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Peaceful Garden Cottage Retreat!

Riverside cottage with kitchenette and balcony

Photo gallery for Peaceful Garden Cottage Retreat!

The cottage was absolutely perfect. We felt right at home...Kathleen G.
The place was sparkling clean and bright and airy. You can't go wrong! ~ Jan
They thought of everything, this was by far the best place to stay. - Donna H.
Everything was as described and even better. Loved all the details. ~ Janine
I'm a clean freak, this place was cleaner than my own home. ~ Danica

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 237.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Charleston, SC
  • Place, Medical University of South Carolina
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, College of Charleston
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Port of Charleston
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Airport, Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Sleeping area

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchenette
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Peaceful Garden Cottage Retreat!

Welcome to our Cottage, your serene escape in West Ashley— where Southern hospitality meets modern comfort, just minutes from the heart of Charleston’s historic district.

This beautifully appointed cottage offers an exceptional getaway experience that consistently exceeds expectations. From the seamless booking process and clear, responsive communication to the thoughtfully curated space, every detail has been designed with your comfort in mind.

Start your stay with private parking just steps from the front door. A charming garden path lined with oaks, ferns, hydrangeas, and azaleas sets the tone for a peaceful retreat. Inside, the cottage is bright, airy, and sparkling clean—a perfect sanctuary for couples, solo travelers, or anyone looking to unwind in style.

Guests consistently praise the space as "pristine," "cozy," "modern," "beautiful," and a "true sanctuary." High-quality linens, tasteful décor, and extra touches—like homemade cookies, wine, and chocolates on arrival—create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Enjoy quiet mornings or relaxing evenings on your private patio oasis, ideal for sipping wine under the stars. When you're ready to explore, you're just minutes from Charleston’s top attractions. Many guests choose to Uber downtown, avoiding the hassle and cost of parking.

The property’s online listing and photos are 100% accurate, ensuring no surprises—just a smooth and delightful experience from start to finish.

Guest Review Highlight:
"On a scale of 0–5, The Backyard Cottage deserves a 6! Beautiful, convenient, and so clean. I can’t wait to come back!"

Whether you're in search of a relaxing retreat or a convenient home base to explore the Lowcountry, The Cottage promises an unforgettable stay.

Book now and experience Charleston at its finest!

Private, Peaceful, & Immaculately Clean

I personally clean and prepare the cottage after every guest. This isn’t a quick turnover — it’s a careful reset so each guest arrives to a spotless, welcoming space that feels brand new. My cleaning fee simply reflects that level of care and pride, guest consistently mention how exceptionally clean and well cared-for it is.

Our City of Charleston COO # is OP2025-06392. Business # 024432-04-2021.

Just a quick note on payments...“We keep it simple and fair — half is due when you book, and the rest about a month before your stay. No surprises, just peace of mind.”

Concerning Weather:
We do not provide refunds for circumstances outside our control, such as inclement weather, power outages, or natural disasters. We recommend you purchase travel insurance, offered when booking, to protect against such unexpected disruptions.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

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

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 are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit 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

About the area

Charleston

Located on a river, this cottage is in West Ashley, a neighbourhood in Charleston. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Waterfront Park and Riverfront Park, while South Carolina Aquarium and Patriots Point are popular area attractions. Check out an event or a game at North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center, and consider making time for USS Yorktown, a top attraction not to be missed. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing, kayaking and waterskiing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling.
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Map
Charleston, SC

What's nearby

  • Medical University of South Carolina - 7 min drive - 6.1 km
  • College of Charleston - 8 min drive - 6.7 km
  • The Citadel - 9 min drive - 7.4 km
  • Port of Charleston - 10 min drive - 8.7 km
  • Charleston City Market - 10 min drive - 8.7 km

Getting around

  • Charleston Station - 16 min drive
  • Charleston, SC (CHS-Charleston Intl.) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Jersey Mike's - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪East Bay Deli - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Konnichiwa Sushi, Steak, Seafood - ‬19 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Peaceful Garden Cottage Retreat! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Peaceful Garden Cottage Retreat!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Peaceful Garden Cottage Retreat!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Peaceful Garden Cottage Retreat! located?

Located in West Ashley, this cottage is 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from West Ashley Greenway and 3.1 mi (5 km) from Harborage at Ashley Marina. Port of Charleston and College of Charleston are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 92 out of 92 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 92 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 92 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 92 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 92 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

AMy H.

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

10/10 Excellent

Lauryn G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely the best choice to stay if you’re visiting Charleston. Not only are Margie and Sidney AMAZING hosts, but the cottage is so central to everything - only walking distance or short uber rides (bc parking around Charleston is a challenge) away. Love doesn’t even cover it. So grateful for them and their hospitality!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet peaceful stay in a neighborhood that was close to the airport, grocery stores, restaurants and downtown Charleston. Hospitality was exceptional with homemade cookies and wine waiting for us. Hosts responded to messages in a timely manner. We will definitely choose to stay here if we get back to Charleston.
Cosey quiet getaway!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Peaceful Cottage

The backyard cottage was such a peaceful and relaxing place to stay during our visit to Charleston. The garden was beautiful and the cottage was so clean. The host is so thoughtful with all of the special little touches that made our stay wonderful.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Valerie M.

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

Wonderful Stay!

The cottage is an absolutely ideal place for 1-2 people to stay when in Charleston. Everything was impeccable!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thomas G.

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

Charleston

Dainty, but newer furnishings.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa D.

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

Great experience!

The cottage was wonderful, very clean and had everything we needed. Cookies and wine when we walked in and a hand written note. Definitely a place I will come back to!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mya S.

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

Couldn’t have picked a better place!

The quiet neighborhood and peacefulness of the gardens are a treat after a busy day of exploring the city. Margie and Sidney were an absolute joy and pleasure to meet. I highly recommend staying that backyard cottage!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

TRACY T.

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

Amazing

Truly an amazing stay. Margie thought of everything. Southern Hospitality at its very best!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This hidden gem is tucked away, but also in a lively part of town which will meet all your expectations and beyond! Absolutely spotless clean and the hosts make you feel like you are at a home away from home! Tucked away in a backyard garden setting which is breathtaking. Great local food scene less than a 1/2 mile walk with some of the highest rated restaurants in Charleston. Fabulous BBQ at Swig & Swine we walked there twice in our stay for dinner! Short ride or uber to downtown Charleston. I can’t think of even one thing the hosts could change to make the stay any better than it is! 10 out of 10! Avoid the overpriced downtown and STAY HERE!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle K.

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

Perfect

My boyfriend and I had an amazing time here the cottage is absolutely gorgeous, spotlessly clean, Margie was the best, there for everything you would ever need, check in, and checkout was smooth as anything, I would highly recommend staying here, we will definitely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carol S.

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

Wonderful stay!

I traveled to Charleston with my bestie and the Cottage was the perfect place for us! It is immaculate and decorated so tastefully. The snacks and other amenities were very much appreciated. The best thing were the freshly baked cookies that welcomed us!! It was also nice to come "home" to a relaxing place after a busy day in the city. Margie and Sheldon are wonderful hosts and I highly recommend their place!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kassidy S.

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

the best airbnb experience

takes "southern hospitality" to a new level. for a tiny cottage, this home had everything we could need/ want AND MORE. awed & impressed in every way. will be telling all my friends to stay here! also the perfect location for site seeing around the city!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melissa R.

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

Charleston getaway

This property was perfect for my husband and I. It was well stocked with all we needed and more. Only about 10-15 minutes from downtown Charleston we were easily able to get to the things we wanted to do, and then come back and relax and recharge in a quiet neighborhood. Also the host were so helpful in helping us find places to eat and even a restaurant that would show our team that was playing in the women’s NCAA tournament. Thanks to Margie and Sid for this great place so we could enjoy our first trip to Charleston. I highly recommended this place to any couple!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer H.

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

Lovely Stay: A Touch of Southern Charm

My husband and I had a wonderful experience staying at the Backyard Cottage. We were welcomed with cookies, cold beverages in the refrigerator, and a hand written note. We felt safe and welcomed in the West Ashley neighborhood. This location was perfect for all of our Charleston bucket list items and loved the variety of restaurants close by when we didn’t want to eat downtown. We also noticed several restaurants in this area that had a 2nd location downtown which was a plus! We plan to be back for a 2nd visit!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ashlei R.

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

Absolutely The Best!!

Wow!! The Backyard Cottage is amazing!! So clean, cozy and has everything you need. We enjoyed coming back to the Backyard Cottage every evening and relaxing after a long day exploring Charleston! We were just minutes away from everything! Sydney and Margie had us delicious homemade cookies and wine in the refrigerator when we arrived along with a personal welcome card! I promise you won’t regret staying here! We will definitely be staying again in the future! Thank you again to Sydney and Margie for sharing your beautiful cottage with us!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mike K.

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

A new standard

Having stayed in many rental homes over the years, we always come back saying, "Why didnt they have...?". Not here. Every detail was covered. Easy check in, immaculate, wine and snacks waiting for us - it was a great, quiet place to come back to and relax after a day out and about. Location is great too; 10 minutes from downtown, and easy to get to beaches and other destinations. The nearby neighborhood had some excellent food options if you want to stay closer. Overall, the best place we've ever stayed and we will definitely book again if we're heading back to Charleston. Thanks for a great stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Darlene N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This cottage was truly perfect. Any need we could have, was thought of. There was even a plate of freshly baked cookies when we arrived. We were celebrating a big anniversay and were provided excellant dinner choices. We also loved visiting Folly Beach, Sullivans Island and the Boone Plantation for an interesting lesson of the land.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Clark S.

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

Long overdue vacation!

If my doctor would have prescribed a Vrbo for us, then this was exactly what we needed. Everything, and I mean everything, was described spot on in their description. The owners OBVIOUSLY take immense pride in their cottage and it showed the moment we arrived and stepped inside. No detail was left undone from excellent communication/instructions, detergent pods, coffee maker with sweeteners & creamers, freshly made chocolate chip cookies, and even a bottle of wine for our enjoyment. Seriously though, it was almost like I was a teenager again and my parents had set me up like I was coming home from college. :) They made an invitation (in the welcome information) to stop by their back porch in the morning to chat over coffee which I did a couple of times. What a treat talking and learning a little about them and how the cottage came to be. There was never any intrusion on our privacy as I always asked if they wanted company.The property is located in an extremely quiet neighborhood to the point where it seems you're in the country. As an amateur landscaper, I really enjoyed the plants and aesthetics in the property.The property is non-smoking/non-vaping which was a huge plus for us. Nothing against those that choose to indulge but we appreciated the real freshness of the cottage during our stay.I very strongly recommend staying here if you plan to be in Charleston. I know we will the next time we swing by from Ohio.Thank you again!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

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

About the host

Hosted by Sidney & Margie Dudley

Host profile image
We’re both proud to call the Lowcountry home and have been married for 43 wonderful years. In October 2019, we retired our welding and fabrication shop of over 30 years after Sidney experienced a massive stroke and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Today, we’re grateful to say he’s doing well and staying active.

After downsizing from the country to the city, we knew the moment we first saw this property that it was meant to be home. When we arrived, the cottage was just a shell and the grounds were wildly overgrown—but after six years of hard work, love, and vision, our dream is finally coming together.

We both enjoy meeting new people and spending time outdoors. Sidney has a deep love for the Lowcountry swamplands and says any day at the hunting club is a good one. Margie finds peace at the beach or working in the yard. We also enjoy biking and are lucky enough to start our rides right from our backyard.

We truly love this place and feel so fortunate to be able to share it with others. Hosting is a joy for us, and we warmly welcome you to The Backyard Cottage. We hope you choose to stay with us—we believe you’ll be glad you did.

WEATHER:
We do not provide refunds for circumstances outside our control, such as inclement weather, power outages, or natural disasters. We recommend you purchase travel insurance to protect against such unexpected disruptions.

Why they chose this property

Our West Ashley neighborhood is vibrant and welcoming, with young families, longtime locals, walkers, and cyclists all enjoying the charm of the area.

The West Ashley Greenway, a 10.5-mile trail just a five-minute walk from the cottage, is perfect for biking, jogging, or a peaceful stroll. Whole Foods, Starbucks, The Glass Onion (refined Southern soul food), and Swig & Swine (a barbecue favorite) are also within walking distance.

WEATHER:
We do not provide refunds for circumstances outside our control, such as inclement weather, power outages, or natural disasters. We recommend you purchase travel insurance to protect against such unexpected disruptions.

A short bike ride brings you to the Avondale community with Pearlz Oyster Bar, Highfalutin Coffee Roasters, Verde, Charles Towne Fermentory, Triangle Char & Bar, and Avondale Wine & Cheese—great for casual meals, drinks, or a cozy night out.

Nearby centers like St. Andrews and South Windermere make shopping and dining easy, with Harris Teeter, Earth Fare, Three Little Birds Café, and TCBY just minutes away.

Best of all, the cottage is close to it all—historic downtown Charleston, beautiful beaches, and the airport are only a short drive.

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, great food, or simple relaxation, The Backyard Cottage is the perfect place to experience Charleston right from your doorstep.

What makes this property unique

Our West Ashley neighborhood is vibrant, welcoming, and full of local charm, with a friendly, lived-in feel you won’t find anywhere else.

Just five minutes away, the West Ashley Greenway offers 10.5 miles of trails for biking, jogging, or strolling. Nearby, enjoy Southern soul food at The Glass Onion, BBQ at Swig & Swine, and local coffee shops and markets.

A short ride brings you to Avondale’s breweries, boutique dining, and cozy wine spots. Close to downtown Charleston, beaches, and the airport, the cottage combines authentic neighborhood charm with easy access to it all.

WEATHER:
We do not provide refunds for circumstances outside our control, such as inclement weather, power outages, or natural disasters. We recommend you purchase travel insurance to protect against such unexpected disruptions.

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