Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Pets Ok-2 Weeks in Aug Open!
About this cottage rental
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.
Amenities
Pool
Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Chesapeake Bay, NC
Cottage in Chesapeake Bay, NC
Reasons to book
People love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Great for pets
$$$$
Reviews
5.0/5.0
Outstanding(177 Reviews)
5.0
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.
5.0
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.
5.0
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!
5.0
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.
5.0
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!
5.0
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!
5.0
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!
5.0
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!
5.0
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!
5.0
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.
5.0
Amazing property with amazing views and amenities. Loved the private beach and views of the water. Will absolutely be back again!
5.0
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.
5.0
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.
5.0
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.
5.0
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.
5.0
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!
5.0
Property manager responded almost immediately. She made check in and check out super easy as well as left tons of ideas on what we could do in the area. Even if you don’t go out there is plenty of things to do around the house and on the water. We are definitely staying here again!
5.0
We picked this cottage as our getaway because it was pet friendly and on the water. We couldn’t have been more pleased! The cottage was immaculate and very tastefully decorated with beach-themed art. We loved the art guide provided by the host. The cottage came alive as a little art gallery once we learned the details. Everything we needed for our stay was there and at our fingertips. The owner went beyond the ordinary to provide us with necessities as well as little extras. (Thanks for those M&Ms in the kitchen!) The additional wooded lot gave us a great place to walk our dogs. Sadly, it was too wet and cold to go on the water but we will try out the water toys if we come back in the warm season. The furnishings were comfy and we even made use of the scrabble game in the game closet. The kitchen was well stocked with all the dinnerware we needed and we found a great selection of restaurants in the town of Mathews. Wonderful wildlife watching at the cottage (dolphins right out front!) and at nearby Bethel Beach, Aaron’s Beach and Haven Beach. Sailboats lined up out front to anchor overnight before heading to Maryland for the annual downrigging festival. We watched their lights bobbing out on the water, then they disappeared in the next morning’s fog. Communications with the host were excellent. All in all, we had a wonderful experience at Gwynn’s Island and hope to vacation there again.
10.0
This is our 3rd time staying at this property and the owner is always so easy to communicate with. The property is clean and cozy. We especially enjoy the views. The view of the water and the sunsets are amazing and our dog particularly loves the beach access. His own private beach for a few days.
5.0
The home is lovely with everything you could need, especially in a post-hurricane stormy weather. Although we were not able to take advantage of the beach, yard or outdoor amenities, there was plenty to occupy our time inside. The welcome book was very helpful and we enjoyed reading about the history of the island. Our manager was helpful for directions to the grocery and other things we might need. We would definitely rent this property again--just not in hurricane season.
5.0
This is our second September visit to this sweet cottage and we rebooked for next year. This house is perfect for our quiet visit and is nicely equipped for all our needs. The sunsets are amazing and the private beach is so relaxing.
5.0
I in-joyed myself there with such beautiful views and easy access to the water. Went kayaking sailing! Rode my bike all over the island. It's a very relaxing vacation home, clean, and well stocked. I wished I had booked a longer stay!
5.0
Very relaxing stay. Cheri sent recommendations throughout the week. Had a great time and would rent again.
5.0
The cottage was well equipped and very clean. Morning coffee on the deck, enjoying the waterfront view was a great way to start each day. The private beach was enjoyed each day and the shed was full of toys to enjoy the water. Fishing was good at high tide, catching spot, croaker and puppy drum. If you need privacy, quietude and tranquility, then Gwynn Cottage is for you! Looking forward to a return trip!
5.0
This is our second time staying at Gwynn’s Island Cottage.
It is always quiet, beautiful, and cleanness place. It is a perfect place for Family!
5.0
We've been visiting Mathews for a week every Summer for the past 15 years.
Our stay at Cheri's Gwynn Island Cottage has been one of the very best!!
The Cottage is beautiful, comfortable, very clean, and well appointed.
Having our own private beach was wonderful. The expansive bay views all throughout the cottage and property made for glorious mornings and amazing sunsets.
We lacked for nothing.
Cheri promptly answered the few questions we had.
We hope to come back again very soon.
5.0
The property was very clean and close to town. The water toys were an added plus. My niece truly enjoyed using the paddle board. Being right on the water was a definite plus.
5.0
Perfect little house
The property was very clean and close to town. The water toys were an added plus. My niece truly enjoyed using the paddle board. Being right on the water was a definite plus.
5.0
Great vacation spot
Excellent place to kick back and relax. Very pleased with everything and will be back
5.0
A perfect little spot.
This a great little cottage, perfect for my husband and I and our 17 year old. Very clean and well appointed with everything you might need and more, especially for playing on your own private beach! Relaxing on the back deck was wonderful, watching the crab boats in the morning and gorgeous sunsets at night. We highly recommend the Gwynn's Island Cottage on the Chesapeake Bay!
5.0
Restful with beautiful views
This is our second year renting this property and we enjoyed it even more this year. We like bringing our dogs and we take full advantage of the shallow waters with sandy bottom to let them enjoy the water along with us. The house is perfect and had everything one would expect. We hope to visit again next year.
4.0
Quaint cottage
We absolutely loved the location and private beach! The cottage is well maintained with quality linens, towels and furniture. It was clean, overall. I love that my dog was treated as a guest as well, with waste bags provided for easy clean up and even a selection of doggy towels! We were not able to get the Dish Network to work, and the tv buffered frequently, but we didn’t care about that much since we spent most of our moments outside enjoying the ample water toys provided and beautiful sunsets! One of my highlights was actually rescuing the horseshoe crabs that washed up early each morning! We really unplugged for the week, and enjoyed the leisurely island life! I hope to visit the museum next time, as I enjoyed learning about the history of the island too!
5.0
It was our second time here and it was just as fantastic as we remembered! A cozy, clean home away from home. Our dog really enjoyed the grass and private beach access and the outdoor shower really comes in handy for washing him down! We got to explore some more restaurants in the restaurant this time, and the food was delicious and the staff so friendly and loved on our dog so much.. Last, but not least, the property owner is super responsive and takes great care of her property! We'll definitely be back if she’ll have us!
5.0
Very comfortable stay! Lots of amenities to utilize and plenty to do in the area. We enjoyed the private beach and loved that there was everything we could have ever needed. Would love to stay again but next time for longer for sure.
5.0
We will definitely stay here again. The rental is extremely clean amd well organized. You absolutely can't beat the gorgeous views. We highly recommend staying here.
5.0
Absolutely wonderful
We will definitely stay here again. The rental is extremely clean amd well organized. You absolutely can't beat the gorgeous views. We highly recommend staying here.
5.0
Nice cottage by the water!
Very comfortable stay! Lots of amenities to utilize and plenty to do in the area. We enjoyed the private beach and loved that there was everything we could have ever needed. Would love to stay again but next time for longer for sure.
5.0
Slice of heaven
It was our second time here and it was just as fantastic as we remembered! A cozy, clean home away from home. Our dog really enjoyed the grass and private beach access and the outdoor shower really comes in handy for washing him down! We got to explore some more restaurants in the restaurant this time, and the food was delicious and the staff so friendly and loved on our dog so much.. Last, but not least, the property owner is super responsive and takes great care of her property! We'll definitely be back if she’ll have us!
5.0
Unbelievable view
My husband and I stayed at this property for 5 days. The cottage was very clean and had everything you could need! You are so close to the water that when you are sitting on the sofa and look out, you would think you are on a cruise ship. The private beach is a great place to relax and unwind. We had a great time and can’t wait to go back.
5.0
Nice, fun getaway
The property and amenities were great. We really enjoyed hanging out on the beach and using the kayak and paddleboard on the water. The sunsets were amazing.
FAQs
How much does this cottage cost compared to others in Chesapeake Bay?
The average price for a rental in Chesapeake Bay is $231 per night. This rental is $34 above the average.
Is parking included with this cottage?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Pets Ok-2 Weeks in Aug Open!. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this cottage?
Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Pets Ok-2 Weeks in Aug Open!. Enjoy the water!
Is Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Pets Ok-2 Weeks in Aug Open! pet friendly?
Yes! This cottage is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Pets Ok-2 Weeks in Aug Open!?
We found 12 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen / kitchenette, and internet / wifi.
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