A few weeks ago, I was having a little bit of a rough time. I had taken two long-haul weekend trips in a row, one of which was for a funeral, and I was working so much that I hadn’t even taken my trash out in two weeks. I literally couldn’t will myself to deal with anything other than work, duties, occasionally food, and sleep. I was having work dreams so intense that the stress would wake me up like a nightmare would with fear. So, I decided to have a little me time at possibly the quaintest place I’ve ever been: the Cottage at Winchester Manor Airbnb. 
I was perusing the internet one night when I came across a list of the top 10 cutest Airbnbs in the US and realized one of them was literally down the road from me. The Cottage at Winchester Manor is in the rear of the Winchester Manor (duh) in New Market, Alabama, about a 25 minute drive away from Huntsville. I had to check it out, so I contacted the hosts Bethany and Whitney. They usually ask for a minimum of two nights, but because they are so sweet, they allowed me to come for just one night.
The cottage can sleep two people and has a rich history. The Airbnb site says that it was the first post office in North Alabama, then a jail, then a doctor’s office, and finally an antique store. Check in was at 2pm, and check out was the next day at noon. Their instructions were super easy to follow, and I had no problem getting into the cottage. The past two times I’ve stayed in a rented house, I’ve had issues with finding the key, but no problems here! I walked in, put my things down, and immediately started filming a video for my YouTube channel. It was so cute that I had to!
As soon as I opened the door, I was greeted by a cool, bright room, which is super appreciated in the South during the summer. There was a helpful handout on the bed with suggestions on where to eat/what to do, as well as the wi-fi code etc. There is a big, super comfortable bed (not a sleeper couch or cot!) with plush pillows and a white bedspread. The floors are a gorgeous zig-zag brick, and the walls are a chic, white, shiplap-esque board.
There is a floor-length mirror, a small table with two chairs, a kitchenette, and a bathroom, complete with a jacuzzi tub, which I definitely partook in later that evening. Yaaas.
Bethany and Whitney had provided shampoo, conditioner, soap, and towels. There is a TV in view of the bed, along with a DVD player and lots of channels. After doing some bloggy stuff, I had worked up a REAL appetite, so I consulted the handout. It mentioned how close New Market Barbecue was (I could have seen it from my window if a building hadn’t been in the way), and I was sold. I had actually heard people talking about how amazing New Market Barbecue was before I had ever considered coming on this trip, so I walked over and picked up my dinner. I got the pulled pork sandwich with the vinegar sauce, green beans, and their famous smoked mac n cheese (which is on the list of 100 dishes to eat in Alabama before you die!). I can attest- everything was DELICIOUS.
After dinner, I drove a few miles up the road to rent a Redbox movie (Whiskey Tango Foxtrot) and then settled in for the night. The bed was so comfortable, and I got a great night’s sleep! When I woke up refreshed and ready to go, I realized that a pretty hoppin’ breakfast spot was literally just across the street. I didn’t actually end up eating there due to lack of time, so we’ll have to add that the to-do list for next time!
Check out was super easy- the instructions on the handout were very clear and everything was where it was supposed to be. Bethany and Whitney delivered a guest review within a few days, and that was that!
I 100% recommend a visit to the Cottage at Winchester Manor. I know you’ll fall as much in love with it as I did!
xoxo Katie
