See all properties
Entire home

Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay

Photo gallery for Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay

Pull up and settle in—this single-level home makes coming and going easy, with everything conveniently laid out on one floor.
Step inside and flow right into the living room—an easy, open entry that welcomes you in and makes settling down feel instant.
Kick back and relax—this spacious king suite gives you room to spread out, recharge, and truly settle in.
Stretch out and settle in—this spacious full bedroom gives you plenty of room to relax, unpack, and make yourself right at home.
Gather everyone around the table—this inviting dining space is made for shared meals, laughter, and lingering conversations long after the plates are cleared.
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 7

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Birmingham, AL
  • Place, Southern Museum of Flight
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, New Bethel Baptist Church
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.)
    ‪5 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 5

1 Double Sofa Bed

Full Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Full Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

King Suite

1 King Bed

Twin Bunkroom

1 Single Bunk Bed

2 bathrooms

Hall Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

King Ensuite Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay

Welcome to Ruffner Retreat House—a beautifully updated historic home designed for comfort, connection, and convenience. With 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and space to accommodate up to 7 guests, this inviting retreat is perfect for families, friend groups, or anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing stay just minutes from Birmingham’s best attractions.

Inside, you’ll find high ceilings, spacious rooms, and thoughtful updates throughout, blending modern touches with the charm of a classic home. The open dining area greets you as you enter and flows seamlessly into the living room, creating a natural gathering space for meals, conversation, and downtime. The living room features a Smart TV, comfortable seating, and a queen sofa bed for additional sleeping space. While the decorative fireplace is not functional, it adds a cozy, character-filled focal point to the room.

The fully equipped kitchen is located just off the dining area and includes everything you need for preparing meals, including a dishwasher and ample essentials. Whether you're cooking a full dinner or just brewing your morning coffee, you’ll feel right at home.

This home offers a versatile sleeping setup to comfortably accommodate larger groups:

A spacious primary suite with a king bed, Smart TV, large closet, and private ensuite bathroom
Two additional bedrooms, each with a full bed (one includes a tucked-away washer and dryer for added convenience)
A bunk room featuring two twin-over-twin bunk beds—perfect for kids or group stays
A queen sofa bed in the living room for extra guests

Both bathrooms are updated and feature shower/tub combinations, offering convenience for both quick mornings and relaxing evenings.

Step outside to enjoy the backyard space, complete with a charcoal grill, a picnic table, and a cozy bistro set for two—ideal for casual outdoor meals or winding down after a day of exploring.

The home is conveniently located near Ruffner Mountain and East Lake Park, and just a short drive (about 15 minutes) from downtown Birmingham, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and the Birmingham Zoo. Its location also makes it especially convenient for travelers coming through the nearby airport.

For ease of access, guests will park in the gated area behind the home, accessible via the alleyway. Entry is through the back door using a digital keypad, with your unique code provided prior to check-in. Once inside, you’ll have full, private access to the entire home.

Family-friendly and pet-friendly (with a fee), Ruffner Retreat House is designed to make your stay easy, comfortable, and memorable. A pack ’n play/travel crib is also available upon request for those traveling with little ones.

Make yourself at home—we’d love to host you!

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Living area
Jess' Haven❤️ ~ arcade games
Birmingham
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (17 reviews)
Jess' Haven❤️ ~ arcade games

House Rules

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

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
*Guest must sign Renter Agreement. *Minimum age to rent is 21 Welcome! We look forward to hosting you. We want everyone to have a pleasant experience

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
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 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

Birmingham

Located in South East Lake, a neighbourhood in Birmingham, this cottage is in the mountains and on a river. Avondale Brewing Company and Highland Park Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit The Summit and The Outlet Shops of Grand River. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex or Barber Motorsports Park. Take some time off to enjoy the health/beauty spas in the area, or get some fresh air with adventures like rock climbing, horse riding and hiking nearby.
View more Cottages in BirminghamOpens in a new window
Map
Birmingham, AL

What's nearby

  • Southern Museum of Flight - 1 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • New Bethel Baptist Church - 4 min drive - 3.2 km
  • University of Alabama at Birmingham - 9 min drive - 14.5 km
  • UAB Hospital - 10 min drive - 14.9 km

Getting around

  • Birmingham Station - 15 min drive
  • Birmingham International Airport (BHM) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Little Caesars Pizza - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Church's Texas Chicken - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Daiquiri Factory - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay?

