Entire home

Bell Buoy: Bearskin Neck, Roof Deck, Charming Downtown, Walk to Beach & Eateries, Ocean View

Photo gallery for Bell Buoy: Bearskin Neck, Roof Deck, Charming Downtown, Walk to Beach & Eateries, Ocean View

Roof Deck overlooks Rockport Harbor and Atlantic Ocean
Let’s go Whale Watching – it’s amazing along Stellwagen!
Dinner and a show - concert at Shalin Liu center
Views of Front Beach from the Breakfast Deck
Step out into the heart of Bearskin Neck.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 5120.8 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Rockport, MA
  • Motif No 1
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Shalin Liu Performance Center
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Cape Ann
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Beverly, MA (BVY-Beverly Municipal)
    ‪27 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Landing

1 Single Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Waterview Bedroom

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Full Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Laundry Bath Combo

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden

About this property

Bell Buoy: Bearskin Neck, Roof Deck, Charming Downtown, Walk to Beach & Eateries, Ocean View

Welcome to Bell Buoy, a charming cottage located in the heart of Bearskin Neck. From the rooftop deck, you'll enjoy views of Rockport’s waterfront: Front Beach, Folly Cove, Motif 1, and Rockport Harbor. Watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean as first light illuminates Thatcher Island.

What a fabulous location! As you step out the front door, you are a 2 minute walk to the closest restaurants and shops – easy access to fishing spots & ice cream shops. All the delightful venues of Bearskin Neck are mere moments from your doorstep. Downtown Rockport is equally convenient. Just a stroll down Bear Skin Neck and you emerge in the heart of downtown Rockport.

Bell Buoy is a short stroll to Rockport’s downtown, the Shalin Liu Performance Center, the Art Galleries, Rockport Harbor, and Front Beach. All manner of treasures can be found in Rockport’s vibrant downtown. Take in a concert at Shalin Liu Performance Center – you’ll enjoy stunning views – the back wall of the concert hall is a full wall of glass overlooking Rockport harbor. Rockport famously attracts artists from around the globe to capture the unique lighting. So many art galleries celebrate the artist community and the beauty of Rockport.

_____
Sleeping Arrangements (Maximum Occupancy - 5)
Master Bedroom (Sleeping Capacity - 2)
- Queen bed
- 2 Bedside Tables with Lamps
- 3 Bureaus
- Armoire
- Closet
- Large Table with 2 Chairs – can be used as a desk
- Window AC

Guest Bedroom (Sleeping Capacity - 2)
- Full bed
- 2 Bedside Tables with Lamps
- 1 Bureau
- 1 Large Closet
- Window AC

Landing (Sleeping Capacity - 1)
- Twin Daybed
- Armoire

Bathroom Accommodations
- 1 full bath with shower/tub combination and grab bars for easier entry & exit
- 1 half Bath with Laundry: full size washer & dryer

_____
Bell Buoy Accommodation Highlights
As you enter through the front porch, you are welcomed by a spacious living room with nautical accents. Checkout the antique ship replicas, and ship instruments. At the center of the home, a floor to ceiling field stone fireplace connects the living room with the dining room. The dining room has a spacious table that comfortably seats 6 - 10 people. From the desk, one can gaze out the window and enjoy views of classic and colorful cottages. Through the dining room guests find a fully equipped kitchen with full sized appliances: dishwasher, new stainless-steel gas stove and new stainless-steel refrigerator.

As you ascend the stairs, guests will find a cozy reading nook on the over-sized landing. Stretch out on the day bed! The cottage has 2 bedrooms on this level – each at opposite ends of the home. In the center are the 2 bathrooms: 1 full bathroom with shower and tub combination, and 1 half bathroom with full sized laundry.

On the landing, you will find the access door to the Breakfast Deck on the second floor and stairs that lead to the huge roof deck. The Breakfast Deck has a table and comfortably seats 2. A delightful shady place to enjoy the sea breezes with your morning coffee or a great book. The Roof Deck easily accommodates all guests. Two tables and seating for you to dine Al Fresco with water views and lounge chairs to take in the sun and sea breezes.
_____
Amenities
- Roof deck with views of the ocean and downtown
- Breakfast deck with water views
- Decorative Fireplaces in both dining room and living room
- WiFi: High Speed & Private
- TV in living room
- Window AC units in living room, dining room, and both bedrooms.
- Full sized kitchen and laundry appliances
- Nautical accents
- Large living and dining room
- 2 work spaces: desk in dining room and large table in Master bedroom
- Sleeping accommodations for 5 people.
_____
Free Parking:
Advice: Please pull over on North Road to unload your car. Then proceed to one of the Free Parking options listed below.

