Entire home·Private host

Waterfront Cottage with Private Beach, Sunsets over Water

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Waterfront Cottage with Private Beach, Sunsets over Water

Property grounds
Outdoor dining
Smart TV, DVD player, books, video library
On the beach, sun-loungers, beach towels
On the beach, sun-loungers, beach towels

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4111 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Grimstead, VA
  • Gwynn's Island Musuem
    15 min walk
  • Rozs Island Market and Dell
    2 min walk
  • Williamsburg Transportation Center
    63 min drive
  • Newport News, VA (PHF-Newport News - Williamsburg Intl.)
    55 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Waterfront Cottage with Private Beach, Sunsets over Water

Gwynn's Island Cottage is a waterfront cottage with panoramic views including sunsets over the water. The private beach - entirely on our property and not shared with neighbors - is just steps away from the Cottage. We are pet friendly. The Cottage is located on quaint and historic Gwynn's Island and sleeps 4 guests in 2 bedrooms.

From our private beach, guests can swim, kayak, paddle board, fish and crab, bird watch, float on a raft, lounge or just enjoy a good book or an adult beverage. We provide beach chairs, 2 kayaks, a stand up paddleboard, crab nets, crab pot, floats, rafts, noodles, children's beach toys, and life preservers, all free for our guests. Hills Bay is clean, shallow, and sandy-bottomed, with little current or tow like the ocean, so it's perfect for children and explorers alike. Guests can fish from the beach or from kayaks and catch drum, trout, rockfish, croaker, spot and flounder. The crab pot or the long handled nets allow guests to catch crabs when they are in season.

After a quick rinse in the outdoor shower after your day on the beach, guests can use the Weber kettle charcoal grill for cooking up the day’s catch or fresh seafood from a nearby market. And then that sunset...We also have a Bonfire Solo stove for cooler evenings.

From the Cottage, guests experience bird life such as bald eagles nesting next door, blue herons, osprey, seagulls, white tundra swans and loons, and dolphins, depending on the season. With a yacht club just across from the Cottage, guests can watch sail and motor boats coming in to Hills Bay from the Chesapeake and any scheduled regattas. Or bring their own boat to put in or take out of the water at the public marina just 1/3 mile away on the Island.

Bring your boat. Our circular driveway allows plenty of room to trailer in and out. A third of a mile away on the island is the boat put-in, with plenty of parking for your truck and trailer while you are on the water and a restaurant to grab provisions.

The Cottage is pet-friendly! Our pup guests enjoy the beach with its shallow, clean water. We also provide doggie towels. We own the small woods next door where our four legged guests can be walked and "get their sniffs on."

If you plan to bring your pet, please message the manager and let us know the age, breed, gender, and weight of your animal. We do charge a pet fee of $125 for all animals for your entire stay (less than kennels or pet sitters and they will enjoy themselves on vacay!).

Between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, we rent by the week, with Sunday check-in/check-out (less traffic on interstates than Saturdays). Just a two-night minimum the rest of the year.

We have self check-in, so you won't need to coordinate with anyone. Check out is a late 11am and check-in is 4pm or earlier if possible.

The Cottage kitchen is fully equipped with dishwasher, new oven/range, microwave, blender, toaster, and large pots for crabs. A full size workhorse washer and new dryer are available for your use in their own laundry room with space to air dry. Our open outdoor shower has foot spigots. The Cottage has cable TV and wifi.

We have a Frigidaire retro mini-fridge that chills 6 cans of your favorite beverage and doubles as a Bluetooth speaker that you can take outside to have music on the beach or deck and keep you from getting thirsty.

The Cottage is perfect for special occasions or gatherings (with approval of management) because photos with the water view will turn out to be ah-mazing.

Please read our reviews to hear from the Cottage's guests, many of whom are repeat. Our positive reviews reflect the guest-centered experience that we try to provide, continually using our guests' suggestions to improve amenities.

We are sorry but smoking is not permitted in the house or anywhere on our property.

