Nature-Themed Mountain Hideaway in the Magic City!

Tucked against Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, our home is a cozy urban forest escape just minutes from downtown Birmingham. Stay in the Longleaf Pine master suite, gather in the woodland-themed kitchen and living area, or watch a movie in the river-bottom entertainment room. Each space features our artwork and pieces by local neighborhood artists, offering comfort and an immersive taste of Alabama’s ecosystems.
The space
Ruffner Mountain Retreat: Explore Alabama’s Wild Side

Our nature-inspired escape in Birmingham celebrates Alabama as the 4th most biodiverse state in the U.S. Each room celebrates a unique ecosystem: Wetland, Black Belt Prairie, Longleaf Pine, and River Delta.

The main living area, including the open kitchen, living room, and dining nook, is woodland themed, a nod to Ruffner Mountain and the 1,038-acre nature preserve literally bordering our backyard. Murals of a scarlet tanager and tulip poplar, along with a canopy-inspired ceiling, evoke the feeling of being immersed in the forest.

Every room in the home celebrates Alabama’s incredible diversity. The Wetland bedroom features herons and prothonotary warblers and connects to the Black Belt Prairie room through a secret passageway, the Muskrat Hole, adding a sense of playful exploration.The Longleaf Pine Master Suite features a stunning mural that features endangered wildlife like the red-cockaded woodpecker, highlighting the loss of this ecosystem and the importance of conserving it. The River Delta bedroom evokes winding waterways and features a live oak draped with Spanish moss, while the separate River Bottom entertainment room showcases two unique river rock art pieces. A river-themed hallway flows through the house, symbolically connecting all the ecosystems together. Local murals and thoughtful design throughout make the home feel like a living gallery of Alabama’s landscapes.

Perched on Ruffner Mountain, the retreat is surrounded by trails, forest air, and abundant wildlife, making it the perfect place to disconnect and explore nature. You’re just a 1-minute drive to the trailhead for 14 miles of trails at the Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. At the same time, the city and major attractions are within easy reach:

5 miles from downtown Birmingham & the Civil Rights District

6 miles from Protective Stadium

6 miles from Coca-Cola Amphitheater

10 miles from Barber Motorsports Park

This home is perfect for families, groups, or couples who want a stay that’s memorable, immersive, and inspired by nature. Explore secret passages, follow the river-themed hallway, and discover murals and art at every turn. Whether you’re hiking Ruffner Mountain, exploring the Magic City, or simply relaxing among the Alabama ecosystems brought to life inside, the retreat offers a magical experience that blends comfort, creativity, and the wild beauty of the region.