Charmingly renovated historic Canal House on C&O along Potomac close to Antietam

2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 4111 sq m

Popular amenities

Kitchen

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Barbecue grill

Water view

Explore the area

Sharpsburg, MD

Antietam National Battlefield6 min drive
Shepherd University14 min drive
Hagerstown, MD (HGR-Hagerstown Regional)26 min drive
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park33 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Balcony

Separate dining area

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Welcome to our home on the C&O Canal and the Potomac river, an original 1790 log house expanded in 1857, retaining its historic charm while featuring many modern amenities. The perfect place to be physically active or mellow, staying inside or enjoying multiple areas outdoors, day or night (lit with festive night lights).

Reconnect with nature! The expansive grounds have old tall mature trees, native flowers and garden-favorites, bushes, and a fire pit. Bird lovers, bring your binoculars or just watch the bird feeder below the pergola! Many species of birds visit our feeders and baths. Star gazing, far from the city lights, is another Guest favorite.

We are striving to reduce our environmental impact by restoring an American meadow and increasing the number of native plants that can be admired on our grounds. This obviates the need for using chemicals, reducing Potomac pollution, and attracting pollinators and other wild life. You are likely to see and hear numerous types of birds, insects, frogs, and perhaps even some animals and reptiles indigenous to the Potomac area. They are harmless unless attacked.

The maximum capacity of our historic house is 4 guests, the maximum capacity of each bedroom is 2 guests. The use of one of the bedrooms is included in the base price listed, the use of the second bedroom requires an additional charge. The guests need to be able to climb stairs to the entrance door, to upstairs bedrooms, and into the antique clawfoot bath tub. Tall people need to bend a bit when taking a shower.

Secluded, yet not remote, our home is the perfect base for exploring nature on foot, by bike, or by boat. The property is on the C&O Canal and offers seasonal views of the Potomac (when trees on its banks lose their leaves!) across the towpath.

The house is also a great base to explore the many close-by sites important in American history, and quaint historic little towns with good restaurants. Premium Outlet shopping and dining is also within miles.

(Property on the canal but has limited water views)

Local Attractions and distances:

C&O Canal and Towpath, border the property

Potomac River, borders the Towpath

Antietam National Battlefield, 2 miles

Antietam Creek Vineyards, 2 miles

Dam 4 on the Potomac, 3.5 miles

Shepherdstown, WV, 7.5 miles

Hagerstown, MD, 9 mi

Hagerstown Premium Outlet Mall, 9 mi

Harpers Ferry, WV, 21 miles

Appalachian Trial Head Quarters, 11 miles

Charles Town Hollywood Casino and Horse Races, 19 miles

Washington Monument State Park (includes Appalachian Trail access), 12 miles

We are located within one hour of Washington DC and Baltimore, about 60 miles from three international airports: Dulles (IAD), Reagan (DCA), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), and within 15 miles of interstates 70 and 81.

Property manager

Vern Clifford Falby

Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Barbecue grill

Water view

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

We allow children but are not "child proof".

Events

No events allowed

Pls, no extra guests or parties - historic house.

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Please help us preserve the original flooring by removing your shoes in the house. Also, pls. do not open the windows, many still have antique panes.

The maximum capacity of the house is 4 guests. No unregistered visitors (people and cars) are allowed on the property at any time.

No candles are allowed. Open gas flame (stove, fireplace, grill) have to be attended at all times.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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

Note from host: Pls, no extra guests or parties - historic house.

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

Sharpsburg

Located in Sharpsburg, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. Antietam Creek Vineyards and Cress Creek Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Hagerstown Suns Municipal Stadium and Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum. Travelling with kids? Consider For the Kids, By George Children's Museum, or check out an event or a game at Hagerstown Speedway. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Sharpsburg, MD

What's nearby

Antietam National Battlefield - 6 min drive
Antietam National Cemetery - 8 min drive
Shepherd University - 14 min drive
Hagerstown Premium Outlets - 15 min drive
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park - 33 min drive

Getting around

Martinsburg Station - 29 min drive
Martinsburg, WV (MRB-Eastern West Virginia Regional) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

McDonald's - 15 min drive
Dairy Queen - 16 min drive
Lilah Restaurant - 14 min drive
Yellow House - 18 min drive
Blue Moon Cafe - 14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Charmingly renovated historic Canal House on C&O along Potomac close to Antietam pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Charmingly renovated historic Canal House on C&O along Potomac close to Antietam?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charmingly renovated historic Canal House on C&O along Potomac close to Antietam?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Charmingly renovated historic Canal House on C&O along Potomac close to Antietam located?

This family-friendly Sharpsburg holiday home is located on the riverfront, within a 5-minute walk of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, Potomac River and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park. Antietam National Battlefield is 2.5 mi (4.1 km) away.

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Matt M., Falmouth USA

28 Oct 2023

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

A True Gem

This historic home has been painstakingly restored. The modern amenities enhance the stay but in no way detract from the beauty of the structure. The grounds are amazing. We felt privileged to stay in this home as it allowed us to actually feel the history of Western Maryland and the enormity of the Civil War. Our host personalized our stay with facts that allowed us to enjoy every aspect of the Canal House and the canal itself.

Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

mwc 2.

26 Oct 2023

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

Canal House is Outstanding

This is our third trip to Canal house in a delight, as always, despite the rainy cold weather, “Friday was in the 70s and the 2.5-hours paddle on the river we had the whole river to ourselves, not a single other boat. Water clear as glass down to the bottom, wow! Swimming turtles, cormorants, herons on the bank. Met a few enthused cyclists at the ramp enjoying the day. “Bike ride was great, with really nice towpath condition. Loved this part of the river, and views from Dam #4. “Cozy, reading, nook in the kitchen and living room, visited Sunny Meadows nursery, Antietam, and Planck’s and Bonnie’s barbecue were all great. “Garden is stupendous, just amazing with perennials, annuals, and native trees and bushes. “Thank you, Vern. P.S. Love, LOVED back entry lock.”

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Diana R.

18 Sept 2023

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

Perfect location to explore the Civil War sights.

“I can't imagine a better place to explore the history of this area, and to stay in a historical home was icing on the cake. Tall people should be aware of the quirks of an older home like the slanted ceiling and the height of the shower/tub, but I'm petite and loved the ambience! By being so close to Antietam, we were able to experience the battlefield in-depth. We splurged and hired a battlefield guide, who enhanced our understanding of the maneuvers and complications of this historic event. I gained an appreciation for the bravery and the horror of that one day. In addition to all that tramping around on the battlefield, we also managed light-hearted activities, such as sitting on the porch (thanks for the spectacular weather and superb temperatures!), walking along the canal, and wine tasting at Antietam Creek Vineyard (wait . . . that counts as battlefield studies! We took side trips to South Mountain, and Harpers Ferry and Martinsburg. To provide a little balance we visited the canal at Williamsport—super interesting to go through the Visitors’ Center, and then see the lock-keepers house, the lock, elevated railroad bridge and the aqueduct. Learning about the lives of the people on the canal was fascinating. Shepherdstown was our favorite location for restaurants (Alma Bea, and Lilah’s), but, honestly, everywhere we stopped for a meal was good. Plenty to do and not enough time!

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brian G.

4 Sept 2023

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

Relaxing Labor Day Weekend

Enjoyed our stay over a long weekend. A really nice historic property with character. The gardens create a tranquil setting. It was great to sit on the porch in the morning with a cup of coffee and watch the hummingbirds (bring bug spray for mosquitoes). Enjoyed an 8 mile kayak ride from Taylor's Landing to Shepherdstown (Pedal and Paddle shop). Checked out Betty's restaurant for breakfast and Blue Moon for supper (both good). New Visitor Center at the Antietam Battlefield.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathy C.

2 Sept 2023

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

Tranquil gem with perfect blend of new and old

Wow what a gem! This special home is a perfect blend of old world charm with all the modern conveniences. Being here makes you feel like you’re tucked away in your own world yet actually close to so much nearby. The owners have really done this property justice in the details both inside and out. Everything was so clean, and perfectly designed and decorated. All the little details just lead to perfect tranquility. It was exactly what we were looking for in a getaway. The house and the grounds are in beautiful harmony. It was great to enjoy aspects at different times of the day. Pictures don’t even do it justice because the sounds and smells of the gardens are so amazing. In the morning, we were pleasantly entertained by the hummingbirds and the busy bees doing their jobs. In the evening, we loved rocking in the chairs on the porch and listening to the crickets, frogs, and babbling water in the distance. We saw the most beautiful sunset down by the canal. Can’t wait for our next visit.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

About the host

Hosted by Vern Clifford Falby

Vern is a retired Conservatory Professor, who taught Music Theory for over 30 years. He is very excited to become the new steward of this historic house and be able to host and share this piece of Americana with you. Vern has been fascinated with the importance of the C&O Canal in American history, and has been biking on the C&O towpath for many years now. Imagine seeing the C&O canal not only from the bike but from your house! Vern is a Premier host for for Vrbo and an AirBnB SuperHost.

Why they chose this property

Where do we begin? The house is truly charming, preserving historic details including the log cabin at its core and offering a glimpse of simpler times and C&O Canal history, yet updated with all the conveniences of the 21st century. Then, there are its grounds and the location! The expansive grounds offer beautiful views and multiple private spaces. Are you looking for a place where you can completely relax in the middle of nature, listen to birds with a good book and your cup of coffee? Or maybe you would like to do yoga on the porch? Do some amazing star gazing far from city lights? Make S'mores at the fire pit?

The Canal House is adjacent to the C&O Canal and steps from Taylor's Landing: you can jump on your bike and ride on the towpath or take your kayak to the bottom of the hill and float away on the Potomac. And you sense American history everywhere, from the marvel of the C&O canal engineering to the close-by Civil War sites: field hospitals and Union troops headquarters, or the battlefield of Antietam. Or, if you are into visiting old towns, dining, shopping, great options for sight seeing are also close-by. There is so much to experience, learn, and enjoy!

What makes this property unique

The house is beautifully furnished and maintained, preserving its historic look and feel, including some real Americana, yet offers a range of modern amenities. The grounds are extensive and offer multiple options for exploring and relaxing. The location is a perfect base camp for wider explorations, be they of nature, history, dining, or shopping.