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Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay

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Exterior
Outdoor dining
Exterior
4 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Dining

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathrooms

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Birmingham, AL
  • Place, Southern Museum of Flight
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, New Bethel Baptist Church
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.)
    ‪5 min drive‬

Room options

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About the neighborhood

Birmingham

Located in South East Lake, this cottage is within a mile (2 km) of sights such as Southern Museum of Flight and Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. The cottage includes a kitchen, a patio, and a dining area.

What's nearby

  • Southern Museum of Flight - 1 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve - 3 min drive - 1.3 miles
  • New Bethel Baptist Church - 4 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • University of Alabama at Birmingham - 9 min drive - 9.1 miles
  • UAB Hospital - 10 min drive - 9.3 miles

Getting around

  • Birmingham Station - 15 min drive
  • Birmingham International Airport (BHM) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Little Caesars Pizza - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Church's Texas Chicken - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Daiquiri Factory - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬7 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.

Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay

Welcome to Ruffner Retreat House—a beautifully updated historic home designed for comfort, connection, and convenience. With 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and space to accommodate up to 7 guests, this inviting retreat is perfect for families, friend groups, or anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing stay just minutes from Birmingham’s best attractions.

Inside, you’ll find high ceilings, spacious rooms, and thoughtful updates throughout, blending modern touches with the charm of a classic home. The open dining area greets you as you enter and flows seamlessly into the living room, creating a natural gathering space for meals, conversation, and downtime. The living room features a Smart TV, comfortable seating, and a queen sofa bed for additional sleeping space. While the decorative fireplace is not functional, it adds a cozy, character-filled focal point to the room.

The fully equipped kitchen is located just off the dining area and includes everything you need for preparing meals, including a dishwasher and ample essentials. Whether you're cooking a full dinner or just brewing your morning coffee, you’ll feel right at home.

This home offers a versatile sleeping setup to comfortably accommodate larger groups:

A spacious primary suite with a king bed, Smart TV, large closet, and private ensuite bathroom
Two additional bedrooms, each with a full bed (one includes a tucked-away washer and dryer for added convenience)
A bunk room featuring two twin-over-twin bunk beds—perfect for kids or group stays
A queen sofa bed in the living room for extra guests

Both bathrooms are updated and feature shower/tub combinations, offering convenience for both quick mornings and relaxing evenings.

Step outside to enjoy the backyard space, complete with a charcoal grill, a picnic table, and a cozy bistro set for two—ideal for casual outdoor meals or winding down after a day of exploring.

The home is conveniently located near Ruffner Mountain and East Lake Park, and just a short drive (about 15 minutes) from downtown Birmingham, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and the Birmingham Zoo. Its location also makes it especially convenient for travelers coming through the nearby airport.

For ease of access, guests will park in the gated area behind the home, accessible via the alleyway. Entry is through the back door using a digital keypad, with your unique code provided prior to check-in. Once inside, you’ll have full, private access to the entire home.

Family-friendly and pet-friendly (with a fee), Ruffner Retreat House is designed to make your stay easy, comfortable, and memorable. A pack ’n play/travel crib is also available upon request for those traveling with little ones.

Make yourself at home—we’d love to host you!
The cottage is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a patio. There's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms and a dining area. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fenced private yard, and a coffee maker.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Coin laundry
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the mountains
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

*Guest must sign Renter Agreement. *Minimum age to rent is 21 Welcome! We look forward to hosting you. We want everyone to have a pleasant experience

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21

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.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • 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 fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a deadbolt lock.

Property is also known as

orp5b7502ex

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do near this cottage?

This cottage is situated in South East Lake, close to Birmingham Zoo, Birmingham Race Course Casino, and Avondale Brewing Company. You'll also find A.G. Gaston Gardens and Southern Museum of Flight within a short drive.

How much does it cost to stay at Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay?

As of May 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay on May 11, 2026 start from $348, 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.

Will I be able to park at Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay?

No, there isn't parking at this cottage.

Is this cottage next to a casino?

No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this cottage?

No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.

Is Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay a good place to stay for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this riverfront cottage include a smart TV and a kitchen along with a garden.

Does Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this cottage.

Does this cottage provide breakfast?

No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this cottage allow pets to stay for free?

Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this cottage.

Does Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay have connecting rooms available?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this cottage.

What is the closest airport to this cottage?

The closest major airport to this cottage is Birmingham International Airport (BHM), which is 3.3 mi away (14 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay?

Yes, every cottage at Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay comes with a patio.

Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay Reviews