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

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Entire home

Wood burning fireplace with wet bar to the left.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10185.8 sq m

Popular amenities

Barbecue grill

Washer

Outdoor space

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Fireplace

Explore the area

Gilbert, SC

Lake Murray
1 min walk
University of South Carolina
36 min drive
Dreher Island State Park
59 min drive
Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)
34 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

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).

Property manager

Bruce Guignard

Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Similar properties

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed

Dogs only; a $50 pet fee isrequired.

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. Lexington County Museum and Village Square Theatre are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Columbiana Centre and Soda City Market. Travelling with kids? Consider Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, or check out an event or a game at Carolina Stadium.

Gilbert, SC

What's nearby

Lake Murray - 1 min walk
Columbiana Centre - 34 min drive
University of South Carolina - 36 min drive
Crooked Creek Park - 47 min drive
Dreher Island State Park - 59 min drive

Getting around

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

Restaurants

‪McDonald's - ‬14 min drive
‪Zaxby's - ‬12 min drive
‪Krafty Draft Brew Pub - ‬12 min drive
‪Starbucks - ‬14 min drive
‪Waffle House - ‬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?

This family-friendly Gilbert holiday home is located on the waterfront, 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Lake Murray, and within 16 mi (25 km) of Lexington County Museum and Village Square Theatre. Dreher Shoals Dam and Three Rivers Greenway are also within 20 miles (32 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Joshua H.

29 Sept 2024

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

Perfect family get away!

Great! A+

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brendan Y.

21 Aug 2024

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

Excellent lake house

The house is beautiful and the lot is fantastic - great views of the lake and lots of privacy. We loved how the home is set up with a wing on each side and the common areas in the middle. Bruce was a great house and very easy to work with. We will definitely be back!

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

David S.

30 July 2024

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

Delightful Stay

The house is simply charming. It was exactly what we were hoping to find. On a lake dominated by large modern homes, this place has the ambiance of a true lake “cottage”. That is the reason we selected it. The location is excellent. The yard and frontage was perfect. The grandkids had a great time swimming off the pier and endlessly using the paddle boards. even caught some fish off the dock. I highly recommend this home if you are looking for a lake cottage experience.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Keri H.

1 July 2024

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

Family vacation

We ranged from 5 months to 88 years old and this cabin was accommodating for all. Our family thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The beautiful grassy lawn and the shade of the trees was a lifesaver as was the covered porch. Although there was not a sandy beach area, there was access to the water from land, as well as from the dock, which was a huge plus. The trundle beds and bunkbeds weren’t the most comfortable, as we needed them for adults, but are ok for kids. The interior of the home was clean and well maintained which is a must for me. Large table was great for shared meals and card games. Will forever cherish the time we had during our stay.

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter B.

20 May 2024

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

What a view from this very comfortable lake home

A beautiful lake home on Lake Murray in a quiet cove with a gorgeous view. Communication with the owner was easy and trouble free. The home was very clean, comfortable and we'll stocked with anything you might think of for a stay at the lake. The owner was very receptive to our comments and suggestions, we will be back!

Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

John B.

6 May 2024

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

Charles F.

13 Apr 2024

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

Great spot on the lake

Quiet and peaceful spot on Lake Murray, yet close enough to food and stores in Lexington and Columbia.

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melody W.

1 Apr 2024

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

Verified traveller

29 Mar 2024

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

What a great place!

Visited SC from VA and this location was lovely! Perfect cabin for a family vacation!

Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jordan M.

17 Mar 2024

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

Great Property!!

Amazing lake view home. It was very clean and comfortable. We spent most our time on the dock. I would highly recommend this for anyone visiting the area.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

David C.

30 Dec 2023

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

Christmas at The Lake

A very beutiful place that made Christmas very special.

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim S., Mount Laurel

26 Nov 2023

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

Thanksgiving get away

We spent the Thanksgiving holiday week at the lake cottage. The location was remote enough to be quiet, but still only about 15-20 minutes to restaurants and grocery stores. We drove into Columbia a few times to go to the University and the stadium, it takes about 40-45 minutes and is an easy drive. The kitchen was really well stocked and had everything we needed to make Thanksgiving dinner. Several coffee makers (carafe and k-cup) kept the whole family caffeinated and happy. The beds were very comfortable. The house is really well appointed, and even has lots of little touches like plenty of hooks and towel holders in the bathrooms and bedrooms. And the entire house was super clean. The back porch has a lovely view of the lake and plenty of seating. And we enjoyed using the fire pit and had a corn hole competition. Bruce was a great host, very helpful and responsive to questions.

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason H.

24 Nov 2023

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

Great experience!

Everything was perfect. Great location and very clean.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anthony C.

13 Nov 2023

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

Great spot and so much room

This spacious cabin was perfect for our stay for our daughter’s wedding. Very close to the venue. It was raining most of our stay but the cabin has tons of room and handled two large dog crates in one of the bedrooms with plenty of space left. It would be a great stay for any family that likes the outdoors and a comfortable stay.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jim P.

16 Oct 2023

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

Enjoying the view

Really enjoyed the morning sunrise. Sitting on porch with coffee and watching fishermen was very relaxing. House very well supplied.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Siobhan D.

8 Oct 2023

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

Great family cabin!

Beautiful rustic property on lake Murray! Perfect for an intimate family gathering. The owner Bruce is a pleasure and so easy to communicate with. Highly recommend!

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melinda S.

1 Oct 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

DeLana C.

27 Aug 2023

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

Wedding celebration

Our daughter was married at Southern Oaks just down the road. This house was base camp for our family and was perfect to celebrate and relax with family and friends. The owner was wonderful to work with and the house was very clean and had lots of room for everyone

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sherry C.

20 Aug 2023

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

Verified traveller

16 Aug 2023

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

We’ll be back!

What a fantastic multi generational stay at Guinea Nest. The house has a central area which consists of a kitchen, large dining area and large living room that all overlooks the beautiful lake. The central area has a wing on each side with 2 bedrooms and a bath in each wing. The porch is huge and overlooks the lake, the dock and the yard. No matter your interest, there’s something for everyone here. We loved our stay and will be back.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Stephanie M.

12 Aug 2023

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

Gorgeous view!

This was a family trip for us. The view was beautiful to wake up to every morning! The house was very nice. We loved how 2 of the bedrooms were on seperate sides from the other 2. The dining table was big enough for all of us to sit at. The only negative for us was the dock. It needs some work.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steve S.

10 Aug 2023

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.

1 Aug 2023

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

Phyllis P., Piedmont SC

8 July 2023

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

Relaxing Week

Enjoyed a week of relaxing and family time. House was great.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donna S.

6 July 2023

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

Lake Get Away

Nice shady yard. Beautiful lake views. Large dock on big water. Great covered porch with fans. Perfect house for those who truly want to spend their days "on the lake".

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

About the host

Hosted by Bruce Guignard

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.