Looking for a remote location? No other people? Forests, Creeks, and Sipsey!
About this cottage rental
Situated in Alabama, this lovely cottage for $138 per night is a great choice for your next vacation. Need a quiet place to unwind and relax? No other houses are in sight of the River Art cabin. You can take a relaxing few days away from the crowds and worries of our current world situations. This farm is 600 acres of oaks, dogwoods, pines and wildflowers surrounded by the Bankhead National Forest, with no neighbors in sight! You can truly disconnect for a few days… No Internet, and no cable TV. We have a TV and DVD player for entertainment, but the true entertainment is going for a walk! Or sitting on the gazebo with a glass of wine!  Why do we call it the River Art Cabin? It sits on a bluff overlooking Clear Creek, the 'River' part. It was constructed by an artist named Art Fowler, whose original art still hangs throughout the cabin. Amazing! You may want to spend your days fishing or tubing the creek or exploring the incredible canyons of the Sipsey Wilderness. Perhaps you would enjoy mountain biking the miles of Bankhead National Forest roads near by. Love hiking and backpacking, the Sipsey has many miles of hiking trails. Love to hunt? Check out the Bankhead National Forest! You can drive just a few miles and hunt on National Forest land. Enjoy birdwatching? What about a night with no street lights for perfect stargazing? This is the place for you! There is a charcoal grill for the grill master in the family. BYOC… bring your own charcoal! If the two bedroom River Art Cabin is not quite enough space, we have a smaller Bungalow cabin a couple hundred yards behind the larger cabin. It has a full kitchen, living room, one bedroom and bath. Ask me about the bungalow if interested... it is an additional rental, of course. There is a full kitchen in both cabins, but if you'd rather not cook, hop in the car and run to Double Springs for a homecooked Italian meal at the Sapore Grill! There are two bedrooms in the River Art Cabin, the Master bedroom has a king size bed and a private upstairs deck with a sliding glass door. There is a private Master bath also. The second bedroom has twin beds. One of my favorite parts of the place is the Gazebo, a beautiful structure set atop a sandstone bluff overlooking a shoals of Clear Creek about 70 feet below. You can enjoy a sunset with a glass of wine sitting on the gazebo listening to the rippling creek below. Or wake up early and walk down the path to the gazebo with a hot cup of coffee. You can stroll for miles on our dirt roads or walk down the path to Clear Creek and take a dip in the cool waters that are a tributary to Smith Lake. Truly remote. This cottage is at the end of the road... literally! You will drive down a small country road for about 4 miles and when the road ends... you are home! Keywords: Cottage, cabin, gazebo, creek side, tubing, Bankhead National Forest, Sipsey Wilderness Area, birding, Smith Lake, Camp McDowell, hunting, fishing
Amenities
Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Family friendly
Map of Alabama
Reviews
4.9/5.0
Outstanding(270 Reviews)
3.0
Beautiful location and secluded. ❤️ We enjoyed exploring down to the creek and around the dirt road/paths. Sitting on the porch taking it all in. Leaves were peak. Air conditioner didn’t work in upstairs 2nd bedroom. Needs updating, new refrigerator. Disappointed in cleanliness inside entire property. 🙁
5.0
the house is very accommodating and one of the most peaceful and quiet places I've ever enjoyed. To be totally disconnected from the business of the outside world is indeed a treat - honestly making it a shock to re-enter our fast paced world of noise and technology, but a shock well worth. Only the sound of birds, creek water flowing over the shoals, leaves falling and the wind blowing through the trees, and the morning crowing of the roosters that must be a mile away is pure magic. To walk the grounds, the piney woods forest (where you are enveloped in the smell of pine), of course the secret beach or the gazebo truly takes away all your cares to just 'the moment'. Deer and Turkey were sighted during our stay there. I add, the upper deck is perfect for watching the moon and locating stars. The location to the hiking trails of the Sipsey and Bandhead is ideal for daily hikes through another magical land. Our second visit to River Art and we plan to be back.
5.0
It is a little intimidating upon driving in just due to the remote location, but it is EXACTLY what you'd hope for once you get there. We did not hear another voice the entire time and the creek was beautiful. Maggie was completely available and in touch with us prior to arrival to make sure we had all information needed. She offered to stop by and show us more of the area and trails. Do yourself a favor and book it. Be aware though it is in the wilderness so don't be surprised to see some bugs or snakes. We saw several deer also right off the front porch.
5.0
We love the location, property and (don’t tell anyone) the secret beach. We will definitely be back.
5.0
Family of 4 plus our large dog stayed here during the hottest time of year and couldn’t have been more happy with our stay. Driving to our next destination and already want to turn back!
