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Waterfront River House w/ Dock, Boathouse & Lift

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Every evening ends like this. This is why you came.
Your own private waterfront ! Where the kids fish off the dock while adults relax with a drink and nowhere else to be.
The view that made you book it ! Panoramic Fish River views from your private upper deck and boathouse just waiting below.
Plenty of room for everyone to relax together, this is where the whole group actually wants to spend time with each other.
Kayaks ready, ping pong waiting! This is the kind of vacation where the kids never once ask to look at their phones.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Summerdale, AL
  • Place, Lake Victoria
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Weeks Bay Reserve
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Foley Sportsplex
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Airport, Mobile, AL (MOB-Mobile Regional)
    ‪60 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Twin Bunk Beds

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden

About this property

Waterfront River House w/ Dock, Boathouse & Lift

Consistently rated the best VRBO guests have ever stayed at, The Honey House is a luxury 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom waterfront home sleeping 10 on the beautiful Fish River. With your own private dock, screened elevated boathouse with TV and bar seating, boat slip with lift, kayaks, lily pad float, elevator access, and a Premier Host who often arrives with fresh flowers and a personal welcome tour - this is not just a rental.
It is where families make the memories they will talk about forever.

THE PROPERTY
Step directly from the living room or master bedroom onto your private deck overlooking Fish River. Then follow your own exclusive catwalk straight to the screened elevated boathouse - your private riverside living room with TV, bar seating and panoramic water views. No other VRBO on Fish River offers this.

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS
Sleeps 10 - 3 bedrooms - 3 full bathrooms - no morning bottlenecks
Private dock with boat slip AND boat lift - bring your own boat
Public boat launch literally 30 seconds away
Screened elevated boathouse with TV and bar seating
Private deck off living room and master bedroom
Exclusive catwalk from master bedroom directly to the boathouse
2 kayaks and lily pad float included at no extra charge
Elevator access for grandparents and guests with mobility needs
Fully stocked chef's kitchen with gas range and stocked coffee bar
Game room with foosball and ping pong
Fire pit, BBQ grill, outdoor shower, koi pond, swing bed patio
1 dog welcome
10 min to charming downtown Fairhope
15 min to The Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa
20 min to Gulf Shores beaches
Near Glory Farms wedding venue

PERFECT FOR
Multigenerational family reunions - grandparents fully accommodated with elevator and single-level waterfront access
Girls weekends and bachelorette celebrations - river paradise with fresh flowers waiting on arrival
Fishing enthusiasts - catch bass and catfish from the dock every single day
Couples getaways and milestone birthday celebrations
Sports families needing a full kitchen, laundry and room to spread out
Wedding weekends - Glory Farms and other Fairhope wedding venue minutes away, space for the whole family

YOUR HOST
Babbie is a VRBO Premier Host with a perfect 10/10 communication and check-in rating and a 0% cancellation rate. She personally greets most guests, provides a full welcome tour of the property, brings fresh flowers, and has thought of every single detail
From a stocked coffee bar to extra paper towels, trash bags, aluminum foil, local restaurant recommendations and more.
Guests consistently say she is the best host they have ever had across all their years of VRBO and vacation travel.

WHAT GUESTS SAY
"Best VRBO ever - the photos do not even do it justice." - Madison C.
"We have stayed at many VRBOs. This is by far the best we have ever experienced." - Multiple verified guests
"I will never forget this time of togetherness." - Bryan, Mobile AL
"A little slice of Heaven on Fish River." - Kate W.
"Babbie and her husband were the most exceptional hosts we have ever had - and we have had all five star hosts at every previous property." - Jennifer D.
"The photos don't do it justice - it is very large with plenty of common spaces for everyone." - Madison C.
"We made Thanksgiving dinner here and the kitchen had absolutely everything we needed." - Verified guest, November 2025

LOCATION
Fish River connects to Weeks Bay and Mobile Bay for miles of calm protected waterways perfect for boating, kayaking and fishing.
The Honey House sits on a peaceful bend of the river in Summerdale, Alabama - private and serene, yet minutes from everything.

10 min to downtown Fairhope - boutique shopping, art galleries, farm-to-table dining, the iconic Fairhope Pier, Thursday night live music, Saturday farmers market
15 min to The Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa
20 min to Gulf Shores white sand beaches
25 min to The Wharf entertainment complex
5 min by boat to Big Daddy's waterfront seafood restaurant
Minutes to many Fairhope wedding venues
10 min to Publix grocery

You are not booking a place to sleep. You are reserving the vacation your family will talk about for years.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 50 lbs per pet (limit one pet total)
Maximum of 1 dog allowed with a $150 pet fee
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Outside downstairs only

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds, gather used towels, and store extra beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please leave the key on the kitchen counter and notify me as you are leaving.
Please make sure all trash is in a garbage bag before putting it in the outside trash container.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Must sign rental agreement upon booking
A $500 security hold will be placed 2 days prior to arrival and released 7 days after departure, if no damages reported.
Must follow all house rules including but no limited to no smoking inside or upstairs decks and no parties, 1 pet allowed with $150 pet fee

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
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

About the neighborhood

Fairhope

Located in Fairhope, this vacation home is on the waterfront. Quail Creek Golf Course and Lakewood Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit The Park at OWA and Eastern Shore Art Center. Traveling with kids? Consider Billy's Seafood, or check out an event or a game at Foley Sportsplex. Looking to get your feet wet? Kayaking, water skiing and water tubing adventures can be found near the property.
View more Vacation Homes in FairhopeOpens in a new window
Map
Summerdale, AL

What's nearby

  • Lake Victoria - 6 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Weeks Bay Reserve - 10 min drive - 13.1 km
  • Quail Creek Golf Course - 14 min drive - 16.2 km
  • Foley Sportsplex - 16 min drive - 17.9 km
  • Fairhope Avenue - 17 min drive - 20.5 km

Getting around

  • Mobile, AL (BFM-Downtown Airport) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Porch - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Mr. Spuds - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Good Time Charleys - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Big Daddy's Grill - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Jesses Restaurant - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterfront River House w/ Dock, Boathouse & Lift pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Waterfront River House w/ Dock, Boathouse & Lift?

As of May 1, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Waterfront River House w/ Dock, Boathouse & Lift on Aug 19, 2026 start from $488, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Waterfront River House w/ Dock, Boathouse & Lift?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Waterfront River House w/ Dock, Boathouse & Lift?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Waterfront River House w/ Dock, Boathouse & Lift located?

Located on the waterfront, this family-friendly vacation home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Lake Victoria, Punta Clara Candy Kitchen, and Weeks Bay Reserve. Quail Creek Golf Course and John Snook Telephone Museum are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 39 out of 39 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 39 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emma B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect house!!!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

rick h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful location, attention to details was over the top. Host was very friendly and helpful
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lanie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home on the river. Spotless. Very well maintained and well stocked with anything you might need. Multiple outdoor spaces for gathering including dock, screened room, balconies and a huge patio with gas grill, gas fire pit, and koi pond. Lots of comfortable patio furniture throughout including a wonderful swing bed on the patio. We enjoyed using the kayaks and were surprised to even see dolphins from the dock. There were two full bathrooms in the house and a half bath outside on the patio. Everything was perfect. One of the nicest places we have stayed. Highly recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Babbette welcomed us at the house and showed us everything we needed to know. She responded immediately when I had questions and was very helpful. She is an exceptional host.The amenities at this house are amazing. There is so much to do. The house has everything you could possibly want or need for your stay. It is beautiful and exceptionally clean.
Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lexie F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing pet accommodations. The kitchen was so well equipped. Truely top notch.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynne W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely the best I’ve ever experienced. Everything was there to make our stay memorable and enjoyable. I will recommend Honey House to everyone.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martha S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Girls' weekend was a huge success thanks to Babette and the Honey House. We loved all the little touches: fresh flowers, fully stocked coffee bar, and a personalized tour upon arrival. One person in our group was is in a boot due to foot surgery and the lift/elevator was a life saver! Thanks, Babette for pouring your love into this wonderful home!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

April C.

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

Fab place!

Great hostess has thought of everything - fantastic property! Will b back
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carol H.

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

Honey House is Fabulous

All your needs will be met! Great VRBO
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steven M.

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

Wonderful vacation!!

The place is exactly as advertised. Absolutely amazing with beautiful views of the lake. The owner was a fantastic host who met us at the house when we arrived and checked in the whole time while we were there. We can’t wait to go back!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynne W.

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

Honey House Heaven

The Honey House is exceptional! Everything you need to enjoy your stay is provided. This is the best place to relax with family and friends. Will definitely return again.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ann S.

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

beautiful!

we had a wonderful time at this amazing property! will definitely be back…adults and kids thoroughly enjoyed! owner and property manager couldn’t have been more helpful, property is immaculate and amenities plentiful🌸
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael P.

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

Fantastic

Very clean and supplied. We have stayed at several vbro properties before and this was by far the best.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn S.

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

Best place on fish river.

The home is gorgeous and has such a peaceful vibe. Kitchen was fantastic - great size and with everything we needed. Docks were wonderful. We swam and kayaked each day. The home is on a beautiful stretch of river. The hosts were so sweet to us and we felt right at home. Perfect location to run up to Big Daddies or to shop in historic Fairhope. Easy parking
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy Z.

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

Honey House

We had the best few days at Honey House! The house is beautiful, clean, and impeccably maintained. Babbie thought of every little detail to make our stay perfect. We can't wait to go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason P.

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

Wedding Weekend

We all fully enjoyed our stay. Our son got married at Glory Farms just down the road. Everyone that stopped by to assist with wedding absolutely loved the house. We are already trying to plan another visit. Relaxing with EVERYTHING possible needed onsite.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharon C.

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

Absolutely Perfect

This place is perfect for a large group to stay. It’s completely stocked with family entertainment and outdoor entertainment, Bikes Ping Pong water Toys. It’s a definite must revisit for us.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Madison C.

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

Best Vrbo Ever!

I have stayed in many rentals over the years, but Babbie’s Honey House takes the cake as the best Vrbo ever! From the amazing dock to comfy beds, giant hang out spots outside as well as in, to the great communication with the host, this stay was amazing! The photos do not do the house justice - it is very large with plenty of common spaces and spots for everyone to sit and enjoy. Next time we’re in Mobile, we will be staying here again. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicole B.

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

Amazing

One of the best trips ever! The house had everything we could have wanted. The hostess was amazing. The weather was perfect. We will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tricia G.

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

Fish River at its finest!!

If you are looking for the perfect relaxing getaway I would 10 out of 10 recommend a Honey house! We had the most wonderful time there enjoying nature and family time. We loved the beautiful sunsets and waking up to a panoramic river view was amazing. The home is completely stocked and we needed nothing but clothes and food! Can’t wait to come visit again!
Stayed 17 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzette D.

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

Beautiful River View Home

My family and I stayed at The Honey House for the Thanksgiving week. We had a fabulous stay. The house is on a beautiful river with beautiful views. The house has EVERYTHING you could possibly need. And the location to the little town of Fairhope was just a short drive. The owner of the home, Babbie was very accommodating and lovely. I would definitely recommend staying at The Honey House to anyone.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an AMAZING time! The host is wonderful, probably the best we've ever had. She is communicative, helpful, and has so many thoughtful touches all throughout the house. If you love to fish, boat, kayak, play games like ping pong and fooseball, or just relax on the water on a lillypad off the dock and enjoy amazing sunsets, this place is for you. The beds were comfy, couch large and comfy enough for a family, and the space was clean and well appointed. There are so many places inside and outside for people to hang out, grill, watch TV on the swinging bed downstairs, feed the fish and ducks, etc. We'll be back!
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We have stayed at a lot of VRBOs, but this was by far the BEST VRBO we have stayed at. We had the best week with family because the house had everything we needed/wanted. The views from the porch are stunning! We especially enjoyed sitting outside each evening watching the sun set. We all thoroughly enjoyed playing ping pong and kayaking. Paul and my daughter used the boat house to get some work done and they loved having a spectacular view while getting work done. We made Thanksgiving dinner here and the kitchen had absolutely everything we needed. We were all sad to leave, including our dog. But we will be back again soon. Also, Babette was an incredible host- she thought of everything to make sure we enjoyed our stay and was so quick to get back to me when I had questions.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beth W.

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

Perfect stay

The Honey House is just wonderful. The host has thought of every detail to make your stay perfect. The location is great, enjoyed being on Fish River, it is a mystical place. We loved all the activities the host had set up, kayaks, a great dock, games for kids. The house was spotless inside , the kitchen had all the needs. The host has thought ahead to meet every need. We hope to return soon!! We loved our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dawn C.

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

Hostess with the Mostess

We had a short little get away with family. The place was beautiful and peaceful and Mrs. Babbie has paid attention to detail. She goes above and beyond with all the little extras she does. Thank you so much for everything!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

About the host

Hosted by Babette Heilmeier

Host profile image
Welcome to The Honey House! I am Babbie, and along with my husband Johnny, a dedicated veterinarian and lifelong Fish River fishing enthusiast, we are so excited to share our little slice of river paradise with you.

Johnny and I spent 25 wonderful years building our veterinary practice together in this community. When we discovered this charming waterfront home on Fish River, we knew immediately it was something special. Furnishing and bringing it to life was a pure joy, every detail reflects our genuine love of hospitality and our deep roots in this area.

As lifelong locals, we know this river, this community and this coastline inside and out. Johnny can tell you exactly where the bass are biting. I can tell you the best table in Fairhope. Between the two of us, you are in good hands.
The Honey House boat slip, boathouse and proximity to the public launch make it perfect for water lovers of every kind. We provide kayaks and absolutely love seeing guests arrive with their boats and jet skis ready to explore Fish River!

What brings us the most joy is meeting wonderful people from all over and watching our home create happiness for every family that walks through the door.

We cannot wait to welcome you to Fish River.

Babbie and Johnny

Why they chose this property

]Most waterfront rentals offer a view. The Honey House delivers a fully-loaded private river compound that guests consistently call "the best vacation rental we have ever stayed at" - and they keep coming back year after year.

WHAT SETS US APART
Host Babbie often personally greets guests, brings fresh flowers and has always thought of every single detail

Private dock with boat slip and lift - bring your own boat, public launch is 30 seconds away!
Screened elevated boathouse with TV and bar seating - your own riverside living room with an exclusive view

Step directly from the living room or master bedroom onto your private deck overlooking the river
Then follow your own private catwalk straight to the boathouse without ever leaving the property

Kayaks, lily pad float and water toys included at no extra charge
Elevator access - grandparents and guests with mobility needs fully included
Catch bass and catfish right from the dock
Koi pond, foosball and ping pong downstairs, fire pit at night

10 min to downtown Fairhope dining and boutique shops / 20 min to Gulf Shores beaches

You are not booking a place to sleep. You are reserving the vacation your family will talk about for years.

What makes this property unique

PRIVATE WATERFRONT COMPOUND
Your own dock with boat slip and lift • Screened boathouse with TV and bar seating • Kayaks and lily pad float included • Catch bass and catfish daily right from the dock • Public boat launch next door for your boat

ACCESSIBILITY & THOUGHTFUL DESIGN
Elevator access for grandparents and mobility needs • Three full bathrooms (no morning bottlenecks) • Sleeps 10 comfortably • Pet-friendly for one dog • Game room with foosball and ping pong

EVERYTHING INCLUDED
Fully stocked chef's kitchen • Coffee bar with beans and filters • Bikes for neighborhood rides • Beach towels • First aid kit • Outdoor shower • Laundry • BBQ grill and fire pit • Multiple smart TVs.

WHITE-GLOVE HOSPITALITY
Host Babbie personally greets guests with property tour • Fresh flowers upon arrival • Spotlessly clean ("impeccably maintained" in hundreds of 5.0-star reviews) • Responsive 24/7

ACTIVITY-RICH FOR ALL AGES
Kids: Lily pad float, fishing, feeding ducks, koi fish pond, game room, bikes, swimming
Adults: Sunset cocktails in boathouse, screened porch with river views
Seniors: Elevator access, multiple comfortable seating areas all on one level, including waterfront views!

PRIME LOCATION
Peaceful Fish River setting • 10 min to downtown Fairhope (boutique shops, galleries, waterfront dining) • 15 min to Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa • 20 min to Gulf Shores beaches • Near wedding venues

PERFECT FOR:
Multigenerational reunions • Wedding weekends • Bachelorette celebrations • Fishing enthusiasts • Active families • Sports tournament families (full kitchen, laundry, space for teams)

THE DIFFERENCE: Most rentals check boxes. The Honey House creates experiences! Three generations fishing at sunrise, kids on the lily pad, sunset toasts in the boathouse, and memories families cherish for years.

You're not just booking a place to sleep; you're reserving a week of connection and authentic river life.

Languages:

English

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They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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