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Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Sunsets over Water

Photo gallery for Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Sunsets over Water

View of Hills Bay from the deck
Back of Cottage facing the water and lawn
Cottage and our private beach as seen from Hills Bay
Cottage sign with crab waving at our guests
A good day on the private beach

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4111.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Grimstead, VA
  • Gwynn's Island Musuem
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Deltaville Maritime Museum
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Deltaville Marina
    ‪29 min drive‬
  • Newport News, VA (PHF-Newport News - Williamsburg Intl.)
    ‪55 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Sunsets over Water

Gwynn's Island Cottage is a waterfront cottage on the Chesapeake Bay with panoramic views and sunsets over the water. The small, private beach - entirely on the property and not shared - is mere steps away. We are pet friendly. 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.

From the 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. The Shed is full of everything you don't need to bring: beach chairs, zero gravity chairs, 2 kayaks, a stand up paddleboard, crab nets, crab pot, floats, rafts, noodles, children's beach toys, and life preservers, croquet set, and hammock, free to our guests. Hills Bay is clean, shallow, and sandy-bottomed, with little current or tow, so perfect for children and explorers alike. Guests can fish right from the beach or from kayaks and can catch drum, trout, rockfish, croaker, spot and flounder. The crab pot or 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 or on 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, use the Bonfire Solo stove.

From the Cottage, guests experience bird life such as bald eagles nesting, blue herons, osprey, seagulls, white tundra swans, bufflehead ducks, loons, and dolphins, depending on the season. With a yacht club just across the water, you'll see sail and motor boats coming in and out of Hills Bay from the Chesapeake and occasional boat races.

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 marina 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 and 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, please 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 by the week, Sunday to Sunday (less traffic on interstates than Saturdays). 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 has foot spigots. The Cottage has cable TV and wifi. We have an electrical outlet (120v) on the front of the Cottage if you need to charge your electric or hybrid vehicle.

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, many of whom return 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.

Property manager

CLewis
Premier Host

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 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 22
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Small beach and shallow water are great for kids
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Events

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

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
With advance ok of management and pet fee of $125
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
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.

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 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

This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Gwynn

Located in Gwynn, this cottage is in the city centre and on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve and Bethel Beach, while Gloucester Museum of History and Deltaville Maritime Museum are cultural highlights. Steamboat Era Museum and Compass Entertainment Complex are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Grimstead, VA

What's nearby

  • Gwynn's Island Musuem - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve - 23 min drive - 19.3 km
  • Deltaville Maritime Museum - 28 min drive - 30.9 km
  • Holly Point Nature Park - 29 min drive - 31.2 km
  • Deltaville Marina - 29 min drive - 31.3 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Hole In The Wall - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Shun Xing Restaurant - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Linda's Diner - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Hardee's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Southwind Pizza - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Sunsets over Water pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Sunsets over Water?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Sunsets over Water?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Sunsets over Water located?

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

Reviews

10

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. 193 out of 201 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 201 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 201 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 201 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 201 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

William F.

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

Great stay!

This was just what we needed for our holiday trip. The water views were great, saw various water birds including geese and a heron that posed for us out back. The place was clean and had all of the amenities of home. We are considering making this a holiday tradition!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

John W.

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

Weekend on the island

Nice very clean cottage on the bay! Accommodations were very clean and comfortable! We watched several families of geese stay the night and leave the next on their journey south! Thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Haley C.

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

Another amazing trip in the books at our favorite place

This is our dream place. Every single time we stay we never want to leave. It is like a 2nd home to us. The most wonderful vibes and views, you couldn’t ask for more. Cheri is an AMAZING host. She is the absolute best and makes sure we are all set for a fabulous stay every time!!! We can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Kim H.

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

Fantastic!

