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The Garden Cottage – A Storybook Retreat in the North Georgia Mountains

Holiday home in Clayton with kitchen and heated floor (bathroom)

Photo gallery for The Garden Cottage – A Storybook Retreat in the North Georgia Mountains

Exterior
Property grounds
Dining
Interior
Exterior detail
In charming downtown Clayton, The Garden Cottage offers a warm welcome with its beautifully landscaped garden and inviting screened-in porch. Unwind in the antique-decorated living spaces or enjoy a restful bubble bath in one of two claw foot tubs.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4830 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Outdoor space

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Garden Cottage – A Storybook Retreat in the North Georgia Mountains

Step back in time while enjoying modern comforts in this beautifully restored 1950s cottage, just a short stroll from charming downtown Clayton.
Nestled within stunningly landscaped gardens, The Garden Cottage offers a luxurious yet cozy retreat, decorated with antiques, collectibles, and unique finds from local artists. Whether you’re sipping coffee on the inviting screened-in porch, soaking in one of two clawfoot tubs, or curling up with a book under a handmade quilt, you’ll feel transported to a simpler, more elegant era.
Why You’ll Love It Here:
✔ Two private bedrooms – Each with designated bathroom for a comfortable and private stay.
✔ Gorgeous master bath – Complete with heated floors for a touch of luxury.
✔ Fully stocked vintage-style kitchen – Enjoy cooking with modern conveniences while soaking in the old-world ambiance. The kitchen comes complete with the original 1955 GE refrigerator fully restored, a nostalgic gem that perfectly complements the home’s vintage charm.
✔ Fast Wi-Fi & a designated workspace – Perfect for those who need to stay connected while relaxing in the mountains.
✔ Enchanting outdoor spaces – Lush garden, charming outdoor décor, and serene seating areas invite you to unwind.
Perfectly Located for Adventure & Relaxation
Less than half a mile from downtown Clayton, known for its award-winning farm-to-table restaurants, boutique shopping, and upscale antique stores. Unlike many overcrowded tourist spots, Rabun County remains pristine, with 60% of its land protected as National Forest.
✔ Explore Tallulah Gorge, one of Georgia’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
✔ Dine at the famous Dillard House for a taste of true Southern hospitality.
✔ Sip local wines at nearby vineyards while enjoying scenic mountain views.
✔ Adventure awaits with hiking, rafting, fishing, and waterfall excursions just minutes away.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a peaceful retreat, or an outdoor adventure, The Garden Cottage is the perfect home base for your North Georgia escape.
Book your stay today and experience the magic of this charming time-capsule cottage!

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 private bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Heated bathroom floor
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Porch/lanai

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the mountains
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • 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)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Property does not allow children
  • Unit size: 830 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are 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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and return the keys
Please put any used towels in one of the bathtubs.
Checkout time is 11:00 a.m. Please give us a courtesy message when you depart.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

This property does not allow children

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
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 deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that 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

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property

About the area

Map
Clayton, GA

What's nearby

  • Main Street Gallery - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Rabun County Golf Club - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Lake Burton - 12 min drive - 14.0 km
  • Tallulah Gorge State Park - 15 min drive - 20.7 km
  • Unicoi State Park - 45 min drive - 53.3 km

Getting around

  • Atlanta, GA (PDK-DeKalb-Peachtree) - 102 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪The Vandiver - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Waffle House - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Garden Cottage – A Storybook Retreat in the North Georgia Mountains pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Garden Cottage – A Storybook Retreat in the North Georgia Mountains?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Garden Cottage – A Storybook Retreat in the North Georgia Mountains?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Garden Cottage – A Storybook Retreat in the North Georgia Mountains?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Garden Cottage – A Storybook Retreat in the North Georgia Mountains located?

Situated in the mountains, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Chattahoochee National Forest, Main Street Gallery and Rabun County Golf Club. Mountain Lakes Medical Center and Black Rock Mountain State Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).

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Reviews

The Garden Cottage – A Storybook Retreat in the North Georgia Mountains Reviews

10

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.6

Location

10

Eco-friendliness

10

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 228 out of 239 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 239 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 239 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 239 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 239 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

lana

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
I enjoyed my stay. The kitchen was fully stocked with anything you would need and a grill out back. Property was close to stores and places to eat. Perfect place to stay in the beautiful mountains.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pamela R.

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

Quaint and cozy cottage

Everything you would want. Close to delightful downtown with restaurants and shops. Not far from Tallulah Gorge trails.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony P.

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

Charming cottage.

We had a great time.b
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelli K.

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

Beautiful

My mom and I loved staying at this house. It's beautiful. We loved all the decor and the antiques etc. We didn't get brownies like other guests have mentioned in their review but still love it.but we still loved this house.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diego C.

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

Great

Nice and central
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

GLENN B.

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

Christmas Time

Wonderful place to stay. Cozy and comfortable
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mea F., Jacksonville

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

Beautiful cottage in a beautiful area

I truly enjoyed staying in the cottage. It was so warm, welcoming, and inviting, with everything we needed. I wish I could have stayed longer. I would love to come back in warmer weather and enjoy some local hikes around areas I spent in my youth.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Charlene C.

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

Cute fairytale cottage

The cottage is cute! cute! cute! Comfortable beds, lovely screened porch. We have already booked another stay. Very convenient to downtown Clayton.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

J. Sue T.

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

Escape the heat of Texas

The location was perfect for us to enjoy the forest, mountains, and picturesque small towns of north GA. Our owners prepared a wonderful guide and local information to make our stay welcoming and an easy daily itinerary to make the most of our month long stay. A fully equipequipped kitchen and excessive linedne
Stayed 30 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

AMAZING!

I can’t say enough positive things about this precious cottage! The owners were very communicative, and instructions were very clear. The cottage itself was absolutely stunning! We will certainly be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Braxton F.

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

Perfect Weekend Getaway!

Such a charming little house! Super cozy and homey feel. We were gifted brownies upon arrival-how awesome is that?! The place was clean and smelled fresh. We were within 5 minutes from downtown Clayton which was really convenient. Besides the absolutely beautiful garden out front, my favorite spot was the cozy front porch. Definitely would recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Patricia D.

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

The perfect retreat

Thank you to our hosts for their southern hospitality. Our stay at this charming cottage was wonderful. An absolutely adorable cottage, perfect for the 2 of us. Nestled in the foothills of the smokies but just outside of town. Clayton had everything we needed for our visit and the location was so central to an abudance of scenic adventures. Beautiful waterfalls, magnificent views of the mountains and rivers. We enjoyed many great day trips. Jim & Patti
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janette D.

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

Absolutely, positively wonderful!

If it is charm you are looking for, look no further. This cottage, its hosts and the town of Clayton are the definition of charming. My husband and I were on a work vacation since we are both remote workers, the dedicated work space and strong uninterrupted WiFi at the cottage meant there were no hiccups in our work schedule. Clayton and the surrounding areas are everything you would want from a small, quaint mountain town. The cottage hosts have thought of everything you could possibly need in this home away from home. The icing on the cake is beauty of the cottage itself. Pictures do not do it justice. Will definitely stay again.
Stayed 11 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather P.

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

Such a Gem

When I saw this cottage online I knew it was the ideal place for a girl’s getaway. I didn’t care what town it was in, it just had to be. It is situated one street above town on a quiet street about 5 minutes from the downtown core of Clayton and 10 minutes from Tallulah Gorge. You enter through an inviting screened in porch that I debated immediately sitting in to take in all the fascinating decor, but really wanted to get inside and discover what this cottage was all about. Inside an equally delightful and uniquely decorated world awaited. I’d love to have the decorator come and create that look in my home. Touches of Christmas were even added everywhere! The bedrooms were a good size, the furniture antique and the beds comfortable and to my delight the master bathroom (LARGE) had heated flooring. The living room was a comfortable size and the kitchen perfectly adorable and well equipped. The only thing I’d like to have had was more silverware, but we just washed as we used it so that was fine. The hosts were VERY responsive and helpful and had even left a pan of freshly baked brownies! It’s a definite I will stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Irine K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thank you, we enjoyed our stay. The location was very convenient and we felt very comfortable. I really appreciated the owner of the property shipping my laptop back to me since I left it behind. It was a very kind gesture! The whole process from booking to the end of our trip was seemless!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chad M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was perfect, everyday my wife and I found some new antique that we didnt see the day before. Every room felt nice and cozy. Coffee on the front porch is a must. Thank you for a great week.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy J.

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

The perfect getaway!

We had the most wonderful stay at this charming cottage! It was cozy, beautifully decorated, and felt like a true escape from the hustle of everyday life. We especially loved relaxing on the porch and soaking in the peaceful mountain air. Every detail was thoughtfully done, making it feel like a home away from home. Highly recommend for anyone needing a little reset in a beautiful, serene setting!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

WILLIAM M.

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

Cozy cottage

Property was just as advertised, a very cute and cozy spot. My wife and I enjoyed the week we stayed here being so close to the city of Clayton, within walking distance. This is our second visit to Clayton…plenty of nice shops and good restaurants. Just down the road from the cottage is a very nice winery, Tiger Mountain Vineyards…worth the visit. All in all, the cottage is a comfy, convenient location for a couple’s getaway.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna S.

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

Beautiful Cottage

We really enjoyed our stay at the Garden Cottage! It is super cute and unique with lots of character. It is very close to town for shopping and dinner! A short drive to many state parks, lakes, and adventures!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael S.

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

Cottage stay

Very nice, relaxing time
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rusty H.

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

Cozy Cottage

My wife and i spent the weekend in this quiet, cozy cottage for our 25th anniversary. The cottage was just like the pictures, and the host was easy to communicate with. We had a great trip. Will definitely stay here again if in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debbie H.

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

Awesome storybook cottage

The cottage was so adorable and peaceful. I highly recommend the cottage for those who are seeking something special.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tim W.

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

Very nice

From the landscaping to the interior decor, every this was great!! I highly recommend it!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kayla

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
This cottage was so perfect for my short stay in Clayton! It was the perfect size, everything was so clean, and it felt like staying at home while on vacation! I was visiting some family, and having the kitchen allowed me to make dinner for them! Overall, it was the best experience I've had in a short-term rental, and I'm so excited to stay again! Ronnie was incredibly kind and helpful, the perfect host!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Evie C.

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

My new favorite experience!!!

This is an amazing property. Loved the porch, loved looking at all the marvelous clever cottage chic. Everything worked. Such thoughtful touches for guests. The bad part? We had to leave!!! I’m coming back!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025