About this Property

"Perfection" so a former guest says...
My wife's comment upon stepping into the space was "perfection." It is clear a lot of care and thought went into this place to maximize the guest experience. We would rent again! -Steve May 2022

The Backyard Cottage, located behind our home, in the peaceful, hospitable, and cozy Parkwood Estates neighborhood, mins. from historic downtown Charleston, the beaches and a walk from eateries, pubs, grocery stores and The West Ashley Greenway... invites you to ESCAPE THE Ordinary!

The bungalow and location really offers you the opportunity to ESCAPE THE Ordinary, an experience, not just another stay!

A one room studio complete with queen size bed. A restful nighttime’s sleep awaits you with room darkening window treatments along with beddings designed by California Design Den, 100% long staple cotton, OEKO-TEX MADE IN GREEN. The throw blanket and bedspread are light, soft, and comfortable. Most important, ALL linens, from the bed and pillow covers to the bedspread are washed between each guest, as are the couch throw and the EasyGoing couch cover.

In the dresser you will find cards & puzzles. Forgot yours, a charger for your iPhone is included, please remember to leave it for the next guest. USB ports for recharging can be found on each side the bed at the electrical outlet. Wi-fi also supplied. The sizable screen TV comes equipped with a Roku stick.

The kitchenette with quartz countertop offers the essentials for preparing any meal, from dishes, pots and pans to basic spices and olive oil. Fridge, dishwasher, dish cloths and soap(s), along with a microwave, a Power XL counter oven, and cooktop induction burner (stored under the sink) help in bringing the meal all together. For those who savor outdoors, you will find your own private patio complete with cozy seating, colorful plantings, an umbrella and a gas grille. Coffee, tea, and a light snack are also included for your arrival.

In the restroom you will find a stackable washer/dryer, full length mirror, vanity with cultured granite countertop, a walk-in shower with a rainfall shower head, and the essentials…Turkish towels, soap, shampoo, lotion, iron, mini-iron board, Chi blow dryer and detergent pods. Also supplied are a broom, dustpan, and a swifter with wet pads for those unforeseen accidents.

The gardens are relaxing and peaceful in our backyard, and you are invited to appreciate them at your leisure. We do have a German Short Hair Pointer, Bentley, who loves everybody. He is shy until he gets to know you. We do have a black iron fence that keeps Bentley in his space, you may visit his, BUT rest assured he will not visit yours. Bentley is not a barker, he may bark when startled, other than that you will not hear him.

Also in our backyard is our workshop, there may be a project going on or they may simply be a retired gent piddling around and me gardening, or we may be swinging our grandson or looking for lizards…we will always be respectful of your stay and privacy.

We have a enormous screened in porch where we spend most of our time, however we cannot see you, nor you us, from your patio.

Our City of Charleston Certificate of Operation Number is OP2021-01687.

Please be sure and sign our guest book “ESCAPE THE ordinary” before your departure, and the gift of your time in leaving us a review is most appreciated.

Thank you for choosing our Backyard Cottage for your stay.

Guest access
The Backyard Cottage has one designated parking space for our guest, it is in the driveway right of the main home. There is a parking sign to the right of the driveway, please pull the front of your car to the arrow on the sign. From your car follow the sidewalk, open the wooden gate and continue down the sidewalk for the convenient key-less entry to the bungalow.

Other things to note:

The bungalow is equipped for two (2) adults only.

Approx. Drives:
Charleston Airport – 8.2 miles
Downtown Historic Charleston City Market – 4.3 miles
James Island County Park – 5.6 miles
McLeod Plantation Historic Site – 3.4 miles
City of Charleston Municipal Golf Course – 4.6 miles
Links at Stono Ferry – 12 miles

Fabulous Coffee Spots in Our Opinion:

HIGHFALUTIN COFFEE ROASTERS (just down the way)
27 Magnolia Rd, Charleston SC 29407 Avondale's new coffee home. With the exodus of Janie & Alchemy, came the birth of a classic neighborhood coffee home, complete with a fancy roaster for fresh cooked and ground beans, an aromatic ambiance and cozy environment of soft leather couches, tables and a amazing interactive counter. Daily coffee and drink specials; delicious pastries, muffins, and scones delivered fresh from local bakeries and sandwiches from Al Di La.

Second State Coffee – 70.5 Beaufain Street – 13 mins (4.6 miles) Minimalist-chic coffee bar with hot & cold drinks, window bar seating, communal tables & Wi-Fi.

The Daily – 652 B King Street - 13 mins (4.5 miles)
A hip coffeehouse with Stumptown brews plus cold pressed juice, beer, breakfast sandwiches & more.

Our Favorite Places:

Revelry Brewing Company
BEERS. FOOD. ROOFTOP. (The rooftop is our handywork)
10 Conroy St, Charleston, SC 29403 · (3.4 miles)

Bowens Island Restaurant – 1870 Bowens Island Rd. - (10 miles) A bare-bones fish shack with spectacular vistas. Sunset on the deck is handsome. Enduring, counter-serve icon on the waterfront, serving up fresh seafood within graffiti-covered walls. A unique Lowcountry experience serving Charleston since 1946. First come, first serve, no reservations.

Early Bird Diner – 1644 Savannah Hwy. - (1.4 miles)
A hopping, offbeat joint for comfort grub served in funky, art-filled digs, with late-nighttime hours on weekends.

Rodney Scott’s BBQ – 1011 King St. - (5.6 miles)
Heaping plates of pulled pork and chicken, a must experience meal.

Husk - 76 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401 · (4.4 miles)
Centrally located in historic downtown Charleston, Husk transforms the essence of Southern food. Executive Chef and Lowcountry native, Travis Grimes, reinterprets the bounty of the surrounding area, exploring an ingredient-driven cuisine that begins in the rediscovery of heirloom products and redefines what it means to prepare and eat in the South.

Home Team BBQ - 1205 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29407 · ( 1 miles)
At Home Team BBQ we have taken a unique approach by bringing the fundamentals of the “white tablecloth” world to the low and slow ideals of BBQ. In our BBQ eateries, we believe in keeping it fresh and local, and sending guests happily on their way after a good time has been had by all.

The Glass Onion - 1219 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407 · (1.1 miles)
The Glass Onion is one of Charleston’s original home-grown neighborhood-based, locally focused, all natural eateries. Owner and Executive Chef Chris Stewart opened the restaurant in 2008 with fellow culinary colleagues. It was one of the first places in town to support local farmers and purveyors on nearly every dish and drink on the menu.

Every Saturday from April 8 to November 25, the Charleston Farmers Market is held downtown at Marion Square from 8:00am to 2:00pm. It’s the ideal opportunity to sample the best of Charleston all in one place and you’ll find local farmers, artisans, performers and food trucks lined up along the park to showcase their finest. Satisfy your caffeine itch with a newly brewed coffee, indulge in a savory crepe or hand-pick your own produce.

Morris Island Light House. Although you can’t actually get to the lighthouse itself without a boat, it’s still a ideal spot to go for a long, peaceful walk along the water. Go to the north end of the island until you reach the cul-de-sac, then park your car and walk 10 mins. until you reach the private beach facing the lighthouse — you’ll be completely saturated in nature, surrounded by only sand and water. Stick around for sunset and admire the vibrant colors reflecting off the water that surrounds you.

Charleston can be an expensive city if you don’t know where to look. To help stick to your budget, try checking out some of the city’s best freebies, like taking a complimentary tour at the Charleston Tea Plantation or admiring the gorgeous floral display at Hampton Park. The Angel Oak is one of Charleston’s top attractions and it’s completely complimentary. I recommend spending a full day walking around downtown to visit the historical sites; you’d be surprised how many of them offer complimentary entry. You can also book a complimentary walking tour with Free Tours by Foot and choose between four different focuses: the Civil War, haunted Charleston, history or architecture. If it’s sweltering hot outside, cool off in the splash fountain at Waterfront Park.

Known to Charleston locals as Botany Bay, the majestic beach officially known as the Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area is a must-see for those seeking a magnificently preserved stretch of shoreline. Countless seashells are sprinkled between hundreds of pretty deadwood trees emerging out of the sand and water — you’ll feel like Tom Hanks in Cast Away on this untouched and carefully protected seashore. It is closed on Tuesdays and better at low tide.

How to get the best deal on your rental

• Find the official tourism bureau in the area you wish to travel. Many tourism bureaus will send you travel guides with special packages for rental properties, dining and activities. Be on the lookout for these books and coupon books, since this allows travelers to take advantage of the very same great attractions at a sometimes considerable discounted.
• Are the trip dates flexible? The off-peak shoulder seasons will offer you terrific rates on rental accommodations.
• Are you a military veteran? A number of management companies provide unique discounts to veterans and active-duty military. Be sure to confirm with vacation rental company to see if your travelling gang qualifies for a discounted rate.
• Is there a specific activity you are most looking forward to during your stay? If there's a certain Charleston area activity which you just love, be on the lookout for rentals that cater especially to your needs.
• Consider getting trip insurance together with your rental agreement. Trip insurance, which generally add between 1% - 5% of the base vacation rental cost, offers guests reimbursement of their travel costs for any days missed as a consequence of personal health emergencies or weather, in addition to ensuing extra hurricane evacuation costs or charges, like an unexpected hotel room stay or extra gas.

How to Book a Vacation Home

Some people are surprised to discover just how many vacation homes are available in their area of interest. Rental homes are gaining in popularity among vacationers, and visitors will find that the sheer number of properties available allows them to find an perfect getaway to suit their Charleston area crew, from restful condos to vast event homes with several bedrooms.

The vast majority of rentals in Charleston area are privately operated and many are represented by established local property management companies. Property management companies are liked by property owners because they coordinate the promotion and operations..

Seasoned Charleston area vacationers have identified several tips and tricks throughout the years with regards to renting rentals, however most novices will be happy to discover that several "strategies" are in plain sight, if you know where they should search.

Searching for and reserving the best rental home:

Before you decide to book "Charleston Cottage "Absolutely Stunning"", go through our brief collection of considerations.

The Sooner, The Better

Charleston area rentals start booking early. For the greatest selection, start your planning and search Six-12 months before your vacation. Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Years are excellent times to plan and book your vacation home..

Decide on a Village and Time

Quite often, the hardest portion of organizing your vacation is choosing where to go, and when. When the big decisions are resolved, everything else will be much easier.

Exactly How Much Rental home Do You Really Need?

How many relatives are joining your vacation? Be mindful that most rentals advertise maximum guest capacity, which often includes sofa beds in the living room space. You'll need to figure out what is suitable for the party. Most rental home listings will describe each one of the unit's specific bedrooms and mattress sizes.

What Are You Prepared to Spend?

Most rental homes are marketed with a cost range. Determine the cost for your desired trip. It might be at the high end of the range. Make certain to get cost-sharing commitments from travel companions before reserving a costly rental. One individual in your party needs to be given the task of getting contributions and acknowledging responsibility for the complete rental price at time of reservation.

Its All About Amenities

What amenities is your group looking for? Do you only desire a rental home with a swimming pool, spa or beach volleyball court? Do you desire to be far from the crowds, or close to a city setting? Are linens offered with the rental, or do you need to provide your own? Make a list of priority features to guide narrow your search.

Accessibility and Special Considerations

Do some members of your crew have specific needs? Be sure to remember and ask about wheel chair access, pool lifts and special equipment requirements..

Take the Dog

Remember to include your furrry friends. Pet policies are different at each rental. Read descriptions carefully. A number of restrictions may possibly dismiss a potential rental. Make sure that you read descriptions and contracts carefully. Additional fees or costs may be applied to your contract. If in doubt, ask the property owner and get it in writing.

Searching the Internet

Many websites exist to match visitors with rental owners.. In combination with Homeaway, VRBO and Tripadvisor, we recommend searching Google for "Charleston area local vacation rentals" for local vacation rental management companies. Besides having exclusive properties, local agencies offer fantastic service..

Negotiate

Re-read the description to make sure the vacation home has everything you need. If it is something is missing, the rental management company may know of very similar homes that better fit your preferences and budget..

Although not true for all rental homes, many property owners and property managers will make a deal on rates. If the rate isn't negotiable, the number of nights may be. Off-peak weeks are likely to be negotiable more frequently than peak-season..

Read the Agreement

Find out which of the following is included in your quoted rate:

• Utility bills
• Internet Connectivity
• Phone service
• Pool Heating
• Pay Per View Movies
• Cleaning Fees
• Trash collection
• Maintenance (get a phone number)
• Check in & Check Out Key Exchange
• Parking Fees

In addition to the regular fee, guests have to pay local taxes when renting "Charleston Cottage "Absolutely Stunning"", in addition to any other additional fees which might be mandatory based upon their circumstances, including a pet fee, early check-in or later check-out fee, or a pool heating fee for private pool usage during the autumn or spring months.

Cancellations Happen

Cancellation policies are different for each property. You will likely be offered trip insurance. Trip insurance defends the renter against emergency situations and weather events, It provides reassurance should tragedy strike.

Complete the Reservation

When everything looks right, it's finally time for you to sign on the dotted line. Remember that most rental contracts require a considerable rental deposit and/or security deposit to protect the vacation rental owner.

Keep Your Contact's Information

Put the property manager's contact information into your smart phone and wallet for quick access to answers throughout your trip.

Congratulations! All that is left is enjoying your visit!

During your Stay

• Record the condition of the rental home immediately upon arrival. Contact the property manager immediately to report your observations. This can protect against disagreements during check out.
• If there is any ambiguity about parking, rules of the property, house access, pool operation, etc... we suggest you ask the rental home manager immediately. A brief phone call eliminates many headaches.
• Don't forget to be a good neighbor. Residents most likely live within earshot. Remember the golden rule and treat others the same way you'd like to be treated by visitors next to your primary residence.
• Ask a local. Local people can frequently point you in the right direction. Who better to ask where to order the best chicken wings, have a great night out, or the best areas for shopping?
• Enjoy your stay! Make sure that you protect the rental owner (and your stuff!) by keeping the vacation home locked up when you are away, exactly like you would at home.

At the end of your stay

• Tidy up a little bit. Despite the fact that you're having to pay a housekeeping fee, The rental really needs to be in very good condition. Sinks stuffed with pots and pans, substantial beach sand on the floor and sticky messes should really be addressed prior to leaving.
• Make a point to walk through the rental one final time and check for property damage. We recommend walking through with the rental manager whenever possible (this may not be possible).. If the property owner is not available, make certain to take photos of the property to record its condition.
• Did you enjoy your vacation rental? Most rental web sites request comments after your stay is complete. Property owners and rental managers will thank you for favorable critiques. If anything went wrong, we suggest being pleasant but straightforward in regards to your stay. Top property owners and managers will work very hard to rectify the issue.

Use Your Experience

Hold a debrief with your traveling companions. Did they enjoy their vacation? Maybe everything turned out to be ideal and you're ready to re-book the same property for next season. If not, you have acquired useful rental search experience to aid with your next search.