Rockport offers many Free Parking Options:
The Lot off of Old Harbor Road is .1 mile from the cottage. Take North Street to the fork; turn right, and parking is at the end of this road. This parking becomes resident only during high season from May through October..
Free parking Lots at the Train Station and 2 Blue Lane Road on Rt 127. Free Shuttles will bring you back to downtown Rockport.
During the winter, meters and kiosk parking is free. All seasons, on-street parking outside of the meter and kiosk areas is free.
____
Window AC Units
This property is cooled with window air conditioning units. The units are installed in May and removed in September. Each window AC unit has both a cooling function and a fan function. Each room with a window AC unit; also has a fan.
__________
About iTrip North Shore Properties
- Smoking is strictly prohibited. Guests will be fined and immediately evicted for smoking or vaping in the home or on the property.
- NO PARTIES, EVENTS, PERFORMING ARTISTS OR BANDS ALLOWED AT ANY TIME.
These are cause for eviction with no refund. If any damage impacts our ability to offer the home for future guests, you will be held liable.
__________
Amenities:
- Each of property features a starter set of supplies for guests which includes toilet paper, paper towels, dish detergent, & hand soap.
- The beds are fully made & ready for your arrival with freshly laundered linens. A set of towels for each registered guest are included in the rental rate.
- For family friendly homes, a luxury Pack-n-Play or other children's furnishings are available for an additional charge (as availability permits).
__________
Visiting like a local means being neighborly. Please be respectful of the owner's home and considerate of the neighbors.
_____
About Cape Ann: a peninsula and island that host Gloucester, Rockport, Magnolia, and Manchester By The Sea.
- Beaches: Singing, Wingaersheek, Long, Good Harbor, Magnolia and Kettle Cove.
- Nature Parks: Magnolia Woods, Ravenswood, and Rafes Chasm Park provide short walks to gorgeous rocky shoreline and sea views.
- Boating: Cape Ann Harbor Tours, Sailing on Schooner Ardelle, Deep Sea Fishing Charters, or Whale Watch Cruises. From Rockport harbor, catch a ferry to Thacher's Island - wildlife sanctuary with Twin Light Houses.
- Walking Tours for centuries of seafaring history showcasing Gloucester's fishing past.
- Artist Tours where you visit the artists in their studios. Rockport hosts many galleries.
- Foodies will love the diversity of Cape Ann's food scene - amazing seafood ... lobster, clams, scallops, quahogs, cod or swordfish.
- Golfing: a beautiful mix of manicured greens along rocky shores or seaside marshes.

Property manager

Liann DiMare
Premier Host

Languages

English, French, Italian, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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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
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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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
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
Property Registration Number C0277122520

About the area

Rockport

Located in Rockport, this holiday home is in the city centre and near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Good Harbor Beach and Wingaersheek Beach. Schooner Adventure and Maritime Gloucester are also worth visiting. Take the opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as fishing.
Map
Rockport, MA

What's nearby

  • Motif No 1 - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Shalin Liu Performance Center - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Front Beach - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Cape Ann - 4 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Halibut Point State Park - 6 min drive - 4.3 km

Getting around

  • Rockport Station - 15 min walk
  • Beverly, MA (BVY-Beverly Municipal) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Long Beach Dairy Maid - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Fish Shack Restaurant - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Surfside Subs - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Brothers Brew Coffee Shop - ‬4 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Bell Buoy: Bearskin Neck, Roof Deck, Charming Downtown, Walk to Beach & Eateries, Ocean View pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Bell Buoy: Bearskin Neck, Roof Deck, Charming Downtown, Walk to Beach & Eateries, Ocean View?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Bell Buoy: Bearskin Neck, Roof Deck, Charming Downtown, Walk to Beach & Eateries, Ocean View?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Bell Buoy: Bearskin Neck, Roof Deck, Charming Downtown, Walk to Beach & Eateries, Ocean View located?

Located in the heart of Rockport, this holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Motif No 1 and Shalin Liu Performance Center. Front Beach and Back Beach are also within 10 minutes. Rockport Station is 15 minutes by foot.

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

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. 28 out of 42 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 42 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 42 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 42 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 42 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

10/10

Location

8.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dulayna M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Adorable
The cottage is exactly as shown. Neighbors are friendly. Village was so sweet and the views were fantastic! I'd love to come back in rhe wimmer the beach looked
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

John W.

Bell Buoy vacation
Wonderful location, steps from the coast as well as numerous restaurants and the relaxing vibe of the artists community. We will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ian O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Rockport!
This property is a quintessential Rockport/Bearskin Neck house.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dena T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Superb!
I immediately felt as if I belonged here. Everything about this home was great, the decor, the beds, the rooftop deck could not be any more perfect. The shops were literally around a corner. I loved it so much I am already looking to return again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tao P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great getaway weekend
Loved the house and the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Barb C., Concord, MA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rockport Home
Cozy, comfortable and great for family.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Scott W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Great but NO PARKING AT PLACE
Good location, clean but lacks updates such as outlets in the bathroom. Top deck was really nice. There is NO PARKING at the place although the listing says free parking - you have to find it own your own after hours OR after a long walk up the street. But checking/out was easy, overall rental was good.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

kadie r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing
Quaint, cozy
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
Bell buoy was a great place to stay for our family vacation. Walking distance to great restaurants, shopping, and beautiful views. But still a great location to have privacy. We watched fisherman check their lobster traps in the morning and enjoyed seeing what views the local artists were painting for the day. Ours boys enjoyed learning about a rotary phone and playing with the record player (great selection of records!). Thank you for sharing your home with us, we had a great time!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael G., Visalia, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful enchanted beach cottage
This beautiful beach cottage has so much family history in it. You step back into another time and you can really feel the love that was in that house for many years. I’m sure two fireplaces. Just a lovely home. You step back in time the third floor roof deck gives you a full view of the ocean just a wonderful place to stay. Everything was great.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Rockport is an interesting plan to visit
The location for the property is great. The house is not updated. It is a great location. There are many tiny galleries/artist shops near by. There are so many that we can only see so much. The performing art center looks great. I think it worth to visit the performing art center. it is beautiful theater. On saturday in afternoon and evening, when the sun came out and rain stopped everything is so pleasant on the roof top. The town offer free EV charge. It is free on Broadway.

6/10 Okay

Andrew C.

Liked: Location
Great place with serene views
The parking spot is a disaster! I have no clue how I didn’t wreck my rental car or the two homes i parked between. Recommendation is for the owner to remove the curb and door stoop and convert it into a true parking spot. Otherwise I love the charm of the place, the place, the roof deck and the location was epic. Fix the parking !
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2021

8/10 Good

Gloria F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mostly good
We had a good time despite a few inconveniences. The house was fine except not having a parking space and trying to unload and repack the car on a very narrow street. Having to find parking and walk to the house was a bit inconvenient. Then the daybed was very uncomfortable, like sleeping on a plank. The other beds were comfortable. And lastly, the check-in time could be earlier and check-out later so we have a little more time to enjoy. The rooftop deck was a plus and the scenery and shopping was great. For the money we probably won’t go back, but we made the best of it and had fun.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

4/10 Poor

susan t.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy
Beautiful location, property not guest ready
The location of this property is fantastic, and it could be an amazing rental. However, when we arrived there were not sheets on the bed, and dirty laundry in washing machine. Thankfully, property manager was quick to resolve this issue the next morning. Unfortunately, when we brought finding a GUN and an unlocked liquor cabinet with a dozen open bottles of booze on the premises to the property manager, she stopped responding. Neither of those should be in a rental. Ever. It has been 4 days since we texted and sent emails with no response. Also, we completely agree with the parking comments listed here. Parking is nonexistent at the property unless you have an extremely compact car. We were able to park for free 0.2 miles away but after April 15 parking fees are required. Also, when we arrived the property was insecure with the side door being open. That was rather unsettling after arriving in the dark. Again, this property COULD be amazing and has so much potential. However, I do not recommend staying here until some of the structural issues (floor in bathroom is unstable) and potential fire hazards (electrical and furnace rooms) are resolved.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2021

6/10 Okay

Christine O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Great location but . . .
The people who own this property love it. It brings them joy to relive the happy times they have spent there.However, when people say love is blind they mean this place. Our first disappointment came in the confirmation email which told us that the advertised fireplace could not be used. It is included in the description and there is a picture of firewood on the porch. The fireplace was one of the reasons we chose the property. Family pictures are EVERYWHERE!!! I can’t overstate how uncomfortable it is to constantly be reminded that you are in someone else’s house. There doesn’t appear to be anything that the owners are willing to part with (chairs with signs that they cannot be used, chipped coffee mugs, spoons that have been through the garbage disposal, the peeling dresser with the drawer that sticks, the chipped decorative plate on the wall, the saggy couch that sits very uncomfortably, the many clocks none of which display the correct time. the air-conditioner with a sign indicating “Sorry not working”, the globe that announces its irrelevance by outlining the USSR). With some decluttering and updating this could be a treasure, but as it is we wouldn’t stay here again. The location is phenomenal. We were able to walk almost everywhere. The cottage is right in the middle of town. We met so many kind and interesting people, we ate some amazing food, and we shopped with the many local artisans. Rockport is a wonderful place for a getaway, but this place? Not so much.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Celia D.

Sea, sand & beach house
Beautiful & cozy home with everything We needed in perfect location.

10/10 Excellent

Kristin B., Ocala

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming, with beautiful views from the deck
We loved our stay at Bell Bouy. This home was awesome to stay in, and most everything we needed was there . The panoramic view of the water, and the neighborhood from to top deck was breathtaking. The rooms were well appointed and very spacious. (Only criticism is the beds could be a little more comfortable). Bathroom and laundry room were clean and everything worked great. Nice big table In the dinning room for games, and meals. There were some games and books available. Kitchen had all the cookware (nice stuff too) and settings you would need. The appliances all worked great! We really loved this house. It is older but that's a big part of the charm. The neighborhood was also nice. All the neighbors were very friendly, and a few even had great recommendations. The town and shopping area had lots to choose from. Almost all of them were open too when we went in October. We also had no issues catching the train to go into Boston, Salem and Gloucester. Also since we were there in October we didn't have any issues finding parking on the street when we got back in the afternoon/evenings. Even if you do have to pay for the metered parking during the day the prices are pretty fair. All in all would highly recommend!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Steven L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quaint Cottage - Would stay again
Exactly as advertised but I should have been more careful in reading the comments about the parking. There's only a short walk to the shops which actually start one/two streets over. We were in Rockport for a wedding weekend and didn't really need to use the car. Ended up parking on a side street on the other side of the harbor. The rooftop deck view was spectacular!! A building is currently under construction on the other side of the road. The construction crew worked very late (well after dark) on one of the weeknights.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laura B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everyone enjoyed their stay
Great views and a fun vibe in this charming cottage on Bearskin Neck!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

TIMOTHY K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Would stay again. Great service.
Fantastic location! Very charming and rustic. Not fancy but has everything you would need to enjoy your time. We had a major appliance stop work during our stay. It was replaced within half a day from the time we called. Amazing response to take care of the issue as soon as possible.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location and love the rooftop deck
Overall this is a great place to stay if visiting Rockport, the location is great and you can walk anywhere. Enjoyed a few great restaurants in the area and plenty of shops. The only negative to the stay is parking, it would have been 5 stars if there was just 1 parking space at the property. Probably would not stay again just for this reason, but if you are not looking to have your car nearby without having to pay extra for parking then this is a great spot.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christopher L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Authentic Charm of an Old Rockport Home
We love Bell Buoy and spent our second summer trip to Rockport in a row there. It feels like our home away from home, and its locale, space, and overall familiar comfort are perfect. It may be a little rough around the edges, but, for us, that's a big part of its appeal (good old nautical feel, wood panelling, pewter decor, older furniture--happily, no homogenizing builder's-grade whitewash and teal updates here!). The dining room feels a bit like a captain's cabin on a ship--and that's a good thing! It's the real deal: an old Rockport family home on Bearskin Neck, close to everything. Amenities: The laundry set up is a great convenience--new, clean machines that do a great job with beachwear, towels, and everything. It's probably worth noting that both bathrooms (one with toilet and laundry only--no sink or mirror) are upstairs. You are staying in a family home and all that comes with that (photos and stuff), but all of this lends charm and authenticity to one's stay. Parking is less than ideal (i.e. no parking on site), but free on-street overnight parking on Cleaves St.--a short but substantial (6 minute) walk away--was available on all but one occasion (found a spot on Hale St.). (For the second year in a row, unfortunately, the next-door neighbor had a roofing project that included throwing refuse wood directly on the roof of Bell Buoy for hours on end, two days straight, with hammering and demo beginning at 8 in the morning. Hopefully, this won't happen again in future years, but for us it has been 2 for 2. The iTrips folks were promptly communicative with us about this, but it was largely beyond their control.) The roof deck has terrific views!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Mary H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun place to visit
We really enjoyed visiting Rockport and the surrounding areas. Didn't spend a ton of time in the VRBO - appreciated the roof top deck and comfy bed. I had a foot injury, so had to be careful of uneven flooring on 2nd floor.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Karoline K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Adorable place in the heart of Rockport!
I rented this for some friends who were coming to my wedding and it was a great choice! The deck was awesome, they loved the kitchen and private bedrooms. Communication was great and the place was clean! Spectacular stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Nice place
Clean and friendly neighborhood. House was as pictured. tons of amazing restaurants all within walking distance. Parking not on-site, website could have made that more clear in description. O
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

About the host

Hosted by Liann DiMare

Host profile image

Languages:

English, French, Italian, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests