2 Lake Cottages, 1 Summer Fun Vacation-Book NOW!
Entire bungalow in Melrose, Florida
- 9 guests ·
- · 4 bedrooms ·
- · 6 beds ·
- · 4 baths
Hosted by Sandy
- Superhost ·
- · 4 years hosting
Listing highlights
Self check-in
Check yourself in with the keypad.
Beautiful area
This home is in a scenic location.
Garden and lake views
Soak up the views during your stay.
Gather 9 of your favorite people & settle into summer lake life with 2 beautifully furnished cottages just steps apart—perfect for families & friends who want to vaca together while still enjoying personal space. Tucked away in a rural lake setting, this relaxing retreat is made for boating, fishing, sunset evenings, & slow mornings by the water. Both offer modern comforts, including hot tubs, fire pits, & fireplaces for cozy nights after a day on the lake. One small dog under 40 lbs. welcome.
The space
Thanks for your interest! Just a few quick notes to be sure this is a great fit:
• This booking includes two separate cottages located steps apart
• The homes are lakeside, with lake views and full lake access, but not lakefront
• The shoreline and shared lake access are a short 2 minute or less walk from the cottages
• The setting is a quiet, rural lake area neighborhood— ideal for families, couples, and relaxed gatherings near the University of Florida town of Gainesville
• Great for boating, fishing, and enjoying peaceful time by the lake
If you have any questions about the setup, access, or amenities, I’m happy to help before you book!
Enjoy the best of togetherness and privacy with two charming lake homes rented as one private retreat. Perfect for families, friends, or multi-generational groups, the cottages sit just steps apart and share peaceful lake views and access. Relax, reconnect, and unwind in a quiet setting designed for memorable stays.
Our 2 cozy cottages offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Your own private resort! Enjoy breakfast coffee in both cottages from your front or back porch while watching the deer graze and listen to the owls and hawks call their greetings.
Booking Details:
Sandy Toes Bungalow (no pets in the Lily Pad) – Pre-Booking Pet Policy Message
A few quick notes to make sure this is a great fit:
• The Sandy Toes bungalow is pet-friendly — one well-behaved dog under 40 pounds is welcome. Dog cannot be left in bungalow alone UNLESS CRATE TRAINED (we can provide a crate if needed) and cannot be allowed on furniture, must be leash walked and cannot go into the lake or the hot tub. Please let us know about your pet when booking (there is a pet fee). The Lily Pad cottage does not allow pets.
If you have questions about pets, access, or amenities, I’m happy to clarify before you book!
• The Lily Pad cottage is handicap accessible (not ADA) with ramp to the front door, wide doorways, a shower that can accommodate wheelchairs or walkers. The back porch and patio does have steps.
Maximum stay: 16 days. Minimum stay 4 days.
Maximum occupancy: 9 guests (including children).
Children under 12 -not child proofed. Ask prior to booking.
Additional charge for child guests over our maximum of 9 guests if sharing an adult's bed. We do provide a Pack'n Play upon request.
Children under 5 not recommended due to hot tub and lake. Cottages are not baby proofed.
Mold-free homes.
Arrival Experience:
Welcoming lights are on and treats provided upon arrival.
Cozy ambiance with electric fireplace.
Impeccably clean, one 3 year old cottage and a brand new 2025 bungalow.
Lake view and access via a short 2 minute walk down a path to the spring-fed lake.
Amenities:
Shared access to kayaks, canoe, paddle boards and pedal boat and use of an inflatable hot tub - all with a signed LIABILITY RELEASE FORM available at check in.
Opportunity for a Scrapbook Workshop in Host's next-door home monthly (ask for details) or schedule your own workshop.
Shaded beach area with Adirondack chairs, hammock and picnic table with umbrella.
Please note that the cottages are not at the shoreline of the lake but set back with limited views of the lake from all front windows and located only a few yards down a shaded path to the beach.
Screened porches, charcoal and gas grills.
Modern kitchens and laundry facilities in both units.
High-speed internet and Roku TVs in each living room and bedroom (conditional to technical issues beyond our control). Bring your passwords for Streaming services.
Parking for 4 cars and a trailer (no EV chargers).
One Queen size bed in each cottage. Two twin beds convert to King bed in each cottage. Total of 8 can sleep in beds. One Pack 'N Play available for either unit and one inflatable mattress available for in the Bungalow upon request allows for a 9th guest. Both must be requested in advance.
Corn Hole game pad shared between the two cottages for outdoor entertainment. Board games and puzzles in each unit.
Fire pit to share evenings under the moonlight including chairs and also a small firepit on the beach (there have been open fire bans due to drought. Ask for current warnings)..
Fireplace ambiance can be used with or without heat.
One computer monitor with USB cord located in each unit and printing services are available from your Host for an additional charge.
Outdoor Living:
Back patio with charcoal grills, hot tubs, outdoor showers and fire pits located at the cottage and bungalow and a gas grill located at the bungalow and cottage.
Info binder with local info and day trip suggestions in both units.
Ceiling fans and central heating/AC for comfort in both units.
Inflatable 4 person Hot Tub on the back porch at the cottage is screened and under cover. An inflatable 4 person Hot Tub is located in a screened gazebo in the back yard of the bungalow.
Hospitality:
We stay next door to assist guests if needed.
Complimentary ground and K-cups coffee and tea in the kitchen Coffee Corner in both units for one to two days.
Detailed guidebook for a 5-star experience.
Contactless check in and out. Early check -in possible with a $50 fee, and late check out possible with a $50 fee. Ask when inquiring.
Scrapbook workshop in Host's home just steps away for those who wish a Scrapbook Retreat. Ask for price and details.
Catering service can be provided and specially baked treat available for special celebration. Ask at time of reservation.
We look forward to making your stay at our Lakeshore Twins cottage and bungalow a 5-Star experience!
Guest access
NOTICE: Enhanced Arrival & Departure Options
For added comfort and flexibility, we offer the option to extend your stay beyond our standard check-in and check-out times:
• Early Arrival (12:00 PM): $50
• Extended Departure (3:00 PM): $50
These enhancements allow you to settle in sooner or linger a little longer, making the most of your time at the lake.
Requests must be made prior to reservation confirmation so the option can be added to your booking. Availability is limited and based on our reservation calendar and housekeeping schedule.
We’re always happy to accommodate whenever possible and help you enjoy a more relaxed, unhurried stay.
Personal laundry, dirty dishes and mess cleanups are the responsibility of the renters during their stay. For an additional fee during a one week stay, guests may request a mid-week housekeeping that includes bathrooms, kitchen and floors.
We provide Starter Basics such as toilet paper, paper towels, and tissues, and ground coffee and some pods and we ask guests to purchase their own when depleted. All linens, including beach towels, are provided for your convenience but please bring your own if you anticipate staining from makeup, tanning products, skin or hair dyes or lotions.
Lakeshore Twins cottage and bungalow share the following resort style amenities: 4 person hot tub located at the both units, a Corn Hole game pad and boards located between the cottage and bungalow, the beach and shade sails, beach side picnic table with umbrella and hammock, two kayaks, canoe, peddle boat and 2 standup paddle boards, beach side fire pit, gas grills and charcoal grills for both.
Ask about your host's monthly scrapbooking workshop held from 9am-5pm on a Friday or Saturday in the Host's House. 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. Beginner’s class provided upon request.
Reservations are required. Space is limited to 8 so contact Sandy as soon as you know you wish to attend. Or schedule a PRIVATE workshop for you and your friends!
Optional Add-On Services Want to make your stay even more memorable? Advance notice is required for all add-on's. Most services are based on availability of vendor and current prices of product which will be quoted after you make the request.
Available Enhancements (some require reservations 2 weeks prior to check in)
Pre-stocked groceries from Walmart or Amazon (2 days advanced notice)
Celebration cakes & pastries (2 weeks advanced notice)
Birthday / anniversary/special event décor (2 weeks advanced notice)
Catered meals for 4+ people (2 weeks advanced notice)
In-home or in-office massage therapy (2 or more weeks advanced notice)
Extra firewood bundles for firepit $10 (no advanced notice-just ask)
Early check-in 12 Noon $50 and/or Late check-out 3PM $50 (as soon as you know)
Other things to note
Exceptions can be made but...this unit is near water and not child-proofed so is NOT IDEALLY SUITED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS OLD! Inquire please before making a reservation. Baby-proof modifications are not permitted.
No pets allowed in the Lily Pad cottage (one small dog allowed in the Sandy Toes Bungalow) and if any additional animals are detected, it will result in a warning to remove the animal or a cancellation of the reservation. We advertise the Lily Pad cottage as an animal free property for those who are highly allergic.
