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A Vacation Away From It All-Family And Pet Friendly

Photo gallery for A Vacation Away From It All-Family And Pet Friendly

Front Porch view.
Mudroom and second front entrance.
Great Room facing kitchen.
Gourmet Kitchen
Gourmet Kitchen with updated Stainless steel appliances.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms5 bathroomsSleeps 12445.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Taylors Island, MD
  • Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
    ‪38 min drive‬
  • Calvert Cliffs State Park
    ‪187 min drive‬
  • Cambridge, MD (CGE-Cambridge - Dorchester)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Downstairs Bedroom 1

2 Single Beds

Downstairs Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Downstairs Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

Upstairs Bedroom

4 Single Beds

5 bathrooms

Downstairs Bath 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Downstairs Bath 2

Toilet · Shower only

Downstairs Bath 3

Toilet · Shower only

Master Bath

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Upstairs Bath

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

A Vacation Away From It All-Family And Pet Friendly

Built in 1990, this exceptional post and beam Lodge offers over 4,700 square feet with 5 bedrooms and 5 baths. Random-width barn-board paneling and heart-pine floors enhance rustic elegance in the shore-front surroundings.

First Floor: The inviting Great Room features a 25' cathedral ceiling, exposed beams, a massive stone fireplace, and scenic water vistas. A screened porch adjoins. 180-degree water vistas highlight the dining area with a Red Stag chandelier. A full-length bar divides the well-equipped kitchen. Two bedrooms have baths while a separate suite comprises a bedroom, study with fireplace, wet bar and bath.

Second Floor: Opening to a water-view balcony, the Master Suite features a fireplace and luxurious bath. Another bedroom has an in-suite bath.

Third Floor: Complete with wet bar, the octagonal Tower commands 360-degree vistas encompassing Slaughter Creek and the Little Choptank River.

Bedding: 1 King, 10 Twin, 1 Bunk (Sleeps 12)
Baths: 5 Full Bathrooms
Pet Policy: Dog friendly (two dogs allowed)

Interior:
Linens/Towels/Bath Paper Products provided
Central Air Conditioning
Washer/Dryer
Ice Maker
Landline
Wireless Internet
Satellite HD TV
Playstation
Board Games/Books/Puzzles
Woodburning Fireplace (firewood provided)

Exterior:
Body of Water - Slaughter Creek, Little Choptank River, Chesapeake Bay
Private Dock 100' with water and electricity, 2'MLW
Acreage - 263 Acres
Propane Grill (Propane Provided)
Screened Porch/Open Front Porch/Patio
Badminton/Volleyball/Bocce Ball Sets
(3) kayaks included w PFD and paddles

Property manager

Laurie Eckrod

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Please be aware of water dangers.
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
Notify owner of parties greater 15 before booking
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Up to 2 Dogs-fee applies for more than 2!
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking allowed outside only.
Furniture: Please replace all furniture, games, dishes, coolers, etc. inside and out to where you found them.
Electronics: Please do not mess with the WiFi router, TV cables or any other cables connected to electronics.
All Trash must be removed from house and taken down to the dumpster using the wagon and bags provided prior to departure.

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 and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 15
Note from host: Notify owner of parties greater 15 before booking
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

Taylors Island

Located in Taylors Island, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and Pot Island, while Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park and Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Taylors Island, MD

What's nearby

  • Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - 20 min drive - 11.3 km
  • Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park - 38 min drive - 29.5 km
  • Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center - 42 min drive - 33.7 km
  • Choptank River Lighthouse - 44 min drive - 34.5 km
  • Long Wharf Park - 44 min drive - 34.7 km

Getting around

  • Cambridge Station - 45 min drive
  • Easton, MD (ESN-Easton - Newnam) - 67 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Woolford Country Store - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪Lindy's Seafood - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Madison Bay Rnr - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Palm Beach Willies - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Millie's at Madison Bay - ‬25 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A Vacation Away From It All-Family And Pet Friendly pet-friendly?

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

What time is check-in at A Vacation Away From It All-Family And Pet Friendly?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A Vacation Away From It All-Family And Pet Friendly?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is A Vacation Away From It All-Family And Pet Friendly located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 7 mi (11.2 km) from Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and within 20 miles (32 km) of Pot Island and Gunners Island. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park and Harriet Tubman State Park Visitors Center are also within 20 miles (32 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 55 out of 58 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 58 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 58 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

john w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hoopers Neck
Unique house in secluded area. Had large family group Accommodated all easily. Lots of deer and even bald eagles. House had a lot of cool wood crafted areas.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christine O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thanksgiving getaway
This was our 2nd Thanksgiving stay. Family and dogs had a wonderful time. The house and location are beautiful. The owner is very responsive.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

