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Waterfront Cottage With Private Beach & Pier - James River - Williamsburg Area

Photo gallery for Waterfront Cottage With Private Beach & Pier - James River - Williamsburg Area

Cottage entry with river in background .just a few steps from the waterside deck
Cottage waterside looking toward the ferry and beach.
Summertime hydrangeas in bloom.
We provide kayaks and beach chairs. Our pier in background.
Waterside deck with gas grill.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 566.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Surry, VA
  • Jamestown Settlement
    ‪46 min drive‬
  • Historic Jamestowne
    ‪48 min drive‬
  • Jamestown Beach
    ‪63 min drive‬
  • Newport News, VA (PHF-Newport News - Williamsburg Intl.)

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Waterfront Cottage With Private Beach & Pier - James River - Williamsburg Area

Enter 7 night dates to check weekly rates for weekly stays. Send note if you wish to arrange a same day booking. Our cottage has both a private beach and private pier for your enjoyment plus free wifi, kayaks, fishing gear, beach chairs, gas grill and waterfront deck. Close proximity to historic sites. Our waterfront cottage is a private, luxury beach cottage with direct water access providing a delightful relaxing retreat.

Also see our cottage next door (vrbo777232) for another wonderful option.

The cottage is carefully cleaned with disinfectant products and all bedding coverlets, bedspreads and blankets are washed on sanitary wash after each rental.

Turn key cottage providing quick and easy access to historic and entertainment sites of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, and Busch Gardens. You walk out your front (waterfront) door directly onto the private beach. Great location level with the beach for easy access and easy viewing of children playing in water or on the beach. About 15 feet to the beach with no steps.

Our cottage is located on land once owned by John Rolfe, husband of Pocohantas, and provides fast, easy access to historic and entertainment areas. The cottage is located on a lovely private sand beach with private pier, kayaks, fishing gear, beach chairs, beach towels, and waterfront deck with gas grill - all included in the rental price. Direct private water and beach access just 15 feet from cottage. The river near the shore is shallow offering a great location for children to play with no jelly fish.

The James River is a tidal river with two tides a day. The tide comes in and goes out very slowly every 12 hours. There are no jellyfish in the James River so swimming or playing or just floating around on an inflatable is fun without the sting of jelly fish.. The private beach is your front yard. How much better can it be?

Shimmering sea glass colors of teal, turquoise, and lavender complement the original vintage tongue and groove knotty pine paneling walls, wonderful water views, private wide sand beach, private 180 foot pier, fishing gear, kayaks, and luxury amenities to provide a delightful alternative to hotel living. The cottage is level with the river so there are no steps to climb to reach the beach. Just walk out the French Doors to your water-side deck, and the beach is about 15 feet away. The level location allows for easy viewing of the beach and river if children are playing.

More history and information on the cottage on our ferryendcottages venue and other popular rental venues. Please contact owner to check availability regardless of what the calendar shows.

Our cottage is a perfect size for a couple but works equally well for a small family. It can accommodate five people with three cozy bedrooms - one with a queen bed, one with a double bed, and the third bedroom with a twin day bed.

The living room, dining room and kitchen are an open L-shaped floor plan to maximize space. A flat screen TV and dvd player are in the living/dining room area. The cottage is delightful and the location is wonderful - very close to all the historic and entertainment sites in the area. Central heat and air make the cottage a year round destination.

We provide luxury bed and bath linens with beds made up prior to your arrival, terry cloth robes, beach towels, bath toiletries and paper products for the bath and kitchen. Each bedroom has a ceiling fan, fluffy pillows, reading light, flash light, alarm clock, and wide wooden window blinds. There are hardwood floors throughout the cottage, Pella casement windows, and an HVAC system to provide year round air conditioning and heat.

The bathroom has the original 1948 vintage claw foot bath tub with newly added in-tub stationary shower and hand shower, heated towel rack, soft close Toto toilet seat, ceiling heater, exhaust fan, ceiling night light, beautiful stained glass mirror, plus a wall of glass turquoise tile.

The full kitchen has custom made cabinets, carrara marble countertops, a ceramic stovetop range, Bosch dishwasher, trash compactor, counter depth refrigerator with ice maker, vintage farmhouse sink original to the 1948 cottage, and microwave and is stocked with basic cooking spices and paper products for your convenience. The kitchen is fully equipped with high quality dinnerware and cooking essentials including Keurig coffee maker, French Press, toaster, electric hand mixer, crockpot, dinnerware and glassware including wine glasses, flatware and quality cookware.

