 Sept 2026 start from AU$394, 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-Peaceful 2/2 Lake Cottage for Summer Relaxation and Fun?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Lily Pad Cottage-Peaceful 2/2 Lake Cottage for Summer Relaxation and Fun?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lily Pad Cottage-Peaceful 2/2 Lake Cottage for Summer Relaxation and Fun?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Lily Pad Cottage-Peaceful 2/2 Lake Cottage for Summer Relaxation and Fun 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

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

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

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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