Sandy Toes Bungalow-Welcome barefoot days, lake sunsets & your dog by your side. | House in Melrose

Are you ready for Spring or maybe Summer? Then our short term to mid-term bungalow is just what you need! Escape the cold and maybe even snow and enjoy "old Florida" the way it was meant to be-skip the concrete and traffic and enjoy this rural lake setting away from it all! You'll enjoy warm breezes as you sit on screen porches or dig your feet into the sand beach while enjoying a sunrise or sunset over the lake. And if you only need one bedroom and bathroom, we can discount your stay by blocking off one bedroom and bath. You MUST inquire about this feature prior to finalizing your reservation. We also offer discounts for weekly or monthly stays. And we are filing up fast for NEXT WINTER so be sure to check your calendar now and make reservations.
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 rollaway bed upon request (5 guest maximum). We can block off one suite if you don't need two bedrooms and bathrooms but ask in advance of finalizing reservations.
• 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. If you need catering options, we can provide suggestions.
• 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. (we are currently under a burn ban until further notice)
• 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. Bring your own fishing equipment. And don't forget a swim in the clear blue waters of Swan Lake!
• Beach Relaxation: A shaded path leads to the lake’s shared beach (with 3 other homes), 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. No dogs allowed in Gazebo or hot tub.
Convenience and Extras:
Make your stay even more memorable…
Celebrating something special—or just want to make your getaway extra easy? We offer a variety of thoughtful add-ons to help you relax, surprise someone you love, or simply enjoy more of your time at the lake.
Celebrations & Surprises
Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or “just because” moments
• Custom celebration cake or pastries
• Themed decorating (banners, balloons, florals & more)
• Surprise setup prior to arrival
Arrive & Unwind
Skip the errands and settle right in
• Pre-stocked groceries, unpacked before you arrive
Cozy Lake Nights
• Extra firewood for the fire pit ($10 per bundle; starter pack included)
Easy Dining
• Catered meals for groups of 4+ (freshly prepared off-site and delivered)
Relax & Recharge
• In-home massage services (availability varies)
Stay Refresh
• Mid-stay housekeeping (kitchen, bathrooms, floors) – $75
• Linen washing service (towels, sheets, blankets) – $25
(Washer/dryer also available in-unit for DIY use)
Extra Comfort
• Rollaway bed setup – $25
(Complimentary if requested prior to arrival)
Flexible Timing Options
Enjoy a little more time to settle in or linger longer
• Early Arrival (12 PM) – $50
• Extended Departure (3 PM) – $50
A few helpful notes:
• Pricing for select items (like catering, cakes, and décor) is based on current market rates and confirmed closer to your stay
• Advance notice is required for all add-ons so we can prepare everything just right
• Availability may vary based on booking schedule and timing
Pro tip: The longer you stay, the more you can enjoy—ask about extended stay options for the best experience at Sandy Toes.
• Housekeeping Services: Bi-weekly light cleaning included during any midterm stay of over two weeks. Additional cleaning services can be provided for a fee. Ask.
• Grilling Options: Choose between a gas or charcoal grill for outdoor cooking.
• Information Binder: Filled with local attractions, day trip ideas (host is willing to make recommendations), 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, gathering around the fire pit or attending a nearby event, this bungalow is perfect for a weekend, a week, a month or a season. ONE Small dog under 40 pounds allowed. Please don't ask for exceptions. We have been pet-free and are trying this option so we need honest results.
Here are 10 playful, tongue-in-cheek reasons not to stay:
1.You hate relaxing.
If sitting by the water with a drink in hand sounds unbearable, this is definitely not your place.
2. You strongly prefer traffic noise to birdsong.
Nature has a way of being… suspiciously peaceful here.
3. You don’t like cozy.
Blankets, soft beds, and charming spaces? Hard pass, right?
4. You’re committed to stress.
We’ve been known to accidentally lower blood pressure and improve moods.
5. You dislike sunsets.
Especially the kind that make you stop mid-sentence and just stare.
6. You prefer doing chores on vacation.
Because here, you might actually not feel like doing anything at all.
7. You don’t enjoy memory-making moments.
Laughing, unwinding, reconnecting… sounds exhausting.
8. You’re against fresh air.
We have entirely too much of it.
9. You don’t want to come back.
Fair warning: repeat visits tend to happen.
10. You’re looking for something forgettable.
This place has a bad habit of sticking with people—in the best way.
Book your stay today and experience the beauty and tranquility of lake living!

Sandy Toes Bungalow-Welcome barefoot days, lake sunsets & your dog by your side is located in Melrose. Sandy Toes Bungalow-Welcome barefoot days, lake sunsets & your dog by your side provides accommodation, featuring TV, Ocean View, Balcony/Terrace, among other amenities. This House features TV, Ocean View, Balcony/Terrace, to make your stay a comfortable one.

Sandy Toes Bungalow-Welcome barefoot days, lake sunsets & your dog by your side has 2 Bedrooms , 2 Bathrooms, and max occupancy of 5 people. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated House because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this House, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. House has a friendly neighborhood, and the Melrose has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the House in Melrose, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.