Entire home

The Historical Ponderosa, minutes from Lake Martin

Photo gallery for The Historical Ponderosa, minutes from Lake Martin

Terrace/patio
Smart TV, books
Exterior
Aerial view
Interior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6130 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Pet friendly
  • Outdoor Space

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Historical Ponderosa, minutes from Lake Martin

Step into a piece of history! This blue country cottage is a staple in Eclectic, AL and it is located just minutes from the lake and public boat ramp. It is perfect for an affordable place to stay while you enjoy fishing, boating, or a quiet escape in the country. It was built over 100 years ago and was originally part of a 600-acre farm. It was the home of a farmer and his family and also the town post office. The postal patrons would pull up to the back of the home on horseback to collect their mail and the remaining mail was delivered by the husband. The historic figure of Elmore County, Sheriff Holley, also lived here and his family made sure to preserve the place over the years. The new owners have decided to maintain the original character of the home and open it up to the public to enjoy the history and unique experience. The minute you walk in, it'll feel like you just walked back in time to "Grandma's kitchen." It is a double dog trot home with the living area, dining room, and kitchen on the back side of the home. With a separate entrance, there are 2 bedrooms and a bathroom on the front side of the home, and an additional private bedroom with its own full bath and private entrance across the hall. There is a king-size bed, a Queen-size bed, and 2 twin beds. Enjoy a fire with your best friends around the fire pit or clean the fish you caught at the lake and throw it on the grill. Make a wish in the wishing well. Schedule a mini photo shoot, or a micro-wedding. You can even order a cast iron skillet breakfast or a steak dinner, delivered right to your doorstep! This is unlike any other experience in the area; just a down-home place to lay your head at night.

This home is over 100 years old and is a historical home. The owners have kept its historic charm and this space is intended for a laid back stay. This is NOT a modernized home with modernized updates, it is a very rustic style home. Please do not expect the Ritz Carlton. You will have everything you will need in a clean, unique, and peaceful environment. Also, please be mindful that this home sits next to a large pasture. Wildlife and other critters are possible at anytime. The property receives regular professional pest control. We hope you see the rustic charm and love it as much as we do.

Property manager

Alyson Robertson

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Spices
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room
  • Dining room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Firepit

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Smoking only allowed outside in designated areas.

Services and conveniences

  • Chef
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Local meal delivery service

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Boat on site
  • Kayak on site
  • Hiking nearby
  • Marina nearby
  • Winery tours nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 1400 sq ft (130 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Note from host: Pets must be monitored at all times. Be aware of t

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Children must be monitored at all times. Be aware

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
Parties and events are allowed on site
Note from host: With event fee
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 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 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

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

orp5b5e098x

About the neighborhood

Map
Eclectic, AL

What's nearby

  • Lake Martin - 5 min drive
  • Wind Creek State Park - 24 min drive
  • Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Wetumpka - 31 min drive
  • Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex - 45 min drive
  • Creek Casino Montgomery - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Kickin Chicken - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Social at Lake Martin - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪The Landing At Parker Creek - ‬37 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Cotton's Alabama Barbecue - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Historical Ponderosa, minutes from Lake Martin pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Historical Ponderosa, minutes from Lake Martin?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Historical Ponderosa, minutes from Lake Martin?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Historical Ponderosa, minutes from Lake Martin located?

Situated in a rural location, this vacation home is 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from Lake Martin and within 6 mi (10 km) of Well Island and Goat Island. Yates Lake and Yates Lake Wildlife Management Area are also within 9 mi (15 km).

The Historical Ponderosa, minutes from Lake Martin Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 16 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 16 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 16 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 16 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 16 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Robert M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cold Shoulder
I booked during the winter time. The location is very remote, but an ideal stay during the summer because of a near by lake and it's activities. The overall stay was okay. The history of the house was interesting. However... This is an old historic home, it's very drafty, and very hard to keep warm because of its' barnyard like entryway doors. The house is dogtrot house with a breezeway from the front of the house to the rear that separates the living quarters from the sleeping quarters. The kitchen, dining room and living room all have the comforts of home with central air, Wifi, and Roku. The both sleeping quarters are separated by a breeze way, and have their own private baths. These units have Split system AC which made it difficult to stay warm during freezing winter. One sleeping quarter had a queen, while the other had two twins in one room connected to the bathroom, and king bed in a room connected to the room with twin beds and the bathroom. The bathroom light switch was faulty, and the door knob to the twin beds room entrance came off in my hand. The host of the booking was only available by leaving a message and unavailable by phone during the stay, and when notifying when I had checked out. Be prepared because the remote location, and the lack of host availability leaves a person feeling very abandoned and on their on.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jared B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Place of refuge
We stayed at this property to seek refuge from hurricane Milton. Very relaxing and serene. Going to miss this home
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful country farmhouse
The property was unique with the double dog trot design. We each had our own room and bathroom. Wish we would have had to go to lake Martin. About 45 minute drive to Auburn. The only thing was we arrived after dark and if any porch lights would have been on, it would have helped. Otherwise wonderful time.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cheap T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful getaway.
The property was just as described in the listing. Plenty of room for 6 but we were only 3 so we had extra room to spare. The house offers privacy with separated bedrooms and the common area is large enough to gather and enjoy company. My wife works in the accounting field, and she was able to work remotely for 2 days without any wifi issues at all. The house is rustic with touches of fancy. Just as you might imagine it was owned by a family of some means back in the day. The air conditioning worked well and we were comfortable even though the outside temperature hit the high 90s every day we were there. My wife sleeps hot and flashy :) and she said she slept well and didnt get hot. That is saying something lol. Anyway we enjoyed our stay and would stay here again without hesitation. Btw the host was nice, very responsive, and everything was quite clean. Thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan R.

Liked: Cleanliness
3 Day Fishing Trip
My son, my dad and myself stayed here for 3 days for fishing Lake Martin. We all loved the layout of the house and its amenities. The location was great. There is plenty of parking around back for trucks and boats. We will definitely stay again when we come back for fishing.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia L., Carrollton, GA

Liked: Cleanliness
Short getaway
We enjoyed our time here at the Ponderosa. Such a quaint place and provided the relaxation we needed. Enjoyed the time on the porch relaxing in the shade of the trees. Location is convenient to Lake Martin. We would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

John L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Place near the lake
Would stay agian
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carleen M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wedding stay!
My sister and I stayed for my daughter’s wedding. Our daughters and my granddaughter stayed. Very unique place and we loved it.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adam R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Place
The layout worked perfect for us as we had 2 fishing teams staying. Plenty of parking room for our trucks and boats.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Ponderosa House, Eclectic Alabama
The property is beautiful. Old home was very intreguing. Other then house being drafty and quite chilly on 30 degree nights everything else was good.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Cindy E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome historical house
Fun house to explore as it is 3 buildings attached by a meandering deck system. Worked well for 2 adults, might be difficult with young children; teenagers would love to have their own space which this place offers. Love the outdoor firepit,large picnic table and ever present cattle and calves!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kellie L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Stay
Loved everything about the property! The history of the place made it so interesting!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

scott h., indian springs al

Liked: Cleanliness
perfect location
reminded me of my great grandmothers home. great nice clean quiet peaceful home. really only had time time sleep and bath but hope to continue rentals as we are working at the lake the rest of the year
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

steve h.

Liked: Cleanliness
Ponderosa
Great
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Eclectic in Eclectic
A most unusual property in a lovely setting. The cows were certainly bonus. They enjoyed our Doodle as much as she enjoyed watching them.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mckenzi G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stay
Great
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023