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

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Property grounds - 10/10 Rated • Private Garden Cottage Retreat • Minutes to Downtown (Charleston)
1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, iron/ironing board, free WiFi - 10/10 Rated • Private Garden Cottage Retreat • Minutes to Downtown (Charleston)
1 bedroom, hypo-allergenic bedding, iron/ironing board, free WiFi - 10/10 Rated • Private Garden Cottage Retreat • Minutes to Downtown (Charleston)
Dining - 10/10 Rated • Private Garden Cottage Retreat • Minutes to Downtown (Charleston)
Shower, rainfall showerhead, hair dryer, towels - 10/10 Rated • Private Garden Cottage Retreat • Minutes to Downtown (Charleston)
10/10 Rated • Private Garden Cottage Retreat • Minutes to Downtown provides amenities, such as a garden and laundry facilities. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2400 sq ft

Popular amenities

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

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire cottage 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.

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
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washer/dryer

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

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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 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

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 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.

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

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

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
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
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
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

About the area

Located in West Ashley, a neighbourhood in Charleston, this cottage is near a water park and on a river. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Waterfront Park and Folly Island Beaches, while South Carolina Aquarium and North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center are popular area attractions. Patriots Point and USS Yorktown are not to be missed. Jet skiing, kayaking and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby. Visit our Charleston travel guide
View more Cottages in Charleston
Map
Charleston, SC

What's nearby

  • West Ashley Greenway
    5 min drive - 2.5 miles
  • South Windermere Shopping Center
    5 min drive - 2.9 miles
  • Citadel Mall
    6 min drive - 3.5 miles
  • Old Towne Creek Country Park
    6 min drive - 2.9 miles
  • Harborage at Ashley Marina
    7 min drive - 4.2 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Circle K
    13 min walk
  • Circle K
    5 min drive
  • Jersey Mike's
    13 min walk
  • Chick-fil-A on Savannah Highway
    3 min drive
  • Starbucks
    12 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is 10/10 Rated • Private Garden Cottage Retreat • Minutes to Downtown pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at 10/10 Rated • Private Garden Cottage Retreat • Minutes to Downtown?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at 10/10 Rated • Private Garden Cottage Retreat • Minutes to Downtown?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 10/10 Rated • Private Garden Cottage Retreat • Minutes to Downtown?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is 10/10 Rated • Private Garden Cottage Retreat • Minutes to Downtown located?

Located in West Ashley, this cottage is within 3 miles (5 km) of West Ashley Greenway, Citadel Mall and Harborage at Ashley Marina. Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 106 out of 107 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 107 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 107 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 107 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 107 reviews

10

Cleanliness

10

Location

Reviews

Verified

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Gloria M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Margie and Sydney were welcoming and accommodating.I tried to get the property when in Charleston a year ago and now I know why. I was able to book it twice within the last month and enjoyed my stay. I even extended one stay.The property is private and in a great location. It is close to any things you would need. Shopping, food stores, restaurants, etc.You will not be disappointed staying here. The area is quiet and felt like home. It is "Hilda clean" a reference to my Mother who kept a clean home.I have now purchased a home here, but for anyone inquiring, don't hesitate. Book it and you will have no worries and have a great stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

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

10/10 Excellent

Scott C.

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

Anniversary in Charleston

Sometimes you just need a get-away from all the day to day junk. The Garden Cottage Retreat was our answer.Great little cabin. Short drive to all of our activities.Super place to stay.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alex L.

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

Wonderful getaway spot.

This is a wonderful little spot to stay if you want to be close to Charleston but also not in the middle of all the hustle and bustle that the city offers. It was very clean and quiet, while having plenty of space and appliances that if you wanted to stay in for a night and just relax you totally can.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cathy P.

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

Perfectly peaceful cottage!

We absolutely loved our stay! Our hosts went out of their way with the extra touches. Very clean, quiet and safe neighborhood.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff H.

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

Great Place To Stay

We loved the backyard cottage. It was exactly as advertised. Great location, wonderful hosts, and very nice accommodations. We would definitely stay here again if we return to Charleston.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen G.

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

Paradise in SC

The cottage was absolutely perfect. We felt right at home and enjoyed the restful sleep we received as a result of the peaceful surroundings and the comfortable bed. The Dudleys certainly take great pride in their property and joyfully share it with others.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

April and Russ R.

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

Cozy Cottage

This beautiful backyard cottage was perfect. The owners, Margie and Sidney thought of everything, from the homemade chocolate chip cookies, to beverages and snacks. The cottage was sparkling clean and was a short drive to downtown Charleston. We had everything we needed to relax and enjoy our trip!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Courtney S.

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

The perfect cottage location

The absolute perfect place to stay while in Charleston! Close to everything and anything you could want (beach, downtown, shopping). Extremely clean, well equipped, and the hosts were quick to communicate with us when we needed something. Would definitely stay here again if we return to the area. Highly recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ronda P.

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

Perfect location with all the extras!

Spent our anniversary weekend at the backyard cottage. The reviews were spot on, Margie has literally thought of EVERYTHING, including fresh baked cookies and a bottle of wine waiting for us! The location was super convenient to everything we wanted to do and see. Hoping to return for future stays!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Douglas W.

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

Wonderful

The property was exactly as described. It was pretty, very clean and comfortable. The extras such as cookies, a bottle if wine and drinks were a bonus. The neighborhood was quiet and very convenient to everything.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jen O.

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

The Perfect Getaway

We absolutely loved this little cottage! It was immaculate. Margie thought of everything including a phone charger, which my husband forgot. It was a great location and an easy drive to downtown. I can’t recommend it enough!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lora S.

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

Darling Cottage

Everything was superb from booking, communication, location & all the wonderful things the cottage offered. Cleanliness is extremely important to us & the hosts did not disappoint. The decor of the cottage, quality of the linens & the treats left for us was superb! The info & the pictures on VRBO were accurate. Book this cottage & you will not be disappointed. It’s amazing!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin N.

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

Absolutely Wonderful

Perfect for my short business trip to Charleston. Quiet and comfortable, and many wonderful extras that made the stay memorable. I enjoyed it and highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany B.

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

The best!

My daughter and I had a wonderful stay at this charming backyard cottage. It was so clean, up to date, nothing was left to be forgotten. Every little touch the hosts have thought of. I highly recommend a stay here 💕
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steven J.

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

Perfect Oasis

Not much to say except it was perfect. Got to enjoy the hustle of downtown Charleston, but leave it and go to this beautiful place to relax. This place was beyond clean and all the little touches you guys added was awesome. Anytime we go to Charleston, we will stay here
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristen B.

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

Exceeds Expectations

This property was the perfect home away from home! The minute we walked in the cleanliness was a win for me! The location is perfect! Easy to get to downtown & beach areas! Also there are a lot of good restaurants close by as well! The host was so nice & made sure we had everything we needed! Such a nice getaway! Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024