We provide basic cooking spices, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, baggies, paper towels, toilet tissue, facial tissues, trash bags, bath and hand soap, dishwashing detergent, dishwashing soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Our private white sand beach, private pier, kayaks and fishing poles are available for your use as part of the rental rate.

The cottage is furnished with lovely antique beds, mirrors, and a dressing table made by the owners grandfather who was a cabinetmaker and antique dealer in Petersburg, VA during the early 1900s. Original vintage brass wall lights and mirrors are in each bedroom.

Water views can be seen out of three sides of the cottage. Enjoy our waterside deck that runs the full width of the cottage and has a gas grill (we provide the propane tanks), dining table and chairs, and chairs for relaxing and watching the river sights. A second larger vintage wrought iron dining table is located in the waterfront yard.

You can enjoy our 180 foot pier for sitting or fishing or crabbing. Many guests enjoy their morning coffee sitting on the pier or walking the beach looking for sharks' teeth and unique shells. Guests sometimes find it hard to leave the cottage to explore the area. When you do decide to leave, you can spend your time visiting the many historic and entertainment sites close by. You have so many options and never enough time!

The Jamestown-Scotland ferry dock is literally right by the cottage. The free vehicle ferry is operated by the VA Dept of Transportation and operates 24 hours a day. The ferry is not noisy and provides lots of entertainment for children (or adults) who like to sit on the beach or deck and count the cars going on and off. You just drive your car on and are directed where to park. No reservations are needed. The ferry provides an easy, quick, fun and free 15 minute ride across the river and docks at the opposite side of the river at Jamestown. Williamsburg is 4 miles straight up Jamestown Road (about 7 minutes.), and it takes about 15 minutes to get to Busch Gardens from the Jamestown ferry dock. Yorktown, the site of the end of the Revolutionary War, is a about a 20 minute drive from Jamestown via the lovely Colonial Parkway.

The ferry ride to cross the river takes 15 minutes (there are several boats) and runs 24/7 on a half hour schedule during the day and an hour schedule at night providing free, easy, and fun access to historic and entertainment sites of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, The Williamsburg Winery and many other sites. Google Jamestown-Scotland Ferry for their website. Many other historic sites can be accessed on the south side of the river - not using the ferry.

For security purposes, there are exterior security cameras installed on the cottage entry side overlooking the yard and parking area, on the waterside overlooking the beach and water, and on the north side overlooking the north side of the cottage and yard.

Our two James River cottages provide a rare setting for vacation rental cottages in the Colonial Williamsburg area. They are vrbo 777232 and 352993. There are only a very few beachfront cottages available on the James River with close access to Colonial Williamsburg.. Pay careful attention to the location of any riverfront cottage not on the James River as they are much farther away from the major historic sites - often with no easy access to the Jamestown and Williamsburg area.

Detailed information on the cottage and the area is provided to guests prior to their arrival, and there is a selection of brochures in the cottage. And......there is a nine foot wide and tall bookcase wall full of books of every description (including those on the local historic areas and many for children), board games, and movies. There is something for everyone! Come, relax, and enjoy! You will be delighted.

Property manager

Deena Allen

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Beach view

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House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
Cottage not childproof. Parents MUST be watchful.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
Pets not allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Non smoking only
Rental Agreement must be returned with requested info. Max guests detailed in Rental Agreement and strictly enforced. Fee for 5th guest.
No parking/driving on grass. Damage to lawn and driveway will be assessed against your security deposit. Parking policy strictly enforced.
Children of any age count toward max guest count. Maximum guests strictly enforced. Day guests not allowed. Parents must watch children carefully.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Surry

Located in Surry, this cottage is near theme parks and on the beach. Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestowne are notable landmarks, and some of the area's popular attractions include Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA. Travelling with kids? Consider Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and Bounce House. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Surry, VA

What's nearby

  • Williamsburg Winery - 40 min drive - 15.0 km
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg - 43 min drive - 21.5 km
  • Jamestown Settlement - 46 min drive - 6.2 km
  • Historic Jamestowne - 48 min drive - 7.9 km
  • Jamestown Beach - 63 min drive - 4.9 km

Getting around

  • Williamsburg Transportation Center - 79 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬36 min drive
  • ‪Frothy Moon Brewhouse - ‬30 min drive
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬36 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬36 min drive
  • ‪Domino's Pizza - ‬35 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterfront Cottage With Private Beach & Pier - James River - Williamsburg Area pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Waterfront Cottage With Private Beach & Pier - James River - Williamsburg Area?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Waterfront Cottage With Private Beach & Pier - James River - Williamsburg Area?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Waterfront Cottage With Private Beach & Pier - James River - Williamsburg Area located?

