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Spend Your Vacation In A Real Southern Hotel

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Spend your vacation in the Historic Volante Hotel.
Beautiful gardens designed to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
View of house from bayside.
Entry porch from driveway a southern place with rocking chairs.
Entrance foyer on first floor looking towards the bayside of house.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
6 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Fairhope, AL
  • Place, Eastern Shore Art Center
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Place, Fairhope Avenue
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Fairhope Municipal Pier
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Mobile, AL (MOB-Mobile Regional)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1 Opens to first level foyer

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2 Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3 Blue Room Second Floor

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4 Black and White Room Second floor

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5 Orange Room

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 6 Blue and White Room Third Floor

1 Queen Bed

4 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 4

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 5

Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Spend Your Vacation In A Real Southern Hotel

The Historic Volante Hotel was completely refurbished and updated inside but retains its old Southern Charm from the 1890's. It is now a private residence and available to rent only to one party at a time. Spend your holiday in a true southern mansion. Historic oak trees with Spanish moss grace the extensive gardens planted to attract hummingbirds. There are wrap around verandas on both the first and second levels. The house has 3 levels and 6 large bedrooms. There are 4 bathrooms all complete with shower facilities. Relax on the veranda and sip your mint julep. The property has beach access and a 300+ ft private pier with a large boathouse. The property is on a private street and is very quiet despite being less than 5 minutes drive from the center of Fairhope. The beach is sandy and good for walking, swimming or boating. It is a wonderful house for family reunions, or to just step back in time and get away from it all. The furnishings have been carefully selected to provide comfort and charm.

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 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
No weddings. Only with prior approval by owner.
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Pets

No pets allowed
Only with permission from owner and xtra deposit.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
You will be charged for cleaning all carpets.
The Tenants are to use the stairs leading down to the beach, the terraces, the pier, the dock, and the boathouse at their own risk.
Owner and Rental Agent reserve the right to make repairs as necessary, and to enter the property with reasonable notice, or without notice.
NO REFUNDS will be made for appliance(s) or mechanical failures or breakdowns. The Rental Agent shall have the right to arrange, inspect and repairs.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number 5673
Property # 515747vb
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
Note from host: No weddings. Only with prior approval by owner.
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 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

Fairhope

Located in Fairhope, this holiday home is on the beach. Windmill Market and Fairhope Avenue are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Mobile Bay and Village Point Park Preserve. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Mike Ford Tennis Center or Al Trione Sports Park. Jet skiing, kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby.
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Map
Fairhope, AL

What's nearby

  • Eastern Shore Art Center - 19 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Fairhope Avenue - 2 min drive - 1.5 km
  • Fairhope Museum of History - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Marietta Johnson Museum - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Fairhope Municipal Pier - 3 min drive - 2.5 km

Getting around

  • Mobile, AL (BFM-Downtown Airport) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Agave - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Sunset Pointe at Fly Creek Marina - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪The Blind Tiger - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Fairhope Yacht Club - ‬17 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Spend Your Vacation In A Real Southern Hotel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Spend Your Vacation In A Real Southern Hotel?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Spend Your Vacation In A Real Southern Hotel?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Spend Your Vacation In A Real Southern Hotel?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Spend Your Vacation In A Real Southern Hotel located?

Nestled on the beach, this Fairhope holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Mobile Bay, Eastern Shore Art Center and Windmill Market. Fairhope Avenue and Fairhope Museum of History are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 34 out of 38 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 38 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 38 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Splendid home on bay with easy access to shops and restaurants in Fairhope. Our fourth stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Hard to imagine a better place for a large family gathering.

Spacious, comfortable, nicely furnished, well equipped in a great location.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gregg H.

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

Great stay

3 generations together for Easter. Everything was perfect.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 May 2025
Hi Gregg, thanks for you review and Tony and I are very happy that you enjoyed your stay. Kind Regards, Margaret.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Annual stay great as always

This was our third annual yearend stay and the place is still a marvel and a delight. A fine home offered by fine people who make sure everything is just right.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Naveed S.

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

Wonderful Stay

We enjoyed our stay at this wonderful property. Thanks for sharing with us.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Aug 2023
Thank you Naveed for your nice review. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and hope to see you again soon! Kind Regards, Margaret and Tony.
Verified

8/10 Good

Tipper W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

Right on Mobile Bay

Beautiful setting for relaxation or formal photos.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley F.

