Entire home

Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Pets Ok-2 Weeks in Aug Open!

Photo gallery for Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Pets Ok-2 Weeks in Aug Open!

Property grounds
On the beach, sun loungers, beach towels
Exterior
2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Smart TV, DVD player, books, video library
Reviews
10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 41200 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • DryerDryerDryer
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • Pet friendlyPet friendlyPet friendly
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen

Explore the area

Map
Grimstead, VA
  • Popular LocationGwynn's Island Musuem15 min walk
  • Popular LocationDeltaville Maritime Museum28 min drive
  • Popular LocationDeltaville Marina29 min drive
  • AirportRichmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.)73 min drive

Most relevant reviews

About this property

Entire place

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

Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Pets Ok-2 Weeks in Aug Open!

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. 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.

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 per animal 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 view will turn out to be ah-mazing.

Please read our reviews to learn more directly 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 hosting all people regardless of their race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin or gender orientation.

Property manager

CLewis

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Direct access to a private beach
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

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

Outdoor areas

  • Charcoal grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio
  • Yard

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Washer/dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (limited availability)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the city center
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Bicycles on site
  • Golf on site
  • Kayak on site
  • Water park on site
  • Water sports equipment on site
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing 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

  • 1 unit
  • Bicycles
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,200 square feet

Similar properties

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 allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: With advance ok of management and pet fee of $150

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

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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

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!

About the neighborhood

Gwynn

Located in Gwynn, this cottage is in the city center and on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve and Holly Point Nature Park, while Gloucester Museum of History and Deltaville Maritime Museum are cultural highlights. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Gwynn's Island Musuem - 15 min walk
  • Deltaville Maritime Museum - 28 min drive
  • Holly Point Nature Park - 29 min drive
  • Deltaville Marina - 29 min drive
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg - 56 min drive

Getting around

  • Newport News - Williamsburg Intl. Airport (PHF) - 55 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Mi Casa Azteca Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Hole In The Wall - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Southwind Pizza - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Hardee's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Pets Ok-2 Weeks in Aug Open! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Pets Ok-2 Weeks in Aug Open!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Pets Ok-2 Weeks in Aug Open!?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Pets Ok-2 Weeks in Aug Open! located?

Located in Gwynn, this beachfront cottage is in the city center, 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Gwynn's Island Musuem, and 11.9 mi (19.2 km) from Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve. Bethel Beach and Deltaville Marina are also within 20 mi (32 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 171 out of 179 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 179 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 179 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 179 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 179 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Teri R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming and Immaculate!
Gwynns Island Cottage is a charming and immaculately clean rental! It is cozy and tastefully decorated and furnished. The entire cottage is well stocked with everything you could possibly need or want during your stay. The views and water and beach access are phenomenal! Cheri is a wonderful host and very easy to access and quick to reply.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bekky M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gwynn's Island Cottage Retreat
This was our third visit and we have never been disappointed in this cozy cottage with its awe-inspiring view of Hill's Bay. We love the solitude of this spot, especially since we bring along our two dogs. The woods adjoining the yard are a perfect place for the dogs to sniff and explore. Unfortunately, we didn't have the best weather, but this gave us time to unwind and relax. Area food is always a bonus and gave us a chance to poke around town. We got seafood to-go from The Seafood Shack and it was terrific. Sadly, the recent storm took out access to three of our favorite public beaches. Haven Beach was the only one we could walk. If restorations are made, Aaron's Beach, Bethel Beach, and the dock at White's Creek Lane are great places to visit around the town of Moon. As usual, the cottage was stocked with everything we needed - all of the necessities that make traveling lighter. Communications were great with Cheri, who is the best host of all time. Check in was a breeze and I can't say enough about the decor of the cottage. Thank you, Cheri, for making this our home away from home!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janis G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gwynn’s island cottage
This year was our 3rd year for the cottage and it was perfect in every way- nicely equipped, very clean and just the right size for us.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joan S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Exactly the vacation we hoped it would be.
Gwynn’s cottage is exactly as shown, no false advertising at all! We felt very much at home right away, and loved the expansive water and sunset views. We were visited by herons, eagles, dolphins, cormorants and lots of fish jumping out of the water. We enjoyed the kayak, the grill, and the sound of the lapping waves, otherwise very very quiet. The AC works very well, even in super hot weather. We cooked quite a bit and the kitchen had everything we needed. The hostess is exceptionally gracious and helpful. We discovered the Mariner’s Museum in Newport News, about an hour away which is incredible. We went twice and still didn’t see it all. Impressive place and only $1 fee! It also has a nice five mile woodsy trail around the lake at the museum. We enjoyed a private cruise with a working oyster man who showed us the sites and was fascinating to see them farming more And more of the bays with oysters which also helps clean up the many bays nearby. We will be back!
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christina W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great waterfront stay
Owner has obviously taken great strides to provide all the details you could ask for. We enjoyed the extra tidbits shared, like the history of the island. Very clean. Tasteful, simple decorations help provide a peaceful atmosphere. The deck overlooking the water is the perfect place to have coffee in the morning and stargaze at night.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gordon Y.

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming, Clean and Cozy!
This was our second summer spending a week at the cottage and we were counting the days, minutes and seconds until our return. Not only is the host Cheri phenomenal, her home is charming, clean and cozy! We (and our dog) enjoy the peace this property provides but with amazing restaurants close by. The private beach is everything and absolutely perfect for our dog who will relentlessly ask us to throw his ball in the water. The sunsets are truly breathtaking. Gwynn’s island and this cottage are hidden gems that allow you true relaxation! We could not ask for anything better and are so thankful Cheri shares this little slice of heaven!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda M., Mechanicsville

Liked: Cleanliness
Couples vacation
Great private beach. Steps from back door, the views were fantastic. House was clean, and the kitchen was supplied well. The ice make didnt work, but it didnt cause an issue wuth us. Caught crabs, picked and made crab cakes, kayaked and enjoyed the water and beach. Will return!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jessica J.

Liked: Cleanliness
An absolute gem
Our family was so sad to leave this vacation home. We love to go to places a little more off the beaten path. Gwynn Island and Mathew’s had all of the amenities close by with a feel a being away in a little slice of paradise. The home itself is very well laid out and thought out. I appreciate all the details that went into the art, labels on items, functionality, and simplicity. The home was clean when we arrived. The beach and the bag was incredible. Our boys- 10 and 7 crabbed, fished, paddle boarded, swam, kayaked, and played on the beach. They found a horseshoe crab shell in the woods and caught blue crab. Our dog loved her best life on the beach and the grass. Lots of space for her to be with us. Communication with Cheri was great. And I absolutely appreciated the information about the area like groceries and restaurants ahead of time. This is at the top of our list of best vacations!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing vacation
Very nice and clean house. Well stocked with everything you need. Views are outstanding with a different sunset every evening. Really enjoyed using the double kayak. Thank you for sharing your home!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ryan C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect vacation spot
We loved it. Perfect location, plenty to do close by, and very private. We will return for many years to come
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Bayside Happy Place
This cottage is just as described. Beautiful views any time of day or night. Gorgeous Sun sets. Star filled nights for star gazing. The host is welcoming and responsive (if needed). Very nicely supplied- everything for the kitchen, bath (even towels for the dog), and outdoor play- bikes, kayaks, rafts. Explore the area, travel to nearby towns, or stay put for a relaxing escape.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Getaway
Amazing property with amazing views and amenities. Loved the private beach and views of the water. Will absolutely be back again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janell K., MANASSAS

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming Cottage by the Bay
The cottage was lovely with a view of amazing sunsets over the bay. Cottage was very clean with a well equipped kitchen we used to cook local seafood and enjoyed dining on the deck. Comfortable sofas, chairs, and beds. Loved playing with our dog on the private beach. We look forward to staying here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristi P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay
There’s not enough stars to express how wonderful this property and the host are. Cheri is absolutely amazing and goes above the mark in explaining everything. The home is warm and inviting from the minute you walk in. Everything was absolute spotless. Just steps away from the back door is the water, amazing views and your own personal beach. We have stayed in numerous vacation rentals before. The Gwynn’s Island Cottage is truly one of our favorites.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tara D., Statesville, NC

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Sunsets
This was an awesome getaway for quiet and beautiful sunsets. Everything was awesome. The house and property was as described. I was pleasantly surprised that the Food Lion had most of the GF/DF items and options that myself and my daughter needed to accommodate our food sensitivities so that was a bonus. Great experience.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan M., Chester Va

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful as usual!
Marvelous view and private beach make my day every time I come here. The kitchen is very well stocked and it's a bright and very well decorated, well cared for property. I'm so appreciative of the natural wildlife and sandy shallow water. It's a peaceful setting and so very happy and appreciative the owner opens up her property to guests otherwise I'd never have known about the beauty of being on Gwynns island.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bekky M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Bay Retreat at Grimstead
We first chose this cottage on Hill’s Bay for a trip in 2022 because of its solitude and private beach, in addition we could bring our dogs, which was a top priority for us. Because of how wonderfully that trip went, we booked our second visit in April, 2023 and could not have been more pleased. The host, Cheri, pays so much attention to detail, a stay in her charming cottage is restful, invigorating, and fun, no matter what the weather. Besides a beautifully decorated and outfitted living environment, the view of the bay provides a never-ending waterscape to observe. Cheri stocks the cottage with books, games, internet access and more, if you choose to stay inside. Outside, a shed full of water equipment provides recreational opportunities on the bay. We tried out the kayaks and paddleboard with our pups and had so much fun! Communications with Cheri were excellent and I was amazed with how easy check in and out went. A small parcel of woods at one side of the cottage provided us with nature-viewing opportunities and a place to walk the dogs. We loved every minute of our stay, from the cottage life to visits to local beaches such as Aaron and Haven Beaches. Local restaurants in the town of Matthew’s have awesome food, no matter what your cravings and small shops throughout the area make shopping fun. The local history also plays a prominent role in this area. If you visit, be sure to bring a camera to capture images of wildlife, nautical scenery, and the most amazing sunsets! We’ll be back again most certainly and would recommend this spot to families as well as couples and individuals. Make your memories here!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Spring Break
Clean well appointed cottage. My 8 year old grandson loved the beach and paddled a kayak for the first time. Gwynn's Island is a tranquil oasis and the views across the water from the cottage are so relaxing.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ashley S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Sunsets
This property was everything I needed to relax and recharge before starting a new year! Amazing views and sunsets every day. Cheri gave helpful information prior to check in and made sure we had everything we needed. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022