Entire home·Private host

10/10 Rated • Private Garden Cottage Retreat • Minutes to Downtown

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A modern kitchen with white cabinetry, a stainless steel refrigerator, a microwave, and a dining area with a marble table and white chairs.
A modern hotel room with a bed, seating area, kitchenette, and a TV displaying a beach scene.
A modern kitchen with white cabinetry, a stainless steel refrigerator, a microwave, and a sink.
A kitchen with a microwave, a glass display case with cookies, a bottle of wine, and a 'thank you' sign.
A wooden fence, two metal chairs, a small table, a potted plant, and a hanging light fixture.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 237 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View in a map
Charleston, SC
  • Place, West Ashley Greenway
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Citadel Mall
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Harborage at Ashley Marina
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Airport, Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Room options

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About this property

Entire place

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

10/10 Rated • Private Garden Cottage Retreat • Minutes to Downtown

A Stay You Can Count On

This private garden cottage has earned consistent 10/10 reviews for five consecutive years—something we’re proud of and committed to maintaining.

Guests choose this space for one reason:
it delivers—every single time.

Welcome to Your Charleston Retreat

Tucked away in a quiet West Ashley neighborhood, this private cottage offers a peaceful escape just minutes from historic downtown Charleston.

From the moment you arrive, everything is designed to feel easy, comfortable, and just a little special.

Private parking is steps from your door, and a charming garden path lined with oaks, hydrangeas, and ferns sets the tone for what’s ahead.

Inside, the space is bright, airy, and exceptionally clean—consistently described by guests as pristine, cozy, and a true sanctuary.

Thoughtful Touches That Matter

This isn’t a basic stay—it’s a cared-for experience.

• High-quality linens and a comfortable, well-appointed space
• Fresh baked cookies, wine, and chilled water waiting on arrival
• A quiet private patio perfect for morning coffee or an evening glass of wine
• A setting that feels tucked away—yet close to everything

Location Without the Noise

You’re just minutes from downtown Charleston, local restaurants, beaches, and historic sites.

Many guests choose to Uber, avoiding the hassle of parking while still enjoying easy access to everything the area offers.

Exactly as Shown—No Surprises

What you see in the photos is exactly what you’ll find when you arrive.

Clean. Comfortable. Peaceful. Consistent.

A Note on Quality

This is not a high-volume rental.

Each stay is personally prepared with care and attention to detail so every guest walks into a space that feels fresh, spotless, and ready to enjoy.

If you value cleanliness, quiet, and a stay you can rely on—you’ll feel right at home here.

Guest Favorite

“On a scale of 0–5, this cottage deserves a 6! Beautiful, convenient, and so clean. We can’t wait to come back.”

Important Notes

• City of Charleston Permit: OP2025-06392
• Business License: 024432-04-2021

Payments: 50% at booking, remaining balance due 30 days prior.

Weather Policy:
We recommend travel insurance for unexpected events. Refunds are not provided for weather-related disruptions or circumstances outside our control.
During your stay at this cottage, you'll be close to The Citadel. Free WiFi in public areas and laundry facilities are available. Free WiFi and a kitchenette are available in the cottage.
  • Air-conditioned cottage with kitchenette, washing machine, and balcony or patio
  • Free WiFi (speed: 50+ Mbps)
  • Amenities include laundry facilities
  • 8 minutes by car from Medical University of South Carolina and 8 minutes from College of Charleston
As a guest of this cottage, you'll find a garden and laundry facilities. WiFi is free in public spaces.

This Charleston cottage is smoke free.


Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchenette

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Freezer
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster
  • Toaster oven

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Magnifying mirror
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Single level property
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city centre
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • Near the marina
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Property does not allow children
  • Unit size: 400 square feet

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 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please DO NOT strip the bed.
Please hang towels on towel bars and bath rug on the rug bar.
Please DO NOT start the dishwasher.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

No smoking or vaping allowed anywhere on the property. Violations will result in immediate removal with no refund.
NO PARTIES OF ANY KIND.

