Shands at the University of Florida - 38 min drive - 26.2 miles
Gainesville Raceway - 38 min drive - 27.7 miles
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium - 39 min drive - 26.9 miles
Getting around
Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) - 29 min drive
Restaurants
Florida Cracker Kitchen - 11 min drive
McDonald's - 12 min drive
Wendy's - 11 min drive
Cedar River Seafood - 11 min drive
Hardee's - 11 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Unique Melrose Home w/ Private Dock & Lake Access!
Surrounded by lush greenery, Spanish moss, and breathtaking water views, this terrarium-style home will immerse you in an unforgettable setting of peace and serenity. This unique Melrose vacation rental features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an idyllic sunroom, and a private boat dock along Lake Santa Fe. Enjoy the tranquil sights and sounds of nature as you sip your morning coffee on the patio before putting on your swimsuit and indulging in waterskiing, kayaking, and fishing.
-- THE PROPERTY --
Game Room | Quiet Location | Pet Friendly w/ Fee | Private Boat Dock | Wildlife Viewing On-Site
Bedroom 1: King Bed | Bedroom 2: King Bed | Bedroom 3: Full Bed | Living Room: Full Sleeper Sofa | Additional Sleeping: Full Air Mattress
OUTDOOR LIVING: Back patio, dining space, seating area, gas grill, yard area, life jackets, beach towels, lake access KITCHEN: Fridge, stove, oven, dishwasher, microwave, cooking basics, drip & single-pod Keurig coffee maker, air fryer, hand mixer, slow cooker, blender, can opener, juicer, dishware/flatware, paper towels/trash bags INDOOR LIVING: Smart TVs, 2-sided gas fireplace, piano, dining table, multiple living spaces, sunroom w/ lounge area, pool table, board games, books, high ceilings GENERAL: Free WiFi, linens, towels, washer & dryer, central air conditioning & heating, complimentary toiletries, iron/board, hair dryer, keyless entry FAQ: 2 exterior security cameras (facing out), pet fee (paid pre-trip) ACCESSIBILITY: 2 exterior steps required to access, 2 interior steps required to access kitchen, single-story home PARKING: Driveway (2 vehicles), free street parking, boat/trailer parking available on-site
-- THE LOCATION --
ON THE WATER: Lake Santa Fe (on-site), Lake Geneva (7 miles), Orange Creek Camp Lake (8 miles), Lochloosa Lake (17 miles), Newnans Lake (19 miles), Orange Lake (32 miles) OPT OUTSIDE: Etoniah Creek State Forest (15 miles), Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (20 miles), Depot Park (21 miles), Boulware Springs Park (22 miles), Sweetwater Wetlands Park (23 miles), Loblolly Woods Nature Park (24 miles), Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park (25 miles) GAINESVILLE ATTRACTIONS: Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention (21 miles), University of Florida (22 miles), Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (22 miles), Florida Museum of Natural History-Exhibits (25 miles), Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo (28 miles), Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (29 miles) AIRPORTS: Gainesville Regional Airport (18 miles), Jacksonville International Airport (71 miles)
-- REST EASY WITH US --
Evolve makes it easy to find and book properties you’ll never want to leave. You can relax knowing that our properties will always be ready for you and that we’ll answer the phone 24/7. Even better, if anything is off about your stay, we’ll make it right. You can count on our homes and our people to make you feel welcome — because we know what vacation means to you.
-- POLICIES --
- No smoking - Pet friendly w/ $50 fee (+ fees & taxes) - No events, parties, or large gatherings - Must be at least 25 years old to book - Additional fees and taxes may apply - Photo ID may be required upon check-in - NOTE: This property requires 2 exterior steps to access. Although this is a single-story home, interior steps are required to access the kitchen, dining area, and game room - NOTE: Your safety matters. This property features 2 exterior security cameras. Camera 1 is located next to the front door facing the front entrance area, and camera 2 is on the back of the house facing the lake. The cameras are outward facing and do not look into interior spaces. The cameras record video and audio when activated by motion
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a patio, and there's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a sofa bed.
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Unit size: 2,600 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Important information
You need to know
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 25
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
Property is also known as
511538
Frequently asked questions
What's there to do close to this vacation home?
This vacation home is located in Melrose, just steps from Santa Fe Lake.
Will I be able to park at this vacation home?
No, there isn't parking at this vacation home.
Is this vacation home next to a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.
What amenities will couples enjoy at Unique Melrose Home w/ Private Dock & Lake Access!?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this waterfront vacation home include a fireplace and a kitchen in each accommodation with some featuring lake views.
Does Unique Melrose Home w/ Private Dock & Lake Access! have a hot tub?
No, this vacation home doesn't have a spa tub.
Does this vacation home offer breakfast?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?
Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.
Does this vacation home have connecting rooms?
No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
How close is the airport from this vacation home?
The closest major airport to this vacation home is Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV), which is 17.7 mi away (29 minutes by car).
Can I book a room with a balcony at Unique Melrose Home w/ Private Dock & Lake Access!?
Yes, every accommodation at Unique Melrose Home w/ Private Dock & Lake Access! comes with a deck with some featuring lake views.
Unique Melrose Home w/ Private Dock & Lake Access! Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 7 out of 8 reviews
10 - Excellent
7
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 8 reviews
8 - Good
1
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 8 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 8 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 8 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.6/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Gianpaolo B.
Apr 13, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Vacay
Beautiful stay!
Gianpaolo B.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Vanessa C., Fort Myers, Florida
Aug 4, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Lake getaway
Great location for exploring the surrounding areas with great amenities at the house for our relaxing weekend getaway.
Vanessa C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Victoria S.
Jul 31, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Victoria S.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
John S.
Jul 4, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely midcentury-style house with a great view and updated kitchen and bathrooms.
I found this property through a random search for waterfront homes near Jacksonville, hoping for a relaxing getaway close to home. Melrose, just over an hour away, pleasantly surprised me with its charm. The house is conveniently situated less than ten minutes from Keystone Heights, offering many dining options, and local gems in Melrose like the Frozen Pelican, where the burgers and snow cones are a must-try.
Cooking was a pleasure in the well-equipped, updated kitchen with new appliances. Nearby Winn-Dixie, only 4 minutes away, made it easy to stock up on supplies. We chose this property because it's one-story, which was ideal for my elderly father who uses a walker. Although there are some minor split-level aspects—such as a step to access the kitchen and bedrooms, and sunken showers—he managed them well with his walker.
The host was highly responsive, promptly resolving a minor AC issue upon our arrival. Now, about the view: overlooking Lake Santa Fe, the spacious backyard was perfect for our dogs, and the dock provided endless entertainment for fishing with the family. Comfort and cleanliness were exceptional; every bed ensured a restful sleep, and the house was immaculately maintained and well-stocked. We're already planning our next visit to recharge again at this peaceful retreat.
John S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
8/10 Good
Glenda K.
Jun 30, 2024
Good time
Beautiful sunsets great time on the lake. The dock could use some attention. It would be nice for the water to be cleared a little bit so that you could go in without all the weeds.
Glenda K.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth F., Merritt Island, FL
May 22, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely stay!
We enjoyed a long weekend at this property. Our stay was very enjoyable and relaxing. We fished from the dock (caught one small bass), played pool, which we especially enjoyed and relaxed with a game of cards, a book or a movie. There was just the two of us but the house has plenty of room for a family or group of friends or other couples. Thanks for a fun stay!
Elizabeth F.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Monique M.
May 17, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful View
House was clean and had everything we needed. Loved everything about the house, just watch your step going in and out of rooms. This is in the description but they are pretty steep. Other than that, enjoyed very much!