With a stay at this vacation home, you'll be centrally located in Pensacola, within a 15-minute drive of Pensacola Naval Air Station and University of West Florida. .This vacation home is 8.3 mi (13.4 km) from Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier and 10.3 mi (16.5 km) from Pensacola Beach Beaches.
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Tommy's Zen Garden and Cottage, a wonderful peaceful retreat!
Tommy's Zen Garden and Cottage is the perfect getaway for a couple. I built this awesome cottage years ago and I love the space. I decided to share this wonderful relaxing space and I welcome you to my zen space where you can enjoy your privacy. I have been a private chef for over 15 years and I have lived in my 100year old house for more than 20years. I have 2 children, and grandson I am a native of Pensacola and I love jazz, wine, good food and meeting new people. Here at the cottage we love to have fur babies so please bring your dogs, there is a fenced in yard. If you plan on leaving your puppies alone please bring a kennel. We have several parks within walking distance of the cottage. Come enjoy our outdoor shower and beautiful claw-foot soaking tub. Brand new outdoor cooking area under covered deck. We are minutes from historical downtown Pensacola and Pensacola Beach. UBER and LYFT arrive within minutes. Pensacola has a wonderful variety of places to enjoy live music and the best food on the Gulf Coast.check in 2.00 check out 12.00 thanks
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, which features a fireplace and a Smart TV. There's a private patio. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a microwave. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as a hot tub or take in the view from a garden.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.
Property manager
Tommy Bodkins
Languages
English
Property amenities
Beach
Beach nearby
Beach loungers
Pool/Spa
Hot tub
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car not required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Ice maker
Kitchenette
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Sofa bed
Bathroom
Bathtub
Hair dryer
Outdoor shower
Shampoo
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Entertainment
Books
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Fenced yard
Firepit
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Note from host: You can smoke outside
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Meal delivery service
Location highlights
In the city centre
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near a zoo
Near the bay
Near the marina
Near the sea
Things to do
Birdwatching nearby
Cycling nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Parasailing nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Garden
Unit size: 350 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Kennel required for dog alone inside.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
A car is not required for transportation to and from this property
Property is also known as
Tommy's Zen Garden Cottage a Wonderful Peaceful Retreat!
Tommys Zen Garden Cottage et Fantastisk Fredelig Tilfluktssted!
Tommy's Zen Garden and Cottage, a wonderful peaceful retreat! Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 52 out of 54 reviews
10 - Excellent
52
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 54 reviews
8 - Good
2
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 54 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 54 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 54 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
8.0/10
Amenities
8.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
tera C.
10 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
tera C.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Taegan F.
31 Jul 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
I am usually the person to just get a hotel any place I travel, but me and my fiancé decided to give Tommy's Zen Garden cottage a shot. We thought the pictures online looked absolutely beautiful and so relaxing. Their backyard garden is absolutely beautiful and even better than what we saw in the pictures. We did not get to use much of the outdoor amenities because we were so go, go, go during our stay. The cottage inside was very clean and had everything we needed for our stay. Jen (Tommy's wife) made sure we had our dishes as soon as we checked in, and Tommy gave us amazing recommendations to do on our vacation and was very helpful through it all. 10/10 an absolute beautiful vacation spot.
Taegan F.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kristina N.
26 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Beach trip
Very close to Pensacola beachCute garden oasisWe had a great time!
Kristina N.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kimberly S.
15 Apr 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great get away
This cottage is perfect for you and your spouse to have a get away. My fiance enjoyed the outdoor shower. We both enjoyed the hot tub. I also enjoyed the claw foot bath tub in the cottage. The host had bath bombs and bubble bath available. Also had incense cones to burn while I soaked. It was amazing. I didn’t bring my fur babies with me so having fur babies there to greet me was nice. The host are very nice and even though the cottage is in their back yard you still have plenty of privacy. It was my fiancés 40th b day and Tommy even got cake balloons to put in the cottage before we got there it was an amazing time and amazing vibe. Thanks again guys
Kimberly S.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Tanya L.
11 Apr 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful!
We had a great stay at Tommy's! Everything was as described and the pet friends were the perfect addition :)
Tanya L.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sherry N., BIRMINGHAM
22 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Warm Hug
My sister and I plus our two dogs loved this short vacay. It's difficult to describe...uniquely relaxiing...wonderful conversations and music.
Sherry N.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Joseph T.
2 Feb 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend Wedding
Tommy’s place is almost magical. Cozy Florida vibes all day!
Joseph T.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Cynthia A.
19 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Magical
Loved the property. The backyard is beautiful. Pictures don’t do it justice. Tommy and Jennifer go above and beyond to make sure your stay is pleasant and enjoyable. Pets Chet, Bebe, Benny and Ray add to the charm. Magical and delightful!
Cynthia A.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Abbey A.
20 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing stay
Tommy and Jennifer made us feel like instant friends! We enjoyed staying in the zen garden and meeting all their pets. One of a kind place and special people!!
Abbey A.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Alicia M.
12 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely Relaxing
Thank you to the hosts of.this property as they have an amazing space & personality! Just go & stay & you will see why this duo has the ratings they do. Can't wait to go back.
Alicia M.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Megan P.
29 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Lush Garden Hideaway!!
We loved our extended visit at Tommy’s Zen Garden & Cottage! You would never imagine you were minutes/blocks away from great restaurants, beaches and attractions. Tommy and Jennifer are exceptional hosts, happy to guide you to the best of what Pensacola has to offer and to ensure you have all that you need for a perfect stay- Tommy’s Shrimp Ettouffe was a highlight of our visit! We were saddened to leave but look forward to returning!!
Megan P.
Stayed 13 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Richard M.
14 Apr 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Richard and Brenda
Great
Richard M.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Karen F.
29 Mar 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Winter Retreat
I had a great 2 month getaway in the cozy cottage. The hosts were very helpful and accommodating. The recommendations, company, music and cooking were wonderful, and the neighborhood has many places to go on foot if you like to walk. My dog had a good time, too.
Karen F.
Stayed 60 nights in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sheryl M.
22 Dec 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
COZY TINY HOUSE
We truly enjoyed our stay! The location is GREAT!
Sheryl M.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Marcus C.
15 Nov 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
A peaceful retreat indeed.
I enjoyed my stay here. Tommy and Jennifer were absolutely wonderful and accommodating. I spent every night in the hot tub and I took my dog to the dog park nearby. I was at peace here and am grateful for the time I had.
Marcus C.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Wes H.
5 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Cute backyard cottage, yet felt isolated in the woods!
Owner was very communicative. We enjoyed the cottage and it's location. It could probably sleep 4 with the pull out couch, but would be tight. We didn't utilize the cookware, but there was ample space to cook a meal and just "hang out" and enjoy the scenery. Although it was merely in the backyard, it felt like we were somewhat camping, and was great!
Wes H.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kim D.
13 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Pensacola 2023
Stayed for two weeks! This property provides everything needed for a fun trip…even fur babies if you choose. the outdoor shower was great daily when we came back from beach, close to airport, beaches, and food! Tommy was quick to answer any questions. Great little place and affordable for a nice getaway!
Kim D.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kelly B.
30 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
A Weekend getaway
It was a quaint space. Hosts were friendly. Nice for a weekend getaway. Pensacola is a great town to see.
Kelly B.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
10/10 Excellent
Olivia M.
28 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Everything and more!
My husband and I stayed at Tommy’s cottage for our 6th wedding anniversary. We were greeted by Tommy and his animals and it felt like we’d known him a lifetime. Such a personable guy and and an AMAZING chef. The cottage is beautiful and has everything you’d need. Pensacola Beach is a quick and easy drive and the cottage is in a beautiful and safe neighborhood. We will definitely be back!
Olivia M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Andrea S.
21 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Slice of paradise
We loved our stay at Tommy’s zen garden! We were greeted upon arrival and introduced to the local wildlife (his pets lol) His place had everything we needed! Every morning we made coffee (everything was provided) and cooked breakfast outside in the outdoor kitchen. The house was clean and also had everything we needed. Outdoor showers are one of my fave things and this one didn’t disappoint! We would definitely recommend Tommy’s to friends and family and if ever in the area, we will be back!
Andrea S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Colleen C.
14 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect getaway!
Everything about the cottage was perfect for us. Tommy was a pleasant and knowledgeable host. We’ll definitely return!
Colleen C.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Dylan D.
6 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
A Little Piece of Paradise in the Heart of Pensacola
We loved our stay at Tommy's Zen Yard and Cottage! It's the perfect place for a relaxing getaway. Our pups felt right at home, and the garden was so peaceful and relaxing. We enjoyed exploring all the amazing plants and charming details. Tommy and Jennifer were gracious hosts and made sure we had everything we needed, while giving us our privacy as well. The location is perfect for a short drive to the beaches or Downtown Pensacola. There are many great restaurants in the area, and there is a Publix right around the corner. We hope to stay here again soon!
Dylan D.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jessica L.
6 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful garden!
Perfect location for toodling around/beach access. The garden is exceptionally beautiful and the deck/gazebo area is a perfect place to nap during a cloudy/windy/thundery kind of day 😊.
Jessica L.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Julie L.
1 Jul 2023
Solo retreat
I went to Pensacola by myself to recharge, rest, and explore. The Zen Garden & Cottage was the perfect place for this! I felt safe, relaxed, and connected there.
Jennifer greeted me on arrival, showing me the way and introducing me to their pets in the garden.
The cottage was perfect for one person. Tommy & Jennifer have furnished it fully. Loads of coffee, towels, and extra pillows & blankets.
I enjoyed the outdoor shower and it felt very private.
Most of the time I was the only person in the garden. But i did see the owner every day and he was responsive to anything I needed and offered thoughtful suggestions about the area when asked.
The new outdoor kitchen is lovely in the evenings to grill up dinner, with lots of moving air from fans to stay cool.
The East Hill neighborhood was fun to explore by bicycle. Still mostly original small houses with gardens, spoted with green space blocks, and bordered by some really old, large beautiful homes with giant live oaks.
This was my first trip to the beach that I didn't stay at the beach. And I am so glad I didn't! Pensacola is a lovely city, with so much more than beautiful white sand and lovely blue/green water. The beach is close by to easily spend time there. And there are many places that allow you to just park and walk onto the beach w/o any more walking than you would do at a beachfront hotel.
The Zen garden is so peaceful & quite beautiful.
I appreciate having had the opportunity to enjoy it!
Julie L.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Tammy L.
5 Jun 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Little Zen Garden
It was a very comfortable place. Love that it was pet friendly. I would stay again.