Apartment

The Peaceful Retreat Near Birmingham

Lakefront apartment with free breakfast and outdoor pool

Photo gallery for The Peaceful Retreat Near Birmingham

Property grounds
Exterior detail
Exterior
Miscellaneous
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 665.0 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Oak Mountain State Park
  • Place, Grandview Medical Center
  • Place, The Summit
  • Airport, Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.)

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 2

1 Single Bunk Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Sofa Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Peaceful Retreat Near Birmingham

PLEASE CLICK ON THIS PAGE TO OPEN IT AND READ THE DESCRIPTION....

You don't have to sacrifice tranquility and beauty for convenience. Meadow Lake Suite is relaxing, private, and cozy, with a picturesque meadow, stream and fishing lake just a few steps out the door. Nearby are parks, a splashpad in summer, restaurants, and shops. It's the perfect accommodation for couples, small families, seniors, solo adventurers, and business travelers. While the owners live in the home upstairs, guests have the roomy basement suite all to themselves.

This is a private and restful two/three-bedroom, ground-level/walkout basement apartment suite that features easy access parking, its own entrance, roomy master bedroom with a queen bed, closet, and desk, smaller separate bedroom area with a bunk bed, large bathroom with walk-in shower, kitchenette area with a cafe table, a living room with comfortable seating and a sleeper sofa couch. The suite is easily accessible for some with limited mobility or handicaps. A portable crib & roll-away bed are also available for use. We also rent a cabin on the property that sleeps 4, allowing larger groups to enjoy the property together. (Search for "Meadow Lake Cabin" on VRBO)

*Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 10 a.m. CST

*SMOKE-FREE ZONE - The suite, the area immediately around the house, and the pool area are all Smoke-Free Zones. Smoking is only permitted on the lawn areas. There are no exceptions to this. Smoking is permitted on the lawn, and guests must dispose of cigarette butts in their vehicle ashtray, a water bottle, or smoke bucket outside the door. Smoking indoors will incur a damage fee.

*EXTRA PERSON FEE - We require an accurate statement of the number of guests in your party. The basic rate includes 2 guests. Every additional person, over 1 year old, will be charged $12/person/night.

*NO OTHER INVITEES - Guests of ours may not invite their own guests, friends or family onto our private property. No exceptions are allowed!

*AMENITIES - 3 acres with access to the front meadow, a seasonal stream, the dock overlooking a 6-acre lake, fishing, pool, & fire pit. The quiet, respectful use of these is available from 9am-9pm.

*LAKE - Catch & Release fishing only with a rich diversity of wildlife to enjoy.

*POOL - Unheated, salt-system swimming pool with pool toys and a patio with gas grill and dining tables. Minors using the pool or lake must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.

*FIRE PIT - for hotdogs & marshmallows, live music, and fellowship

*PETS - NO pets are allowed in the Suite. This is to accommodate guests with allergies. Exceptions are made for bona fide service dogs, however, you will need to affirm and demonstrate the following:
"1. They must be willing to honestly affirm that the animal is a service animal and attest to what task the animal performs. 2. Handlers must have their animal under control either on a leash or by verbal command if they are unable to use a leash. 3. They must pick up after the animal and dispose of waste appropriately."

* FIREARMS - Personal firearms may not be carried openly on the grounds or brought into the Suite.

* QUIET - We respect our guests' right to a quiet getaway and ask them to also respect the peacefulness we enjoy. Evening quiet hours are from 9pm to 9am, but we like for Meadow Lake to be a tranquil place all day. Loud volume music or other entertainment isn't allowed on the property.

Our home is located just off a county road, but on a private lane that's only used by the few residents living on it, allowing privacy without being remote. There is a railroad crossing within 1 mile, but the sound of the occasional train is usually soothing rather than disruptive. Chelsea has small-town character, but easy access to big-city amenities. The Shelby County area has many quiet and scenic roads to explore. Within 15 minutes you can find great dining and shopping options, a large cinema, and any number of services. Our county seat, Columbiana, has a pleasant Main Street to stroll, complete with a drugstore soda fountain. Columbiana also lays claim to a small gem of a museum with the second largest collection of George & Martha Washington memorabilia outside of Mt. Vernon!

Meadow Lake is approximately a 30-minute drive from downtown Birmingham, a 40-minute drive from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (23 mi or 37 km), 2.5 hours from Hartsfield-Atlanta Airport (152 mi or 245 km), 30 minutes from Amtrak Birmingham rail station (19 mi or 30 km), and less than 30 minutes from Interstates 65, 20, or 459.

We believe informality is a key ingredient of relaxation, and it begins when you arrive. We're always glad to recommend places to visit, shop, or eat at in our area, or otherwise make ourselves available to help.

We look forward to your stay with us!

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Amenities

Pool
Breakfast included
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
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 friends of guests on property w/o approval
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
We allow smoking only outdoors on lawn areas.

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
Note from host: No friends of guests on property w/o approval
Long-term renters welcome
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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Chelsea

Located in Chelsea, this apartment is on a lake. The Summit and The Village at Lee Branch are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Oak Mountain State Park and Macallan Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Treetop Family Adventure or Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Fishing and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking/biking trails nearby.
Map
Chelsea, AL

What's nearby

  • Oak Mountain State Park - 10 min drive - 9.1 km
  • Grandview Medical Center - 15 min drive - 19.9 km
  • The Summit - 17 min drive - 22.0 km
  • Riverchase Galleria - 24 min drive - 33.3 km
  • Barber Motorsports Park - 35 min drive - 36.1 km

Getting around

  • Birmingham Station - 24 min drive
  • Birmingham International Airport (BHM) - 35 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Buffalo Wild Wings - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Station 31 Kitchen - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Good Ole Boys BBQ - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does The Peaceful Retreat Near Birmingham have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is The Peaceful Retreat Near Birmingham pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Peaceful Retreat Near Birmingham?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Peaceful Retreat Near Birmingham?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Peaceful Retreat Near Birmingham located?

Situated on a lake, this apartment building is within 9 miles (15 km) of Treetop Family Adventure, Oak Mountain State Park and Airwalk Trampoline Arena. Eagle Point Golf Club and The Village at Lee Branch are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 125 out of 131 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 131 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 131 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 131 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 131 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dustin P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Good place to stay

Nice and quiet
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ron K.

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

Weekend get away

This repeat customer had a great time.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Beth H.

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

Welcoming

Great hosts, welcoming home and beautiful scenery! We were very comfortable and will stay again upon return to the area.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

John E. R.

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

Chelsea

Just a brief overnight getaway. Really enjoyed the relaxing environment. I wish we had had more time to enjoy all the property.has to offer.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vanesa B.

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

Perfect retreat

The suite was lovely and the hosts incredible! We had a blast in the pool, loved the hiking recommendations (if you're a nature lover, you need to stay here), and appreciated the comfortable beds. One heads up if you're travelling in a mixed age group - the exit to the outside is through the main bedroom and the access to the bathroom and kitchen from the main bedroom is through the bunk bed room. It's no big deal (can't say enough how much we LOVED our stay), but it might be worth taking innto consideration if you have early risers in your group and you're planning out who will sleep where.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Judee R.

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

Great host

David was the best. Wonderful!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer D.

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

Thoughtful touches

Cute little cabin in a quiet area. I was in town for the Mammoth March at Oak Mountain State Park and our host was kind enough to have a few things on the shelf and in the fridge so we had food the morning of our hike. Communication was also good. Responded quickly if I had any questions.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Art L.