Nestled on the beach, this Surry cottage is 2.6 mi (4.1 km) from Smith's Fort and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Jamestown Beach. Eco Discovery Park and Chippokes Plantation State Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 60 out of 67 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 67 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 67 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 67 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 67 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Deanna H.

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

Charming Cottage

The cottage is obviously well cared for. Its location is great - right next to the river ferry - and the small beach is a great place to relax. Homeowner was very attentive to every need.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dr. Timothy H.

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

Beach Cottage

We really enjoyed our stay. The cottage was very cozy, and the location was exceptionally beautiful. The owner and staff were very knowledgeable and helpful in information on the areas historical venues. We would definitely stay here again if visit the area in the future.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matt S.

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

A great beach weekend!

This cottage is a home away from home. Went for a long weekend with the family, including younger kids. The beach is steps from the house and the water is wonderfully shallow for hours of fun for little guys. Adults loved the comforts of home found in the cottage, Deena and Linda have outdone themselves to make sure this is a great home for everyone. The kitchen is full and ready for cooking, and the ferry provides easy access to Jamestown (and easy entertainment from the beach!) We caught catfish from the dock and enjoyed seeing Ospreys hunt from the kayaks. This is a great space! A true home away from home with everything we were looking for. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa H., New Hampshire

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

Perfect Family Getaway

My recent stay at the charming cottage on the James River in Virginia was an absolute delight for my multi-generational family. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the cottage's cozy ambiance, scenic surroundings, and the abundance of activities in the nearby Williamsburg area. Our time spent here created cherished memories that will be treasured for years to come. The cottage owner was incredibly friendly, accommodating, and ensured that we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The recommendations for local attractions and dining options were spot-on, making our exploration of the area even more enjoyable. I wholeheartedly recommend the James River cottage to anyone seeking a peaceful and fulfilling family getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer O.

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

Everything We Wanted and More!

Deena has done an amazing job at including everything you could need to enjoy your beach vacation! The house was the perfect size and you walk right out onto a perfect deck and the beach is right there. It was fun watching the ferry too! Thank you for sharing your home so our family could make some great memories 💜
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Donald R., Virginia

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

River Front Retreat

This is a cozy little cottage located right on the river next to the VDOT Scotland Ferry Crossing, and is the smallest of three side by side properties operated by the same owner. There is a nice little beach area about 25 feet from the back door, and a fairly long dock to walk out over the river on. The nearby ferry (which is a vehicle ferry operated by VDOT - free) provides a relaxing 15 minute ride over to the Jamestowne side. From there, you are right at Historic Jamestowne, and a short 12 minute drive to Colonial Williamsburg. For my wife and I, this was a very nice getaway. The host was very gracious and easy to communicate with, and the cottage was clean and comfortable… a great place to come back to after a day of site seeing to relax and enjoy time on the river. C & C
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn B., N CHESTERFIELD

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

Historic trip

My grandsons and I spent the long MLK weekend in Aunt Annie's cottage in Surry VA. At less than 800 Square feet with three bedrooms it was amazing. The high ceilings made the space seem much bigger. There were upgrades throughout the cottage. High end appliances and fully stocked utensils and supplies. Heated towel rack and clawfoot tub, fluffy towels, bath robe and slippers made up for only one bathroom. Books-- lots of books-- games, movies and puzzles all added to the homey feel. We chose the area to give our fourth grader a Virginia History immersion. The cottage location was perfect. Right at our doorstep was the ferry that took us across the James River just up the road to Jamestown. Further up that same road is Williamsburg. Yorktown rounds out the history Tribeca and is less than an hour away. The owner was a dream to work with. She was very informative about the area and very concerned with our comfort. The cottage is steps away from the river's edge with a sand beach, pier, and water play opportunities. We definately will be back in warmer weather.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022

