Entire home

The Cove At Smith Lake – Lakefront Retreat

Photo gallery for The Cove At Smith Lake – Lakefront Retreat

A view from a wooden deck overlooking a lake with boats, surrounded by trees and American flags.
A bedroom with a bed, dresser, desk, chair, and a large window with curtains.
A spacious living area with a high ceiling, a large dining table surrounded by chairs, a chandelier, and a view of a lake through large windows.
A large white house with a garage, a covered porch, and a small deck. There are three black lawn chairs and a table on the front lawn.
A modern living room with a grey sofa, a coffee table, and a dining area with bar stools.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Cue up the fun
    One of the few properties with an on-site pool table.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to Lewis Smith Lake
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool on site
  • Patio
  • Barbecue
  • Air-conditioning
  • Pet-friendly
  • Internet

Explore the area

View map
Arley, AL
  • Place, Lewis Smith Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Bankhead National Forest
    ‪29 min drive‬
  • Place, Clarkson Covered Bridge
    ‪54 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

+2
2 Single Beds, 2 Double Beds and 2 Single Bunk Beds

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Number of living rooms
Garden

About this property

The Cove At Smith Lake – Lakefront Retreat

🌊 An Upscale Retreat on Smith Lake

The Cove At Smith Lake is a true waterfront escape tucked into a quiet, private cove off the main channel — designed for couples looking for a romantic getaway and for families who want room to spread out together. However you're traveling, expect calm water, spacious decks, and thoughtful touches throughout.

💑 A Romantic Escape for Couples

Slip into the hot tub as the sun sets over the lake, or soak in the primary suite's dramatic black marble-like tile tub framed by a wall of windows. Step out onto your own private balcony for morning coffee with a lake view, or share a quiet evening by the fire pit. The cove's calm, low-traffic water and secluded setting make this an easy place to slow down and reconnect, without giving up the comforts of a well-appointed home.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Room to Roam for Families

A flat front yard gives kids space to run, while the home's location in a quiet cove offers calm water for swimming and shoreline fun, with clear sightlines for parents. Inside, the game room is always a hit — a full-size pool table, a Wii, and a deep stash of board games keep everyone entertained, rain or shine.

🌊 Waterfront on Smith Lake

True waterfront access on beautiful Smith Lake, with scenic views and easy entry to the water for swimming, floating, and relaxing along the shore.

🚣 Water Fun Included

A double kayak, two single kayaks, and a paddle board make it easy for the whole group to get out on the calm cove at once — great for beginners and families. Life jackets in an assortment of sizes and a handful of inflatable water toys are also on hand for extra fun on the water.

Please note: the boat and lift on the property are for owner use only and are not available to guests.

🪜 The Walk Down to the Water

Getting to the shoreline means a walk down 88 steps — and it's worth every one of them. The view from the top deck is spectacular, looking out over the whole cove, and the payoff at the bottom is calm, quiet water perfect for swimming and floating. Guests of all ages make the trip regularly; just worth knowing in advance if stairs are a concern for anyone in your group.

🌅 Outdoor Living Spaces

Multiple outdoor areas let everyone spread out and relax. The upper deck features comfortable seating and an outdoor dining space — perfect for morning coffee, family meals, or evening conversation with lake views.

🔥 Fire Pit Lounge

As the sun sets, gather around the gas fire pit for easy, no-hassle flame — no firewood needed. Whether roasting marshmallows with the kids or enjoying quiet conversation under the stars, this space adds warmth and memorable moments to your stay.

💦 Hot Tub Retreat

Just one level down from the main deck, the private hot tub overlooks the lake and offers a peaceful place to relax after a day on the water. A favorite spot for guests in every season.

☕ Coffee Bar & Kitchen

Start the morning at the coffee bar, then put the fully stocked kitchen to work — everything you need for a home-cooked breakfast or a lakeside dinner is here.

🍽️ Grill & Outdoor Cooking

Cook your way: the Big Green Egg for low-and-slow lump charcoal flavor, a gas Weber grill, or a Blackstone griddle for pancake breakfasts and smash burgers alike. Prepare meals outdoors and dine on the deck while taking in the fresh air and water views.

🛋️ Bright & Comfortable Interior

Inside, a two-story great room anchors the home — a vaulted ceiling, a chandelier, and a full wall of windows framing the lake view. Comfortable seating and a relaxed layout make it easy to unwind, watch a movie, or spend time together indoors.

🛏️ Flexible Sleeping for Families & Groups

The sleeping layout comfortably accommodates families, couples, and small groups, with king beds, bunk accommodations for kids, and extra sleeping options so everyone has space to rest and recharge.

🌿 Peaceful & Private Setting

Tucked away in a calm section of the lake, this home offers privacy and quiet that guests truly appreciate. Mornings are serene, afternoons are relaxed, and evenings are ideal for disconnecting and enjoying time together.

📍 Convenient Yet Secluded

While the property feels private and remote, essentials like groceries, local dining, and coffee shops are just a short drive away, along with Bankhead National Forest for a day hike — offering the best of both worlds.

ℹ️ Helpful Notes

88 steps down to the water — a built-in hike with a spectacular view along the way
1 double kayak, 2 single kayaks, and a paddle board provided, plus life jackets (assorted sizes) and inflatable water toys
Boat and lift are not available for guest use
Occasional power outages may occur during severe weather

❤️ Why Guests Love The Cove At Smith Lake

Guests come back again and again for the safe swimming cove, the spacious decks, and the peaceful setting — many of our guests have returned for a second or third stay. Whether you're here for a quiet couples' escape or introducing the kids to lake life, The Cove At Smith Lake is built for real relaxation.

I'm just a text or call away — happy to help make your stay exactly what you're hoping for.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children are welcome at this property
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Pets are allowed at this property
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking allowed at this property

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Place all used towels on bathroom floors.
Trash should be bagged (no loose items) and placed in the trash bin outside. Trash bin should be rolled to the street. Pickup - 11am Monday
Leave beds unmade so that we know what needs to be washed and prepped for our next visitors. Any dirty dishes should be left in the sink or in the dishwasher.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
The Cove @ Smith Lake House Pet Policy & Rules We love well-behaved furry family members!
To help us keep our lake home beautiful, we enforce a strict pet policy.
By booking, you agree to the following guidelines: - Size & Quantity Limit: We welcome a maximum of 2 small-to-medium dogs under a strict 35lbs each.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 5045820vb
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 is a carbon monoxide detector 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

Arley

Located in Arley, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Houston Historic Jail and Clarkson Covered Bridge are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include WildWater Cullman and Funzone. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails.
Map
Arley, AL

What's nearby

  • Lewis Smith Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Tiger Field - 27 min drive - 18.2 km
  • Bankhead National Forest - 29 min drive - 18.5 km
  • Houston Historic Jail - 35 min drive - 28.3 km
  • Clarkson Covered Bridge - 54 min drive - 55.5 km

Getting around

  • Birmingham International Airport (BHM) - 93 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Grille At Trident Marina - ‬60 min drive
  • ‪Rock Cafe - ‬61 min drive
  • ‪The Grille at Trident Marina - ‬60 min drive
  • ‪Big Daddy's Grill - ‬37 min drive
  • ‪Cold Springs Grill - ‬71 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Cove At Smith Lake – Lakefront Retreat pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Cove At Smith Lake – Lakefront Retreat?

As of 28 September 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Cove At Smith Lake – Lakefront Retreat on 3 November 2026 start from NZ$1,392, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at The Cove At Smith Lake – Lakefront Retreat?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Cove At Smith Lake – Lakefront Retreat?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Cove At Smith Lake – Lakefront Retreat?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Cove At Smith Lake – Lakefront Retreat located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is steps from Lewis Smith Lake and 8.6 mi (13.8 km) from Tiger Field. Houston Historic Jail and Dowling Memorial Park are also within 20 miles (32 km).

Reviews

10

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

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.2/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home, great view and David was a good host! Would stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Perfect
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Spacious, clean, and lots of amenities. David is awesome!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had a great time! The pool table, hot tub, and lake views were amazing. The kitchen had all the things that we needed and the coffee bar was a nice touch. The bed and pillows were very comfortable! The other games available, made for good entertainment during some rain showers.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nothing at this time other than the stairs to the lake.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Lakeview was beautiful! We rented the house to be able be away and near water, but not be actively on the lake. It was a perfect vantage point to enjoy lake life. Host was great with communications. We had a terrific time.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Spent a long weekend at this house for a girl's weekend getaway. It was perfect! We had plenty of room for us to all have our own space and there was also plenty of room in the common areas for us to gather and enjoy being together. The kitchen was fully equipped and the grilling area had everything that we needed. The views were amazing and the area on the dock was just beautiful. David was very attentive and made sure that we had everything we needed and checked in with us periodically. We actually never left the house the entire weekend!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our stay and are already talking about how we need to return. The host was very responsive and they literally thought about everything you could need. Beautiful home and location. We had really enjoyed ourselves. Impressed is an understatement.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026

About the host

Hosted by David Alevy

Host profile image
We’re a family who loves spending time on Smith Lake and sharing the slower pace of lake life with others. Hosting allows us to create a place where families and friends can unplug, reconnect, and make meaningful memories together. We take pride in providing a clean, comfortable, and well-cared-for home and want every guest to feel welcomed, relaxed, and right at home during their stay.

Why they chose this property

We chose this neighborhood because it offers the peaceful side of Smith Lake that so many guests are looking for. The home sits in a quiet cove off the main channel, which means calm water, very little boat traffic, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels safe and welcoming for families. It’s the kind of place where kids can swim and play near the shoreline while adults unwind and enjoy the view without the noise and wakes of passing boats.

What we enjoy most about the neighborhood is how calm and unhurried it feels. Mornings are quiet, with gentle lake sounds and beautiful light on the water. Afternoons are perfect for paddling, floating, or simply sitting on the deck watching the lake activity at a distance. In the evenings, the area settles into a peaceful rhythm that’s ideal for outdoor dinners, fireside conversations, and stargazing.

While the setting feels private and removed from the rush, it’s still convenient. Local shops, dining, and essentials are just a short drive away, making it easy to enjoy the best of lake life without sacrificing comfort or access. For us, this neighborhood offers the perfect balance of tranquility, safety, and convenience — and that’s why we love sharing it with our guests.

What makes this property unique

What makes The Cove At Smith Lake unique is the combination of a calm, family-friendly waterfront setting and outdoor spaces designed to be truly enjoyed. Located in a quiet cove off the main channel, the property offers low boat traffic and gentle water conditions that are ideal for swimming, paddling, and relaxing — a feature that’s especially important for families with children.

Unlike many lake homes, this property also features a flat front yard, providing rare and valuable space for kids to play, families to gather, and outdoor games to happen without steep slopes or stairs. The multi-level deck setup allows everyone to spread out, with dedicated areas for dining, relaxing, grilling, and gathering around the fire pit.

The private hot tub overlooking the lake adds another layer of relaxation and makes the home enjoyable in every season. Guests also appreciate the included kayak and paddle board, which make it easy to get on the water without bringing extra equipment.

Inside, the open and comfortable layout is designed for both togetherness and downtime, making the home well-suited for families, couples, and small groups. The balance of peaceful privacy, family-friendly features, and thoughtful amenities is what truly sets The Cove At Smith Lake apart and keeps guests coming back.

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English
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