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

Nice getaway spot

Well maintained, out of the way property. Three guys on a golf trip. We came back after staying here two years ago. Road construction made it a little harder to get to, which is why I gave less than 5 stars on location. Not the owners fault! Follow property owners directions to the property, as otherwise hard to find, especially at night. Will stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

8/10 Good

James H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
No stove in kitchen. That was not a factor. Everything was clean
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent place to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colby D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice and clean place, has everything need there. Wonderful host and location and some good fishing
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property is beautiful. David and Tracy were very responsive to our requests. It was a comfortable stay and suited our needs to a T!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gloria S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful visit with our granddaughter who absolutely loved swimming in the pool. Very peaceful stay. Close enough to enjoy Birmingham attractions but far enough away for the peace and quiet.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nikki E.

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

Baseball tournament in Hoover

This is an amazing property. We came in for a baseball tournament and the property offered relaxation with the pool and pond area.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laney E.

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

Amazing oasis

We loved our stay. The owner was super nice and very helpful. They had a little conoe you could use on their part of the pond. Fishing was good. Lots of little perch and if you’re lucky you can get a big bass. The pool was refreshing and good size. They have everything an outdoor kid could want to do. Recommend this place as a getaway that’s not too far from the town.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Etta B.

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

Amazing

Most beautiful place in Alabama. The host were so kind. Fresh flowers and treats in the fridge. Very clean. The yard was so beautiful. Everything was very clean. Very safe as I travel alone with my son.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Haven C.

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

Relaxation

The stay was just as we expected and some! The check in process was really smooth, came back from the beach and was able to just make ourselves at home and relax. The amenities were perfect and the kids enjoyed making smores by the fire.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Megan W.

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

Sweet Suite

Very kind hosts with a beautiful property. We stayed for a wedding and it was right in the middle of all the things we needed. Would highly recommend and would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nels E.

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

Lodging for Chelsea family gathering

Serene, peaceful
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Justin S.

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

Thank you

Great hospitality
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Caleb B.

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

Review

It was a great stay super nice folks
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heidi N.

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

Restful, warm, cozy stay

Stayed for short get-away to see Barber Motorsport Museum and hike. Warmly welcomed. Peaceful spot close to Birmingham attractions. 10 minutes from hiking at Double Oak Park and 30 minutes from Barber Museum. Reasonable price. Had everything we needed.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Byron H.

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

Nice place

The property was a very nice place just off the beaten path and minutes from anything needed. I originally thought it was an apartment complex/duplex and not an apartment below the owners house but overall it was a pleasant experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debbie R.

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

Amazing Place To Stay

I had a very comfortable, relaxing stay. The hosts are great people and their accommodations are very safe, clean and nicely equiped, furnished nicely with great taste. Private entrance so as not to bother them. Everything you could possibly need and more for a great home away from home feeling. Very short distance to the hustle, bustle of city life with all the amenities you could possibly need. I highly recommend them for your next get away and would be very happy and honered to stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steve D.

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

A Pleasant Retreat Indeed

During our "homeless" period while awaiting completion of our new house, we found this location. It was very conveniently located, quiet, and in a beautiful setting. Our host David was very cordial, and helpful in providing all information we needed. Ease of coming and going couldn't have been better. We rested well and enjoyed our stay very much. My wife and I had plenty of room; a family of 4 would find the space adequate. There are many games available, also books, as well as the TV. The kitchen, while fairly small, is equipped well. No complaints from us! I just wish I'd had time to fish a little, as the lake and the dock are mere steps from the door. This was a great find and met our needs perfectly!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

About the host

Hosted by David Marshall

Host profile image
We love travelling, and want to offer our guests the best of the hospitality we've experienced in accommodations in the U.S. and abroad. We enjoy going beyond the usual expectations to offer special features to our guests. When our guests leave, refreshed, satisfied, & wanting to return, we know we've succeeded.

Why they chose this property

When our children grew up and moved away, we relocated to be near a new grandchild! We had to wait over a year to purchase Meadow Lake, but it was well worth it.

What makes this property unique

When we first saw the property we thought it was gorgeous. Then we realized it was for sale, and that there was a possibility of it actually being ours! After a year's wait that became a reality. From the beginning we knew it was not just meant for us--we had to share it with others. Making our Suite available to guests helps us realize this part of the dream too.

Languages:

English, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests