Entire home

Large Log Cottage: Green Grass, Blue Skies, Lake Living

Lakefront holiday home with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Large Log Cottage: Green Grass, Blue Skies, Lake Living

Property grounds
Fire Pit
View from the water's edge.
Living Room
Wood burning fireplace with wet bar to the left.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10185.8 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

View map
Gilbert, SC
  • Place, Lake Murray
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Dreher Island State Park
  • Place, Shull Island
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)
    ‪36 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

2 Single Bunk Beds

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Large Log Cottage: Green Grass, Blue Skies, Lake Living

The Guinea Nest is a beautiful log home on a wooded lot with big water views, ideal for a family vacation, weekend getaway, or a fishing trip. A large, partially covered deck overlooks the spacious lawn, waterfront, dock, and two to five miles of Lake Murray's gorgeous open water. The deck also has two picnic tables as well as a smaller table and chairs to enjoy an outdoor lunch or moonlight dinner. There is plenty of additional seating if you want to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the day.

An indoor wood-burning fireplace makes for a cozy setting when the weather is chilly. An outdoor fire pit at the water's edge is another option to enjoy a mild or cool evening.

The dock includes a bench for seating, umbrellas and plenty of area to sunbathe, two sets of stairs for easy access to and from the water for swimming, and water deep enough to handle your motorboat. There is a two-person canoe with paddles and two paddle boards for your enjoyment.

Our home is on the quiet side of the lake with minimal boat traffic and only a few neighbors.

Only 45 minutes from Columbia, 50 minutes from Fort Jackson and 60 minutes from Augusta National Golf Club (home of the Masters Tournament), the Guinea Nest is perfect for a graduation celebration, USC sports, or trip to the Masters. We’re also just 3 miles from Southern Oaks event center.

Yes, we are dog friendly. Check in time is 4:00 PM and check out is 10:00 AM. However, if no one is checking out or in on the days you arrive or depart, these times might be flexible.

"Clearly, the energy of love and family is strong and powerful here. We all felt it immediately upon entering the house." - This comment from a guest in a hand-written note exemplifies how we feel about the Guinea Nest and hope you will too.

Yes, we are dog friendly (fee required).

Coming to Columbia for a USC football game? Hopefully, the Gamecocks will have a good year.

Sorry, no events (such as wedding parties, bachelor or bachelorette parties).

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Dogs only; a $50 pet fee isrequired.
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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
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Gilbert

Located in Gilbert, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Village Shopping Center and Northlake Village are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Murray and Shull Island. Saluda Shoals Park and Irmo Community Park are also worth visiting. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including golfing.
Map
Gilbert, SC

What's nearby

  • Lake Murray - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Shull Island - 5 min drive - 3.7 km
  • Columbiana Centre - 39 min drive - 38.7 km
  • Riverbanks Zoo and Garden - 40 min drive - 49.2 km
  • University of South Carolina - 43 min drive - 49.8 km

Getting around

  • Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Boho Pizza And brew - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Bojangles Famous Chicken 'N Biscuits - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Large Log Cottage: Green Grass, Blue Skies, Lake Living pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Large Log Cottage: Green Grass, Blue Skies, Lake Living ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Large Log Cottage: Green Grass, Blue Skies, Lake Living ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Large Log Cottage: Green Grass, Blue Skies, Lake Living located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is steps from Lake Murray and 2 mi (3.2 km) from Shull Island. Summer Lake and Bundrick Island are also within 12 miles (20 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. 193 out of 201 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 201 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 201 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 201 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 201 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tracie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was perfect for our family! Being able to have our dog with us was an absolute plus!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It’s the perfect spot for a family or good friends getaway. Bruce, the owner goes out of his way to make you feel welcome.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our two families enjoyed this cabin for a lake weekend trip. The cabin is perfectly set up for two families. Our favorite part was the backyard and view of the lake. The yard was perfect for playing wiffle ball and soccer with the kids. The dock allowed us to use our rented pontoon throughout the weekend. We hope to stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samantha T.

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

Very nice

Very beautiful place will most definitely be booking again in the summer
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark M.

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

Great Place to relax

We had a awesome time gathering with some old work colleague's. Great food, drinks, and place to stay. Would definitely return! Thanks Bruce!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer A.

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

Perfect Holiday

This property was just as described. A perfect fit for our family gathering. It was clean, neat, and well appointed, and the property was beautiful!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joshua H.

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

Perfect family get away!

Great! A+
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wilhelm R.

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

Extremely pleasant place to stay

Easy
Stayed 6 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Melody W.

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

Beautiful Easter weekend on the lake!

This is our second time renting from Bruce and it was yet again a fabulous stay! We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jack W.

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

Wonderful Convenient Peaceful Getaway

Its a wonderful location that feels like its far from everywhere but easy to get to. The back porch is amazing. The lake in the morning is beautiful and your family will very quickly feel like the place is home.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

taylor k.

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

A jewel of a property

Only 2 nights for us, but very comfortable, cute cabin like with a great yard leading to lake. Tremendous views...
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sherry C.

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

Family weekend!

All 10 of us loved the location, the cabin, and all of the extras that was provided!!! We had a lot of room and the views were amazing. This has been by far the best VRBO that we have stayed at!!!! The communication and the check in process couldn’t have been any easier!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeff H.

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

Boy’s weekend!

Lake Murray was great ! Host Bruce was great and quick to give use recommendations. Enjoyed the masters and the lake Great trip -Hope to be back next year
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Claudia C.

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

What a location!!!

Overall Excellent Bruce was very professional and on top of inbox! House is very old but with loads to of charm. We were a party of 10 and the size of the house felt comfortable. Now the location backyard view and space for Dog lovers AMAZING.This was winter and we had a blast can’t imagen summer!Will keep this as a favorite on our list!!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

John B.

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

USC graduation

Great stay and host! House worked out perfectly for our group. Each side has two bedrooms and one shared bathroom. Beautiful lot and great lake access while still being close to town and Columbia.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steve S.

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

Lake Getaway

Beautiful home with great lake view. Nights with the full moon shining on the lake was breathtaking. Bruce was wonderful and always responsive when we contacted him. Everyone had an awesome time.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stasia B.

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

Beautiful, serene property

This is the second time I have stayed here. It is the perfect location for a family week on the lake. The house is picture perfect. Huge yard. Fire pit. Large dock. Great location on the lake. If you’re looking for a beautiful place to relax and enjoy nature- this is it!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melinda S.

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

Great destination!

Our family of 6 adults and one 3-year old had a great time at this lake house! We fished from the dock, had bonfires in the fire pit almost nightly overlooking Lake Murray with a gorgeous harvest moon shining on us. We rented a pontoon boat practically around the corner from the lake house and had a glorious day exploring the lake, swimming and more fishing! The house had everything we needed to feed our family of 7. We definitely will be back and recommend this destination. The property owner was also very responsive and helpful! Thank you for sharing your beautiful lake house with our family! Lindy Smith
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Erin S., Brookfield

Great spot on the lake, convenient to USC

Visiting our son at school in Columbia, we were looking for a place where we could relax over drinks or coffee during downtime between football games and campus tours. We had two sets of grandparents with us so we were looking for a few bedrooms and a nice open space (and even a deck overlooking a lake!) where we could sit and catch up with our student and each other. Bruce's place was perfect for our needs. The house is rustic in appearance yet modern in terms of amenity and utility. Very well kept, with excellent water pressure, plenty of linens and kitchenware. The house allows for lots of natural light. Views of the lake from the house and the deck were fabulous, especially at sunrise. Bruce checked in via text to make sure we are alright, and when I texted him with questions he always responded quickly. The property was exactly as described. Ours was a quick visit so we were not able to take advantage of any of the available lake activities. I would certainly recommend this property and if the opportunity presents itself, I will try to stay here again.

10/10 Excellent

Deneesa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My family and I have stayed in VRBO rentals from the coast to the mountains quite a bit in the last three years. All have been great places. But this was by far the best we have ever been. Host was wonderful. Lodge was very spacious and laid out for plenty of privacy. Very clean. Views to die for and mere steps to the beautiful lake. We definitely plan on trying to stay here again. Book it if you can. You will not be disappointed!D. Stafford
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christy D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house and property are beautiful. The cabin was immaculately clean inside and incredibly spacious. The deck, yard, dock, parking and fire pit were great for our needs. We really appreciate that we could have our dog there too. Bruce was great and very accommodating. We would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place is great! Beautiful back yard plenty of area for the kids to play and run around! Very quiet and relaxing. Would definitely return!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steve S.

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

Awesome - Thank you Bruce

The home and property were perfect. This was our second time at Bruce's property, and we will hopefully be returning. What made our stay special and was more than just the property and lake; it was because of Bruce's attentiveness, and care. He truly goes out of his way to assure that his guests have a wonderful carefree vacation. Thank you Bruce; you went above and beyond our expectations.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alex K.

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

Beautiful Lake Murray Cabin

We loved our stay! The property was well cleaned and ready for us upon arrival. We will be renting again!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steve C.

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

Beautiful Property!!

Outstanding!! We absolutely loved it. Great house and great views of the lake.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

About the host

Hosted by Bruce Guignard

Host profile image
Our parents purchased this property in 1961 so our family would have a vacation home to enjoy. We have many great memories as children here and have now made more memories with our own children and with our grandchildren.

The Guinea Nest was originally just a shack and a one-room, hand made log cabin. In 2007, we razed the old structures and built this new and updated log cabin so our families would have plenty of room to continue to grow together.

Why they chose this property

A great place to relax and play.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests