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Buford Forest Retreat- Fire Pit - 5 bdrms- Sleeps 13 - Water Park, Venues, Golf!

Photo gallery for Buford Forest Retreat- Fire Pit - 5 bdrms- Sleeps 13 - Water Park, Venues, Golf!

An aerial view of a beach with a water park, including a swimming pool and a covered area.
A cabin with a deck and a stone exterior.
A wedding ceremony in a church with arched windows and wooden beams.
A living room with a stone fireplace, a flat-screen TV, and a comfortable seating area.
Lovely golf course only minutes away at Lanier Islands.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Arcade/game room
    A rare find - fun for all ages with on-site arcade and game room.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to Lake Lanier
5 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 13

Popular amenities

  • Garage parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Buford, GA
  • Place, Lake Lanier
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Mall of Georgia
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Airport, Atlanta, GA (PDK-DeKalb-Peachtree)
    ‪47 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 13)

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

1 King Bed

Living Room 1

1 Queen Sofa Bed

Living Room 2

1 Queen Sofa Bed

Primary suite

1 King Bed

4 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 4

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Buford Forest Retreat- Fire Pit - 5 bdrms- Sleeps 13 - Water Park, Venues, Golf!

Three levels custom home will enchant families and groups! Tucked in a quiet forested cove, Dandelion Lane offers cozy comfort with 5 bedrooms. Gather the family or meet up with friends! Water park, sandy beach, jet ski and boat rentals, fine dining, all minutes away! Then head back to the house to gather at the fire pit or cozy up by the fireplace. Conveniently located with plenty of night life, tons of seasonal events too. Wedding venues, historic Buford Main St., kids' museum, CoolRay baseball park, Mall of Ga, Michelin Raceway, zip-lines, theaters and more.

With four living rooms, there's plenty of space for everyone. Roast s'mores from our complimentary stash at the fire pit! Spot deer while enjoying outdoor living on the large deck with gas grill. Enjoy the luxurious main suite with romantic balcony and spa-like bath. Kids love the "Hideout" under the stairs, while the unique indoor porch swing queen bed is a favorite with everyone!

-Large, well equipped chef's kitchen with double oven, gas stove
- Fire pit overlooking forest and lake cove
-Cozy, stacked stone gas fireplace- no mess, just flip the switch!
-Large main level deck with gas grill
-Sleeps 13 -five comfortable rooms, plus two sofa beds in separate living areas
-Three floors each with bathrooms and separate living areas- space for everyone!
-Screened-in porch with 65" TV
-Kids' "Hideout" under the stairs
-Unique indoor swing daybed (queen size)
-Large 65” smart TVs on every level
-Primary suite with romantic balcony, spa-like bathroom
-Super fast internet (one gig fiber), with whole house wifi
-Lake access behind house, two adult kayaks and one child kayak provided
-Gated boat ramp .3 mi away, complimentary access!
-4 mi. -Lanier Islands Resort, snow park, golf course, spa, events
-2.5 mi. -Buford historic main street, restaurants, theater, events
4.7 mi. - Bradford House & Gardens
-6 mi. -Ashton Gardens
-10.2 - Coolray minor league baseball park
-16.4 mi. - Michelin Lanier Raceway
-14 mi - Chapel on McEver

On the main level the well-appointed kitchen opens to sitting room, dining area with French doors to the large deck. Sit quietly and you’ll spot several families of deer that meander through the yard every day – including fawns! Off the dining area is a cozy room with stacked stone gas fireplace (no mess, just flip the switch for instant crackling fire). Through the glass doors is the screened-in porch, with its own TV, perfect for watching the big game. The indoor porch swing queen-sized daybed is steps away from these main living areas – perfect for a quiet moment with a book, afternoon nap or close the doors and float to sleep for the deepest sleep of your life!

Upstairs there is another media loft with 65" TV, as well as the primary bedroom and two secondary bedrooms. Enjoy the romantic balcony off the primary bedroom, or indulge in the spa-like en suite bathroom. The two secondary rooms share a bathroom with separate pocket doors for privacy.

The finished basement has a large whimsical "forest" living area for movies or groups to gather, plus the large bonus room with king bed and a desk for a quiet, dedicated work space if needed. Step out the French doors from the basement and gather at the fire pit, perfect for s'mores and tall tales. Don't miss the magical kids hideout under the stairs!

Also out your back door, explore the wooded, pristine nature preserve next to the house with a picnic or walk down to the lake cove where you can use our complimentary kayaks. Put your boat in just down the road at a gated boat ramp, with complimentary card access.

Excitement is minutes away at Lanier Islands water park, golf course and the resort's Tranquility Spa. Discover Buford's historic downtown or enjoy a night on the town at the theater or Main Street's night life.

Perfect for reunions, traveling groups, out-of-town wedding guests, and family getaways.

Let Dandelion Lane delight you!

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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
Stairs and outside retaining walls not childproof
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Quiet hours 10pm - 8am.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3228884vb
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 no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; 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 and a first aid kit

About the area

Buford

Located in Buford, this holiday home is near theme parks and on a lake. While the natural beauty of Lake Lanier and Chattahoochee River can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Chateau Elan Winery. Travelling with kids? Make time for Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, or head to an event or a match at Road Atlanta. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and hiking.
Map
Buford, GA

What's nearby

  • Lake Lanier - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Margaritaville at Lanier Islands - 11 min drive - 10.9 km
  • Mall of Georgia - 17 min drive - 18.9 km
  • Gas South Arena - 26 min drive - 33.9 km
  • Chateau Elan Winery - 28 min drive - 32.0 km

Getting around

  • Gainesville Station - 22 min drive
  • Atlanta, GA (PDK-DeKalb-Peachtree) - 39 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Diesel Tap House - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Coastal Breeze - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Rico's World Kitchen - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Tchin Tchin Coffee - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Sonia's Mexican Store, Buford - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Buford Forest Retreat- Fire Pit - 5 bdrms- Sleeps 13 - Water Park, Venues, Golf! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much is parking at Buford Forest Retreat- Fire Pit - 5 bdrms- Sleeps 13 - Water Park, Venues, Golf!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Buford Forest Retreat- Fire Pit - 5 bdrms- Sleeps 13 - Water Park, Venues, Golf!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Buford Forest Retreat- Fire Pit - 5 bdrms- Sleeps 13 - Water Park, Venues, Golf!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Buford Forest Retreat- Fire Pit - 5 bdrms- Sleeps 13 - Water Park, Venues, Golf! located?

This family-friendly Buford holiday home is located on a lake, within 3 mi (5 km) of Lake Lanier, Buford Fine Arts Center and Bona Allen Mansion. Georgia Sewing & Quilting and Sunset Cove Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 32 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 32 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 32 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 32 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home! Amazing communication with host and clean with all amenities!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jul, 2026
Thank you! We are so happy to hear all went well and you enjoyed your stay with us! We would be happy to host you again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Liz S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This house is so beautiful. The rooms are clean, spacious and the comfortable. It has three levels, so it is great for a multi-family escape.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jul, 2026
Thank you for your compliments on our home! We are happy to hear you enjoyed your stay - you are welcome back anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice getaway from the city.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jul, 2026
So glad to hear your enjoyed your time at Dandelion Lane. Come back and visit anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suellen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was great!! Loved all the living spaces for our big group. Very clean and host was attentive to answering any questions we had.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jul, 2026
We love hearing our guests had a great time! I'm glad our living spaces worked well for your group. We would be honored to host you again anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jaime m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean! Great space!! Plenty of room for everyone!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jul, 2026
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed the space for your group! Come again soon!
Verified

8/10 Good

Jacqueline M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was beautiful inside and the outside area was very nice. We would have preferred an actual bed on the main floor rather than the “porch swing” but all of the casual spaces to sit and talk with family members and friends made up for that.We would still rebook this property. We did enjoy our stay!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hospitable and warm home in an incredible location
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Ronald R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay, House is spacious and clear, very well set up. Not sure about pricing but seemed a little expensive. Looks like there is not normally water in that part of the cove. All in all great experience still.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 19 May, 2026
We're so glad you and your group enjoyed your stay! Unfortunately our area is in a drought right now, so water levels in the cove behind the house are lower than normal. Thankfully we have a great little beach and boat launch in the neighborhood as well, for those who need it. Best wishes, and we hope to see you again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julio M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay was amazing. The attention to detail and comforting home and scenery was amazing! Thank you and looking forward to future stays. We saw deer from our window!! I would recommend this home to anyone looking to stay in this area!!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Brenda A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was very nice. Host was quick to answer any questions. Home was just what we needed for our family Thanksgiving!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Sally W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our church group from South Florida enjoyed our stay here. We originally saw the listing mentioned a hot tub in the description and only after booking did we contact the owner who said there was no hot tub. That would have made the stay go from good to excellent. The rooms were pretty nice. The laundry room was dirty and the trash removal was a bit confusing. We did have ants in the kitchen sink area during our stay but it wasn't too bad and the owner did offer to come spray but I found some roach spray and used that. The kitchen was not very well stocked (no salt and pepper, very few dishes (not enough for our group of 13), not many pots, etc...) and was badly in need of a renovation. Overall, it was a nice stay. The s'mores supplies were a sweet touch.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Jul, 2026
Thank you for staying with us! We are glad your church group enjoyed the stay overall and appreciated the rooms and the s'mores supplies. We would like to clarify a few points for future guests. Regarding the hot tub, we have never advertised as having a hot tub in our listing, photos, amenities, or marketing materials (though we agree, it would be nice to have - maybe someday in the future!). We strive to live up to our guests expectations, but since this isn't an amenity we offer, we would have allowed you to cancel the reservation without penalty. The entire property (including the laundry room) is cleaned and inspected after every guest departure. Without specific details or photos it is difficult for us to investigate or address issues here. The ants were a surprise for sure! Dandelion Lane has a monthly pest control service, and while we had never dealt with ants in the past, our home is located in a wooded setting, and occasionally insects find their way inside despite our preventative measures. We had an additional visit from our pest services after your visit in order to prevent future uninvited insects. Because we host groups, our kitchen is a priority! It is always stocked with salt, pepper, and a full spice rack. In our three years hosting, we have never received guest concerns about the quantity of dishes or cookware. The kitchen is equipped with multiple sets of dishes, glassware, serving pieces, pots, pans, baking sheets, and additional cooking equipment, including an electric griddle and Belgian waffle iron. Finally, we recognize that design preferences are somewhat subjective. The kitchen is clean, well maintained, equipped with modern appliances, and presented exactly as shown in our listing photos. We always appreciate feedback - thanks so much! We work hard to maintain the highest standards of excellence and remain committed to providing an accurately represented, clean, and comfortable experience for all our guests.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This home was beautifully decorated for the holidays. The location was convenient for our family and we had plenty of room to play and relax. The complimentary S'mores and hot chocolate bar were really appreciated! When some changes on my part were evident, the host, Monica was helpful and quick to respond.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leslie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing, welcoming communication from the host. The property was beautiful, with living areas on each floor for gathering. Our friends enjoyed the s'mores fixings, thank you! We'd love to gather there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marisol E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Easy checkin! The house was spacious and charming. There was so many places to hangout and sleep afterwards. We enjoyed our stay. Would recommend to all!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

lori m.

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

Amazing property

This property was amazing! We enjoyed our time there. Loved kayaking and watching wild life!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda F.

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

Perfect house for family

The house is well decorated and the space was perfect for our family Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful week.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James M.

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

Great place stayed multiple times

I bring people down for work and this particular home has enough room where people can socialize or get away. We have fun in Buford and even in the colder months this place has the room to spread out
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James U.

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

What a fantastic stay

What a great stay. House is beautiful, just as listed, plenty of room to spread out even with a large group. Owners very accommodating. Great Lake Lanier location. Close to everything.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chaun M.

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

The was Beautiful

Love the home.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rocio V.

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

Great experience

It was a nice place Nice owners and very flexible
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lori S.

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

Wish we could have stayed longer

We needed a comfortable place to stay for just a few days to visit family nearby. Turned out Dandelion Lane was so fabulous we didn’t want to leave. Wish we could have stayed longer!! Great house!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lan W.

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

Very good!

We had a good time with family and friends there! The place was very clean and spacious! Highly recommend it!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marlene F.

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

Fabulous comfy get away

This is a beautiful property with space to spread out and relax, play games, enjoy a meal, etc etc. Everyone loved their comfy beds and the indoor swing was a favorite ready nook
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas J.

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

Superb

Excellent in every way.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

evan p.

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

Amazing

Monica was so great! She went the extra mile & arranged everything we needed!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

About the host

Hosted by Monica M. Mears

Host profile image
Hi there! We are long-time residents of the area and this is our vacation home away from home. We love hosting and hope you will love Dandelion Lane as much as we do!

Why they chose this property

The neighborhood is incredibly quiet and private. We love that it feels cozy and remote and yet is so close to historic Buford, Lake Lanier Islands resort and event venues.

What makes this property unique

Dandelion Lane's location, whimsical decor, porch swing and incredible forest views combined with soft beds, well-stocked kitchen and plenty of common areas for family and friends to hang out make it the perfect retreat!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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