Escape to Pond Creek north of Athens
Guest rating: 5.0 / 5
Overview
Escape to Pond Creek north of Athens is a private basement apartment set on about 7 acres, designed as a quiet nature-focused stay that’s still close to city attractions. Guests have a private entrance and can relax by the pond, listen to the waterfall over the dam into the creek, or use the hammock on the pond porch.
Location
The property is about 8 miles from downtown Athens (roughly a 15-minute drive per guest feedback), making it convenient for University of Georgia-related events, shopping, music, and dining. Nearby restaurants include Rafferty's Restaurant & Bar (about 7.5 km away) and Cantaritos Cafe (about 8.2 km away), with additional options like La Parrilla, Cheddar’s, and Chili’s within roughly 10–13 km.
Rooms & Layout
Sleeping spaces include a main bedroom with a king bed and smart TV, a children’s room with two twin beds and a play loft, and a third bedroom with a full bed and a desk. There is also a separate extra room with a chair and a crib, plus a sitting room off the game room with a full-size futon and board games. The unit has one large bathroom with a walk-in tile shower.
Amenities & Recreation
A dedicated game room is a standout feature, with a pool table that converts to ping pong, a dart board, card/game table, a large sectional, and a large-screen TV. The bar/kitchen area includes a sink plus a microwave, refrigerator, toaster oven, crock pot, air fryer, waffle maker, and coffee maker, and the apartment also provides Wi‑Fi and basic cable. Outdoor amenities include a patio, an outdoor gas grill, and a fire pit by the pond with firewood and a s’mores kit provided for each stay.
Parking, Policies & Security
Free parking is available, with a spot by the door for one or two cars; guest feedback notes parking can feel limited. The apartment is smoke-free and includes heating and air conditioning. The property has outside Ring security cameras.
Best for
This stay suits families or groups who want space and built-in entertainment: the game room (pool/ping pong, darts), large sectional, multiple sleeping areas, and board games are geared for time together. It’s also a strong fit for travelers who want a peaceful, nature-forward setting (pond, waterfall, hammock, fire pit) while staying a short drive from downtown Athens and University of Georgia attractions.
Travel tips
Plan to arrive by car: the apartment has a dedicated parking spot by the door for one or two vehicles, but larger groups may find parking tight. Downtown Athens is about 8 miles away (around 15 minutes by car), so dining and campus activities are easy to reach while keeping a quieter base outside the city. If you plan to use the outdoor fire pit or grill, factor in evening time by the pond—firewood and a s’mores kit are provided each stay.
What guests say
Guests consistently highlight the convenient drive to downtown Athens while still feeling removed from city bustle. The basement apartment is often described as larger and more comfortable than expected, with the large sectional and bedroom setup working well for families. Recreation features—especially the pool table that converts to ping pong—stand out as a major hit. Hosts are frequently noted as responsive and helpful, including quickly providing requested items. Minor drawbacks mentioned include limited parking and having only one (though large) bathroom for bigger groups.
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