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

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

Exterior
Exterior detail
Property grounds
Interior
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4830 sq ft

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Clayton, GA
  • Main Street Gallery
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Rabun County Golf Club
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Kingwood Resort Golf
    ‪7 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Guest

1 Double Bed

Master

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Guest

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Master

Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden

About this property

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 manager

Ronnie Owings
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor Space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 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

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock

About the neighborhood

Clayton

Located in Clayton, this vacation home is in the mountains. Main Street Gallery and Foxfire Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Rabun County Golf Club and Tiger Mountain Vineyards. Andy's Trout Farm and Highlands Aerial Park are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Vacation Homes in ClaytonOpens in a new window
Map
Clayton, GA

What's nearby

  • Main Street Gallery - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Rabun County Golf Club - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Tiger Mountain Vineyards - 4 min drive - 3.3 km
  • Black Rock Mountain State Park - 5 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Kingwood Resort Golf - 7 min drive - 6.1 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Waffle House - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪La Cabana Mexican Restaurant - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Burger King - ‬16 min walk

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.

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?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

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

Situated in the mountains, this vacation 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 mi (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 208 out of 216 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 216 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 216 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 216 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 216 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer D.

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

Adorable Cottage Near Downtown

This little cottage was just beautiful! We stayed here for our 2 year anniversary and absolutely loved it. Being walking distance to downtown Clayton was a cool bonus that we took advantage of a couple of times. Even though the cottage is off of a sort of main road, it feels so peaceful and quiet inside, and I don't remember hearing cars. The decorations are feminine and sweet, and it feels like you're visiting someone's actual home. You can tell that everything hanging on the walls was chosen with care, and even the bathrooms were beautiful to be in! It was a perfect, romantic place for us to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dakota H.

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

Post Christmas Cottage Stay

We can’t even begin to say how lovely this cottage was. So well decorated and cozy, and CLEAN. We had an incredible time during our stay and I can absolutely say we will be back. The location was perfection and Ronnie was so great at communicating. 10/10.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

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

Kathy B.

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

Cozy, beautiful cottage getaway!

My daughter and I had a wonderful stay at this beautiful garden cottage. It was perfect for a relaxing long weekend. The master bathroom was a dream come true. We enjoyed looking at all of the antiques and decor in the cottage.The screened porch was beautiful as well. The cottage was close to downtown for shopping and restaurants. It was also close to a number of waterfalls and other outdoor adventures. We would highly recommend this beautiful and charming cottage. We even had fresh homemade brownies waiting for us when we arrived! arrived! 5 st
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diane F.

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

Charming Cottage

Enjoyed a girls weekend at this quaint cottage retreat. Clean, cozy and the beds were very comfortable. Location was good, we were able to walk downtown and enjoy restaurants and shopping in Clayton.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joyce S.

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

Mountain getaway

As always everything was perfect. LOVE this cabin! Perfect location, perfect decor, beds comfy! Cozy cabin. Brownies always a nice touch (my husbands favorite). Thanks so much for allowing us to enjoy this beautiful cabin. I tell everyone who will be in that area about the cabin.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lynn G.

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

Mom and Daughters Get Away

It was a perfect cottage for travelers who love new places to stay. It was so comfortable and charming, so many perfect touches. We stayed in to enjoy the cottage and ventured out to do almost all on the suggested list posted in the living room. We took pics of interior design as it inspires for our own homes. Very fun and comfortable! Great location. Loved the drive to Tate City and cooking in with wine and a football game.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Jerry M.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Crash for wedding

Fascinating collection of art and mountain artifacts in a mountain house. Bathrooms have been updated, and house has amenities galor: grill, porch with slide, coffee pot with Keurig, and central a/c. A lifetime of mountain crafts are all over the property
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tammy S.

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

Quaint & Comfortable

It was clean and decorated so uniquely country. We loved the warmth each room showed. The brownies waiting for us was such a nice touch. The binder with all the information was so helpful and thoughtful. We loved the screened in porch. The only little thing which could improve the stay is a better parking situation. Parking on the side of the road, with little space was the only thing we hoped could be better. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, and will definitely stay there again and tell our friends about it!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

L Kaye A.

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

Hidden Gem

The cabin was even more impressive than the pictures, which I didn’t think was possible. The screened in porch was an excellent relaxing way to start and end each day. The location was just a few minutes from the charming town of Clayton. Couldn’t have found a better place to stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda M.

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

Sweet mountain retreat

This was a truly sweet cottage setting, off the road but close enough to great Main Street restaurants and shops. The cottage was well-appointed with vintage charm. It had a terrific porch and beautiful, lush plantings on the exterior. We appreciated the delicious brownies from our hosts as well! It was a great location for short trips to the beautiful natural features and places to see nearby, including vineyards, potteries, and beautiful vistas. We're not hikers, but many trails, outdoor activities, and sports opportunities were available.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

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

MICHELLE L.

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

An Chanting Getaway

ABSOLUTELY dreamy. As soon as I visited the property on vbro. I had to visit. The lovely decor to EVERY last detail was perfect. So cozy and inviting. The cottage was the highlight of my trip. When we arrived some yummy brownies was a special added touch. . I want to come back for a girls weekend. So dreamy..
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane J.

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

Whimsical!

My stay was absolutely wonderful! The owners are so lovely and the home was just magical! Also, it’s so close to town so convenient! I look forward to staying here again and again!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

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

Ruth P.

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

Exploring mountain life

We had the pleasure of staying at this charming cottage, and it was an absolute delight! The cottage itself was cozy and intimate, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. But what truly made my stay exceptional was the outstanding hospitality of the host. From the moment we booked the cottage, Ronnie was incredibly helpful and communicative. He went above and beyond to ensure that we had everything we needed, from recommendations for local attractions to fresh towels and linens. During our stay, Ronnie was always available to answer any questions we had, and his responses were always prompt and helpful. His attention to detail and dedication to his guests' comfort is truly impressive. The cottage was immaculately clean. The location was also perfect, with plenty of nearby attractions and activities to enjoy. Overall, I would highly recommend this quaint cottage to anyone looking for a relaxing and peaceful getaway. And a huge thank you to Ronnie for being such an exceptional host! 5/5 stars!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

James N.

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

Great Location!

Wonderful cottage close to charming downtown. Central to some of the best hikes and scenery I’ve seen in the mountains of TN, NC, and Ga. Perfect for a couple or 2. Great location and Value from my experiences. 5 stars for cottage and surroundings for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. I’m not a shopper or antique enthusiast but one would not be disappointed!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jill H.

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

Beautiful cottage

This beautiful cottage was enchanting and relaxing. We had everything we needed for a wonderful rest. Bed was comfortable and bathrooms were clean with great water pressure. Front porch was a wonderful hangout for coffee and reading. Would stay here again if Clayton is a destination again. Close to Main Street and good restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather B.

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

Perfect mother daughter trip

I took my 77 year old mother and we loved it. Fabulous trip. Wonderful cottage. The location was very central for all our needs. I slept like a baby every night the beds were so comfortable. I loved the nostalgic feel of the cottage. It felt like grandmas house. Thank you for an amazing get away.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christina B.

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

Perfect mountain cottage

Absolutely loved how secluded this little house was. Perfect to rock on the porch…wish we had more time to stay. Hope we can book again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

sSarah H.

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

Wonderful stay!

We loved the decor, the thoughtful details that made our stay enjoyable and the location—close to restaurants and downtown shops. I would absolutely love to book again, and will on any future trips to the area!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tiffiani J.

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

Quaint Little Cottage in the Mountians

This cottage was very adorable and beautifully decorated. This vacations gave me the time to relax and reflect on what's important in life. The area was very accessible and have a safe feeling.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Donna G.

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

Cute Comfortable Cottage

We stayed in this darling cottage while on a hiking trip. The cottage is absolutely precious! Comfortable. Well stocked with things you need in a short term rental. Close to downtown as well as parks. Will stay there again if ever in the area. We even had a surprise of delicious cookies provided for us!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew B.

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

Fairytale Cottage

It was even better than the photos! We adored the Cottage! Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

About the host

Hosted by Ronnie Owings

Host profile image
Rabun County was our family vacation spot. In 2014 my wife and I bought this cottage, just to see how much we would use a second home. It didn't take long to realize that we needed to devise a plan to live here permanently. I've been a professional photographer for 35 years and love exploring what the world has to offer. No matter where we travel, I'm always counting the days 'til I can get back to Clayton. I am currently a Real Estate Agent in Rabun County. Let me know if you would like to Explore a home perfect for you.

Why they chose this property

We absolutely love everything about this property. We restored every room, without destroying its 1950 charm. We used it for 4 years as a weekend house, and 1 year as our permanent residence. We could live in 800 square feet just fine, but just had too many furnishings and collectibles to just keep in storage. When we gave up this house, we decided to offer it on VBRO to share it with others.

What makes this property unique

Location, Location, Location......is what we like about Toole Street. Walking into town for dinner was one of our favorite things to do. We certainly take advantage of all the tourist type of activities that draw people to this area........but we absolutely love the conveniences of Wal-Mart, Home Depot and even the hospital being one mile away.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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