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Unique Rental Properties In the Mountains of Alabama
From The mountain to the Valley, find your wanderlust...
2 locations
2 unique experiences
Open the door of “Hitherside Cottage” and find a warm and welcoming respite in the woods. Private and secluded yet only one mile from the mountain city of Mentone in the southern Appalachians of Alabama.
This 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom quaint cottage accommodates 4 people.
All aboard one of the most unique vacation rentals in the Southeast! Claudia's Caboose is a Southern Railways "Yellow Belly”, bay window caboose, built in 1971. It rolled the rails in the southeast on local routes from Georgia to Alabama. It was then retired from service and saved from the scrappers torch in the mid 80's where it resided in a park until it was to be sold or scrapped again in 2021. Robert and Claudia purchased the caboose and transported it to Valley Head, Alabama where it was lovingly restored and renovated. The caboose can accommodate up to 4 people (2 adults and 2 Children).
Things To Do
From either Hitherside Cottage or Claudia's Caboose, you are only a few miles from Desoto Falls, Little River Canyon, Desoto State park, hiking trails, abundant waterfalls, and year round natural beauty. Each season offers a unique view of Alabama's Lookout Mountain. Think, John Muir and Robert Frost..
About Us
Claudia
Owner, Head Wanderluster and Hospitality Manager.
LOCAL OWNERS AND PROPERTY MANAGERS
My credo: “True hospitality consists of giving the best of yourself to your guests.” - Eleanor Roosevelt
Why am I in this business?
A heartfelt desire to give a Ralph Waldo Emerson adventure. To experience the simplicity of life in the surrounding woods; to listen to the quiet; to see the cycle of beauty in all seasons of the year. Having travelled all over the world, there is still something about our own little corner of NE Alabama, atop Lookout Mountain, that defines the southern Appalachians. Watching the Mentone sunsets from the bluff and listening to the sound of the train whistle in the valley is as “Americana” as one can get. So inspiring was that train whistle, that we brought a caboose to the valley and renovated it so that one can experience what is truly an American, iconic stay.
From the Mountain to the Valley, I want our guests to enjoy the profoundness of nature and the very unique experience of staying in a real caboose that, 50+ years ago, rode on these same rails. My personal love of both these venues is what I want to bring to my guests.
Who am I?
An early retired optical professional who, one day, decided that I needed less stress and more trees in my life :) I have a husband who is my supporter, my partner and my sounding board for crazy, “I love Lucy” ideas. Imagine the day I said to him, “Honey, let’s get a caboose”.
My mission is simple - make the guests happy.
Find YOUR wanderlust…
Testimonials
VRBO REVIEW
Quaint & Romantic
"Absolutely loved this property & all amenities! Perfect for a getaway weekend or extended vacation. One of my favorite places I have stayed."
– Gretchen N
VRBO REVIEW
Girls Getaway
"We had an amazing stay! They property was beautiful and just what we needed for a weekend away. Can't wait to go back and stay longer."
– Kelly S
GOOGLE REVIEW
Relax & Get Away
"This is our go-to/runaway to place! Love being here to relax and get away from everything. Love it!"
– Sharon W