If you crave a peaceful and relaxing getaway, this is the place for you! This quaint cottage is cozy, comfortable and unpretentious. It was clean and stocked with essentially everything you might need or want. The bay is your backyard and I could’ve easily spent all day relaxing on the patio, taking in the heavenly view (especially the sunset!) and listening to the soothing sounds of the water and jumping fish. My husband and son enjoyed fishing from the double kayak everyday and caught several red drums and bluefish. We had fun catching crabs, watching the cormorants dive for lunch and even saw a school of dolphins. A majestic heron visited the jetty for several minutes every night after dark. Cheri was exceptionally responsive and kind, offering a ton of helpful info. We hated to see our time at Gwynn’s Island Cottage end, and would love to visit again! Thank you so much Cheri, for sharing your little slice of heaven with us!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

maggie h.

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

Fall retreat

We were looking for waterfront, quiet, accessible to the water. We found all that. Beautiful!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laureen V.

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

We Didn't Want to Leave!

This cottage was perfect for a quiet, private spot to unwind and relax with the dogs. It is clean, exactly as pictured, and anything you could possibly need was provided. The water and private beach were very clean as well. If you don't want to cook, there are so many excellent food options nearby.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Beverly S.

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

Right on the water

The cottage was a prefect size for two guests and lots of room outside. Was truly as advertised! Enjoyed watching terns and osprey fish close by. Nicely furnished and equipped and well kept. Will definitely consider going again.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Haley C.

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

A Perfect Getaway

This has become our getaway place! My husband and I love this place and so does our 2 year old sheepadoodle Walter! It’s the best time, every single time. Cheri is amazing to work with and always ensures a smooth check in and a beautiful clean home with the best vibes. We will continue to come back every year!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laurie M.

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

A Special Place for a Family Vacation

First of all, Cheri is a wonderful host - excellent communicator and very friendly. With that said, we didn't really need to interact very much, because everything was as it should have been and her communication ahead of our trip gave us all of the information that we needed. The cottage was just as it is pictured, except that there is a bit of magic while you are actually there that you can't sense until you arrive. Our family (2 adults and 2 small children - and a doggie) spent most of our 7 days on the private beach, where we used both kayaks and the paddleboard daily. We also used the crab cage and fishing nets to try our hand at crabbing (the kids got a kick out of that). We loved setting up the Solo stove on the lawn and grilling with the water as a backdrop to it all. We are seasoned travelers and the water of Hills Bay is something for the eyes at several points throughout each day - the morning and afternoon sun create a reflection that is absolutely stunning. The sunsets are second to none - and you have a front row seat at the cottage. The colors that reflect on the water look like a painting. We were extremely impressed by the contents of the shed - it was really enough entertainment for the entire week - we barely left, except to try different local places for different meals throughout the week. The cottage itself has all that you will need and more. We loved it all and were very sad to leave but hope to return again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laurie M.

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

Beautiful spot on the Bay

We had a lovely anniversary week on Gwynn’s Island. Enjoyed the paddle board, the gorgeous sunsets from the deck, and the wildlife. A heron greeted us each morning and a family of ospreys entertained us in the evenings. The house was in an ideal location- close to everything but with plenty of privacy. It was very clean and well equipped- even doggy towels were provided for our pup. Cheri is an excellent host. We hope to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Thomas T.

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

Summer Vacation

My husband and I felt very comfortable during our week stay at this adorable cottage. The overall cleanliness was inviting, it was spacious and tastefully decorated, has a very well stocked kitchen and bathroom, views of the river, boats, sails, birds, and sunsets. sunsets. clouds,
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vadim K.

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

Great vacation with children

We have spent two fabulous weeks at the cottage! It is very guest-oriented, with labels all over the place, on every cupboard and shelf. The kitchen is wonderfully equipped, I cooked all the time and even baked a cake, no problem. All beds and couches are really comfortable, all appliances are in the best condition. The beach is private, clean and very shallow, we let our 7 YO wander and didn't have to worry at all. There's a brilliant set of every possible amenity in the shed: bikes, kayaks, a paddleboard, sand toys and whatnot. The area is very calm and rural, there's a deeper beach about 15 minutes away, a few shops, a few restaurants. But an hour away there is Newport News with its Living museum and planetarium, Williamsburg with its colonial museum, Jamestown and all sorts of other interesting day trips awaiting. A special highlight: beach shower with warm water! A thing to know: the water comes from the well, so it is very clean, but has a very special taste (lots of iron). It's not noticeable in coffee, but for tisanes I brought bottled water, as the well water adds an interesting tinge. We will definitely come again!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer G.