2/10 Terrible

Rachel L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Location, listing accuracy

Let Down

There was a musty smell in the cottage. The furniture was not for relaxing but for good looks. The TV was behind the couch and then about 2 feet to the left. It was impossible to use it. When in the bathroom I could hardly turn around and the shower curtain was brown and it stuck to me when I was showering. The place was decorated very nicely. The back deck and pier were old and falling apart. The James River Fairy was right next to the house and was frequently blowing it's horn. The area where the cottage is located is very run down and unkempt. There was a homeless man that was at the back of the property one day when we returned. Over all we were very disappointed.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Miguel C.

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

Great Vacation Spot

This was a great place. We highly recommended it.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Terry P.

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

Great Cottage - Impeccably Appointed

If you want a perfect experience, stay here! Deena has a great property and it is kept in immaculate condition. I have had many rentals of this nature that have been good, but this place has everything, all the little details you need to be comfortable have been thought of.. Simply arrive and enjoy! We will be returning FOR SURE!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Becky D.

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

Gorgeous View

This small home sits on beautiful property. We enjoyed the view, fishing and kayaking each day. The ferry was fun to watch and was not loud or intrusive on our quiet time. It provided a quick access to Jamestown and Williamsburg. We also tried the seafood restaurant right up the road from the home and it was very good.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Catherine W.

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

Lovely house on the James River

This is a lovely house that is also beautifully furnished. The kitchen is very attractive as well. The location is unusual (next to the free car ferry that traverses the James River 24 hours a day), but that is part of its charm. The ferry ride is a lot of fun, and became something we looked forward to. The ferry takes you to Jamestown/Williamsburg/Yorktown, but there is also a lot to see and do on the Surry side of the river. I particularly recommend a visit to Smithfield, and also one to the beautiful beach at Chippokes Plantation State Park, where we swam for hours. The ferry is quiet and did not disturb us in the slightest. The air-conditioning in the house kept us very comfortable during a very hot spell. We had ample towels and the kitchen is very well-equipped for cooking. There is a dishwasher. On evenings in, we enjoyed watching the DVDs provided with the television. There is a very good selection of books and magazines as well. One caution (and this is NOT a criticism, just things you should be aware of): make sure that you take a look at the map to see where you will need to go to do laundry (there is no washing machine in the house, and the listing on VRBO is completely transparent about this -- we took our laundry to a wash-and-fold service in Williamsburg) and to do a major grocery shop (again, Deena warned us of this as well -- we did shopping in supermarkets in both Smithfield and Williamsburg).
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michael M., Verona, New Jersey

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

Great stay on the beach

Our family of five had a great time at this cottage on the beach, very near the Jamestown-Scotland ferry. Initially, we thought that we might be negatively impacted by being so close, but the ferry itself is noiseless and is interesting to watch as it comes and goes. This beachfront location was great for us because our six-year old is still not totally comfortable swimming above his head. The shallow entry and close proximity of the cabin to the shore made it possible for us to supervise our children easily and safely. The owner was very communicative and specific about the cabin. Everything was as expected. We had a great week!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Margaret R., Columbus, Ohio

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

Relaxing and wonderful location

My husband, son and I spent a week in the cottage and had a wonderful time. Deena and Linda were very helpful with things to do in the area and the cottage was very clean and stocked with a variety of books, DVDs and games for the family. My husband enjoyed fishing off the private pier and I enjoyed sitting on the deck reading or watching the ferry take cars across the James River. Thank you, Deena, so much for a wonderful week.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Brynn C.

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

Lovely little cottage!

We enjoyed our stay! It’s obvious that a lot of thought went into how this cottage has been appointed and furnished. Our young boys loved the beach and the tree swing. They enjoyed watching the ferry, day and night. Easy access to Jamestown and other historic sights was a plus!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2021

2/10 Terrible

William R.

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

Don't stay here! It's a rip-off.

