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20 Mi to UF Campus: Santa Fe Lake Escape w/ Dock!

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Waldo Vacation Rental Home | 5BR | 2.5BA | 4 Steps Required
Lakefront Location | On Santa Fe Lake
Sunroom | 1st Floor | Pool Table
Living Room | 1st Floor | Smart TV | Free WiFi
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
5 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 10298.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Waldo, FL
  • Place, Santa Fe Lake
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • Place, University of Florida
    ‪34 min drive‬
  • Place, Shands at the University of Florida
    ‪35 min drive‬
  • Airport, Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)
    ‪23 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Queen Beds

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

2 Single Beds and 1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Full Bathroom

Full Bathroom

Half Bathroom

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen

About this property

20 Mi to UF Campus: Santa Fe Lake Escape w/ Dock!

Kayaks Provided | BBQ Ready | Water Views

Experience lakeside living at its finest when you stay at this Waldo vacation rental near Gainesville! Whether you’re in town to cheer on the Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium or just seeking a peaceful escape by the water, you’ll find the perfect base in this 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath house. Fish or kayak on-site before checking out local shops and eateries in Melrose! Then, return home for a game of billiards or relax on the furnished porch.

-- THE PROPERTY --

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS
- Bedroom 1: 1 king bed
- Bedroom 2: 1 queen bed
- Bedroom 3: 2 queen beds
- Bedroom 4: 1 queen bed, 1 twin bunk bed
- Bedroom 5: 1 twin bed, 1 bunk bed (twin/full)

INDOOR LIVING
- Pool table
- 2 Smart TVs
- Gas fireplace
- Hardwood floors

OUTDOOR LIVING
- Private dock
- 5 kayaks (3 adult-sized, 2 youth-sized), canoe, paddleboard
- Furnished porch w/ lake view
- Spacious yard w/ cypress trees
- Gas grill
- Outdoor shower

KITCHEN
- Refrigerator, stove/oven, microwave, dishwasher
- Drip coffee maker
- Toaster, blender
- Dishware & flatware, cooking basics
- Granite countertops

GENERAL
- Keyless entry, self check-in, free WiFi
- Washer & dryer, iron/board, trash bags/paper towels
- Towels/linens, hair dryer
- Central heating & A/C, ceiling fans

FAQ
- Quiet hours (after 7:00 PM)

ACCESSIBILITY
- 2-story house, 4 steps required to enter
- 1 bedroom & full bathroom on 1st floor

PARKING
- Driveway (5 vehicles)
- RV parking available (upon request)

-- THE LOCATION --

- Lake Santa Fe access, fishing & kayaking on-site
- 7 miles to Historic Downtown Melrose: local restaurants & cafes, antique shops
- 20 miles to Gainesville, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
- 5 miles to Brown's Farm
- 11 miles to Newnans Lake Conservation Area
- 15 miles to Gainesville Regional Airport, 72 miles to Jacksonville Int’l Airport

-- 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
- No pets allowed
- No events, parties, large gatherings, or loud music
- This property has a strict maximum occupancy of 8
- Must be at least 25 years old to book
- Additional fees and taxes may apply
- Photo ID may be required upon check-in
- Please observe quiet hours starting at 7:00 PM

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- This 2-story house requires using 4 steps to enter; 1 bedroom and full bathroom are accessible on the 1st floor
- For stays longer than 3 weeks, mid-stay cleanings will be required at no additional charge

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Lake view

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House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Earleton

Located in Earleton, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Hippodrome State Theatre and Camp Blanding Museum and Memorial Park are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Waldo Motorsports and Thomas Center. Travelling with kids? Consider Florida Museum of Natural History, or check out an event or a game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. With kayaking and power boating nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
View more Holiday homes in EarletonOpens in a new window
Map
Waldo, FL

What's nearby

  • Santa Fe Lake - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Gainesville Raceway - 24 min drive - 30.2 km
  • University of Florida - 34 min drive - 40.5 km
  • Shands at the University of Florida - 35 min drive - 40.8 km
  • Ben Hill Griffin Stadium - 36 min drive - 41.4 km

Getting around

  • Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional) - 23 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Hardee's - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Stone’s Irish Pub - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 20 Mi to UF Campus: Santa Fe Lake Escape w/ Dock! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at 20 Mi to UF Campus: Santa Fe Lake Escape w/ Dock!?

As of 30 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 20 Mi to UF Campus: Santa Fe Lake Escape w/ Dock! on 19 July 2026 start from NZ$510, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What time is check-in at 20 Mi to UF Campus: Santa Fe Lake Escape w/ Dock!?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 20 Mi to UF Campus: Santa Fe Lake Escape w/ Dock!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is 20 Mi to UF Campus: Santa Fe Lake Escape w/ Dock! located?

This family-friendly Earleton holiday home is located on the waterfront, 0.9 mi (1.4 km) from Santa Fe Lake, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Waldo Motorsports and Santa Fe River. Thomas Center and University of Florida are also within 20 miles (32 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 41 out of 43 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 43 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 43 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 43 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 43 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

S D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was very clean and plenty of room. We had a great stay. Also the beds were comfortable. Definitely would stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Seamus C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The host was so very sweet and very accommodating! Very responsive. The house is perfect for quiet nights and mornings. Just secluded enough for the rural and close enough for a little city.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

Beautiful location. Had a great time.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Kelli

Wonderful stay

We had a blast as usual! Everything was fantastic! Ready to plan our next visit!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marisa O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Place

This is a great house and property with an extremely helpful and attentive owner. We stayed for Memorial Day weekend and had the best time. Will definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

John

So relaxing

A Great place to get away and relax! This is our second visit and we will be back.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Erik

Great time

Great time.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Perry C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

gator nationals

was very well kept . enjoyed
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Multi generation trip to attend UF graduation

Very relaxing home The back porch is fantastic and the lake views gorgeous It's a bit of a drive into Gainesville, but it was nice to get away from all the graduation crowds. Comfortable beds and plenty of room. We had a great weekend!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome experience

Place was awesome and great customer service
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great weekend

Had a great weekend, convenient location, and quiet! Great place for a weekend or longer, plenty to do, and a lot of fun. Well furnished and maintained.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sonya D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spring Break/Race weekend!

Had an awesome start to spring break 2023 in this beautiful home. Perfect for friend and family group. Very nice home and location. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Sonya

Family and Friends Spring Break Race weekend

We had 2 families enjoy this beautiful home. Some headed to the Gator Nationals and other enjoyed the lake and the sunshine!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Getaway

We recently visiting this wonderful little getaway on Lake Sante Fe. I have stayed at several properties over the years on this lake, and I have to say, this has been my favorite. The owner was communicative and helpful. We are already looking to book again!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gerhart M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wedding weekend

Beautiful clean house with amazing waterfront views great amenities and comfy beds
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wade M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Waldo fun!

Great time at our rental on Little Santa Fe Lake. Came to Florida for the football game in Gainesville from Texas. House was very clean, comfortable and just a short drive from Gainesville. Would highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brenda H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great home

Very nice home and we had a great time! Thank you
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

deborah v.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect stay

The house was great and the view and nature is spectacular. I was not aware that all but the master bedroom are on a second floor. But they are very spacious and plenty of room. Would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cathy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Thanksgiving gathering

The house was beautiful, better than I expected from the listing. It had been obviously renovated, and the bathrooms really are nice. The dock, and the lake were beautiful. We enjoyed using the fire pit. The kitchen was very well equipped, and I had no problem at all making an extensive Thanksgiving dinner in the kitchen. There is a nice Winn-Dixie about 15 minutes away. There is an up-to-date, modern washer and dryer that worked beautifully. We would like to stay here again!
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

UF graduation

We rented this home to attend my son's graduation at UF. It is a beautiful property and house has a lot of space. Too cold and windy that weekend to get out on the lake unfortunately. It was about a 30 minute drive to the university which was not as convenient for attending some events associated with graduation. Otherwise I would definitely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Rita

Great home for families traveling for graduation

We had family coming in for our son's graduation from the University of Florida and we rented this beautiful lake house for us all to be together. The home was very spacious allowing us all to be together without being on top of each other. The bedrooms and bathrooms were very large and had ample storage space. There were so many things to do including playing a game of pool, fishing, swimming, boating, trail walking, and even a bricked-in firepit. The home was very clean with updated appliances and finishes. The owners were very responsive when we had a question and we will be recommending this home to our friends who also have kids at UF.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

PeePee J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful getaway

We stayed to celebrate our daughter’s graduation from UF Vet school. The house was beautiful and spacious. We had 4 adults and 1 teenager with plenty of room. We enjoyed mornings and evenings sitting on the dock and porch. We spent many hours fishing off the dock and landed a few small fish. The weather was also perfect the entire stay. I appreciated the canoe and kayak options however my family was scared an alligator was going to eat them LOL, no gators were seen. The only negative I have is the shower water pressure was weak and the ladies complained about getting shampoo out of their hair. Wasn’t a big deal for me and certainly not a deal breaker. I would definitely stay here again and would highly recommend this house.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Back porch swinging!

Loved the house and lake setting. Made lots of memories! Would most definitely go back! And loved sitting on the back porch swinging in the two swings, very peaceful!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice, spacious house in an excellent location!

The house seemed even larger than the impression I got from the listing. Property is right on the lake and has everything you need to have a wonderful vacation. Owner was quick to reply to questions and requests.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tara W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Amazing property

This house is immaculate, spacious, and has everything you need to enjoy a vacation with family. It is nestled in the woods and has a gorgeous view of the lake. The house body multiple areas to spend time with family; pool table, cozy leather sectional, big kitchen, deck out front, and my favorite…that back porch! My only issue is the photos show 11 beds and their occupancy is limited to 8. I understand why they limit their occupancy (otherwise you could host a wedding at this beautiful location and is is in a neighborhood), but this should be the first line of information in the description, not the last. To be fair, the owner contacted me within days of booking to verify I new the occupancy limit and was more attentive to my questions/issues then the management company. If you are looking for a family friendly place to vacation, this is it! We will be staying here again when we visit Gainesville!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

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