cheryl v.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Bay Experience
Good place to relax and get spend quality time with friends and family, the tower is super cool.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mike L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Anniversary trip
This is my second time here, and first with the family, amazing times. A lot of entertainment options ( fishing, swimming, crabbing, hiking, relaxing). We will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Christopher D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Father's Day Weekend, 2024
Stayed Father's Day weekend with 4 other couples. House was wonderful. Everyone was impressed with the house, with the amenities, with the seclusion, and with the wildlife that was abundant. Stock up on groceries in Cambridge on your way in. There are two wonderful restaurants/bars in Taylor's Island (Boats and Hose; Palm Beach Willies) that were open on the weekend. We boats and went crabbing/fishing. The owners were great to deal with, and were very responsive to questions.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

James S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome house/property and beautiful location
Very spacious house and ideal for large group. Loved the kitchen and eating areas. The homeowners thought of every imaginable item you would need to cook and entertain! Views from the tower were spectacular.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Meghan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful secluded retreat
We had a wonderful time at Holland Point on Taylor's Island. The inside of the home exceeded our expectations! We loved the huge family room and dining area as well as hanging out on the turret. The kids loved crabbing and fishing from the dock and exploring the land. We would definitely recommend and hope to come back one day!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Andy N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Heaven on the Shore
We booked this property for a group of 10 for a summer fishing trip. Plenty of space, the property is spectacular, secluded, private and amazing. Plenty of space at the dock for the (2) 25' center consoles. Highly recommend
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
80th Birthday
Great house for celebrating Thanksgiving and my husband’s 80th birthday. Four sleeping areas for privacy, great kitchen which is well equipped, and beautiful views. Property is amazing with lots of grassy areas and walking trails—the dogs loved it! Highly recommend this house…
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Karen W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Laid Back Get Away
Great house and property. We hiked, fished, kayaked and enjoyed both amazing sunrises and sunsets from this unique location. The kitchen is spacious enough for multiple cooks to work simultaneously and it’s very well equipped. Laurie, the owner is very responsive and thoughtful, ensuring we were comfortable during our stay. The only drawback was that we couldn’t stay longer.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jan D., Washington, DC

Wonderful visit!
This is our third stay and it was like coming home. Our party of 11 (7 adults, 4 teens) and 1 dog thoroughly enjoyed playing on the lawns, skipping rocks on the water, and lounging in the very comfortable house. The fully stocked kitchen with double-oven made Thanksgiving dinner prep easy and the dual dishwashers made clean up a breeze. Holland Point Preserve is big enough for everyone to find a place to sit and enjoy a book, websurfing, puzzle, board game, meal and more. We look forward to another visit!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie H., Pittsburgh, PA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Family Vacation House
We stayed at this property with extended family including a toddler and two babies. Having the beach close by was great. The house was huge and has plenty of space for everyone. Everything is clearly labeled and the kitchen has everything you could need. We saw deer, turkeys and bald eagles on the property! There is not a close grocery store so make sure you stock up before getting to the house.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Drew G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
2nd Year in a Row - Doesn't get better than this
Last year we visited for 2 weeks and this year we were there for almost 3 weeks. The home and property are incredible. A true Chesapeake Experience. And Laurie was incredible from the minute we started booking the trip until we left. Plenty of personal touches. We truly appreciate Laurie and her family for sharing such an incredible place with us. This trip has become a tradition for our family and friends.
Stayed 18 nights in Jun 2021
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jon H.

The ultimate retreat on the water
Wow. There is nothing else to say about this place except WOW. We were lucky enough to celebrate my brother's bachelor party here with friends. Fished, crabbed, golfed and just spent time on the beautiful, sprawling property. Could have easily spent a week here exploring and relaxing. Perfectly set up with everything you need for a larger group. We had a fantastic time! Thank you Laurie, hope to be back one day.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Cindy Z.

Fantastic property, great place for a group
We LOVE staying here. In fact, it's become a yearly tradition for our family. We've got 15 people who come from as far away as Cape Cod to enjoy the peace and quiet of this beautiful property. The kids have plenty of space to run around in the backyard, playing soccer and whiffle ball-- it's idyllic. The grownups enjoy the beautiful view and taking the kayaks out. The house is spacious and well set up. There is plenty of common space to socialize, and each mini-family has its own bed and bathroom. Really perfect.

10/10 Excellent

William b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Secluded serenity
Beautiful well designed home with plenty of bedrooms, bathrooms and gathering spaces. Property is stunning. We went on walks, fished, floated on tubes and hung out in beach cove. Loved every aspect. House is secluded and jus what we were looking for. Seamless transaction. Everything listed was available and easy to find. There is not much shade on backyard, dock or beach. We bought a couple beach umbrellas and that worked well.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Great scenic property perfect for large group
We stayed here for a large family reunion. The owners were very easy to reach and cordial when I had a question. The home is perfect for gathering to lounge, cook, eat together. The location is scenic and convenient for striking to day trips. Everywhere on the Eastern Shore and certainly around the cool marshland near the house, have insect repellent. We did them to Assateague and Berlin (2 hours away), Cambridge (20 min away), and the Black Water Refuge (15 min). Bring staples and your nice wine with you. For exigencies plan to go to Cambridge and environs (Walmart). Produce and local meats and treats are available not far away on route 16 at Emily's Produce.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Anthony G., United States / Bensalem, Pennsylvania

Perfect Eastern Shore Serenity!
This was our second return to this beautiful place. Perfect serenity from your workaday life. I love how this white house with it's unique tower sits alone when driving down the dirt road. It's the first thing you see when you make your turn along this road. Beautiful house with water to kayak and open land to hike and explore on. The house is more than large enough for a family and the rustic interior is magnificent. Wonderfully secluded but not too far from town for groceries, restaurants, or cinema. Has everything we look for in rentals, seclusion but not too far from town, plenty of land to hike and explore, sits by the water with access to kayaks, direct or satelite TV, internet service. All good and definitely well recommended.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Beth M.,

Quiet, peaceful, great place to gather friends/family
Our son was getting married on Taylors Island and we needed a place for our extended family to stay. While overall it was a wonderful property, we were disappointed that we could not utilize the "Crows Nest" at all because the windows don't open and the air conditioning was not working up there. There were also some other issues with things not quite working properly, and when notified we were told that those were going to be fixed when the owners were there over the 4th of July. As a vacation rental owner myself, I would have fixed them prior to people staying on the property.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2017

10/10 Excellent

David G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Family Retreat
We feel so fortunate to have stayed at this beautiful countryside/waterfront estate to share our wedding with our children, spouses, significant others and grandchildren. Everything about the place was perfect. We were amazed at how well stocked the house is (EVERYTHING you might need is available), how it easily accommodates large groups in a variety of areas, how private and spacious the bedrooms and bathrooms are, and how beautiful the setting along the Chesapeake Bay. Laurie, the owner, was available and accommodating at all times, the grounds were nicely manicured, and we wanted for nothing. Grandkids caught a few fish, we had lots of space for kite flying, and ample room to play outdoors. We had planned to have our wedding ceremony outside, but the weekend happened to be very windy, so we moved inside into the large upstairs tower with 360 degree views of water and greenery -- a perfect spot for the vows and photos, with ample room for the family.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Catherine T., Salisbury, MD

