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
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Pets allowed: dogs less than 9 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Please keep dogs off all furniture and linens.
default
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking or vaping in the house or on back porch
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Check Out list is on the refrigerator.
If used the kayaks, put them back upside down and lock up.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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 Pickwick Lake and Seven Mile Island Wildlife Management Area. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and rock climbing.
Alabama Music Hall of Fame - 26 min drive - 30.8 km
Spring Park - 27 min drive - 31.5 km
Ivy Green - 28 min drive - 32.2 km
University of North Alabama - 37 min drive - 42.3 km
Wilson Lake - 39 min drive - 46.4 km
Getting around
Muscle Shoals, AL (MSL-Northwest Alabama Regional) - 34 min drive
Restaurants
Subway - 16 min drive
JJ's Restaurant - 16 min drive
Smoking Border Grill - 12 min drive
family diner - 15 min drive
Ring's Pickwick Playhouse - 32 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. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Driftwood Retreat on Tennessee River/Pickwick Lake?
As of 8 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Driftwood Retreat on Tennessee River/Pickwick Lake on 10 May, 2026 start from S$254, 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 at Driftwood Retreat on Tennessee River/Pickwick Lake?
On-site parking is available at the property.
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.
Great week at this lakeside cabin just above Koger Island. Easy walk down to the water, good driveway, boat ramps nearby. Nicely equipped and everything works. We would definitely stay there again.
The host was super friendly, the location was absolutely beautiful and it was stocked everything you may have needed! I enjoyed sitting on the porch reading while my husband fished! We enjoyed our weekend getaway so much. We will definitely be back!
Property was exactly as described. The owner went above and beyond to accommodate our reservation. The year was spectacular. It was great place to kick off her shoes with a glass of wine and relax
Was as described and the views are spectacular. The home seems to be just that; a home that is shared by the owners who frequently stay at this cozy retreat home. Very clean and accommodating with a well appointed kitchen.
Michael B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Jun, 2025
Thank you, Micheal, for your review. Glad you and your wife enjoyed the place for your 40th Anniversary! Please, book again. The place looked great after your check out.
Melissa
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Driftwood Retreat. We loved the quite neighborhood and made all kinds of new friends, including the three neighborhood dogs, 2 cats and a few chipmunks! Would most definitely recommend and hope we can find our way back for another stay soon.
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.
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.
Came for a weekend trip! Beautiful property and location. Right on the water, quiet and serene. We had a wonderful time and would love to come back!
Lee K.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jun, 2022
Thank you!
About the host
Hosted by Jay and Melissa Black
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