As of 6 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay on 16 May 2026 start from NZ$793, 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 Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay located?

Located in South East Lake, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Southern Museum of Flight and Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. New Bethel Baptist Church and Train Watching Platform are also within 3 miles (5 km).

About the host

Your host

Host profile image
Hi there!
I’m the owner and operator of a short-term rental business built around one simple goal: making guests feel right at home. I absolutely love what I do — especially designing spaces that are clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully stocked for a five-star stay.

When I’m not hosting, you’ll find me spending time with my family, hanging out with my dogs, experimenting in the kitchen, or unwinding with a good video game. I’m all about the little details and genuinely enjoy helping people have the best stay possible.

Travel plays a big part in my life, too — from honeymooning in Iceland, to exploring Mexico, to visiting family in Orlando and Gulf Shores. I know what it feels like to have an amazing stay, and that’s exactly the experience I aim to deliver to every guest.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to help and excited to host you!

Why they chose this property

Ruffner Retreat House stands out for its rare combination of space, comfort, and convenience—all wrapped in the charm of a thoughtfully updated historic home. With room to sleep up to 7 guests, this property is ideal for families, groups, or anyone traveling together who wants to stay under one roof without feeling cramped. The spacious layout, high ceilings, and multiple sleeping options—from a private king suite to a fun bunk room—make it easy for everyone to relax and feel at home.

What truly sets this home apart is its balance of character and modern updates. You’ll enjoy renovated bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, while still experiencing the unique charm you can only find in a historic property. The open flow from dining to living space creates the perfect environment for gathering, whether you're sharing meals, playing games, or unwinding after a day out.

Location is another major highlight. Situated near Ruffner Mountain and East Lake Park, and just a short drive to downtown attractions like Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Birmingham Zoo, you’ll have easy access to both outdoor adventure and city experiences. Plus, being close to the airport makes arrivals and departures simple and stress-free.

Guests also appreciate the practical touches that make a stay seamless—gated parking, easy self check-in with a digital keypad, in-home laundry, and a backyard setup with a grill and seating for relaxing evenings. Pet owners can bring their furry companions along (with a fee), making it truly inclusive for all types of travelers.

Whether you're in town for a weekend getaway, a family gathering, or just passing through, Ruffner Retreat House offers the space, style, and location to make your stay both comfortable and memorable.

What makes this property unique

Ruffner Retreat House offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern comfort, giving guests the best of both worlds. The home’s high ceilings and spacious layout create an open, airy feel that’s hard to find, especially in a property that can comfortably host up to 7 guests. With a mix of private bedrooms, a king suite with ensuite bath, and a dedicated bunk room, the layout is ideal for both togetherness and personal space.

One of the standout features is the gated parking—a rare and valuable perk that adds both convenience and peace of mind. Combined with easy self check-in through a digital keypad, your arrival is seamless from the moment you pull in.

The home is also thoughtfully equipped for real-life stays, not just quick visits. In-home laundry, a fully stocked kitchen with a dishwasher, and flexible sleeping arrangements make it perfect for extended stays, families, and group travel. The backyard setup with a grill, picnic table, and bistro seating creates an inviting outdoor space to unwind without ever leaving the property.

Location is another major advantage. You’re tucked into a quiet residential area while still being just minutes from outdoor gems like Ruffner Mountain and East Lake Park, plus a quick drive to downtown Birmingham’s top attractions, including Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Birmingham Zoo.

Add in pet-friendly accommodations (with a fee) and cozy details like a decorative fireplace that enhances the home’s character, and you have a stay that’s both practical and memorable.

This is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a space designed to comfortably bring people together.
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback