Time to warm up & relax in a dog-friendly lakeview bungalow in Melrose, is ideal for small families & couples planning longer stays. With lake access & indoor & outdoor spaces, this bungalow invites you to slow down. Spend your days boating, fishing, or relaxing in the lake breeze, then settle in for quiet evenings under the stars. This Bungalow offers privacy & tranquility while remaining close to Melrose. Perfect for longer stays, traveling with a small dog, or a laid-back lake vacation.
The space
This short term or mid-term rental is ideal for a quick getaway or a Snowbird escaping the cold winter. Between homes while moving? Got you covered! Rent by the month for special discounts. Ask for details before you make your reservation.
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 guests 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 the shared lakefront fire pit and 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 with Host are recommended.
• Beach Relaxation: A shaded path leads to the lake’s shared beach, complete with sun shade sails, beach chairs, a small firepit and a picnic table. Feel free to move chairs and adjust the sails for comfort. PLEASE NOTE: this bungalow is not at the shoreline but set back with a view.
• 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 accommodates up to 4 people. Hot tub cleaned after every guest departure!
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.
• $150 electric budget per month on seasonal stays
Additional Details:
• Fully Furnished: Yard maintenance included for a stress-free stay.
• Neighboring Cottage: Planning a two-family vacation or interested in receiving visitors during your seasonal stay? An additional cottage next door may also be available. Look for our listing of Lily Pad Cottage*Lakeview and access*Hot tub*Boats*King bed, sleeps a maximum of 4 or rent them together - look for 2 Homes-2 Families*Fish*Lake*Boats*6 beds*Fire Pit (2 Lake Homes).
• New Build: Freshly completed in 2025, this home features modern comforts in a rural neighborhood setting.
• 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. Ask for discounts on seasonal stays.
This lakeview with lake access retreat is fully furnished, with yard maintenance included, making it a worry-free seasonal 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!
Guest access
You'll have full access to the house and property. There's a designated path from the driveway to the lake. On calm nights, feel free to enjoy the the fire pit in the bungalow back yard, or use the one down at the lakeshore. Starter fire wood is provided. Please do not park on the grass areas as we are trying to start landscaping. There is a leaf/mulch covered area next to the house for parking.
Personal laundry, dirty dishes and mess cleanups are the responsibility of the renters during their stay. Twice monthly light housekeeping is provided free of charge to those who are guests for more than 2 weeks. This includes cleaning bathrooms and kitchen and floor mopping. Dishes and all laundry is the responsibility of the guest.
We provide Starter Basics (enough for 2 days min.) such as toilet paper, paper towels, and tissues, and coffee but we kindly ask guests to purchase them when depleted. All linens, including beach towels, are provided for your convenience but please bring your own if you anticipate staining from tanning products, skin or hair dyes or lotions.
If interested, ask about your host's monthly SCRAPBOOKING WORKSHOP held from 9am-5pm on a Friday or Saturday in the Host's House next door. Workshops are free and meals are ordered out at each participant's expense. Beverages are provided and guests are asked to bring a snack to share. Creative Memories scrapbook supplies are available on a limited basis for purchase. Reservations are required-ask about dates. Space is limited so contact Sandy as soon as you know you wish to attend. Or schedule a PRIVATE workshop! Our two-cottage special sleeps up to 9 between the Lily Pad and Sandy Toes Bungalow so friends can gather for a Scrapbook Retreat. Ask for details.
Other things to note
Exceptions can be made but...this unit is near water and not child-proofed so it is NOT IDEALLY SUITED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS OLD! Inquire please before making a reservation.
One small dog under 40 pounds is allowed in this unit for a fee. Any unregistered pets will be asked to be removed or paid for or we will cancel the reservation without refund.
Airbnb rules prohibit parties and events in residential neighborhoods
No gatherings over 5 additional people at one time in this small cottage
Visiting guests must be registered upon arrival per insurance requirements
Maximum of 2 cars allowed in the parking area and 1 trailer
20 minutes from Gainesville airport, 90 minutes from Jax airport, 2 hours from Sanford and Daytona
Event venues available nearby:
The Barn at Lakeside Ranch (8.5 miles)
Melrose Community Center (accommodates up to 83 people)
Lake Swan Camp (available for day or night reunions and events)
Ask for details about event venues nearby.
Smoking or vaping indoors or on porches, and illegal drug use, are strictly prohibited for safety reasons. We will report any illegal drug use to authorities
Exterior Ring doorbell records activity outside the screened front door and is motion-activated. Upon arrival it can be used for any lock code issues.
WIFI or doorbell should not be disconnected or disabled; doing so will result in immediate cancellation of the reservation
Bring your Streaming subscription passwords with you. Here is a list of free channels that you can find on our Roku TV's-Freeform, Sling, Plex, Tubi, Peacock, Pluto Tv, Freevee, Fawesome, Stir, BYUTV, Freetv. There is also a digital antennae should the WIFI be unavailable.
Sandy Toes Bungalow – FAQ
• Is Sandy Toes Bungalow pet-friendly?
Yes. 1 Well-behaved small dog is welcome.
• Are extended stays allowed?
Yes. Sandy Toes Bungalow is well-suited for longer stays.
• Is the bungalow lakefront?
No. It is lake view. Guests have direct lake access via a path.
• Is this good for relaxing vs. nightlife?
Perfect for relaxing. The area is quiet and nature-focused-like 'old Florida'.