5.0
This property was very remotely located, we saw many deer and had complete peace and quiet, just what we needed after working in the hustle and bustle of Pensacola every day! Mark and Maggie were wonderful and answered our many questions and were very helpful. We had a wonderful time! There is a secret beach with a sandbar and Clear Creek runs beside it. it was very beautiful. I highly recommend this place and we will be back! ❤️
5.0
Family of 4 plus our large dog stayed here during the hottest time of year and couldn’t have been more happy with our stay. Driving to our next destination and already want to turn back!
5.0
Had a wonderful time visiting with friends, sharing the beauty of the woods in the house, and the private beach was a definite bonus
5.0
Beautiful and quiet space in the outdoors. A step back in time to a slower pace without the constant noise of phones and interruptions. The creek area is the perfect sanctuary to personal reflection. If you listen, the babbling waterways will lull you into peaceful bliss. And don't forget to say goodbye to each day while being thankful for all you have, by watching the sun drop lazily down below the treeline at the gazebo. Beautiful, peaceful, and personally yours for a time.
5.0
This house is amazing!
Maggie answers so quickly!
We will definitely be back!!
5.0
This magical property is like something out of a fairytale. Deer were right by the driveway, which was lined with wildflowers. The home was comfortable, and the night it rained we snuggled in the cozy couch and selected movies from their collection. Hiking to the secret beach is like visiting your own deserted island, with a beach all to yourselves. The sound of the water there, or sitting at the gazebo, just filled up my soul.
We are already planning to return!
5.0
This property delivered an outstanding stay. The house was in a nice quiet remote location - perfect for a peaceful getaway. The secret beach was realy nice and clean. The layout of the home is perfect and really suited our needs. The home and grounds were nicely maintained and we enjoyed our stay immensly and hope to return in the near future. The owner was wonderful, pleasant to deal with, responsive and very accommodating. I would highly recommend this property.
5.0
We just oooohhhhhhhh'd when we pulled up in the driveway. The location is beautiful. We entered into a quaint, clean, sweet home. The back patio has a great view and an even better view from the master bedroom. The trails are marked well and we had so much fun at the Private Beach and the pavilion overlooking the ridge. Maggie the owner was so nice in our correspondence and we look forward to returning for a longer stay. Thanks Maggie
5.0
Great spot to get away from it all and reconnect with nature. Plenty of privacy. Central to Bankhead National Forest and Clear Creek Recreational Area with hiking and/or fishing. Cabin is very neat and clean and welcoming.
5.0
Really wishing we could have stayed longer. It was the perfect place to unwind! The property is beautiful. We spent so much time reading on the porch, exploring the trails around the property, and relaxing at the secret beach- which was the dogs favorite place to cool off in the heat.
5.0
This getaway was exactly what I needed. The atmosphere was so calming and beautiful. I will definitely be back.
5.0
My husband and I wanted to go somewhere to rest, relax, enjoy nature, and get disconnect from the busy everyday life. We also wanted to take our Doggies for some special time for them, since the same yard gets old after a while. We’ll the Arts Cabin was perfect for it all. We arrived and I was smiling, it was just as I would build if I was to build. Very clean, and supplied for anything you’d want or need for a stay. The river was rushing since it had rained a lot so recommend to go when it’s dryer. We seen deer, lots of turkeys, and a snake. We had Bible studies and explored venturing afar. The Dogs had a blast! Truely Tranquillity with nothing but nature! We plan to go back with the kids someday for swimming and hiking!
5.0
My friend and I had a relaxing stay, just reading and enjoying the beautiful woods and secret beach. The house was well-stocked and comfortable. Our host answered all questions promptly. I would definitely stay here again and recommend it. ❤️
5.0
The property is amazing!! The beauty of nature and wildlife all in one!! Its so peaceful and gave us the opportunity to reconnect and enjoy the beauty of mother nature. We just love the racoons that played on the porch n around the houses.
5.0
Mark and Maggie are great hosts and have wonderful properties. This is the second property of their's my family has stayed in, and it was just what we needed. The cabin was in a beautiful location and the woods around it was restorative. The creek down the hill was gorgeous and we want to see the secret beach in warmer months. The kitchen had everything we needed to cook full meals and there is a dining table outside that we loved. Nothing beats having coffee outside while enjoying mother nature around you.
We will be back.
5.0
We enjoyed the seclusion of this property. There onsite adventures to be had and the Sipsey Wilderness is close by.
5.0
This place was perfect - off the beaten path (way back in the country!). The house is fully stocked with almost everything one might need/want to cook. It was great to not be as connected to electronics during our stay. The hike down to the water and the "secret beach" was extraordinary. Loved the views from the porch and balcony, as well!
In short - this was the place away that we needed! Wonderful house!
4.0
We enjoyed the location very much and the host was very good at communicating with us with helpful information.
We're birders, and we enjoyed observing 33 species of birds during our 10 day stay in mid-November. We observed a total of 70 species in Northern Alabama while using the River Art House as home base.
We should note that we were there when the weather was very cold and the central heating/AC system does not have ducts in the second bedroom and in the master bath, so those rooms were about 6°F colder than the other rooms. Keys were not provided, so we had to leave the front door unlocked when we went out during the day.
5.0
My dream home would be this property. It has beautiful woods, an amazing stream, sandy beach, high bluffs along the stream, hemlocks and wildlife everywhere. None of the pictures do it justice, but this property is one of a kind. This was our third stay here, and we'll be back again.
5.0
If you want to travel to a quiet, peaceful, and comfortable place, you should strongly consider this place
5.0
What an absolutely gorgeous place! Only regret is I wish we could have stayed longer to explore the beautiful surroundings! The artwork is stunning! We came to attend a funeral in Jasper but hoping to come back when we can really stay and enjoy this lovely place for all its beauty!!
5.0
This property is amazing!! This was the most relaxing and peaceful vacation we’ve ever had!!
The secret beach was so beautiful and so much fun ( especially for our dog!). It took no time to get used to being away from cell phones and internet. We loved every minute of it!!!
5.0
This was the first vacation we've ever had where we were totally disconnected from the world. No cell service and no TV reception. We disconnected and then reconnected. Looking forward to the next time. Thank you, Maggie and Mark.
5.0
Exceeded expectations. Very clean. Everything in good working order and a fantastic location to spend a Fall vacation.
5.0
We loved our visit here! The cabin had everything we needed. It’s in such a quiet spot, and the creek was wonderful. Our boys had fun playing in the creek with our dog at the Secret Beach. It’s a great place to relax and get away from it all.
5.0
Me and my Wife had a really relaxing trip. Caught up on some much needed rest. Also our dog had a blast playing in the creek at the secret beach
5.0
All around awesome environment to unplug from the world. Maggie and Mark are angels!
5.0
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle this is the perfect getaway! You have the secret beach and the sounds of the rushing waters is just to die for. We will be back. Thank you for everything.
5.0
This secluded space was just what we needed to “get away” and re-charge! Host were attentive and quick to respond. We had a good bit of rain for our trip, but we loved just reading and catching up and soaking up the vast wilderness that surrounds Double Springs!
5.0
Was a great trip and stay, perfect secluded get away
5.0
If you're looking for a slice of privacy and wilderness this is the perfect place. Only thing I would tell anyone is to grab groceries before you get there because its about 40 mins from everything. Other than that enjoy alabama nature to its fullest with their "secret beach" and all its surroundings.
5.0
Very beautiful & peaceful. We wanted to disconnect from the world & we did just that. No cell service all weekend. Finally got my teenagers off their phones. We made some wonderful memories. Exploring the woods, found a trail that lead to what would be a waterfall but no waterfall because of no rain I reckon. But it was nice to explore. Then by night fall we just caught up on each other’s lives & played games all night. The beach area was nice & clean with no one else around. Just great quality time with my family that we all love. 10/10 would love to come back one day. Maybe in the fall with all the changing of the colors in the woods.
5.0
We had a great stay. The river art cabin and all that comes along with it was very peaceful and clean. A 10 minute hike got us to the secret beach and it was beautiful!
5.0
Amazing again!
4th time here. We stayed 18 days! Again, just so amazing and peaceful! Thank you so much Maggie and Mark! ( Great to meet you Mark!)
We have already reserved again for thanksgiving...
5.0
Home Away From Home
We absolutely loved this cabin!! It was so relaxing and very peaceful. Just what we needed. Got away from the fast paced world that we now live in. The porch was one of my favorite things to enjoy because it brought back so many of my childhood memories back to life. The secret beach was beautiful. I definitely would rent this cabin again with my family. No traffic or noise you would see in town. Surrounded by nature's beauty and peace and quiet. Maggie was very pleasant to work with and always responded back in a timely fashion.
FAQs
How much does this cottage cost compared to others in Alabama?
The average price for a rental in Alabama is $245 per night. This rental is $107 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this cottage?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Looking for a remote location? No other people? Forests, Creeks, and Sipsey!. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this cottage?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this cottage. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Looking for a remote location? No other people? Forests, Creeks, and Sipsey! pet friendly?
Yes! This cottage is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Looking for a remote location? No other people? Forests, Creeks, and Sipsey!?
We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen / kitchenette, fireplace, and parking.
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