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

Lovely!!

It’s our 4th stay at Margaret’s house and it is lovely as always!!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 24 July 2024
Thanks so much Ashley for the nice review. We loved having you stay at the house. You take care of it as if it were your own.
Verified

8/10 Good

Brian A.

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

Great Location

Great location with close proximity to Fairhope and Mobile. House is extremely well stocked. Porches are great for passing the day!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 May 2024
Thank you for you review. Kind Regards, Margaret.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

A splendid stay once again

Back for end of year family gathering again and have already made our reservation for this year. It just doesn’t get any better than this.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

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

Beautiful Home

Great
Stayed 6 nights in May 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike S.

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

Ocean Ridge Friends Golf Trip

The property was even better then listed. Location Location Location, and what a view and great place to relax after playing the RTJ trail or walking around Fairhope. Felt like home.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Mar 2023
We are so happy you enjoyed your stay at our special place. Thank you for the nice review and we hope to see you again soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elise K.

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

Fairhope

I can’t begin to say enough great things about this property!!! Our family had the best time. We will be returning every summer to this home. The house, porches, grounds, wharf and location was perfection!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Aug 2022
Thank you for the lovely review and we are so happy that you enjoyed the property. We are looking forward to hosting you again. Kind Regards, Margaret.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley F.

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

Simply Amazing!!

This is our third year in a row staying at the property. It is absolutely magical with the most amazing sunsets and views. We love walking out to the pier and walking on the beach. The house is amazing and very spacious as well. We will be back again for sure!!
Stayed 28 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 July 2023
Thank you for your lovely review of the property and we are so happy that you enjoyed your stay. We look very forward to seeing you back again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

J D.

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

A fine place to stay during difficult times.

The house was/is as advertised. We stayed as a family (three generations) and were able to spread out across the three floors. It is a private location and we did not have to deal with crowds. The porches were great (as was the rest of the house) and we enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 22 July 2020
Dear J, thanks for your review and we are very happy that you and your family enjoyed your stay at the property. Best Wishes, Margaret and Tony.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beverley H.

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

Family Thanksgiving

Our family had a great Thanksgiving at this beautiful home on the bluff in Fairhope. The weather was not very cooperative, but we did brave trips down to the wharf and enjoyed having our big Thanksgiving meal at the beautiful dining room table. Cozy beds, and plenty of room to spread out. Thanks for a lovely trip!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Nov 2023
Thank you Beverly for your lovely review. We are so happy you enjoyed your stay and you are welcome back anytime. Kind Regards, Margaret.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elaine C.

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

You will love it!

The pictures of the house did not do it justice. Gorgeous and the view of Mobile Bay and the sunsets were amazing. Elaine
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 21 June 2022
We are glad you enjoyed the property and will update the photos! Thanks for the nice review.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason P.

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

Beautiful property

Excellent place to stay in Fairhope. It has all the southern charm and a great view of the bay. We enjoyed fishing, crabbing, throwing a cast net, swimming. We visited downtown Fairhope, a tea plantation on Weeks Bay, and went kayaking on the Dog River. The house accommodated our group well. We had everything we needed. The house is exceptionally well furnished. It appears to be a place that the owner uses and they have done a great job of making guests feel at home. Be forewarned that there are stairs everywhere, so if someone from your group has trouble with this, then it may not be the place for you.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tammy K.

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

Absolutely wonderful getaway!

The home was absolutely beautiful and beaming with authentic southern charm while providing all the needed amenities for our family gathering. The pier and boathouse were great for relaxing and fishing which allowed for a few teaching moments with some of our youngest. The only downside was that we arrived post tropical rain storm so the beach was not too enticing, but the close proximity to local sites and beaches kept everyone busy. Melissa was prompt and helpful with all communications and made us feel welcome. I would highly recommend this beautiful home for a relaxing vacation.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 4 July 2021
Thanks Tammy for your nice review. Both Tony and I are glad you enjoyed your stay and appreciate that you arrived the day of the Tropical storm. We do regular beach cleanings, but with a storm that size it takes awhile to get the cleaners out to the property. We hope that you visit us again sometime in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shari L.

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

We Didn't Want To Leave this Perfect Historic Home

I don't know where to start. When I was looking for a perfect vacation home for my mom's 90th Birthday Celebration in Fairhope, Alabama, I came across the Southern Hotel. Margaret, the owner, met with my mom and showed her the amazing house that was a hotel in the 1800's. It was love at first sight and we booked the house for Mom's birthday celebration. The decor, historic ambiance, dock, and lawn sets you back in time. I thought Margaret was going to have to evict my mom, but luckily we were able to get her to leave. I'm already planning another event at this perfect vacation rental.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary M.

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

Morris Celebration

We had a grandson graduate from Auburn on one Saturday and another one get married the next one. We choose one day to celebrate both of these events and Christmas. We started at 10 and went to 10! The place was perfect for this. We never felt cramped. Our host graciously provided many lovely dishes and accessories that we used. We would recommend it to others and hope to visit again in a few years.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jan 2022
We are so happy that you enjoyed the property and look forward to welcoming you again.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Kathy B.

Such a Beautiful Home!

Our family was visiting Fairhope for a family wedding in December and had the privilege of staying in this amazing house. So cozy and comfortable, plenty of room for our group of 12. Everything was perfect, beginning with our arrival, we were given a complete tour of the house and everything was thoroughly explained to us. I was amazed at the stock in the kitchen, any utensil you could possibly need was in this kitchen! We spent a lot of mornings having coffee on the porches, and in the evenings enjoying the view of Mobile Bay. So peaceful, yet so close to Fairhope where we found so many things to do in this unique town. We have stayed in vacation rentals many times before, but this one was exceptional! Margaret was so helpful and so easy to correspond with during the entire rental process. The house was even better than the pictures! I would love to come back to this unique property some day, and would highly recommend this house on the bay! Thanks for a memorable stay!
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2020
Thanks for the review Kathy, we are so happy you enjoyed your stay.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marlene c.

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

Beautiful vintage hotel on the water. Hope to visit again.

Perfect
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James W.

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

Fairhope Getaway

Beautiful house in a great location. Easy walk into town to enjoy shopping and restaurants.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 29 May 2022
Thanks James for the nice review and we hope to see you again soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley F.

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

Amazing Place!

We stayed at the house for a month and it was such an enjoyable experience. The house is beautiful, comfortable and overall amazing. We will be back for another stay!
Stayed 29 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda S.

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

Excellent in every way.

We loved your porch. You could see the water and all your plants. We loved your back yard. Your home was beautiful and we so admired your beautiful furniture. I think I could have stayed for the summer. Thank you for allowing us to spend time in your home. Thank you for furnishing coffee, shampoo & others. That was so nice of you. You are a dear lady.
Response from VrboOwner on 21 June 2021
Dear Linda, Thank you for the nice review. We are so happy that you enjoyed your stay at the Hotel by the Bay and hope to see you again. Kind Regards, Margaret.

About the host

Hosted by Margaret Hildick-Pytte

Host profile image
Tony and Margaret are residents of Australia. We have another property on VRBO in New Hampshire. We are US citizens but have been living and working in Australia since 1995. This property is near Margaret's mother who lives in the Pascagoula area. We found the house and fell in love with it's original southern charm. Margaret was born in Biloxi, Mississippi and is a southern girl at heart. This is the perfect place for escaping the harsh periods of the northern US Winter.

Why they chose this property

This property has been lovingly restored to accent the 1800's in the south but completely updated with modern accents and appliances. It is a historic hotel that catered to the genteel society of the day. Oak floors, period furnishings, large wood burning fireplace and spectacular views are only the beginning. The graceful gardens flower all year long with large camellias, azaleas, perennials, and oaks bearing Spanish moss. The gardens were planted to attract hummingbirds. The house is great for family gatherings.

What makes this property unique

There are two levels of wrap-around verandahs complete with furniture in both the front and back of the house. Many private areas for relaxing and contemplation. The area is so quiet and is like stepping back in time some 100+ years. Yet the town of Fairhope is just some 4-5 minutes drive away. Access to the beach is by stair, with landing. The beach is sandy and is suitable for daily walks and the Yacht club is just a short walk some 300 ft from the private pier. The property has a private pier with a grand boathouse complete with electric jet ski lift and power and water. There is a dock at the end of the boathouse for swimming, crabbing, and fishing. The gardens are spectacular with flowers blooming all seasons.

Languages:

English, Spanish

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