This is a concrete block house that is just feet away from the ferry and main route. You will hear motorcycles, the ferry motors and the ferry horn constantly, all day, all night. The beach is dirty with carcasses of animals and the yard is a swamp. The house is so tiny that you will have to keep your luggage in the living/dining/kitchen area. The host will send you overbearing messages every 10 minutes. You will be asked to photograph the house upon arrival so that you can leave it exactly as it was. The hosts asks that you scrub the kitchen. The host even instructs you how to use a soft-close toilet. The host instructs you that new tenants will arrive same day. There is no disinfection. None of these procedures are COVID-compliant. The house smells like mold. You will be asked to park between an abandoned boat and an abandoned car in a waterlogged, weed infested lawn. But the host provides a shovel to kill the snakes. With fees, this costs $500 a night. We are not complainer but this was an awful experience and we don't want other to suffer it.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Reginald G.

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

Peaceful Cottage by the James

The experience was sublime. The cottage was filled with the comforts of a loving home away from home. Although we were only an hour away from home in Richmond, we felt far removed from our usual world.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Sarah B.

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

wonderful long weekend!

This was just what we needed to get away. The cottage is adorable and spotless, and the private beach with its own little stream running into the river gave endless opportunities for fun with a shovel for our son. It was a great experience!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

8/10 Good

Penny M.

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

Weather challenges but great cottage

It was a lovely cottage with very nice decor. The location was a bit remote, but that made it more relaxing. We enjoyed watching the ferry go to and fro. The weather was horrible... a number of flash flood alerts woke us during the night. 9 inches of rain created some problems with the plumbing, but I would definitely go back and hope for better weather!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Dori P.

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

Much needed peace

We so enjoyed our stay. A perfect escape, so peaceful and quiet. Deena, the owner, does the utmost in providing lots of information about the house and the surrounding area. The house is beautifully equipped with everything you need. It is very close to the Car ferry dock, which for young kids, is fascinating to watch come and go. The shallow water at low tide is fabulous for kids swimming. There is nothing like sitting on the waters edge listening to the water lap on the sand and the myriad of bird noises around. For me, it was heaven.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Katara C.

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

Cutest place ever!

I can't rave enough about our time here - Ms. Deanne was wonderful as was Ms. Linda. They both were helpful and ensured our stay was perfect. It was the perfect place to unwind, paint, kayak, fish, and crab (from the pier). The cottage is SUPER clean and cozy and my party of 5 had just enough room. My girls checkout out of their cellphones and tablets and into nature, board games, and each other. I enjoyed sitting by the river, the quiet, and the waves going by. It really was delightful and I am so sure I'll book again soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Amy C.

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

Away from it all, yet close to everything!

Note: our visit was during the Covid I9 pandemic, just as things were starting to reopen. The cottage and linens were cleaned/sterilized, and we were met on arrival by someone who provided information and answered all our questions. We felt safe knowing the added cleaning precautions had been taken. I cannot say how much we enjoyed our stay at Aunt Annie's cottage. Photos in the listing do not do it justice. The cottage and property are beautiful and very well maintained. We were spoiled indoors by the luxurious linens and bedding, well stocked kitchen and fantastic tub! It is a small cottage, but our group of 4 adults (3 over 6ft tall) was very comfortable there. All the furnishings and decor are definitely more than one would expect in a holiday rental. Outside is a little slice of heaven. Beautiful, large lawn that feels like a park, and a private beach right out the door. Sand was soft and clean. Kayaks were provided and used daily. It was easy paddling and there's lots to explore up and down the riverfront. Guys caught lots of fish! Ferry is very close, but was not intrusive. Communication with the owner was the best! Deena went above and beyond in providing information that improved our visit. Area attractions (so much history nearby to explore!), restaurant suggestions, ferry info, shopping options and much more. We are excited to return for a longer stay to explore Colonial Williamsburg, a short ferry ride away. Highly recommend Aunt Annie's cottage for anyone seeking rest, relaxation and comfort, while being close to Williamsburg and Jamestown. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2020

10/10 Excellent

Rebekah W.

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

Cute little cottage

We had the unfortunate timing of arriving on the same day as Hurricane Dorian, however Deena was great and kept us up to date with any concerns for the area. I could not have asked for someone more helpful! The location of the cottage was exactly what we needed – next to the ferry was perfect for the Patriots Triathlon at the Jamestown Event Beach Park. My husband was participating and he was able to go over to the event early, while I followed up later with our two boys in a stroller. It was so nice to not have to worry about a car that day. The ferry was also easy to use to connect to other areas of Jamestown/Williamsburg. The ferry did kind of impact our ability to enjoy the outdoor space (just not our favorite to look at and be near 24/7 as well as some noise) but that is to be expected based on the proximity. The cottage is definitely small but overall had everything we needed. Our boys (ages 2 & 4) enjoyed playing on the beach and in the river. Deena even had beach toys which they appreciated!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Melissa V.

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

Great site on the James River

The cottage looks just like the pictures. The location is perfect and right next to the ferry. Deena was very helpful and provided many recommendations of places to go and eat. We had everything we needed at the cottage and were able to relax out by the water in the evenings. Highly recommend staying here. It’s great for families. There were fishing poles and kayaks which is also great for kids that are a bit older. The beach kept them busy and entertained. We had a great time and the site was a huge part of why.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Elise L.

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

Hidden Historic Treasure!

Simply amazing! This cottage did not disappoint! One of the main reasons for selecting this cottage was the location. The ferry was so convenient and landed us exactly where we wanted to tour. The beach was incredibly peaceful and private. Gorgeous sunrises and the most inviting shaded area for the afternoons. The full wall library was a readers delight! Particularly the books on local history! So many fascinating "reads". All accommodations were simply perfect. We enjoyed so many of the unique items as well. The big rock/door stop.....the blackbird pie.....the corner cabinet....claw and ball footed bath tub. I could go on and on.... Great place to stay for sure!! We plan to return again soon. Thank you for allowing us to stay and enjoy your treasures!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

About the host

Hosted by Deena Allen

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

My aunt and uncle purchased this lot in 1948 and built the cottage themselves over the next three years. My mother and father purchased the cottage next door - also in 1948. Another aunt and uncle purchased the lots on the other side of my parents' cottage and built a cottage there (now referred to as the Pink House). We spent most of our summers at these river cottages while children growing up.

Although we have experienced many hurricanes over the past 70 plus years, Hurricane Isabel took her toll on Aunt Annie's cottage and the entire tidewater Virginia area in 2003 when several other waterside cottages and most piers were washed away along with part of the Scotland Wharf ferry structure. Virginia sustained significant damage during Hurricane Isabel with blocked roads, severe coastal and inland flooding, wave surge, and damage, weeks without power and devastated beach communities. Aunt Annie's cottage has been restored since Hurricane Isabel and decorated with a combination of mostly antique and vintage furnishings with heavy hurricane shutters on the waterside to provide protection.

The 1948 items that remain include the original white porcelain farmhouse kitchen sink, the claw foot tub, brass wall sconces in each of the bedrooms, the interior knotty pine paneling walls, the original hardwood floors, and the wooden wall shelves and mirrors in each of the bedrooms handmade by the owner's grandfather. The only furniture in the cottage salvaged from the hurricane are the beautiful cedar four poster bed and dressing table made by Aunt Annie's father in 1950 for her new summer "river cottage." The bed, dressing table and bench continue to reside in the "back'" bedroom now named the "Williamsburg Bedroom." We call the waterside the front of the house should you get confused by my references.

What makes this property unique

There are only a handful of riverfront cottages for short-term rent on the James River and even fewer with level, direct water and beach access. Our two cottages are the only cottages level with the beach providing "walk out the door" access to the river and beach. Most of the other river front cottages are set high on a bluff or cliff with many steps to climb.

Our cottage is located on land level with the beach and close to Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, Busch Gardens, Smithfield and other historic sites including Petersburg and Richmond. Smithfield (about a 30 minute drive) is a great spot for antiquing, shopping. and great food. Our favorite shops are Laura and Lucy's and Wharf Hill Antiques. Smithfield also has several excellent restaurants for lunch or dinner.

If cooking is not on your vacation menu, take the 15 minute ferry ride to The Chickahominy House Restaurant on Jamestown Road about four miles from the ferry pier (on the Jamestown side) for wonderful breakfasts and lunches. Five Forks Cafe, also about five minute drive from the Jamestown Ferry dock, is a great breakfast spot that is good for children. Google both for their menus. I recommend lunch at The Old Chickahominy House Restaurant and prefer Miss Melinda's Special of brunswick stew, Edward's ham biscuits, fruit fruit salad, iced tea, and a slice of homemade pie all for a very special price. The coconut custard pie is out of this world. Call ahead from the ferry and talk to Dan or Maxine (tell them you are on the ferry) and ask to be put on their seating list.

Languages:

English