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic Family weekend
Everything about our stay at Holland Point was awesome! The owners were very responsive to silly questions before our stay. The home is even nicer than the pictures portray and I have never stayed in a place that was any better stocked for anything you might need to cook for a crew or prepare a gourmet meal. Having stayed other places we took our own paper products, trash bags etc. None of these were needed. We made use of the 2 kayaks and did a bit of fishing too. Our family likes to play games so we brought our own indoor and outdoor games......again, not needed! Honestly, pack a bag, your food and beverages and the rest is there! We played games in the yard, enjoyed the screened porch, had cocktails on the front porch and played Bocce Ball, ate crabs on the the back patio and had s'mores over our portable fire-pit. To say the least, it is an excellent place for almost any occasion! Thank you for a great stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jon K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Perfect Week on the Chesapeake Bay
My family and I recently had the pleasure of staying at a VRBO rental on the Chesapeake Bay, and I can't say enough about how perfect our week-long stay was. From the beautiful surroundings to the endless activities, this vacation exceeded our expectations in every way. First and foremost, the location was nothing short of idyllic. The house sat right on the Chesapeake Bay, offering breathtaking views of the water that greeted us every morning. It was the perfect backdrop for a week of relaxation and fun. One of the highlights of our stay was the variety of outdoor activities available to us. Fishing in the bay was a daily adventure, and we had no trouble catching a variety of fish. Kayaking along the calm waters allowed us to explore the shoreline and get up close with nature. And crabbing – it quickly became a family favorite. The rental even provided all the necessary equipment, making it incredibly convenient for us. Speaking of convenience, the house itself was well-equipped and comfortable. The spacious living area was perfect for family gatherings, and the kitchen had everything we needed to prepare meals. The bedrooms were cozy, and everyone in our group slept great. One thing that made this vacation truly special was the fact that we were able to bring our Vizslas along. They had an absolute blast running around the large yard and playing in the water. It made our family vacation feel complete, and we're grateful to have found such a pet-friendly rental.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark S., Malvern, PA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Serene Stay on the Chesapeake
The property was great. Very tranquil and picturesque. So many birds from eagles and osprey to dozens of shore birds. Sunrises and sunsets were amazing. The house has just about everything you need for meals, entertainment, and beach/water activities. We planned on spending the majority of our days at the house and cooking all meals on site. We did some crabbing, fishing, kayaking, sitting on the beach, yard games, grilling, board games, puzzles, listening to music, walking the grounds. In our group we had some older family members who stuck to the first floor bedrooms, and some younger kids and parents who used the 2nd floor. Because of how the house is sectioned off, sleeping was quiet and we didn't hear anyone in the kitchen early before we were ready to wake for the day. The jellyfish were present in large numbers five out of seven days in both the bay and creek, so swimming wasn't really an option. As expected the mosquitos were bad at times. We sat on the beach and used bug spray. Some days the breeze was enough to keep the bugs under control. Neither of these items are something the property owner can control and are part of being right on the water. They did not meaningfully detract from our great experience. Thank you!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sue S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing property
Since 2020, our family has gathered on a yearly basis for a family vacation. In 2020, my husband was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia and thus, these family vacations are bittersweet. This is by far our best family vacation. Our stay at this beautiful property was just amazing! Words cannot describe it. The openness and layout of the home is inviting. There was more than enough room to accommodate our family of adult children and grandchildren. The property is secluded and private. We saw a bald eagle and many deer during our stay. The lawn is magnificent and perfect for a game of whiffle ball or a water balloon fight. The dock was great for the grandkids to try some fishing and my son and son-in -law to try “their hand in catching some crabs”. The tower on the top floor offered magnificent views of the area and a must do is to watch the sunset from the tower. There is quite the mosquito population, so lots and lots of bug repellant and “after bite” cream/spray is a necessity. The only downside is the beach area. We found many, many jellyfish (we are from New England and not familiar with this problem), we did find “ a work around” of swimming during those times of the day when the jelly fish are not present. Water shoes are also highly recommended, especially for little one as the beach/water bottom is quite rocky with broken shells
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andrew M., Washington, DC

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stunning house, huge property, amazing vacation
We're a group of 12 adults who have stayed at a lot of rentals together, and Holland Point blew us away. Even the terrific pictures on this site can't do justice to how incredible the space is. The house is truly massive, with a beautiful wooden construction that has been well maintained. It's got a huge kitchen, a perfect dining room table with a lazy susan, extremely comfortable living room. We spent a ton of time in the crow's nest, 40-50 feet above the main floor. It gets hot in there during the summer daytimes, which made it into a good sauna during the day, but was perfectly pleasant after the sun went down. The bedrooms are all in the two wings of the house and are very well air-conditioned. They're also pretty well insulated sound-wise -- we could stay up late having loud conversations without bothering the people sleeping at all. The beds all came nicely made with individual towels and washcloths. The master suite is especially gorgeous but you really can't go wrong with any of the bedrooms. The views from the house are terrific, as is the property itself. We hiked along the mowed paths pretty far back into the property and still didn't hit the end of it. It's pretty hot and buggy in the summer, so we spent the majority of the time in the water. There's a beautiful dock which lights up at night and encircles a beachy cove -- great for floating on tubes. We also made use of the two kayaks, which was a lovely touch. Laurie was terrific at communicating with us throughout the whole process. We'd absolutely stay here again! And you should too!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019

About the host

Hosted by Laurie Eckrod

Host profile image
We bought Holland Point Preserve in 2011 from a former Washington Redskin and his wife who built the house in 1990. My husband is a avid hunter and fisherman and wanted land that he could hunt and fish but also allow the non-hunters in the family to enjoy the Eastern Shore. We also wanted a property that was close to our home in Virginia. Being only 2 hours from DC, this property had everything we wanted and more.

Why they chose this property

We bought this property after looking at many others because HPP has everything. The house was sold completely furnished so all we had to do was bring some groceries and clothes and we were set. The spectacular sunrises, that we can view from the Master Bedroom, the sound of wildlife serenading us to sleep and the abundance of privacy were also factors in our decision to purchase 'this' property. We couldn't have been more happier in our choice.

What makes this property unique

Because the house sits at the end of Hooper's Neck road on 263 acres, there is nothing that can disturb you. We have endless amounts of land that can be explored, wonderful water activities to enjoy or you can just curl up around a roaring fire and hang with friends and family. Everything that is needed to 'stay put' is in the house or can be found within a few miles.

Languages:

English
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