Newport News, VA (PHF-Newport News - Williamsburg Intl.)
73 min drive
Room options
About the area
Gwynn
This cottage puts you in the centre of Gwynn, 1.2 km (0.8 mi) from Gwynn's Island Musuem and 19.2 km (11.9 mi) from Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve. .You can enjoy Smart televisions with a DVD player, and accommodation features a washer/dryer, free WiFi and a patio. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. A living room, a private garden and a TV are also available. Limited housekeeping is available. .Spend the day at the beach where you'll find sunloungers, and enjoy the on-site water park. Other amenities include laundry facilities, a garden and charcoal grills.
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
Busch Gardens Williamsburg - 56 min drive - 66.7 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
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Gwynn's Island Cottage-Waterfront w Your Own 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
Languages
English
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If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
No lift (single-level property)
Thin carpet in public areas
Tile flooring in public areas
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Housekeeping (limited availability)
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
In the city centre
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near the bay
Near the marina
On the waterfront
Things to do
Bicycles
Golf
Kayak
Water park
Water sports equipment
Birdwatching nearby
Cycling nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Rafting nearby
Sailing nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Swimming nearby
Theme park nearby
Water skiing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Bicycles
Garden
Unit size: 1,200 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 22
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out
Special check-in instructions
Guests will receive lockbox information
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Access methods
Lockbox
Pets
Pets are welcome
Only dogs and cats are allowed
Maximum 2 (weight limit: 50 lb per pet)
Restrictions apply
For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Service animals are exempt from fees.
Note from host: With advance ok of management and pet fee of $125
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Note from host: Small beach and shallow water are great for kids
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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
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 For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock in all accommodation.
We should mention
To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.
Property is also known as
Gwynn's Island Cottage Reserve Your Stay 2019 Grimstead
Gwynn's Island Cottage Reserve Your Stay 2019
Gwynn's Island Reserve Your Stay 2019 Grimstead
Gwynn's Island Reserve Your Stay 2019
Gwynn's Island Cottage Reserve Your Stay Water Grimstead
Gwynn's Island Cottage Reserve Your Stay Water
Gwynn's Island Reserve Your Stay Water Grimstead
Gwynn's Island Reserve Your Stay Water
Gwynn's Island Cottage Reserve Your Stay for 2019
Gwynn's Island Cottage Reserve Your Stay for 2019
Gwynn's Island Cottage Book Your Summer Week Chesapeake Bay
Gwynn's Island Book Your Summer Week Chesapeake Bay Grimstead
Gwynn's Island Book Your Summer Week Chesapeake Bay
Gwynn's Island Cottage Book Your Summer Week Chesapeake Bay
Gwynn's Island Book Your Summer Week Chesapeake Bay Grimstead
Gwynn's Island Book Your Summer Week Chesapeake Bay
Gwynn's Island Cottage Reserve Your Stay on the Water!
Gwynn's Island Cottage Reserve Your Stay on the Water!
Gwynn's Island Cottage Reserve Your Stay on the Water!
Frequently asked questions
Are there any beaches close to Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Sunsets over Water?
The closest beach to Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Sunsets over Water is Cape Charles Beach (35.6 km).
Does Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Sunsets over Water have a pool?
No, this cottage doesn't have a pool.
Does Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Sunsets over Water have a waterslide?
No, but it has a waterpark and lazy river.
Is Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Sunsets over Water family-friendly?
You bet! With amenities such as a water park and laundry facilities, as well as children's dinnerware and children's books, it's no surprise that Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Sunsets over Water is a winner with our family travellers.
Is there a free airport shuttle available at Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Sunsets over Water?
No, Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Sunsets over Water does not offer an airport shuttle service.
What time are check-in & check-out at Gwynn's Island Cottage: Waterfront w Private Beach, Sunsets over Water?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.
Gwynn's Island Cottage-Waterfront w Your Own Private Beach + Sunsets over Water Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 193 out of 201 reviews
10 - Excellent
193
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 201 reviews
8 - Good
6
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 201 reviews
6 - Okay
2
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 201 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 201 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Robert W.
15 Apr 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great views and location
3 night visit - location close to relative and convenient to Mathew’s Va and Williamsburg Va
Robert W.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth S.
9 Apr 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Elizabeth S.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Amy E.
16 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Girl Weekend Getaway
We had the perfect weekend here at the Waterfront Cottage! We’ll definitely return!
Amy E.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
William F.
2 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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!
William F.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
John W.
1 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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
John W.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Haley C.
26 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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!
Haley C.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
samuel k.
24 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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. .
samuel k.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Karen C.
17 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Karen C.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Amy F.
6 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Amy F.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kim H.
4 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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!
Kim H.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
maggie h., mardela springs
30 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Fall retreat
We were looking for waterfront, quiet, accessible to the water. We found all that. Beautiful!
maggie h.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Laureen V.
20 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Laureen V.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Beverly S.
13 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Beverly S.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Haley C.
11 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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!
Haley C.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Laurie M.
4 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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!
Laurie M.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Laurie M.
19 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Laurie M.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Mike M.
12 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Stay
Terrific stay, the best communication, lots of fun amenities, specatacular sunsets and everything you need , right at your finger tips.
Mike M.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Thomas T.
29 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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,
Thomas T.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Vadim K.
26 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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!
Vadim K.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer G.
8 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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!
Jennifer G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
26 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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!
Verified traveller
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
William A.
9 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
William A.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Haley C.
28 May 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Haley C.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ji B., Alexandria, VA
27 May 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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!
Ji B.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
pat w.
22 Apr 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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.