Airbnb rules prohibit parties and events in residential neighborhoods. WE can provide you with Special Experiences if you ask for them in advance. We do not allow Airbnb Experiences that you book with Airbnb on our properties since those venders are not vetted by us nor are they covered by our insurance.
No gatherings over the registered guest number of people at one time (4 in the cottage and 5 in the bungalow)
Visiting day-guests must be registered upon arrival per insurance requirements
Maximum of 4 cars allowed in the 2 parking areas and one trailer
20 minutes from Gainesville airport, 90 minutes from Jacksonville airport, 30 minutes from UF
Event venues available nearby:
Melrose Community Center (accommodates up to 83 people)
Lake Swan Camp (available for day or night reunions and events)
The Barn (an event venue located 8 miles away in Hawthorne)
Gold Head State Park (pavilions and meeting room)
Ask for details about event rentals 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
WIFI or doorbell should not be disconnected or disabled; doing so will result in immediate cancellation of the reservation
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. We also have a digital antennae should the WIFI go down.
Ask about grocery delivery service to the cottage and/or bungalow prior to or during your stay.
The space
Thanks for your interest! Just a few quick notes to be sure this is a great fit:
• This booking includes two separate cottages located steps apart
• The homes are lakeside, with lake views and full lake access, but not lakefront
• The shoreline and shared lake access are a short 2 minute or less walk from the cottages
• The setting is a quiet, rural lake area neighborhood— ideal for families, couples, and relaxed gatherings near the University of Florida town of Gainesville
• Great for boating, fishing, and enjoying peaceful time by the lake
If you have any questions about the setup, access, or amenities, I’m happy to help before you book!
Enjoy the best of togetherness and privacy with two charming lake homes rented as one private retreat. Perfect for families, friends, or multi-generational groups, the cottages sit just steps apart and share peaceful lake views and access. Relax, reconnect, and unwind in a quiet setting designed for memorable stays.
Our 2 cozy cottages offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Your own private resort! Enjoy breakfast coffee in both cottages from your front or back porch while watching the deer graze and listen to the owls and hawks call their greetings.
Booking Details:
Sandy Toes Bungalow (no pets in the Lily Pad) – Pre-Booking Pet Policy Message
A few quick notes to make sure this is a great fit:
• The Sandy Toes bungalow is pet-friendly — one well-behaved dog under 40 pounds is welcome. Dog cannot be left in bungalow alone UNLESS CRATE TRAINED (we can provide a crate if needed) and cannot be allowed on furniture, must be leash walked and cannot go into the lake or the hot tub. Please let us know about your pet when booking (there is a pet fee). The Lily Pad cottage does not allow pets.
If you have questions about pets, access, or amenities, I’m happy to clarify before you book!
• The Lily Pad cottage is handicap accessible (not ADA) with ramp to the front door, wide doorways, a shower that can accommodate wheelchairs or walkers. The back porch and patio does have steps.
Maximum stay: 16 days. Minimum stay 4 days.
Maximum occupancy: 9 guests (including children).
Children under 12 -not child proofed. Ask prior to booking.
Additional charge for child guests over our maximum of 9 guests if sharing an adult's bed. We do provide a Pack'n Play upon request.
Children under 5 not recommended due to hot tub and lake. Cottages are not baby proofed.
Mold-free homes.
Arrival Experience:
Welcoming lights are on and treats provided upon arrival.
Cozy ambiance with electric fireplace.
Impeccably clean, one 3 year old cottage and a brand new 2025 bungalow.
Lake view and access via a short 2 minute walk down a path to the spring-fed lake.
Amenities:
Shared access to kayaks, canoe, paddle boards and pedal boat and use of an inflatable hot tub - all with a signed LIABILITY RELEASE FORM available at check in.
Opportunity for a Scrapbook Workshop in Host's next-door home monthly (ask for details) or schedule your own workshop.
Shaded beach area with Adirondack chairs, hammock and picnic table with umbrella.
Please note that the cottages are not at the shoreline of the lake but set back with limited views of the lake from all front windows and located only a few yards down a shaded path to the beach.
Screened porches, charcoal and gas grills.
Modern kitchens and laundry facilities in both units.
High-speed internet and Roku TVs in each living room and bedroom (conditional to technical issues beyond our control). Bring your passwords for Streaming services.
Parking for 4 cars and a trailer (no EV chargers).
One Queen size bed in each cottage. Two twin beds convert to King bed in each cottage. Total of 8 can sleep in beds. One Pack 'N Play available for either unit and one inflatable mattress available for in the Bungalow upon request allows for a 9th guest. Both must be requested in advance.
Corn Hole game pad shared between the two cottages for outdoor entertainment. Board games and puzzles in each unit.
Fire pit to share evenings under the moonlight including chairs and also a small firepit on the beach (there have been open fire bans due to drought. Ask for current warnings)..
Fireplace ambiance can be used with or without heat.
One computer monitor with USB cord located in each unit and printing services are available from your Host for an additional charge.
Outdoor Living:
Back patio with charcoal grills, hot tubs, outdoor showers and fire pits located at the cottage and bungalow and a gas grill located at the bungalow and cottage.
Info binder with local info and day trip suggestions in both units.
Ceiling fans and central heating/AC for comfort in both units.
Inflatable 4 person Hot Tub on the back porch at the cottage is screened and under cover. An inflatable 4 person Hot Tub is located in a screened gazebo in the back yard of the bungalow.
Hospitality:
We stay next door to assist guests if needed.
Complimentary ground and K-cups coffee and tea in the kitchen Coffee Corner in both units for one to two days.
Detailed guidebook for a 5-star experience.
Contactless check in and out. Early check -in possible with a $50 fee, and late check out possible with a $50 fee. Ask when inquiring.
Scrapbook workshop in Host's home just steps away for those who wish a Scrapbook Retreat. Ask for price and details.
Catering service can be provided and specially baked treat available for special celebration. Ask at time of reservation.
We look forward to making your stay at our Lakeshore Twins cottage and bungalow a 5-Star experience!
Guest access
NOTICE: Enhanced Arrival & Departure Options
For added comfort and flexibility, we offer the option to extend your stay beyond our standard check-in and check-out times:
• Early Arrival (12:00 PM): $50
• Extended Departure (3:00 PM): $50
These enhancements allow you to settle in sooner or linger a little longer, making the most of your time at the lake.
Requests must be made prior to reservation confirmation so the option can be added to your booking. Availability is limited and based on our reservation calendar and housekeeping schedule.
We’re always happy to accommodate whenever possible and help you enjoy a more relaxed, unhurried stay.
Personal laundry, dirty dishes and mess cleanups are the responsibility of the renters during their stay. For an additional fee during a one week stay, guests may request a mid-week housekeeping that includes bathrooms, kitchen and floors.
We provide Starter Basics such as toilet paper, paper towels, and tissues, and ground coffee and some pods and we ask guests to purchase their own when depleted. All linens, including beach towels, are provided for your convenience but please bring your own if you anticipate staining from makeup, tanning products, skin or hair dyes or lotions.
Lakeshore Twins cottage and bungalow share the following resort style amenities: 4 person hot tub located at the both units, a Corn Hole game pad and boards located between the cottage and bungalow, the beach and shade sails, beach side picnic table with umbrella and hammock, two kayaks, canoe, peddle boat and 2 standup paddle boards, beach side fire pit, gas grills and charcoal grills for both.
Ask about your host's monthly scrapbooking workshop held from 9am-5pm on a Friday or Saturday in the Host's House. 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. Beginner’s class provided upon request.
Reservations are required. Space is limited to 8 so contact Sandy as soon as you know you wish to attend. Or schedule a PRIVATE workshop for you and your friends!
Optional Add-On Services Want to make your stay even more memorable? Advance notice is required for all add-on's. Most services are based on availability of vendor and current prices of product which will be quoted after you make the request.
Available Enhancements (some require reservations 2 weeks prior to check in)
Pre-stocked groceries from Walmart or Amazon (2 days advanced notice)
Celebration cakes & pastries (2 weeks advanced notice)
Birthday / anniversary/special event décor (2 weeks advanced notice)
Catered meals for 4+ people (2 weeks advanced notice)
In-home or in-office massage therapy (2 or more weeks advanced notice)
Extra firewood bundles for firepit $10 (no advanced notice-just ask)
Early check-in 12 Noon $50 and/or Late check-out 3PM $50 (as soon as you know)
Other things to note
Exceptions can be made but...this unit is near water and not child-proofed so is NOT IDEALLY SUITED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS OLD! Inquire please before making a reservation. Baby-proof modifications are not permitted.
No pets allowed in the Lily Pad cottage (one small dog allowed in the Sandy Toes Bungalow) and if any additional animals are detected, it will result in a warning to remove the animal or a cancellation of the reservation. We advertise the Lily Pad cottage as an animal free property for those who are highly allergic.
Airbnb rules prohibit parties and events in residential neighborhoods. WE can provide you with Special Experiences if you ask for them in advance. We do not allow Airbnb Experiences that you book with Airbnb on our properties since those venders are not vetted by us nor are they covered by our insurance.
No gatherings over the registered guest number of people at one time (4 in the cottage and 5 in the bungalow)
Visiting day-guests must be registered upon arrival per insurance requirements
Maximum of 4 cars allowed in the 2 parking areas and one trailer
20 minutes from Gainesville airport, 90 minutes from Jacksonville airport, 30 minutes from UF
Event venues available nearby:
Melrose Community Center (accommodates up to 83 people)
Lake Swan Camp (available for day or night reunions and events)
The Barn (an event venue located 8 miles away in Hawthorne)
Gold Head State Park (pavilions and meeting room)
Ask for details about event rentals 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
WIFI or doorbell should not be disconnected or disabled; doing so will result in immediate cancellation of the reservation
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. We also have a digital antennae should the WIFI go down.
Ask about grocery delivery service to the cottage and/or bungalow prior to or during your stay.
Where you’ll sleep
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What this place offers
Garden view
Lake view
Beach access
Wifi
Free parking on premises
Unavailable: Carbon monoxide alarmCarbon monoxide alarm
Unavailable: Smoke alarmSmoke alarm
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Where you’ll be
Melrose, Florida, United States
This listing's location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.
Neighborhood highlights
Lakeside Twin Haven includes 5 acres with two cottages just steps apart and located in a 'residential' area of a rural part of the county but it won't feel like it while you are here. There are several homes nearby but neighbors keep to themselves and trees and shrubs protect your privacy and invite wildlife of all kinds. As for Melrose, so much history located in only about 250 acres. 72 buildings listed on the Historical Registry. Artists come here today to take in its quaint atmosphere and history. The area is an artist and photographer's dream.
The road into the house is shared with two other homes but parking is private on our property for up to 4 cars and a trailer. The nearest town of Melrose for groceries is 2 miles away as are gas stations, variety stores and restaurants. We provide a canoe, a peddle boat and 2 kayaks but additional kayaks can be rented in Melrose. Boat traffic on the lake is very light with perhaps 2-3 boats on the lake at any one time. There are no public boat ramps on our lake but holiday boat traffic can be higher with cottage owners. Our property does not have a boat ramp and requires a 4 wheel drive to launch boats. Bring your own fishing gear...there are some large bass waiting to be caught. Please stay within the boundaries of the fence lines because the beach joins with 2 neighbors' beaches. The Gainesville's airport is located 20 minutes away and JAX about 1.5 hours. Keystone Heights is 10 minutes away.
The road into the house is shared with two other homes but parking is private on our property for up to 4 cars and a trailer. The nearest town of Melrose for groceries is 2 miles away as are gas stations, variety stores and restaurants. We provide a canoe, a peddle boat and 2 kayaks but additional kayaks can be rented in Melrose. Boat traffic on the lake is very light with perhaps 2-3 boats on the lake at any one time. There are no public boat ramps on our lake but holiday boat traffic can be higher with cottage owners. Our property does not have a boat ramp and requires a 4 wheel drive to launch boats. Bring your own fishing gear...there are some large bass waiting to be caught. Please stay within the boundaries of the fence lines because the beach joins with 2 neighbors' beaches. The Gainesville's airport is located 20 minutes away and JAX about 1.5 hours. Keystone Heights is 10 minutes away.
Meet your host
My work: Semi-Retired
Favorite song in high school: I didn’t have one
My name is Sandy. I've lived on Swan Lake for 50 years We built The Lily Pad for my daughter and co-host, Becky, with the intention of allowing short term rentals while she is working. The cottage is 3 years old. I built Sandy Toes Bungalow for mid and short term rentals. They both have a view of the lake. I'm well traveled after years of doing home exchanges & I know what guests are looking for in a vacation destination. Hope to see you soon.
Sandy is a Superhost
Host details
Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.
Things to know
Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in: 3:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Checkout before 11:00 AM
9 guests maximum
Safety & property
No smoke alarm
Exterior security cameras on property
Pool/hot tub without a gate or lock