Entire home

Driftwood Retreat on Tennessee River/Pickwick Lake

Photo gallery for Driftwood Retreat on Tennessee River/Pickwick Lake

No houses across river, just nature and a great view of Smithsonian island!
Lit pier
Staircase in the island down to bunk room and downstairs bathroom
Perfect spot for morning coffee to watch sunrise
Door in downstairs bathroom heading out to pier

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8102.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Cherokee, AL
  • Pickwick Lake
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • University of North Alabama
    ‪37 min drive‬
  • Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge
    ‪52 min drive‬
  • Muscle Shoals, AL (MSL-Northwest Alabama Regional)
    ‪34 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bunk Room

1 Single Bunk Bed

Living Room

1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms

Downstairs Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Main Leval Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Driftwood Retreat on Tennessee River/Pickwick Lake

Time to Relax! This home away from home right on the Tennessee River/ Pickwick Lake is the perfect place to do just that. Enjoy all the water has to offer from fishing and boating to simply watching wildlife and barges go by from the chairs on the pier or the wrap around deck. The 270' of water frontage will give the view of that beautiful sunrise along with space to pull your boat up on shore and swim. We have kayaks and life vests for guests to use with a signed waiver. Whether watching the family in the water on summer days, leaves drift down in the fall, the beautiful American White Pelicans in the winter, or new blooms in the spring, this gem has year round views with a tree house feel.
Inside, you'll be greeted with comfortable furnishings, live plants, wifi and everything else you could possibly need to make yourself right home. The living room has seating for 7 to watch the large flat screen tv or to gather around to play some of the games provided. The kitchen/dining has large windows that bring the outside in! The kitchen is stocked with all the gadgets you need to make a delicious meal to serve on the huge island. Seating for 4 at the table and 3 at the island. There are 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom on the main level all with crisp white linens. All bedrooms are equipped with Smart TV's. The staircase that goes under the huge island (bet you've never seen this) leads to a downstairs bunk room and another full bathroom. Both have doors that go right outside.
The upstairs wrap around deck has an area for grilling, large table that seats 6 and additional seating at the ledge. There are seasonal herbs available for guests to enjoy such as fresh basil, parsley, lavender, rosemary and mint. The other deck area is covered and has a wonderful lounging area with a sofa and two chairs (You'll be hoping for rain, just so you can sit out and listen to it on the metal roof:)) It also has a small table with chairs for morning coffee to watch the sunrise. Morning yoga your thing? A couple of mats are in the basket...
The front yard is perfect for watching sunsets! It has a large circle drive, a fire ring lined with chairs, a couple of hammocks, horseshoes, and a large parking pad. The pad would be the perfect place for a boat. It has electricity and water. There is a courtyard area by the front door for guests to enjoy corn hole, we have that too!

This is an old "Fish Camp" as the former owner called it. We have completely renovated it from bottom to top. We tried to stay true to the original character of the house while bringing all the modern amenities. We have even refinished some of the furniture that was left in the old camp. There are some old fishing lures that were found during the renovation displayed in a shadowbox. A lot of love has gone into this place. It is our vacation home as well as yours.
This is quiet neighborhood on a dead-end road out in the country. There are children that play right in the road. Doby, the neighbor's dog, will more than likely stop by. He is used to getting treats (bottom cabinet in the kitchen), he is very sweet and older. Please use caution while driving. There are a couple of bikes on the property, you are welcome to use them, just put them back in place when you are done with them.
The address is Cherokee, but it is an easy drive to the Shoals. There are gas stations, a grocery store, Dollar General, local pizza place, Subway, liquor store, pharmacy, and even a hardware store within 10 minutes' drive. Along the way to the Shoals, there are lots of attractions, Coon Dog Cemetery, Rattlesnake Saloon, Alabama Music Hall of Fame, etc. There are drawers full of brochures and info to choose from. There is a couple different options if you have a boat to put in the water. We do not have a boat launch on the property. Cane Creek boat ramp and Colbert County Natchez Trace boat ramp are about 10 minutes' drive. But we do have two trailers on the shore you can pull up on while you stay there, use at own risk. We take no responsibility for accidents or injuries incurred on our property. All guests should take caution in or near water. The current can get fast, and children should always be accompanied by an adult than knows how to swim well while in or near the water.
Parties are strictly prohibited, 8 guest MAX on the property at all times!
If you are looking for perfection, this is not the place for you. I do not iron sheets. Everything will be clean and in working order. If you are looking for a place to relax and take the simple beauty that lake life has to offer, this IS the place for you!
We hope that you decide to pick our place to become your place.
Jay and Melissa Black

Property manager

Jay and Melissa Black
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
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 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
This property is not ideal for small children.
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Events

No events allowed
No loud music
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 9 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Please keep dogs off all furniture and linens.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking or vaping in the house or on back porch
8 person limit for decks and 8 person limit on pier.
Dogs must be on a leash while outside. Please pick up and dispose of all feces.

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
Note from host: No loud music
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

About the area

Cherokee

Located in Cherokee, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Ivy Green and W.C. Handy Home are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Seven Mile Island Wildlife Management Area and Tennessee River. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and rock climbing.
Map
Cherokee, AL

What's nearby

  • Ivy Green - 26 min drive - 25.8 km
  • Fame Recording Studios - 29 min drive - 31.4 km
  • Pickwick Lake - 31 min drive - 21.4 km
  • University of North Alabama - 37 min drive - 36.1 km
  • Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge - 52 min drive - 48.0 km

Getting around

  • Muscle Shoals, AL (MSL-Northwest Alabama Regional) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪J J's - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Family Diner - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Family Diner - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Hot Stuff Pizza - ‬16 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Driftwood Retreat on Tennessee River/Pickwick Lake pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Driftwood Retreat on Tennessee River/Pickwick Lake?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Driftwood Retreat on Tennessee River/Pickwick Lake?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Driftwood Retreat on Tennessee River/Pickwick Lake located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is steps from Tennessee River and 9.7 mi (15.6 km) from Gibson Towhead. Pickwick Lake and Alabama Music Hall of Fame are also within 16 miles (25 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. 82 out of 83 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 83 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 83 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 83 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 83 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dustin P.

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

Spring Break

My family was able to travel to the BASS Nation Regional tournament with me as it aligned with our spring break. They had a great time being on the water through the day. The views from this property are awesome. We really enjoyed the stay and hospitality.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stefanie T.

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

Amazing!

My husband and I stayed for our 6th anniversary and it was amazing! We loved the hand written note! The view was perfect! Even got to check in a little early! Thank you so much for everything!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Phillisa J.

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

Great place for a quick getaway!

Our second stay at this property, and we will be back! This place is well-equipped, and the owners have made it a stand-out place!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan Renee W.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend Getaway

Beautifully decorated, warm, and comfortable in every way. We loved the view of the river and watching the birds and squirrels in the trees. This little cottage and the peaceful surroundings were just what we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ben M.

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

Awesome place

Grand little cabin on lake pickwick. Perfect for our needs with family close by. Super clean and friendly
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Justin K.

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

Fun & Relaxing Memorial / Weekend

Wife and I loved it here, great place to watch the weather over the water - perfect simple boat dock / trailer winch system for most medium/small fishing or run-abouts. Love the kitchen/bar/common area!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

April H.

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

Lovely stay

We really loved our stay. We had everything we needed and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We left the windows closed as instructed but still had some tiny bugs that made their way through. It didn’t bother us though. We are used to lake life and know that sometimes goes with the territory. We fished off the dock and caught a couple of nice large mouth bass. We would definitely book this property again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul H. B.

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

Perfect relaxing getaway!

We were riding dirt bikes at 7 springs. After being worn out from riding the deck dock and beautiful views were a welcome relief!! Couldn’t have had accommodations any better! Hope to be able to return in the near future!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alan P.

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

Relaxing & Entertaining!

Our stay was wonderful! So many unique things to see and do here. Comfy beds & living area. Fun games to play (like giant jenga and ring hook). Loved kayaking! Found an amazing slough to explore and chased coots! Visited the Rattlesnake Saloon and played disc golf nearby. Great place to gather with our family. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christine G.

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

Perfect get away

We thoroughly enjoyed our week here. House was very clean and beautiful inside, had everything we needed. Kids loved the neighbor's friendly dogs. Fishing was great too.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sheila M.

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

The Driftwood Retreat

Our family absolutely love staying at the Driftwood retreat. The lake house had everything we needed. It was so comfortable. It was well decorated. It had a lot of character. I love the swings on the back. The multi dimensional decks were great. I loved watching the birds. The description of the property and the literature in the house mention the neighborhood dogs and children, and they are truly an asset to the place.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robbin S.

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

Tennessee River Getsway

We so enjoyed our stay on the river at this wonderful cabin. We enjoyed watching the barges go down the river and our granddaughters loved the swings! The owners did a great job in renovating the cabin. Wouldn’t change a thing
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Phillisa J.

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

Relaxing Getaway

My husband and I enjoyed our stay! This place is the perfect getaway for a quiet, relaxing weekend! The property is perfect! We plan to make this a must-stay place for our next quick getaway weekend! This place is the first rental in 30 years that we've stayed in that has a full kitchen. Most rentals advertise with a full kitchen, but they have this place covered; it has everything to need! We love this place! Thanks for allowing us to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maples -.

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

Outstanding Getaway

My family and I loved this peaceful retreat. Everything was perfect with zero complaints! We’re looking forward to going back soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Douglas D.

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

Annual Hunting Trip

Perfect place for our 5 guy hunting party. The place was exactly what we needed . Clean, close to our hunting area. Even kept the duck boat in water for a little duck scouting.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pat H.

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

Great Place

My friends and I really enjoyed our stay. The house felt warm and welcoming and felt very cozy and inviting. The kitchen was stocked with everything needed and had plenty of room for us to gather and socialize.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Debbie V.

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

Great place to just chill!!

Manager was so nice to work with. Great place for kids. Even came with a wonderful Corgy pup to welcome us.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tami W.

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

Peaceful Getaway

Nice and relaxing stay. The house was cozy and the location was peaceful. Enjoyed time away from the city life !
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

david r.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Famly getaway

Back porch I had to clean off leafs. Need to dust inside.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda P., Lyerly, GA

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

Love this place!

I have to say, this is the best vacation rental I have ever stayed in and I’ve stayed in several. I say that because they haven’t missed anything and it’s so clean! I loved walking in and seeing the Fall decorations in all of the rooms. It’s in a quiet location. And oh that view of the lake. We enjoyed breakfast on the deck and coffee on the dock. So peaceful! Don’t hesitate to stay here!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael l.

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

Nice house

The place was nice. No complaints.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristina R G.

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

Nice quiet place

We had a great time here. Even though the water was not ideal for swimming or fishing we still had a great time just relaxing and taking in the views. This place is everything we could’ve hoped for and anything you may have forgotten to pack was already waiting for you. We have definitely decided we would like to return someday!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda S.

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

Wonderful time…

We had a wonderful time at the lake with a 2 year old, 10 year old and 3 adults + one golden doodle! The setting was delightful with lots of wildlife to watch! I will mention for other families that the water is not very swimmable due to vegetation in the water. I don’t know if it’s always that way but we were still able to kayak and splash on the shore. The home was cozy and welcoming!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paula D., Jackson GA

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

Beyond your expectations

The photos do no justice to the decor & work put into this place. Everything about this house is inviting the minute you pull in the driveway. The decor & the view setup a calm as soon as you step foot in the door. The detail that was put into the rebuild is beyond any thoughts I would have imagined. Melissa was wonderful & even though I probably drove her crazy was very pleasant & easy to contact. This is a little piece of heaven that we already look forward to visiting again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sabrina G.

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

Amazing Father's Day getaway with the family !

This was a Father's Day trip for my husband . We absolutely fell in love ! The property was beautiful,private, and unique Loved the layout ! The kids loved it as well. They have a couple of kayaks that were so fun, the grill and patio were awesome. The hosts made the whole process effortless .They were very attentive, prompt, and available .Definetely recommend!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

About the host

Hosted by Jay and Melissa Black

Host profile image
My name is Melissa Black and my husband of 27 years is Jay Black. We live here in the Shoals. I guess we are transplants. We moved here 19 years ago from out of state. We have 3 boys, 1 is a college graduate, 1 is currently attending UNA and 1 is at Shoals Community College. We fell in love with the Shoals area immediately. There are so many things to do, camping, hiking, boating, great restaurants, and can't forget the live music!

Why they chose this property

We have always loved camping near the water. Anytime we camp, we always request to be waterfront. Years ago, we started talking about where we would like to retire. And anywhere with water came up. I am a Realtor. I have shown some amazing houses in the Shoals, but the ones on the water have me 'Wowing" every time! But, we could not afford a big nice house on the water. A neighbor there at lake house works with Jay and told him about it. It was in really bad shape, like REALLY bad! It was a family's "Fish Camp". They had owned it for 50 years. The appraiser said, "You're going to tear this thing down aren't you? All that's any good is the foundation!". We decided to renovate the whole cabin. The renovation started 3/20. Our family has done every bit of the work. Well, except for a little of the gutters and bulldozer work. We have replaced electrical, plumbing, roofing, refinished old furniture, scrubbed light fixtures, and probably dug up 100 bricks from the yard along with lots and lots of other work. Now, we have this beautiful gem that we want share with the world! :)

What makes this property unique

There are so many unique things about this property! First off, it's right on the water! The wildlife is entertaining on its own. If you're sitting on the pier late in the evening, Beatrice the Beaver (Yes, we named it. Not really sure on gender just liked the name) will swim by. If you hear a loud clap noise, it's her letting you know she's there. There is great fishing, we ate catfish last week that our boys caught from the pier. With the treehouse feel from the deck, the squirrels are everywhere! Careful, I think they aim for your head when throwing nuts. Just playing, they only got me twice. We have bought birdhouses locally made and put them out for the birds, there are a lot of birds. The boating is great! There is an island right across from the house! It is Smithsonian Island. We are pretty much right in the middle of Waterloo and Florence marina on the water on Colbert County side. Mulberry Creek is really close, it's a nice paddle in the kayaks.
Another unique feature of this property is the care and thoughtfulness that we have put into every detail to make it feel like a home away from home. From the time you walk in the front door to the time you're sitting down on the pier. We want everyone that stays here to feel at home.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests