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Snowbirds welcome! Dog friendly and fenced yard

Bayside cottage with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Snowbirds welcome! Dog friendly and fenced yard

Nestled under mossy oaks about half way down Ft Morgan Rd Private but convenient
Welcome to the Shady Shack! You will love this nautical themed cottage!
Living area
Private kitchen
New stove and lots of pots and pans give you everything you need to eat in.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5900 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Gym
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer

Explore the area

View in a map
Gulf Shores, AL
  • Place, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Gulf State Park
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Place, Gulf Shores Beach
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Airport, Mobile, AL (BFM-Downtown Airport)
    ‪88 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Living room

1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Snowbirds welcome! Dog friendly and fenced yard

This cozy nautical cottage is located on a large, secluded, wooded lot about halfway down the Ft Morgan peninsula. The shady moss covered oaks in the back yard give way to a lovely view of Mobile Bay . Relax on the large screened porch or take a short walk down to the Bay. In addition, the cottage is located only two miles from the Mobile Street access to the Gulf of Mexico where there is free parking and a boardwalk over the dunes to soft white sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming, fishing, walking or shelling. Neat, clean, attractively decorated. Fishermen will love having room to park their boat and the short distance to public launching. Charter fishing close by.

Golfer's Paradise: Who could ask for more than a beach house and top of the line golf courses! The Peninsula Golf Club is located just four miles East. It features 18 holes, a pro shop, and restaurant. If you want to change things up a bit try the 36 holes of Pure Palmer Golf at Craft Farms, Cotton Creek, and Cypress Bend just an 15 minute drive away. Want more? Play Kiva Dunes or the Golf Club of the Wharf; both are just five miles away.

Fishermen welcome: For avid fishermen who want to bring their boat to the beach but avoid the high cost of properties with piers and docks, this cottage is perfect. The large yard has room for parking a boat and a public launch is just minutes away. The Shell Banks Reef is just out in front of the property for great bay fishing. For those wanting to fish the Gulf of Mexico, a launch a little further down makes getting into the gulf a short and easy trip.

Don't have a boat? Charter fishing services are close by. What could be easier!

Enjoy the City's recreation and special events: The City of Gulf Shores has a fantastic recreation center with daily, weekly, or monthly rates. It features an indoor temperature controlled swimming pool, basketball courts, fitness room, indoor track, ping pong and pool tables, water aerobics, yoga and other fitness classes.

Snowbirds are welcome! In the winter the city's Special Events Department sponsors an outstanding series of performances.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
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 10:00 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 (limit 2 total)
Dogs allowed w/fee per pet & signed pet agreement
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Outside only!

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Check out is at 10 AM or earlier. Please do not ask for late checkout on the day you leave, as housekeeping is scheduled for 10:00 AM. We kindly ask that you do the following before you leave:
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
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
Property Registration Number 13-003611

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Gulf Shores

Located in Gulf Shores, this cottage is near the beach. Fort Morgan is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Gulf State Park and Gulf Shores Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Zooland Mini Golf and Waterville USA. Jet skiing and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and ecotours nearby.
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Map
Gulf Shores, AL

What's nearby

  • Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Gulf State Park - 14 min drive - 17.8 km
  • Gulf Shores Beach - 17 min drive - 19.6 km
  • Fort Morgan - 18 min drive - 23.5 km
  • The Wharf - 21 min drive - 25.4 km

Getting around

  • Mobile, AL (BFM-Downtown Airport) - 73 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sassy Bass - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Village Hideaway @ The Beach Club - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Jesse’s On The Bay - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Sassy Bass Amazin' Grill - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Beach Bums Coffee & Deli - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Snowbirds welcome! Dog friendly and fenced yard pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at Snowbirds welcome! Dog friendly and fenced yard?

There is free parking nearby.

What time is check-in at Snowbirds welcome! Dog friendly and fenced yard?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Snowbirds welcome! Dog friendly and fenced yard?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Snowbirds welcome! Dog friendly and fenced yard located?

This family-friendly Gulf Shores cottage is located by the sea, just steps away from Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and Bon Secour Bay. Fort Morgan Beach and Edith Hammock are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 223 out of 243 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 243 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 243 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 243 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 243 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Cassie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice and cute! Would visit again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ronica L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was quiet and cute! Perfect for families and pets! We didn’t bring ours because they no longer travel well but it would have been perfect. The location is good and close to the beach and town! Would stay again!
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

carol r.

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

Quick getaway

We were all very comfortable, the fenced yard was very convenient to let our dog out safely. I would definitely recommend to anyone wanting a quiet place to stay convenient to the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Durinda C.

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

Ft Morgan vacation

We enjoyed our stay and fishing in the area. The fenced backyard was nice. It made having our dogs with us easier. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Bob W.

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

Location with our dogs worked real good.

Our two dogs could roam in a fenced grassy yard.Property very quiet and remote. We really enjoyed Gulf Shores and Orange. We really enjoyed having our dogs with us.It was our choice to spend our 40th wedding anniversary in gulf Shores.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laurel B.

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

Beach Trip 2025

House is cute, easily accessible, quiet. Bedrooms were fine; as well as the bathroom. I was surprised the kitchen didn’t have a dishwasher. No a huge biggie.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacey K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet, clean, and cozy. Close to Ft. Morgan and Gulf Shores. Pet friendly...the owners even brought doggy treats by. Fenced in yard was great. Only wish there was access to the bay. Owner was very responsive to communications.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joanne b.

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

Far from a Shady Shack…my “Sweet Home Alabama”

Off the beaten path, thank goodness…but not far from beaches, shopping and local attractions! Perfect location and rental for people and their pets. It was very difficult to leave…
Stayed 30 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

John B.

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

Very quiet and secluded location

Very nice place accessible to the more quiet and less touristy area of Gulf Shores/Ft Morgan. Nice place for the pups and fenced yard. We really enjoyed ourselves.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pat B.

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

Wonderful Stay

We had a great stay at the Shady Shack! The fenced yard was perfect for our dog, and I loved the screen porch. It’s a short drive to dog friendly Fort Morgan Beach. The bed was super comfortable, the house was very clean, and is the most well equipped rental I have ever stayed in. It had everything we could have possibly needed! We played golf several times (very close), biked the state park, and took the ferry to Dauphin Island. It’s a bit of a drive to town, but not bad and we really enjoyed the quiet and privacy of the location. Martha is a great host!
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Suzi G.

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

Relaxing place to stay

This house had all the amenities we needed. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Warren F.

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

Clean, quiet, and room for the dog

We enjoyed our stay. There was room for our large dog to run and play in the fenced yard. It was very clean and nicely decorated. Far enough from the road that traffic sounds were muted by the trees and with view of the water from the back. The small secluded “beach” at the back of the property made this a good choice for a winter getaway
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Wonderful stay right before Christmas

This is our 2nd time staying at the Cottage and its always a pleasure staying here with our furbabies..Perfect home away from home with great hosts...

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Relaxing Getaway!

Loved the porch and fenced-in yard. The cottage is close to everything. I spent one day at the zoo and another at the Fort. My dogs loved the yard and porch and all the new smells.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jill F.

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

Quiet cottage in the perfect location

I stayed with my two teenagers and my dog. Plenty of space for everyone to have downtime. Quiet area, but close to both Fort Morgan and Gulf shores. I would definitely stay again!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

MEGAN B.

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

Loved

It was great!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nick M.

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

Great Dog friendly spot

Dog friendly, with fenced in yard, less than 20 minutes to beach. Simple house, nothing fancy but did the job.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lesa T.

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

Relaxing Vacation Home

We loved staying at the Shady Shack again. The quiet and tranquil setting was perfect for us. Everything we needed was at the house and we loved every minute of it.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Millie R., Batavia Illinois

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

Shady Shack

Easy check in, cottage was very clean and comfortable . Enjoyed the nearby dog beach and returning to the cottage to relax. Very nice stay, dogs loved it and so did we!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

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

Wonderful Home

Perfect location, quiet and peaceful, great for pets, especially senior dogs like ours, and as our first VRBO experience we have nothing but great things to say about the home. Definitely looking forward to returning next year for our now annual vacation to the Gulf Coast
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda M.

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

winter getaway

Very clean with wonderful fenced yard for our fur baby. Quiet area, with only short drive to pet friendly beaches. This was our 2nd stay there and will surely stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paula H.

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

Great place for dogs and kids

This exceeded our expectations, pictures did not do it justice. Very nicely decorated and the fenced in yard was perfect for our dog. Highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elaine D.

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

Excellent as always

We love staying here!!! It’s convenient, our fur boy Mako loves the fenced in yard, and it’s so peaceful to sit on the back deck and listen to nature! This is our favorite place to stay and we will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

megan b.

Perfect little cottage!

This cottage was perfect for our family! The fenced in back yard was great for our dog and the kids loved having WiFi. A wonderful place to come home to after an exhausting day at the beach!!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Eileen S.

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

Cozy Cabin

Cabin was very clean and cozy! We were very glad to find a place we could take our dog along with us. Communication with the host was wonderful!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

About the host

Hosted by Martha Howard, Realtor, EXIT Realty Gulf Shores

Host profile image
A native of Mobile, Alabama I grew up on two shores spending many days as a child on Pleasure Island and then traveling back and forth on summer days and weekends as a teen and young adult to bask in the sun on the white sandy beaches of Gulf Shores.
In 1990 I bought my home on Little Lagoon in Gulf Shores where I raised my family while teaching high school in the area.
Now, after retiring from nearly 30 years in education I manage rental properties and sell real estate enjoy inviting others to share the pleasures of the island and the Ft. Morgan peninsula. This house is one of several I rent to guests from around the world. Some I own and some belong to friends and neighbors.

I have made many friends and always enjoy making new ones. It is my pleasure to see others enjoy a relaxing vacation in a home that is just right for them.

As a licensed Alabama Realtor with Exit Realty Gulf Shores I can also assist guests with finding a perfect vacation, 2nd home, investment property or retirement home.

Why they chose this property

I bought this home because of its beautiful yard. The oaks with Spanish Moss, the view of the bay, the serene setting all appealed to me. The home was just a tool shed turned fishing camp then. While it was livable it needed some major updates and renovations which we undertook in 2005.

What makes this property unique

This is the perfect get away for those who want to be away from the crowds or not right on the hot gulf beach. Its shaded screened back porch has a woodsy feel and a view of Mobile Bay. The yard is large and shady and guests can walk down to the bay. It is also only a mile from the Bon Secour National Wildlife Preserve where you find not only a great public beach access but also hiking trails and nature walks.

Languages:

English

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