Entire home

Gwynn's Island Cottage - Private Beach on the Chesapeake Bay!

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Gwynn's Island Cottage - Private Beach on the Chesapeake Bay!

Property grounds
Property video
Smart TV, DVD player, books, video library
Smart TV, DVD player, books, video library
2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 41200 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Grimstead, VA
  • Place, Gwynn's Island Museum
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, Bay School Community Arts Center
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Cobbs Creek Arts Center
    ‪12 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

About the neighborhood

Gwynn

With a stay at this cottage in Gwynn, you'll be on the beach, within a 5-minute drive of Chesapeake Bay and Gwynn's Island Museum. .This beach cottage is 31.2 mi (50.2 km) from Yorktown Beach and 11.9 mi (19.2 km) from Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve.

What's nearby

  • Gwynn's Island Museum - 1 min drive - 0.9 miles
  • Bay School Community Arts Center - 10 min drive - 8.4 miles
  • Cobbs Creek Arts Center - 12 min drive - 11.0 miles
  • Deltaville Marina - 26 min drive - 24.8 miles
  • Deltaville Maritime Museum - 26 min drive - 24.8 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Howard-Dooley Cafe - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Hole In The Wall - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Shun Xing - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Southwind Pizza - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Table at Wilton - ‬25 min drive

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 - Private Beach on the Chesapeake Bay!

Gwynn's Island Cottage is a modest waterfront cottage on the Chesapeake Bay with panoramic views and sunsets over the water. The small, private beach is entirely on the property and not shared. We are pet friendly. During the summer months, we rent weekly, Sunday to Sunday.

The Cottage is located on quaint and historic Gwynn's Island with a public marina and restaurant 1/3 of a mile away on the island. The Cottage sleeps 4 guests in 2 bedrooms.

On your private beach, you can swim, kayak, paddle board, fish and crab, bird watch, float on a raft, enjoy a good book or an adult beverage. The Shed is full of everything you don't need to bring: beach chairs, 3 kayaks, bikes, a stand up paddleboard, zero gravity chairs, crab nets, crab pot, floats, rafts, noodles, children's beach toys, life vests, a croquet set, and hammock. Hills Bay is clean, shallow, and sandy-bottomed, with little current, so perfect for children and seafaring explorers alike. You can fish right from the beach or from kayaks. Guests catch drum, trout, rockfish, croaker, spot and flounder. The crab pot or the fishing 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 or in the water, use the Weber kettle charcoal grill for cooking up the day’s catch or fresh seafood from a nearby market. Enjoy dinner al fresco on the deck overlooking the water as you watch that sunset... For cooler evenings, light a fire in the Bonfire Solo stove under the stars. With little light pollution, the night sky is often spectacular.

From the Cottage, guests experience bird life such as bald eagles, blue herons, ospreys, seagulls, white tundra swans, bufflehead ducks, loons, plus dolphins in the warm months. Boat watching is plentiful with a yacht club just across the water, with boat action in and out of Hills Bay from the Chesapeake.

Or bring your own boat. There's plenty of room on the long, circular driveway to trailer in and out. The island's public boat landing is 1/3 of a mile away, with parking for your trailer while you are on the water and a restaurant for provisions.

The Cottage is pet-friendly! Four legged guests enjoy the beach with its shallow, clean water. We provide doggie towels. We own the small woods next door where dogs can "get their sniffs on."

If you plan to bring your pet, just message the manager with the age, breed, gender, weight, and name of your animal/s. We charge a pet fee of $125 for all animals for your entire stay (less than kennels or pet sitters). They will enjoy being with you on vacay.

Between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, we rent weekly, Sunday to Sunday. Just a two-night minimum the rest of the year.

We have a large capacity washer, dryer, and the laundry room has space to air dry. Our outdoor shower also has foot spigots. The Cottage has a 50" smart TV with cable and wifi. If you bring your electric or hybrid vehicle, we have an outdoor outlet (120v) for charging.

The Cottage has a retro Frigidaire Mini-fridge that chills 6 cans of your favorite beverage and doubles as a Bluetooth speaker. Take it outside to play your tunes on the beach or deck!

The Cottage is perfect for special occasions or gatherings (with approval of management) because photos with a water view are ah-mazing.

Please read the over 200 reviews from the Cottage's guests over our last 10 years of renting, with guests returning over and over again. 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 Cottage is dedicated to welcoming all people regardless of their race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin or gender orientation.**
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned cottage, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven. There's a private patio. A Smart television and a DVD player are provided for your entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Conveniences include a microwave and a coffee/tea maker, and housekeeping is provided on a limited basis.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as charcoal grills.
Guests will find features like wireless internet access and onsite parking.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Private beach nearby
  • 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

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washer/dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only
  • 2 pets total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Limited housekeeping

Location highlights

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

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Golf
  • Kayak
  • Water sports equipment
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Winery tours 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

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

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove leftover food and drinks and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please text the manager when you check out.
Please launder any sheets used or at least start the load. If guests prefer not to, we can handle and charge a small fee. Many guests bring their own sheets.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

Please do not drive or park in the woods in back of the Shed. Our septic system is located there and it will cause serious damage.
Guests' use of the kayaks, SUP, rafts, grill, solo stove, beach and the water is at your own risk. Use life vests and protective footwear.
Please do not use the Weber Grill or the Solo stove on the wood deck or stoop.

Access methods

Lockbox

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
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 $125

Children and extra beds

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

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Special events and parties with okay of management

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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!

Gwynn's Island Cottage - Private Beach on the Chesapeake Bay! Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 215 out of 224 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 224 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 224 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 224 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 224 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Carolyn B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a lovely time.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christen G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Beach Getaway

We had a great time staying here. The private beach was exactly what we needed to relax and have fun.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Edward S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very relaxing vacation with beautiful view. Very clean and well stocked with everything needed.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great views and location

3 night visit - location close to relative and convenient to Mathew’s Va and Williamsburg Va
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janis G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay is always so good for us. Our dog loves the easy in and out and all amenities are well thought out. We love seeing the eagles, herons, and osprey. We don’t fish but lots were jumping around ight out front.
Stayed 11 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely getaway

My daughter's and I had a wonderful stay at the cottage! It has everything you need andwithin 30/40 min drive from various little towns and beaches.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeanne M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was easy to find (since my husband spent his summers there as a kid) and we found everything clean and well-equipped. Appreciated the stash of spices, condiments and kitchen equipment since we did some cooking. Loved biking the island! Water was rough from a storm so no kayaking but the shed was full of water toys for nice days. We all enjoyed our stay very much!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another fantastic week at the cottage. The weather cooperated and sunsets were spectacular. Thanks again Cheri for sharing this gem by the Chesapeake Bay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girl Weekend Getaway

We had the perfect weekend here at the Waterfront Cottage! We’ll definitely return!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved the cottage! The bay was so close that even when you were inside you felt like you were on the beach. The sunsets were AMAZING. The neighbors were very quiet, the beach was private and the cottage was clean- leading to a nice, relaxing trip full of kayaking, fishing, reading on the beach and floating on the bay. Mathews area is our favorite spot due to the close proximity to groceries, restaurants and day trips.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great vacation spot

Excellent place to kick back and relax. Very pleased with everything and will be back
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Haley C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We absolutely love staying here—it’s become a tradition for us to return year after year. From the moment we arrive, Cheri always makes us feel so welcome and goes above and beyond to ensure everything is perfect for our stay. The house itself is beautiful, spotless, and so well taken care of—it truly feels like a home away from home. Every detail is thoughtfully provided, and it makes our trips so relaxing and enjoyable. Cheri is one of the kindest and most attentive hosts we’ve ever met, and it’s clear how much she cares about her guests. We couldn’t imagine staying anywhere else and are already looking forward to coming back next year!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margaret L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family vacation

We love the private beach and the wonderful sunsets! Great location to get away from it all.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quaint stay

Gwynns Island is such a quaint getaway . Everyone is friendly and helpful. Peaceful and quiet, where you come together with nature. The cottage was perfect, well equipped and very inviting. We brought our fur babies and they loved it. It was very relaxing and enjoyable.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

samuel k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great little getaway!

Very relaxing stay. Cheri sent recommendations throughout the week. Had a great time and would rent again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jae P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Always Gorgeous Chesapeake Bay

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!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

frank c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Waterfront Cottage

The house is very nice, and the little private beach is awesome, sandy beach, calm water, and incredible view!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lis C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thanksgiving getaway

We had a great time in the small but well equipped cottage. Gorgeous views and with all you need to cook and play.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maria W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Love it

I keep coming back!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025