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

Peace and Quiet

We enjoyed our stay and the best part was being on the water. We were able to catch some fish, crabs and went on the kayak. We enjoyed venturing into Mathew’s to all the quaint little stores. Everyone was nice and friendly! Despite the heat, we made the best of it! Having another umbrella or some sort of overhang would have been nice to get out of the sun, since our dogs LOVE being outside. But it was not a deal breaker. If you love the peace and quiet, this is the place to be!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Another awesome stay at the cottage

Just like last year, we enjoyed a fun and sun filled week at Gwynns Island Cottage. We went in early June this year and that provided cooler early mornings but warmed to 80s by midday. Beautiful views of hills bay and had a blast playing on the private beach with our 9yr old. Thanks again Cheri for allowing us to use the cottage!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Haley C.

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

A DREAM GETAWAY

This place is truly AMAZING! My family and I had a wonderful time! Our dog Walter absolutely loved it and it is overall just a wonderful place. This will for sure be a place we continue to come stay at every year.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ji B.

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

Still a slice of heaven on earth

Can’t say enough wonderful things about the cottage. It’s clean and comfortable with modern amenities and recent upgrades. There’s a private beach that our water-loving lab loves. The yard is well maintained and depending on the time of the year, the pine trees smell great. The views are out of this world. Do not miss a sunset, the stars on a clear night, or a full moon in the late hours of the night/early morning. And, last but not least, the fabulous property manager is fabulous. She ensures the property is well maintained and makes her guests feel special and is very responsive whether it’s during the process of booking the cottage through your stay. We’ve stayed here five times now and will back for sure!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

pat w.

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

away from it all

Cottage was clean & well equipped. Cheri is an excellent host. She has overlooked nothing to make a getaway comfortable for her guests. My husband caught (& released) 10 red fish during our stay. Our pup enjoyed the beach area. The town is a short ride away & had a few little shops to browse thru. We enjoyed our stay & will be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

About the host

Hosted by CLewis

Host profile image
I'm the lucky manager of Gwynn's Island Cottage who enjoys introducing friends, family, and guests to Gwynn's Island, Mathews County, and the surrounding areas on Virginia's spectacular Chesapeake Bay.

Why they chose this property

People like family introduced me to Mathews County decades ago.

Friends introduced me to Gwynn's Island, a true slice of heaven.

What makes this property unique

The Cottage's private beach is the perfect place to lounge, launch a kayak or paddleboard, enjoy adult beverages, swim, crab, fish, watch a sunset over the water, or start a Solo stove fire on a starry night. It is located on our property and is not shared with any other properties.

The water views from the Cottage make guests feel like they are on a houseboat. From inside or on the deck or beach, guests enjoy spectacular sunsets over the water. Depending on the time of year, guests see blue herons, bald eagles, dolphins, swans, osprey, ducks, loons, seagulls and sandpipers. With a Coast Guard station on the Island and a yacht club across the water, guests enjoy lots of boating activity.

Our Shed which has bikes to explore the island, 2 kayaks, a stand up paddleboard, crab pots and nets, beach chairs, rafts, life vests, a croquet set, pup tent, grilling supplies, and more, free of cost.

Gwynn's Island, the location of the Revolutionary War battle which ousted the last British governor, is rich in history. There is also a wonderful restaurant 1/3 of a mile from the Cottage and Gwynn's Island Museum is great to visit. Guests step back in time and sloooow doowwnn their pace as soon as they cross the island bridge.

Mathews County has more shoreline than any other County in Virginia although it's the 2nd smallest geographically.

From the Cottage, guests can visit the idyllic water towns of Urbanna, Kilmarnock, Irvington, historic Gloucester and Yorktown including the Battlefield where our country's freedom was gained. Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg including Busch Gardens are an hour away.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests