On lake.Within a 5-minute walk of this Gallatin vacation home, you'll find Old Hickory Lake and Cumberland River. Volunteer State Community College and Trinity Music City are also within 6 miles (10 km).
The Streets of Indian Lake - 12 min drive - 6.2 miles
Drakes Creek Park - 14 min drive - 7.5 miles
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center - 33 min drive - 25.4 miles
Grand Ole Opry - 34 min drive - 26.3 miles
Opry Mills - 34 min drive - 26.3 miles
Getting around
Lebanon Martha Station - 31 min drive
Nashville International Airport (BNA) - 40 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 13 min drive
Dutch Bros Coffee - 14 min drive
DosBros Fresh Mexican Grill - 12 min drive
Sonic Drive-In - 14 min drive
Kave Express - House of Haggai - 13 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Romantic Lakefront Retreat Near Nashville | Private Upstairs Suite
Peaceful 1-bedroom hideaway on Old Hickory Lake with king suite, deck, firepit, and kayaks — perfect for couples seeking rest and reconnection.
The Cozy Cottage on Old Hickory Lake isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a place to exhale. Sip morning coffee as sunlight glimmers on the water, paddle across the quiet cove, or unwind by the firepit under a starry Tennessee sky. This private upstairs suite in Gallatin, Tennessee is a romantic lakefront getaway near Nashville — peaceful, pet-friendly, and personally cared for by its owners. ________________________________________
The Space Welcome to your 1-bedroom, 1-bath lakefront cottage — once an old fishing cabin, now lovingly restored into a peaceful, private retreat for couples seeking connection and quiet comfort by the water.
From the moment you arrive, the pace of life seems to soften. You’ll hear the gentle ripple of the lake, the call of geese, and the hush of wind through the trees. Every detail has been personally cared for by the owners — not just managed, but loved — so guests can relax knowing they’re in a home that’s truly cherished.
Indoor Living • Cedar-lined living room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake • Fully equipped kitchen with granite countertops, quality cookware, and a take-some/leave-some pantry • Coffee bar stocked with pods, teas, syrups, and travel mugs for your morning stroll • Dining area for two (or up to eight if you extend your stay later with friends) • Grand king suite with plush bedding, spa-style bath, soft makeup cloths, and thoughtful touches throughout
The lower level is simply closed off during your stay, ensuring total privacy — no shared spaces, no other guests.
Laundry: Available upon request for longer stays (3 + nights). Local laundromats are nearby if you prefer.
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Outdoor Spaces The deck is where this lakeside cottage truly shines. Perched above the yard with peaceful views across Sunset Island, it’s the kind of place that calls you outside for every meal — even when there’s a hint of chill in the air. You’ll linger here with your morning coffee, watch the light move across the water, and catch the deer grazing at the edge of the trees. It’s calm, comfortable, and unforgettable in every season.
Just below, the lower patio offers a cozy fire table, comfortable seating, and an easy path leading just 57 steps down to the dock and lakeshore, where you can kayak, fish, or simply sit and listen to the water.
The cove is calm and protected, offering quiet that feels far removed from everyday life. You’ll see geese glide by in the morning, turtles stretch out on sun-warmed logs in the afternoon, and deer wander through the yard nearly every evening. A friendly little fox even makes his rounds most days, trotting through as if he owns the place.
End your night under a sky full of stars, gathered around the wood-burning firepit, where the lake reflects the glow of the flames and peace settles in for the night.
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Thoughtful Touches & Comforts Every stay includes the little details that make guests feel cared for. Hotel-size shampoo, conditioner, and bar soap (three each), plus Q-tips, cotton pads, ponytail holders, trash bags, detergent, and dish pods — all provided because the little things really do make a big difference.
You’ll also find: • Three kayaks, life vests, and fishing gear • Lawn games and extra blankets for cool Tennessee evenings • Wi-Fi, Smart TV, air conditioning, and heating • Coffee, teas, and cocoa waiting at the bar each morning • A s’mores station ready by the firepit • On-site parking just steps from your door
It’s the kind of place that feels ready when you arrive — comfortable, calm, and quietly welcoming.
If you just fall in love with this peaceful retreat (and each other), you can always come back with friends or family — the full four-bedroom version of the Cozy Cottage is available for up to eight guests. ________________________________________
Why Guests Love It Here
🌅 Just 57 steps to the water’s edge 🛏️ Grand king suite & cedar-lined living room ☕ Coffee bar & fully stocked kitchen 🔥 Firepit and lakeside patio under the stars 🛶 Kayaks, life vests & fishing gear included 🦌 Wildlife views from every window 🐾 Pet-friendly & personally cared for by owners 🎸 35 minutes to Nashville — yet a world away ________________________________________
A Note About the Cove Old Hickory Lake is a living ecosystem — after rain, you may see drifting branches or light moss at the shoreline. We tidy often, but nature always has the final say — and that’s part of the charm. If something needs attention, we’re happy to make it right. ________________________________________
Location This lakefront vacation rental in Gallatin, TN is tucked inside the quiet Sunset Bay Resort community — just: • 7 minutes to Starbucks, groceries, and restaurants • 35 minutes to downtown Nashville • 40 minutes to Nashville International Airport You’re close to everything yet feel a world away — the best of Middle Tennessee lake life. ________________________________________
House Rules & Policies
(Complete details appear in your rental agreement.)
Booking & ID Requirements • Guests must be 23 + to book • Reservation name, ID, and credit card must match • Signed rental agreement + photo ID due within 48 hours of booking • Primary guest must provide the full names and email addresses of all adult guests within 48 hours of booking so that individual waiver links can be sent for electronic signature • All adult guests must sign their individual Kayak & Water Activity Waiver before arrival — each adult’s waiver covers any minor children in their care • A $500 refundable security-deposit hold is placed before arrival and released after checkout if no damage or policy violations occur • The primary guest must be present for the entire stay and is responsible for all guests and property condition
Guest Conduct • Maximum 2 guests (excluding infants under 12 months) • No third-party bookings, parties, or events • Quiet hours 10 PM – 8 AM • $500 eviction fee for rule violations or unauthorized guests
Pets • Dogs allowed with prior approval and $75 fee per pet • Must be leashed outdoors and kenneled if unattended • No pets on furniture (service dogs require protective cover)
Smoking & Fire Safety • No smoking or vaping indoors or near open doors/windows ($750 fee) • Outdoor firepit use is permitted — please extinguish completely before turning in
Water & Wildlife Safety • No diving — water depth varies • Life vests required for children and non-swimmers • Kayak & Water Activity Waivers required for all adults (18 +) — no exceptions • Life jackets must be worn while using kayaks or near the water • Enjoy wildlife from a respectful distance — please don’t feed or chase animals
Security & Safety • Three exterior cameras (driveway, side path, dock/firepit area) record 24 / 7 • No cameras on decks or inside the home
Prohibited Materials & Damage • No glitter, confetti, or dyes ($1,000 fine for glitter; $500 for dyes) • Guests are responsible for any damage during their stay ________________________________________
We care deeply about our guests and our home. Thank you for treating this place with the same care and quiet respect that make it feel special.
Whether you’re sipping wine under the stars, watching fireflies flicker across the yard, or catching the ripple of a heron’s wings at dawn — every moment here feels quietly alive, and exactly as it should be.
Come see why so many guests call this their favorite spot on Old Hickory Lake — your peaceful lakeside escape is waiting.
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Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Garden
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 5:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 23
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Rules
•Must be 23 years of age to book •Rental agreement must be signed upon booking – rental agreement establishes all terms and conditions
•Photo ID required upon booking •Security deposit for $1,500 collected by our system prior to stay •Maximum guests is 8, including infants •No Glitter
•QUIET HOURS 10pm – 8AM •No 3rd party bookings •No smoking or vaping •No events, parties or large gatherings •
Pets
Pets are welcome
Only dogs are allowed
Maximum 3 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
Service animals are exempt from fees
Note from host: PRE-approval for all dogs is required, accompanied
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No indoor smoking; $750 fine.
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Long-term renters welcome. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.
Property is also known as
Cozy Cabin Old Hickory Lake Gallatin
Cozy Old Hickory Lake Gallatin
Old Hickory Lake Cottage Private Covered Dock Gallatin
Old Hickory Lake Cottage Private Covered Dock
Old Hickory Lake Private Covered Dock Gallatin
Old Hickory Lake Cottage Private Covered Dock Gallatin
Old Hickory Lake Cottage Private Covered Dock
Cottage Old Hickory Lake Cottage With Private Covered Dock
Old Hickory Lake Cottage With Private Covered Dock Gallatin
Cozy Cabin on Old Hickory Lake
Old Hickory Lake Private Covered Dock Gallatin
Old Hickory Lake Private Covered Dock
Cottage Old Hickory Lake Cottage With Private Covered Dock
Old Hickory Lake Cottage With Private Covered Dock Gallatin
Cozy Cabin on Old Hickory Lake
Mid Summer Night Dream Special Nashville Area Dock Pets OK
Romantic Cozy Cottage on Old Hickory Nashville Area Dock Pets OK
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Frequently asked questions
How close is Romantic Lakefront Retreat Near Nashville | Private Upstairs Suite to the airport?
This vacation home is 31.9 mi (40-min drive) away from the Nashville International Airport (BNA) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Does Romantic Lakefront Retreat Near Nashville | Private Upstairs Suite have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.
Does Romantic Lakefront Retreat Near Nashville | Private Upstairs Suite offer free breakfast?
This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at Romantic Lakefront Retreat Near Nashville | Private Upstairs Suite?
No, there is no casino at this vacation home.
What time is check-in at Romantic Lakefront Retreat Near Nashville | Private Upstairs Suite?
Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.
Is there free parking at Romantic Lakefront Retreat Near Nashville | Private Upstairs Suite?
Free parking is not available at this vacation home.
Does Romantic Lakefront Retreat Near Nashville | Private Upstairs Suite have a pool?
This vacation home does not have a pool.
Does Romantic Lakefront Retreat Near Nashville | Private Upstairs Suite have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this vacation home.
How close is Romantic Lakefront Retreat Near Nashville | Private Upstairs Suite to downtown Gallatin?
This vacation home is 6.4 mi away from Gallatin.
Reviews
Romantic Lakefront Retreat Near Nashville | Private Upstairs Suite Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
10/10
Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 108 out of 122 reviews
10 - Excellent
108
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 122 reviews
8 - Good
13
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 122 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 122 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 122 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
BataynCrypto
Oct 30, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
The cottage was great - we really enjoyed our stay!
BataynCrypto
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
GINA F.
Aug 31, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Very relaxing and peaceful. Don and Dora were quick to respond to any questions I had. Got to see the deer and fox and enjoyed sitting around fire pit making s’mores. Would definitely go back.
GINA F.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kyle C.
Aug 29, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect place for a getaway to Old Hickory Lake
Kyle C.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Johnna P.
Aug 24, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We celebrated my husband’s birthday here. Every detail was thoughtfully planned in the home so we had everything we needed for the perfect stay. The host’s communication and hospitality made it such a smooth and special experience. A birthday to remember!
Johnna P.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Melissa W., Chesterfield
Jul 13, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Loved our stay! Well stocked (loved all the extras: bath salts, smores fixin’s, coffee, well stocked kitchen and much much more), clean, great setting and hosts were super responsive!
Melissa W.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Douglas S.
Jul 7, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Wow
You will be impressed. There were literally 100 deer in the yard at any given point, but we were careful not to approach the skunk. Tranquil deck to sit out and overlook the water. Definitely a two person Vacay, but our dogs loved it as well huge yard to run in
Douglas S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Andrew S.
May 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful property
The property was in an awesome location. We loved waking up to the river every morning. This is a place I would like to go back to.
Andrew S.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveler
May 6, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
The Gold Standard
This cottage was impressive all the way around. The owners thought of everything and exceeded every other stay we have had prior in a VRBO rental. Their example should be the industry standard. The cottage was comfortable, quiet, clean, and perfectly located for our destination needs. The owners are excellent in their communication. We will stay there again the next time we are down that way.
Verified traveler
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kelly J.
Apr 21, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Stay at cozy cottage
The property is beautiful. Perfect for a quiet weekend on the lake. My personal opinion is that it’s slightly overpriced for the size of the home. Especially if sharing the space with other renters-the basement space can be rented separately from the upstairs. But I suppose that’s the market rate so do with that what you will. The space was very clean and if you’re traveling with the dogs, this is a wonderful spot. The hosts have gone above expectations for making them welcome in the space. Would stay again
Kelly J.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Keith J.
Apr 3, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
A great little cottage with a view
We stayed for 2 nights over a long weekend. It was about a half an hour from Nashville. The place was clean and comfy. We need to come again and stay longer to enjoy the lake.
Keith J.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Laura C., Chicago
Apr 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Easy to unwind
Clean, comfortable and thoughtfully stocked with everything you need. Lots of outdoor space and seating. Fun to watch the birds and deer on the property. Close enough to Nashville. Many other small towns to visit close by. Great communication with the hosts. We booked an additional night.
Laura C.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jack U.
Mar 30, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Enjoyed the Cozy Cottage
My wife and I very much enjoyed our stay at the cottage. Excellent check-in checkout process. Very well cleaned and maintained. We had a great time and very much enjoyed the area. Highly recommend!
Jack U.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Angie V.
Mar 9, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing weekend
We enjoyed sitting on the dock in the morning watching the ducks, sitting by the fire pit at night watching the deer and making s'mores, and everything in between. They had everything we needed for a relaxing stay. The phone service isn't the best inside the house, but we could text and the wifi worked. The host was responsive to any questions. We would stay here again.
Angie V.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer R.
Jan 1, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome place
We loved it here! Perfect quiet getaway
Jennifer R.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Carlena S.
Nov 15, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Fall reflection
Carlena S.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Robyn G.
Apr 22, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Cottage
The Cozy Cottage is absolutely gorgeous. Great location, great neighbors and I can't say enough about the owners. Don and Dora are some of the best hosts I've had the pleasure of interacting with. Simply incredible!!
Many thanks,
Robyn
Robyn G.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Emily S.
Mar 13, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay
This was a great stay. The place was very clean, easy to access, easy parking, close to restaurants/groceries/gas, easy drive to the City, great communication with the owners. It was peaceful, comfortable, and we were already trying to figure out when we could get back! My dog loved the deer, geese, ducks, birds, and all of the nature around!
Emily S.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Starlith M.
Dec 8, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Cute house
Property was nice and hosts were very easy to communicate with. Loved sitting on the back deck while working. Ton of deer in the area! Even caught a couple of fish off the dock.
Starlith M.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
6/10 Okay
Rebecca G.
Oct 4, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Unknown fees
The cottage is in a great location if you want to be on the lake. There is easy access to the nice dock on the property. We had easy communication with the host. However, entry walkway and the steps leading to the cottage deck are slick if wet due to algae growth. Note if you have pets, the gate on the deck does not latch without manually lifting latch for a secure catch. In addition, there are many rules and individual fees accessed if those rules are broken. One of which - you are responsible to pull garbage cans to the street on Thursdays for pickup on Friday. If you fail to do that, if I remember correctly, there is a $40. Fee accessed per can. I understand placing garbage in cans but pulling cans to the street for pickup does not merit a relaxing vacation along with other fees you need to be aware of. I did not find this information when booking - so be sure you check the rule book after arriving to avoid other various fees that you could be charged for.
Rebecca G.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kelli N.
Sep 8, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Most amazing lakeside getaway super close to downtown Nashville! Quiet peaceful and gorgeous!
Do not miss out on this location for your trip to Old Hickory Lake! Home is right on the lake with a huge backyard and private dock. There are deer and fireflies everywhere. The neighborhood is so quiet and peaceful and full of southern charm. The hosts are amazing… they were so quick to respond to any questions we had. The house is immaculate and full of the best hotel type bathroom toiletries and extras! It is so close to everything downtown and an easy drive to the airport!
Kelli N.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Gina C., Nashville
Mar 1, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Definitely Cozy
We had to move out of our home for a week to have our floors redone, and this home is just down the street. So it was obviously conveniently located. :) The home is very comfortable and was nice & clean.
Gina C.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
Sandy R., Kentwood, MI
Oct 21, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful visit
Cozy Cottage is a cozy place to stay. Very peaceful and quiet. Great place to get away from it all and enjoy nature!
Sandy R.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
Charis L.
Oct 6, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Great place!
This was a great place to stay if you want to experience staying at a lake house.
Charis L.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
John A.
Oct 6, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Great place
The house was as advertised and actually better than I was expecting. We spent one day doing nothing but watching the wildlife and enjoying the peacefulness.
John A.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
10/10 Excellent
Alison S.
Sep 24, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful property, great location!
My husband and I stayed at the Cozy Cottage for our honeymoon in August-September. We had a wonderful stay and felt right at home. The cottage had everything we needed and is in a great location. We brought our boat and kept it at the dock which was super convenient and we had a great time exploring Old Hickory Lake! We have been talking about staying here again. Definitely recommend!