Sandy Toes Lake Bungalow-2/2,U of FL, King, Firepit, 1 Dog ,Boats, Fish, Hot Tub

Sandy Toes Lake Bungalow-2/2,U of FL, King, Firepit, 1 Dog ,Boats, Fish, Hot Tub

Escape to Sandy Toes Bungalow, a peaceful lake retreat where “Old Florida” still exists—quiet mornings, warm breezes, starry nights, and no traffic in sight. Nestled on beautiful lake, this fully furnished bungalow is perfect for couples, small families, snowbirds, extended stays, UF visits, or anyone ready to slow down and recharge.

Spend your days kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, relaxing on the sandy beach, grilling your favorite steak or simply enjoying coffee on one of the screened porches while watching the sunrise over the water. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, seasonal escape, or mid-term stay, Sandy Toes was designed for comfort, connection, and easy lake living.

THE SPACE
• Spacious open living area perfect for relaxing together
• Two private master suites with large walk-in closets
• One suite features a queen bed
• Second suite offers two twin beds that convert to a king
• Sleeps up to 5 with optional rollaway bed
• Two full bathrooms (one shower, one tub/shower combo)
• Fully equipped kitchen with everything needed for cooking and dining
• Washer/dryer and linens included
• Electric fireplace plus central heat and A/C for year-round comfort

OUTDOOR LIVING
• Screened front porch with lake views
• Screened back porch overlooking peaceful woods
• Private fire pit plus shared beach firepit area
• Screened gazebo with inflatable hot tub for up to 4 guests
• Shared sandy beach with shade sails, hammock, picnic table, and beach chairs
• Corn hole, puzzles, books, and board games for laid-back fun

LAKE FUN
Enjoy access to shared lake toys including:
• Kayaks
• Canoe
• Paddleboards
• Paddle boat

Bring your fishing gear and enjoy swimming in the clear spring-fed waters. Watercraft are shared with the neighboring cottage, so advance scheduling is recommended.

SPECIAL TOUCHES & ADD-ONS
Want to make your stay extra memorable? Ask about:
• Pre-stocked groceries
• Celebration décor, cakes, or surprise setups
• Catered meals for groups
• In-home massage services
• Mid-stay housekeeping
• Extra firewood bundles
• Early check-in or late check-out options

Extended stay discounts available for weekly and monthly reservations.

LOCATION
Conveniently located near Gainesville, Florida springs, UF events, and day trips to both Florida coasts.
• Approximately 20 minutes to Gainesville Airport
• About 90 minutes to Jacksonville Airport
• Rural setting with easy access to shopping and dining in nearby Melrose and Keystone Heights

GOOD TO KNOW
• One small dog under 40 lbs allowed
• No pets in the gazebo or hot tub or in the lake
• Built in 2025 with modern comforts and relaxed lake charm
• Additional neighboring cottage, The Lily Pad, may also be available for larger groups or multi-family stays. Ask.
• Mid-term and seasonal stays welcome. No long term stays over 4 months allowed

A few reasons this might NOT be the place for you:
• You dislike peace and quiet
• Birdsong annoys you
• Relaxing feels unproductive
• Sunsets are overrated
• You prefer traffic over lake breezes
• You absolutely do NOT want to make great memories

For everyone else… Sandy Toes is ready when you are. Fall is around the corner!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Unique Benefits

Your Private Florida Escape: Hot Tub, Sandy Lake Beach & Complimentary Water Adventures.

A Private Florida Getaway: Enjoy a peaceful retreat on beautiful, spring-fed Swan Lake in Melrose, Florida.

Your Own Hot Tub: Relax and unwind in your private hot tub after a day of exploring or enjoying the lake.

A Sandy Lake Beach: Enjoy a unique sand-bottom swimming area with a natural, laid-back Florida atmosphere.

Complimentary Water Adventures: Kayaks, a canoe, paddleboards, and a pedal boat are available for guests to enjoy.

Comfortable Two-Bedroom, Two-Bath Layout: Two bedroom suites provide extra privacy and comfort for couples, families, or friends traveling together.

A Screened Porch for Relaxing: Enjoy your morning coffee, read a book, or simply take in the peaceful surroundings.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Bring along your small, well-behaved dog and enjoy your getaway together.

A Fully Equipped Home: Skip the cramped hotel room! Enjoy a complete kitchen, washer and dryer, comfortable furnishings, and the conveniences of home.

Room to Play and Unwind: Challenge your travel companions to a game of cornhole, enjoy the outdoors, or gather around the fire pit.

A Peaceful Alternative to Crowded Tourist Areas: Experience the charm of rural North Central Florida while enjoying the comforts of a newly built bungalow.

Ideal for Extended Stays: Whether you're planning a relaxing vacation, visiting family, or need temporary housing, the bungalow offers a comfortable home away from home.

A Welcoming Host Nearby: Your hosts live next door, so assistance is close at hand if you need anything during your stay.

Why Kids Love It

Why Kids Love Sandy Toes Bungalow!

Water Adventures Galore! Paddle a kayak, try a paddleboard, cruise around in the canoe, or take a spin on the pedal boat on beautiful Swan Lake.

A Sandy Beach! Enjoy the unique sand-bottom swimming area for a refreshing dip in spring-fed lake water.

Cornhole Competitions! Challenge the family to a friendly tournament and see who takes home bragging rights.

Hot Tub Relaxation! Unwind after a day of outdoor fun in your own private hot tub, with adult supervision.

Evenings Around the Fire Pit! Make memories sharing stories, enjoying the outdoors, and spending quality time together.

Room to Explore! Discover the simple pleasures of lake life, from outdoor adventures to peaceful mornings watching the water.

Family Time Without the Crowds! Put away the electronics for a while and enjoy a getaway filled with fresh air, laughter, and outdoor fun.

Bring the Family, Make Memories, and Enjoy a Little Sandy Toes Adventure!

Our bungalow is best suited for families with children ages 12 and older. Families with younger children are welcome to inquire; acceptance is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Area Information

Discover the Charm of North Central Florida

Escape the crowds and discover the laid-back charm of Melrose, Florida! Nestled in a peaceful lakeside community, Sandy Toes Bungalow offers a relaxing home base for exploring the natural beauty of North Central Florida.

Enjoy the area's beautiful lakes, scenic country roads, and opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, and wildlife watching. Nearby historic towns offer unique shops, local restaurants, and a taste of authentic small-town Florida.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby state parks, nature and bike trails, and freshwater springs. Gainesville, home to the University of Florida, offers additional shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions within 30 minute driving distance.

Whether you're planning a relaxing getaway, visiting family, attending a University of Florida event, or looking for a comfortable home during an extended stay, Melrose offers a refreshing alternative to Florida's busy tourist destinations.

Come enjoy the slower pace, natural beauty, and warm hospitality of North Central Florida!

Attractions Within Walking Distance

What’s Within Walking Distance?

Nature, fresh air, and a little peace and quiet!

Enjoy a stroll down to the lake, watch the birds, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. You can walk to the water for a kayak adventure or spend time enjoying our sandy beach.

Restaurants, shopping, and nightlife? You'll need your car for those! We're a peaceful lakeside retreat, not a walkable tourist district—and that's part of our charm.

Favorite Places To Eat

Our Local Dining Favorites
Good food, local flavor, and a few places worth discovering! One of the pleasures of staying at Sandy Toes Bungalow is discovering the small-town charm of Melrose and Keystone Heights. Here are some of our favorite places to grab breakfast, enjoy a delicious dinner, or treat yourself to something sweet!

Melrose - a 5 minute drive

When you're ready for a delicious meal out, give Blue Water Bay in Melrose a try! This longtime local favorite serves seafood, smoked meats, and a variety of American and Cajun-inspired dishes. Save room for their famous sour orange pie!

Melrose Center (our local tourist information hub)— A great spot for breakfast! Start your morning with a satisfying meal before heading out to enjoy the lake. Visit the gift shop and stay around for entertainment daily, Tuesday through Saturday.

Fryer's — Craving fried chicken? Stop here when you want a delicious, casual meal.

Gator Bait — Looking for food with a side of entertainment? This is a fun option when you're in the mood for more than just dinner.

Betty's — A favorite for Italian food, and don't miss the spinach pie! It's worth a visit all by itself.

Frozen Pelican — Perfect for a casual bite! Stop in for smash burgers, fast-food favorites, and ice cream when you're craving something sweet.

Keystone Heights- a 10 minute drive

Stones Irish Pub — A varied menu and sports TVs make this a great place to catch a game, enjoy a meal, and relax.

Cedar River Seafood — For seafood lovers looking for a satisfying meal.

Johnny's BBQ — Delicious barbecue for those who love classic smoked-meat flavors.

Clyde's — A cozy spot for breakfast or lunch, with a welcoming, hometown atmosphere.

Whisk — Looking for something a little different? Enjoy a unique menu that's a refreshing change from the ordinary.

Laredo's — When you're craving Mexican food, this is our pick for some of the best around!

A Little Local Advice: Melrose and Keystone Heights offer a taste of authentic small-town Florida. Restaurants, shops, and other attractions are a short drive away, so bring your appetite and enjoy exploring!

And when you'd rather stay in, your bungalow has a fully equipped kitchen, so you can prepare your own meals and enjoy a relaxing evening at the lake.

Inside Scoop

The Inside Scoop-Insider tips from your local hosts!

Don't Sleep Through Sunrise! One of Swan Lake's special treats happens early in the morning. As the sun rises, the wildlife comes alive, and water birds appear in abundance. When the water catches the morning light, the reflection can be absolutely spectacular. Grab your coffee, find a peaceful spot, and enjoy a little lakeside magic!

First Friday Art Walks — Melrose has a creative side! On the first Friday of each month, local art galleries open their doors, with entertainment and food trucks adding to the fun. It's a wonderful way to experience our small-town community.

December Means Parades! Our hometown celebrates the season with not one but two December parades—one during the day and another at night. It's a festive way to experience the charm and community spirit of Melrose.

Step Back in Time — In some Decembers, Melrose offers a historic tour featuring old Florida homes and businesses that have stood the test of time. If your visit coincides with the tour, it's a wonderful opportunity to discover the area's history and heritage.

Taste of Old Florida — Melrose and Keystone Heights offer a quieter, more laid-back side of Florida. You'll find local restaurants, charming small-town traditions, scenic country roads, and beautiful natural surroundings rather than crowded tourist attractions.

Our Best-Kept Secret? You don't have to go anywhere at all! Enjoy your morning coffee while watching the birds, spend the day exploring Swan Lake, and wind down in your private hot tub. Sometimes the best vacation memories happen when you simply slow down and enjoy where you are.

We're happy to share more local recommendations during your stay. After all, the best way to discover Melrose is with a little help from someone who calls it home!