Pets

  • No pets 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

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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 are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, 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
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
The Backyard Cottage ESCAPE THE Ordinary!
The Backyard Cottage - Escape THE Ordinary! Cottage
The Backyard Cottage - Escape THE Ordinary! Charleston
The Backyard Cottage - Escape THE Ordinary! Cottage Charleston

10/10 Rated • Private Garden Cottage Retreat • Minutes to Downtown Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 110 out of 111 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 111 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 111 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 111 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 111 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Leanne M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the cottage and its location. Will stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Leslie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely place to stay!! Clean and close to restaurants, shoes, etc. beautiful, peaceful yard.Owners very responsive and ready to assist with any questions.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mark H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cottage was in a great location. Everything about the cottage was perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Wanda B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cleanest place I have ever stayed at!!! Owners are very nice and easy to ask about anything!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Matthew L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Margie and Sydney were amazing hosts! The listing was exactly as advertised, if not better. Check-in and check out were very smooth thanks to the guidebook provided in the house and emails prior to arriving. We will definitely be back and would recommend this rental.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Laura B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Backyard Cottage met all of our expectations and more! It’s a peaceful and private getaway offering a clean, quaint, and most comfortable stay in Charleston! The location is close to shopping, the Greenway for walking, and other tourist attractions. Everything we needed for a lovely vacation was included with a few extras to further our enjoyment. Our hosts were very attentive and available if needed. We highly recommend this hidden gem!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Vicki M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed our stay here. It's a beautiful place. The cookies left for us were a great touch...... And very good. We had everything we needed. I would definitely recommend this to others.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joe M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage was great! Extremely clean, everything you need for your stay is there. The owners are very hospitable. The cottage was very comfortable, we loved how the high ceiling made it feel even more spacious. We cannot recommend this cottage enough. Thank you again for great place to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage was SO clean! We enjoyed the fresh baked cookies, wine & Kurig coffee pods & creamers! The backyard is beautiful & quiet.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Shirley Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We would give it a 5* plus. The space and amenities were well thought out. Not one thing missing that we needed. The Garden Cottage was cozy and lovely as was the beautiful backyard garden. I was impressed with the details and loving care the hosts have shown. Fresh delicious home baked chocolate chip cookies, wine and a lovely note welcomed us. We would choose this place again if in the area and highly, without hesitation, recommend this cottage. It is indeed a retreat.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Denise S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean well decorated and was cozy and peaceful ! Was in middle of all different routes to get to and fro. Very welcoming too!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Amber J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property was perfect! It is the cutest little cottage. The owners have taken care to ensure every detail was well thought out. The cottage was absolutely immaculate, cozy, and had everything we needed. So much better than a hotel room, and we loved how tucked away and private it was. It's a quick and easy drive to downtown Charleston too. Margie and Sydney are perfect hosts; very easy to communicate with, quick to respond, and they even had delicious fresh baked cookies waiting on us! We will definitely be staying here again in the future!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

AMy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Room was cute and comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Margie is a wonderful host and the property is impeccable! The backyard cottage was an exceptional retreat for my visit to Charleston.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jimmy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were very impressed with this back yard paradise very clean and quite just what we were looking for.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gloria M.

The hosts were very welcoming and accommodating.I had an initial stay and enjoyed it so much I rescheduled a second stay in buying a house in the area. Also, I extended my stay due to the delay in the closing. Margie and Sydney made it a wonderful stay. The place is what we call "Hilda clean" in my family (a reerence to my Mother). It is centrally located in West Ashley for restaurants, food shopping
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Shawn K.

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

Weekend in Charleston

The property & hosts were absolutely amazing! The hosts thought of everything to make our stay wonderful, from homemade cookies & a bottle of wine to luggage racks & toiletries. We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jonathon A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was one of the best places we have stayed aince we started doing vacation rentals. Me an my wife just loved it. Clean, easy access to everything, wonderful host. Will definitely be our first option when we return to Charleston.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Britteny H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage was clean with neat amenities. I was greeted with fresh baked cookies and a card for my birthday! It was a beautiful place and made me feel at home.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra E.

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

Nice stay!

We stayed here on our road trip honeymoon. It was a wonderful location that allowed us to easily go to Folly Beach and downtown Charleston. The hosts were great communicators and the space was lovely.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Davis L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My stay at this clean and quaint backyard cottage was great! Margie was a gracious host and met all of our needs. The location is great if you are looking to stay close to downtown Charleston but not directly in the city as it’s just a short drive away. Would highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Andrew P.

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

Great stay!

Very clean, nice place very suitable for two people! I would definitely recommend this place to others!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jack S.

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

Awesome spot for our honeymoon.

My newly wedded wife and I loved our stay. The property itself was beautiful and the neighborhood felt very safe. Plenty of places to eat and hang out in the surrounding area. Will be recommending to friends and family in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nhu D.

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

Exceptionally clean, well designed, peaceful stay

The cottage was exceptionally clean, well designed, peaceful, with all the amenities needed. Thanks for an amazing stay while we enjoyed our anniversary! We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Karen M.

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

Garden Cottage

Beautiful accommodations and attentive host!!Highly recommend this Tinee house for anyone interested in a relaxing home away from home!!This was a return trip for us and we plan further visits in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025