Pond House on the Plains, Auburn, Firetruck rides
Guest rating: 5.0 / 5
Overview
Pond House on the Plains is a newly remodeled, smoke-free farmhouse-style cottage in a quiet, rural neighborhood between Auburn and Opelika. The property is designed for groups, with sleeping space for up to 14 plus a pack-and-play/travel bed for a baby. Guests have exclusive access to the home and yard; the pond is shared with neighbors but is used infrequently.
Outdoor setting & signature experiences
The cottage looks out over a pond with ducks and a tall tree swing, with spaces to relax on a front porch swing and a back patio set up for gathering. On-site recreation centers on the pond: guests can fish and use the provided paddleboat, and may bring other non-motorized boats such as kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards. A standout feature is the optional 30–60 minute scenic ride through adjoining woods and fields on a vintage firetruck, which also doubles as a unique photo opportunity.
Layout & in-home comforts
Inside, the home includes a roomy kitchen equipped with an oven/stove and microwave, plus essentials such as air conditioning, heating, and an ironing board. The living/dining area features a wooden-beamed vaulted ceiling, an electric fireplace, and a 55-inch Smart TV with cable, with 400 Mbps Wi‑Fi throughout. Practical conveniences include three full bathrooms, a washer and dryer, and kid-friendly touches like a tiny under-stairs playroom with books, props, and fairy lights.
Parking & arrival
Free parking is available next to the house for approximately 4–5 vehicles. Parking is in the grass just off the gravel road on the Pond House side. Hosts typically meet guests on arrival for a brief tour and remain available during the stay.
Location & nearby dining
The home is about 6.4 miles from Auburn University and also positioned for access to downtown Opelika and the surrounding area while staying outside of game-day crowds and traffic. Nearby dining options include Mi Ranchito Mexican Restaurant (about 2.5 km away), The Hornet's Nest (about 3.6 km), Texas Roadhouse (about 6.6 km), LongHorn Steakhouse (about 7.5 km), and barbecue spots such as Bow & Arrow (about 7.1 km) and Butcher Paper BBQ (about 10.2 km). For air travel, Columbus Airport is about 42.8 km away and Montgomery Regional Airport about 98.0 km away.
Best for
This property is best for multi-family groups, reunions, and wedding-weekend crews who want everyone under one roof, with plenty of sleeping capacity and practical features like three full bathrooms and laundry. It also suits travelers who value outdoor time and kid-friendly recreation, thanks to the pond for fishing/paddleboating, large yard with pecan trees, porch swing, and the signature vintage firetruck ride.
Travel tips
Plan to arrive with a vehicle: the setting is rural, and free on-site parking fits roughly 4–5 cars (grass parking off the gravel road). Auburn University is about 6.4 miles away, making it convenient for campus events while staying outside the busiest traffic areas. If you want to use the pond beyond the provided paddleboat, pack non-motorized gear (kayaks/canoes/paddle boards) and note that the pond access is shared with neighbors, though used infrequently.
What guests say
Guest feedback highlights the property as especially successful for large, multi-generation groups, with enough space for separate family units to spread out comfortably. The pond-based activities—fishing and paddleboating—are repeatedly described as a centerpiece of the stay, alongside outdoor gathering areas like the patio and the tree swing. Reviews also emphasize the child-friendly setup, particularly the small playroom/imaginative play area, which keeps younger guests engaged. Host responsiveness and helpfulness are noted as a major positive, including support during event-focused trips such as wedding weekends.
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