Cozy up to Lake Life in Gallatin, Tennessee

The Cozy Cottage on Old Hickory Lake is a private retreat on a secluded part of the lake away from the hustle and bustle, so you can enjoy the quiet water with a morning kayak or paddleboard excursion or just sit on the deck enjoying the wildlife with your cup of joe.

Why stay at a hotel when you can have all the luxuries of home while enjoying the lake?


Discover The Cozy Cottage on Old Hickory Lake, a tranquil escape just 30 minutes from Nashville. Situated on the shores of Old Hickory Lake, this retreat radiates rustic charm in a peaceful neighborhood. Wake up to wildlife in your backyard, steps away from the lake. Enjoy easy access to Nashville's vibrant scene, including professional games, concerts, and honky-tonks. A short drive away, it's the perfect cozy getaway with the best of both worlds.

Incredible Amenities

4 Bedrooms

Enjoy ample space and privacy for up to 8 guests, with sleeping arrangements perfect for an entire family or multiple couples:

*King Suite on Main

*King Suite Down

*Queen Sleep Number

*Twin bed w/ trundle

*Pack & Play Crib

*Toddler Air Mattress

*Twin Sleeper Chair

3 Full Bathrooms

Immerse yourself in relaxation with three full bathrooms, each featuring modern tile shower surrounds and extra-large tubs perfect for indulgent bubble baths.

Each bathroom is stocked with shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, makeup cloths, and plenty of towels and toilet paper.

Full Kitchen

From modern appliances to extras such as crockpot, waffle iron, toaster, hand mixer, blender, and a large selection of pots and pans, we have what you need to prep a full meal. Plus we have a take some/leave some style pantry, always stocked with various spices to elevate your dishes.

A dual coffee pot caters to both drip and Keurig pod enthusiasts. We leave plenty of coffee grounds and pods, plus a variety of tea bags.

Seating at the bar for two or the expandable dining table for 6-8 guests.

Outdoor Areas

Our outdoor spaces are designed for your enjoyment, ensuring a memorable and relaxing stay by the lake.

Enjoy the upper deck's alfresco dining with a propane grill and seating for 8. On the lower patio, unwind around a propane fire table with a glass of wine.

Head down to the water's edge for a real wood fire and s'mores at the fire pit. Engage in outdoor fun with games like cornhole, bocce ball and horseshoes. Explore the serene waters with kayaks available for guest use.

2 Living Spaces

Relax in two spacious living rooms, ideal for large groups. On the main level, leather sofas and an electric fireplace create a cozy atmosphere, while the lower level features a spacious sectional for unwinding.

Both spaces offer great views from every window, flat-screen TVs, and streaming options including Firestick, MAX, Prime, and YouTube TV. Enjoy one of many games indoors or on the deck, and set the mood with a flame Bluetooth speaker for music indoors or outdoors..

Parking Galore

Parking is never a problem with ample parking on the curved driveway and a designated boat trailer pad. No street or grass parking allowed.

Enjoy activities like fishing, boating, swimming and paddleboarding right from the back yard!

Nestled within the protective confines of Sunset Island, you have quick access to the main channel and lakeside dining from your boat.

The nearest boat ramp is just minutes away at the edge of the cove.

Ready To Cozy Up To Lake Life?

Designed For Business Travelers and Families Alike

Nobody wants to work, especially in a place as charming as The Cozy Cottage. Yet, sometimes you have to. What better place to work than on the upper deck, surrounded by nature's beauty and enjoying high speed Wi-Fi? This retreat, just 30 minutes from Nashville, offers a seamless blend of productivity and relaxation. After a day of work, indulge in the amenities, creating the perfect escape to unwind and recharge.

Why Guests Love The Home

This had to be one of the most peaceful trips that we have taken. We spent more time on the back porch talking and catching up, all the while watching deer, turkey, and many other animals who decided to grace us with the presence. With all of us living so far apart, this weekend was just what we all needed to recharge. Thank you to the wonderful hosts who were extremely communicative. I do hope to stay here again!
Kristy - October 2023

Beautiful & Peaceful Place - We had a great week at Cozy Cottage! Great place to stay, relax, and have a good time. View of the island was beautiful, and the area was quite. Everything you need to unplug for a week!

Rachel W. - August 2023


The perfect getaway! Incredibly appointed! The pet station for messes was so perfect! Just very thoughtful. We forgot several things and this place just had it all. More than what was described on the listing! Access to the lake was a breeze and having a place to keep our boat overnight made the next morning a breeze to load up and get out on the lake asap! While we didn’t use all of the amenities there, having the option was wonderful!


Andrea - August 2023

Important Information

Nobody likes rules, but we all have to have them. The detailed rules are outlined in the Renter's Agreement that you'll need to sign once you book. Here are the basics.

  • Guests must be 23 or older to book. Provide a photo ID, signed rental agreement, and a security deposit within 48 hours.

  • Maximum 8 guests.

  • No events, bachelor, bachelorette parties, or weddings allowed.

  • All dogs must be approved before booking. $75 per dog fee applies, subject to breed approval.

  • Smoking: Strictly smoke-free indoors and around doors or windows. Designated outdoor spots available.

  • No Glitter/No Dye: $1,000 fine for excessive cleaning with glitter. $500 fine for damage from temporary or permanent hair dye or dye products.

  • No street or grass parking allowed.

  • Guests are responsible for pulling blue cans to the edge of the driveway for Friday morning collection. Forget, and face a $40 fee per can.

  • Security Cameras: Two operational cameras at the front entrance record 24/7, facing the driveway. No cameras on guest decks or inside the cottage. Tampering risks immediate eviction.

  • Grilling: Propane gas grill provided on the upper deck, away from the cottage or the cover. No charcoal grills or deep fryers allowed on or under the deck.

  • Fire Pit: Guests must extinguish fire pit flames before turning in. Quiet Hours: Between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.

  • No contents, including linens, blankets, or towels, shall be taken outside the cottage.

  • Areas without a key, like the owner's personal storage, are off-limits.

  • Water Safety: No diving in the lake. Life vests are mandatory for younger guests.

  • Kayak use is at the guest's own risk.

  • No feeding or chasing, wildlife. Stay quiet, avoid nesting areas, and use common sense.

  • Any eviction incurs a $500 fee with no refunds of rent paid.

Your Hosts

Welcome to our family's lake home! We're genuinely excited to have you stay at the Cozy Cottage on Old Hickory Lake. Our hope is that you and your family enjoy a wonderful vacation, savoring the comfort of our home and the charm of the lake, just like our family does.

As your hosts, my wife Dora and I are here to answer any questions you may have before or during your stay at the Cozy Cottage. Once you've checked in and settled, we'll respect your privacy, giving you the space to relax and make the most of your vacation.

The Cozy Cottage is on the Gallatin side of Old Hickory Lake, nestled behind Sunset Island. Though close to the main channel, it's far enough away from the bustling party areas, ensuring a peaceful experience. Our neighborhood, Sunset Resort, still has the nostalgic feel of an old resort area, yet it's only a quick 6-minute drive from shopping, a variety of restaurants, and even a Starbucks.

We're genuinely looking forward to hosting you and creating a memorable experience for your stay.

~ Don and Dora Gatlin

Why wait? Book today!

Discover the Cozy Cottage – your gateway to rich history, fishing, skiing, sports, and live music. Escape the crowds and soak in the natural beauty. Book your stay for an unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent just the upstairs one bedroom unit?

When you book with us, you secure the entire house – we don't rent by the room. With room for up to 8 people, we encourage guests to bring friends and family to share the cost. If you're seeking a more intimate setting, the upstairs unit is occasionally available for a romantic getaway. Feel free to message us to inquire about specific dates and availability.

Can I just book 1 night?

We maintain a 2-night booking minimum during non-peak periods and a 5 or 7-night minimum during peak periods, with occasional flexibility under special circumstances. The cleaning fee remains consistent regardless of the stay's duration, offering better value when spread over multiple nights. During slower seasons, we may, at our discretion, open one-day vacancies, announced on our social media pages and available for booking on the calendar. If you encounter an unbookable one-day vacancy, it might be temporarily reserved for maintenance, marketing, or content generation. Feel free to message us regarding such dates for further clarification and follow us on our social media for those occasional 1-night special offerings.

Can I get married or have some other event at the Cozy Cottage?

While large events are not permitted, we do offer options and workarounds for hosting smaller, more intimate gatherings. Feel free to reach out to us for more details and personalized information.

I want to book way in the future but the dates are all blocked out. How do I book?

Our calendar is available for booking only 6-8 months in advance. If you have a specific event planned beyond that timeframe, feel free to reach out to us, and we might consider opening the calendar for you. Summer bookings for the following year become accessible starting on Christmas Day.

Are there cameras on the property?

Yes, motion-activated exterior security cameras are in use and are located at the front and side of the cottage. There are absolutely no cameras anywhere inside the house or on the rear of the cottage.  Once you walk through the door, we cannot see you.  The exterior cameras are not intended for monitoring guest activity, but more for ensuring visitors behave and respect our property as well as ensuring that they do not violate the privacy of our guests.  Generally we only monitor guests if there is an issue brought to our attention or at check-in time to make sure you get inside without issue and that you didn’t bring any unauthorized visitors or additional guests or pets not specified in the reservation.

Why are additional guests or visitors a problem?

The insurance policies that we use will only cover individuals who are a part of the booking. For liability purposes, all guests who enter the property must be accounted for on the reservation guest list. No guests outside of the booking guest list are permitted on the property without expressed and written permission.

Can you accommodate early check-in or Late check-out?

Late check ins are not a problem. If you run into travel issues and think you may be checking in after 9PM, please send us a message to let us know, this way we aren’t worried about you.

Early check ins, by a couple hours, are sometimes possible. Shoot us a message a few days before your check in to confirm that an early check in is possible, and if so we will make sure your code is activated at an appropriate time.  There are no extra charges for this. If you need more than a couple hours early check in, and it's possible, we can arrange it, however there is a early check in fee.

Late checkouts we can rarely do. All of our orchestration with our cleaners is set up to allow them entry at our check out time. While we can manually override the system, we must make sure that it works with our cleaner's schedule in advance. There is a fee for any late check out.

What is your cancellation policy?

Ninety-seven percent (97.00%) of the total booking charges will be refunded if the cancellation is made more than 30 days prior to the arrival date of the reservation. (3% fee is for credit card processing fees).

Forty-seven percent (47.00%) of the total booking charges will be refunded if the cancellation is made more than 14 days prior to the arrival date of the reservation. (3% fee is for credit card processing fees).

For cancellations made within 14 days prior to the arrival date, no refund will be issued.

How deep is the water in the cove near the dock and the shore?

The waters within the cove, sheltered by Sunset Island, range from 3-5 feet in depth near the shoreline and the dock, increasing to a maximum of 16 feet closer to the island. The owners operate a 25' V hull ski boat with an outdrive, and have no issues with the boat maneuvering in and out of the dock or the cove.

Where can we rent boats, kayaks or hire fishing guides?

For your convenience, we provide one 2-person kayak with paddles, along with two 1-person kayaks, all equipped with life vests. Please be aware that their use is entirely at your own risk, and we won't be held responsible for any injuries, including those leading to unfortunate circumstances like death. Safety is of utmost importance, so we recommend only experienced individuals utilize the kayaks.

We've conducted some prior research and compiled quite the list of contacts for local boat/kayak/SUP rentals and fishing guides. If you're interested in exploring these options, kindly reach out to us via the inquiry form, indicating your request for the comprehensive list.

Can we swim in the cove?

Although there is a current in the deeper part of the cove, it is not the primary channel, which is located on the opposite side of the island. The cove is deemed safe for various activities such as swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), fishing, floating, and boating. However, it's important to note that diving from both the shore and the dock is strictly prohibited. For safety, we recommend wearing shoes at all times while on Old Hickory Lake. For safety, it is essential that all children wear life vests while engaging in water activities, as there are no lifeguards on duty. Please be aware that swimming is at your own risk.

Glitter is fun. Why can't we use it?

Hey glitter enthusiasts! While we totally get the sparkle excitement, we've got to be a bit strict about it. Our glitter policy comes with a $1000 fine and swift eviction, sans refunds. Why, you ask? Glitter has a wild side—it sneaks into every nook and cranny, from fabrics to floor joists. Not to mention, it's a bit of a party crasher for our furry friends and can cause some real cleanup mayhem. So, let's keep the celebration epic without the glitter drama!

Do you offer a military discount?

As a token of appreciation for our military, we're pleased to offer a $50 discount off the lodging price for the entire party. Simply use code "PATRIOT50" during checkout. Please be prepared to present both your military ID and regular ID when signing the rental agreement. Thank you for your service, and we look forward to hosting you!

Why Our Visitors Adore The Cozy Cottage!

copyright 2023 Gatlin Stays