Gwynn's Island is dedicated to welcoming all people regardless of their race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin or gender orientation.
Our customers tell us they can't get enough of the helpful staff at this cottage. During your stay, you'll be within walking distance of Gwynn's Island Musuem. Features include a water park. Enjoy your stay with amenities like free WiFi and a kitchen in the cottage.
  • Air-conditioned cottage with kitchen, washer/dryer, and patio
  • Free WiFi
  • Splash around at the water park
  • 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Gwynn's Island Musuem and 11.9 mi (19.2 km) from Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve
This cottage offers its guests a water park. This cottage also features barbecue grills and a garden.

This Gwynn cottage is smoke free.

Property manager

CLewis

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Private beach
  • Beach towels
  • Beach sunloungers

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking options include a garage
  • On-site parking
  • Car recommended

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Toaster
  • Spices
  • Coffee grinder
  • Kitchen island

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bath or shower
  • Hairdryer
  • Toilet paper
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • DVD player
  • Stereo
  • Video library
  • Games
  • Books

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Garden
  • Charcoal grills
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near a laundromat

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 total (up to 23 kg per pet)
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Limited housekeeping
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On the waterfront
  • In the city centre
  • In a rural location
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the bay

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Water sports equipment
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Cycling on site
  • Kayaking on site
  • Golf on site
  • Hunting nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Horse riding nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 1200 sq ft (111 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 22

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Guests will receive lockbox information
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Access methods

Lockbox

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Note from host: With advance ok of management and pet fee of $125

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Small beach and shallow water are great for kids

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 30
Note from host: Special events and parties with okay of management
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
Guests will receive lockbox information. You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Gwynn's Island Cottage Reserve Your Stay 2019 Grimstead
Gwynn's Island Cottage Reserve Your Stay 2019
Gwynn's Island Reserve Your Stay 2019 Grimstead
Gwynn's Island Reserve Your Stay 2019
Gwynn's Island Cottage Reserve Your Stay Water Grimstead
Gwynn's Island Cottage Reserve Your Stay Water
Gwynn's Island Reserve Your Stay Water Grimstead
Gwynn's Island Reserve Your Stay Water
Gwynn's Island Cottage Reserve Your Stay for 2019
Gwynn's Island Cottage Reserve Your Stay for 2019
Gwynn's Island Cottage Book Your Summer Week Chesapeake Bay
Gwynn's Island Book Your Summer Week Chesapeake Bay Grimstead
Gwynn's Island Book Your Summer Week Chesapeake Bay
Gwynn's Island Cottage Book Your Summer Week Chesapeake Bay
Gwynn's Island Book Your Summer Week Chesapeake Bay Grimstead
Gwynn's Island Book Your Summer Week Chesapeake Bay
Gwynn's Island Cottage Reserve Your Stay on the Water!
Gwynn's Island Cottage Reserve Your Stay on the Water!
Gwynn's Island Cottage Reserve Your Stay on the Water!

Waterfront Cottage with Private Beach, Sunsets over Water Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 190 out of 198 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 198 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 198 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 198 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 198 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

William F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay!
This was just what we needed for our holiday trip. The water views were great, saw various water birds including geese and a heron that posed for us out back. The place was clean and had all of the amenities of home. We are considering making this a holiday tradition!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

John W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend on the island
Nice very clean cottage on the bay! Accommodations were very clean and comfortable! We watched several families of geese stay the night and leave the next on their journey south! Thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Haley C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Another amazing trip in the books at our favorite place
This is our dream place. Every single time we stay we never want to leave. It is like a 2nd home to us. The most wonderful vibes and views, you couldn’t ask for more. Cheri is an AMAZING host. She is the absolute best and makes sure we are all set for a fabulous stay every time!!! We can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

samuel k.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Thanksgiving Guests
The cottage is extremely well appointed, very clean, comfortable and affords a great view of Hills Bay. Three adults and a toddler enjoyed their 3-night stay immensely. .
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Location and Beautiful View
The house was very clean upon entering and the view was beautiful. It was conveniently located to shops and restaurants. We enjoyed visiting the nearby Hatchery while there.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend getaway
It was a perfect spot for an intimate weekend getaway. The pups absolutely loved it, and Beaverdam park is close enough that we were able to get a nice long hoke in as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kim H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic!
If you crave a peaceful and relaxing getaway, this is the place for you! This quaint cottage is cozy, comfortable and unpretentious. It was clean and stocked with essentially everything you might need or want. The bay is your backyard and I could’ve easily spent all day relaxing on the patio, taking in the heavenly view (especially the sunset!) and listening to the soothing sounds of the water and jumping fish. My husband and son enjoyed fishing from the double kayak everyday and caught several red drums and bluefish. We had fun catching crabs, watching the cormorants dive for lunch and even saw a school of dolphins. A majestic heron visited the jetty for several minutes every night after dark. Cheri was exceptionally responsive and kind, offering a ton of helpful info. We hated to see our time at Gwynn’s Island Cottage end, and would love to visit again! Thank you so much Cheri, for sharing your little slice of heaven with us!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

maggie h., mardela springs

Liked: Cleanliness
Fall retreat
We were looking for waterfront, quiet, accessible to the water. We found all that. Beautiful!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laureen V.

Liked: Cleanliness
We Didn't Want to Leave!
This cottage was perfect for a quiet, private spot to unwind and relax with the dogs. It is clean, exactly as pictured, and anything you could possibly need was provided. The water and private beach were very clean as well. If you don't want to cook, there are so many excellent food options nearby.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Beverly S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Right on the water
The cottage was a prefect size for two guests and lots of room outside. Was truly as advertised! Enjoyed watching terns and osprey fish close by. Nicely furnished and equipped and well kept. Will definitely consider going again.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Haley C.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Perfect Getaway
This has become our getaway place! My husband and I love this place and so does our 2 year old sheepadoodle Walter! It’s the best time, every single time. Cheri is amazing to work with and always ensures a smooth check in and a beautiful clean home with the best vibes. We will continue to come back every year!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laurie M.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Special Place for a Family Vacation
First of all, Cheri is a wonderful host - excellent communicator and very friendly. With that said, we didn't really need to interact very much, because everything was as it should have been and her communication ahead of our trip gave us all of the information that we needed. The cottage was just as it is pictured, except that there is a bit of magic while you are actually there that you can't sense until you arrive. Our family (2 adults and 2 small children - and a doggie) spent most of our 7 days on the private beach, where we used both kayaks and the paddleboard daily. We also used the crab cage and fishing nets to try our hand at crabbing (the kids got a kick out of that). We loved setting up the Solo stove on the lawn and grilling with the water as a backdrop to it all. We are seasoned travelers and the water of Hills Bay is something for the eyes at several points throughout each day - the morning and afternoon sun create a reflection that is absolutely stunning. The sunsets are second to none - and you have a front row seat at the cottage. The colors that reflect on the water look like a painting. We were extremely impressed by the contents of the shed - it was really enough entertainment for the entire week - we barely left, except to try different local places for different meals throughout the week. The cottage itself has all that you will need and more. We loved it all and were very sad to leave but hope to return again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laurie M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful spot on the Bay
We had a lovely anniversary week on Gwynn’s Island. Enjoyed the paddle board, the gorgeous sunsets from the deck, and the wildlife. A heron greeted us each morning and a family of ospreys entertained us in the evenings. The house was in an ideal location- close to everything but with plenty of privacy. It was very clean and well equipped- even doggy towels were provided for our pup. Cheri is an excellent host. We hope to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Stay
Terrific stay, the best communication, lots of fun amenities, specatacular sunsets and everything you need , right at your finger tips.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Summer Vacation
My husband and I felt very comfortable during our week stay at this adorable cottage. The overall cleanliness was inviting, it was spacious and tastefully decorated, has a very well stocked kitchen and bathroom, views of the river, boats, sails, birds, and sunsets. sunsets. clouds,
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vadim K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great vacation with children
We have spent two fabulous weeks at the cottage! It is very guest-oriented, with labels all over the place, on every cupboard and shelf. The kitchen is wonderfully equipped, I cooked all the time and even baked a cake, no problem. All beds and couches are really comfortable, all appliances are in the best condition. The beach is private, clean and very shallow, we let our 7 YO wander and didn't have to worry at all. There's a brilliant set of every possible amenity in the shed: bikes, kayaks, a paddleboard, sand toys and whatnot. The area is very calm and rural, there's a deeper beach about 15 minutes away, a few shops, a few restaurants. But an hour away there is Newport News with its Living museum and planetarium, Williamsburg with its colonial museum, Jamestown and all sorts of other interesting day trips awaiting. A special highlight: beach shower with warm water! A thing to know: the water comes from the well, so it is very clean, but has a very special taste (lots of iron). It's not noticeable in coffee, but for tisanes I brought bottled water, as the well water adds an interesting tinge. We will definitely come again!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peace and Quiet
We enjoyed our stay and the best part was being on the water. We were able to catch some fish, crabs and went on the kayak. We enjoyed venturing into Mathew’s to all the quaint little stores. Everyone was nice and friendly! Despite the heat, we made the best of it! Having another umbrella or some sort of overhang would have been nice to get out of the sun, since our dogs LOVE being outside. But it was not a deal breaker. If you love the peace and quiet, this is the place to be!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Another awesome stay at the cottage
Just like last year, we enjoyed a fun and sun filled week at Gwynns Island Cottage. We went in early June this year and that provided cooler early mornings but warmed to 80s by midday. Beautiful views of hills bay and had a blast playing on the private beach with our 9yr old. Thanks again Cheri for allowing us to use the cottage!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

William A.

Liked: Cleanliness
beautiful bay cottage
Location is perfect for families with small children — beach access is a few feet away and the bay water is shallow/calm. Property is well-kept and has everything you could need. Loved our stay and will definitely be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Haley C.

Liked: Cleanliness
A DREAM GETAWAY
This place is truly AMAZING! My family and I had a wonderful time! Our dog Walter absolutely loved it and it is overall just a wonderful place. This will for sure be a place we continue to come stay at every year.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ji B., Alexandria, VA

Liked: Cleanliness
Still a slice of heaven on earth
Can’t say enough wonderful things about the cottage. It’s clean and comfortable with modern amenities and recent upgrades. There’s a private beach that our water-loving lab loves. The yard is well maintained and depending on the time of the year, the pine trees smell great. The views are out of this world. Do not miss a sunset, the stars on a clear night, or a full moon in the late hours of the night/early morning. And, last but not least, the fabulous property manager is fabulous. She ensures the property is well maintained and makes her guests feel special and is very responsive whether it’s during the process of booking the cottage through your stay. We’ve stayed here five times now and will back for sure!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

pat w.

Liked: Cleanliness
away from it all
Cottage was clean & well equipped. Cheri is an excellent host. She has overlooked nothing to make a getaway comfortable for her guests. My husband caught (& released) 10 red fish during our stay. Our pup enjoyed the beach area. The town is a short ride away & had a few little shops to browse thru. We enjoyed our stay & will be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Spring break stay
My family really enjoyed staying at this cottage for a spring break getaway. Everything was clean and comfortable, and it was so nice to see the small details that Cheri pays attention to such as stocking sugar and cream in the kitchen or toiletries in the bathroom. The beach was nice, and although the water was still too cold to play in, we did enjoy using the kayak and just relaxing outside. We will definitely be checking for availability here for future trips!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gwynn week
Great location . Property had great views and was impressively equipped with any needed items.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for our needs
Place was perfect for what we needed. Clean, comfy, close to water, convenient location, and wealth of information & amenities provided by owner. Our only issue was the numerous fees added by VRBO over the initial rental cost.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023