Ruffner Retreat House | Fenced Yard & Group Stay

4 Bedrooms • 2 Baths • Sleeps 1-12
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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 12 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!

Cancellation Policy: One hundred percent (100.00%) of the total booking charges will be refunded if the cancellation is made more than 14 days prior to the arrival date of the reservation. For cancellations made within 14 days prior to the arrival date, no refund will be issued.

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!

Birmingham, Alabama

Property Type Cottage
Accommodation Entire Home
Check-In Smart lock
House Rules
  • Maximum occupancy: 12
  • Children welcome
  • Infants welcome
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Wheelchair inaccessible
  • Minimum age of primary renter: 21
  • Pets welcome
Setting & View
  • City
  • River
  • Mountain
  • Town
General
  • Internet
  • Air Conditioning
  • Central Heating
  • Linens Provided
  • Towels Provided
  • Washing Machine
  • Clothes Dryer
  • Hot Water
  • Private Living Room
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron & Board
  • Wifi
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Laptop Friendly Workspace
  • Basic Soaps
  • Paper Towels
  • Shampoo
  • Toilet Paper
  • Hangers
  • Private Entrance
  • Lock On Bedroom Door
  • Extra Pillows & Blankets
  • Free Internet
  • Body Soap
  • Hair Conditioner
  • Shower Gel
  • Clothing Storage (closet or wardrobe)
Kitchen
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Stove
  • Oven
  • Microwave
  • Dishwasher
  • Dishes & Utensils
  • Coffee Maker
  • Ice Maker
  • Freezer
  • Pots & Pans
  • Dining Table
  • Baking Sheet
  • Barbeque/Grill Utensils
  • Coffee
  • Wine Glasses
Bathrooms 2 Baths
  • King Ensuite Bathroom – Combination Tub/Shower, Toilet
  • Hall Bathroom – Combination Tub/Shower, Toilet
Sleeping Arrangements 4 Bedrooms, sleeps 1-12
  • King Suite – 1 King Bed
  • Full Bedroom 1 – 1 Double Bed
  • Full Bedroom 2 – 1 Double Bed
  • Twin Bunkroom – 1 Bunk Bed
  • Living Room – 1 Sleeper Sofa
Entertainment
  • Television
  • Smart TV
Family
  • Room Darkening Shades
Outdoor
  • Outdoor Grill
  • Deck/Patio (uncovered)
  • Lawn/Garden
  • Private Yard
  • Fenced Yard
  • Outdoor Dining
  • Outdoor Seating
Vehicles
  • Parking
  • Free Parking
  • Street Parking
  • Free Parking On Premises
Other
  • Luggage Dropoff Allowed
Theme
  • Adventure
  • Family
  • Historic
  • Romantic
  • Tourist Attractions
Attractions
  • Coin Laundry
  • Health/Beauty Spa
  • Museums
  • Zoo
Leisure
  • Antiquing
  • Bird Watching
  • Horseback Riding
  • Outlet Shopping
  • Shopping
Sports & Adventure
  • Golf
  • Hiking
  • Ice Skating
  • Rock Climbing
  • Bowling Alley
  • Climbing Wall
  • Mini Golf
  • Skate Ramp
  • Laser Tag
Safety
  • Deadbolt Lock
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Exterior Lighting
  • Smoke Detector
  • Common Surface Disinfectant Cleaned
  • Cleaning Products
Expectations
  • Requires Stairs
  • Noise Monitor
Check Out Tasks
  • Turn Things Off
  • Throw Away Trash
  • Lock Up
  • Gather Towels
Accessibility
  • Single Level Home