Charming cottage on Chesapeake Bay with private sand beach and 1 acre to play on
We bought this place during COVID as an escape from the city & pandemic. As we fixed it up, it quickly became our sanctuary... where we wanted to be all the time. And at 1.5 to 3 hrs from the DC, Richmond, and Newport News areas, it's easy to get to for a weekend getaway or vacation re-charge.
The Property
The one-acre property is beautiful, quiet, and peaceful, and every season brings its own natural wonders. Seeing and hearing wildlife is a given here--bald eagles, falcons, herons, egrets, dolphins, cow nose rays, deer, wild turkeys, foxes, beavers, and lots and lots of butterflies, dragonflies, birds, and wildflowers. As it faces north, you get unimpeded sunrise and sunset views over the water.
The Kozy Kottage lies right on the water, where the freshwater Potomac meets the saltwater Chesapeake Bay. Right across the water is Point Lookout State Park in Maryland, and to the east, you get clear views of the Chesapeake's Bloodsworth and Smith Islands.
The property has its own private sand beach--the size of which ebbs and flows with currents and tides. The shoreline is shallow and is fantastic for little kids to frolic and play. As the water doesn't get more than 5-9 feet in this section, it doesn't get too cold, and the currents are mild. It is a great place to hang out with your feet in the sand, enjoy the surf sounds, go kayaking, get some vitamin D, and stargaze.
(Please be aware, just as the size of the beach can change with the Chesapeake Bay tides, sometimes the tides can also bring in jellyfish--which can be annoying but, are also one of nature's great wonders.)
The Kottage
The Kozy Kottage is from the 1930s and was one of the first built on this section of the Chesapeake Bay/ mouth of the Potomac River. While we've renovated the Kottage, we kept the knotty pine interior to maintain its historic, rustic feel. The wrap-around screened-in porch just completes the rural cottage vibe.
The Kottage has two bedrooms and a loft with overflow sleeping space with an arm chair and a TV (great for kids or a rainy day lounge area). We intentionally put the TV upstairs and out of "sight".
The living room has comfy couches and a large (1m x 1m) coffee table from Guatemala that is great for board games, cards, drawing, or just putting your feet up.
The kitchen is eat-in (up to four people), has a large fridge and freezer, and most everything you will need/want. We used to live here part-time, so the kitchen is well-equipped.
Both the kitchen and the bathroom are upgraded, and there is an outdoor hot-water shower (closed in for privacy) to rinse off the saltwater and sand after beach time.
The Location
While easily accessible, this Northern Neck property is a bit off the beaten path. It's about a 15-minute drive to the Heathsville Food Lion and between 15-45 minutes to local restaurants and wineries (many award-winning, by the way!).
The property has cottages on either side, but the lots are big, and the neighbors come and go quietly. They, too, come here to relax and enjoy nature.
There is little to no traffic in this area, and it is mostly farmland, so it's great for biking and taking long walks in the rural countryside.
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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 and a deadlock
About the area
Heathsville
Located in Heathsville, this cottage is in a rural area and on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Bush Mill Stream Natural Area Preserve and Marshalls Beach, while Northern Neck Farm Museum and Reedville Fishermen's Museum are cultural highlights. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and mountain biking nearby.
Northern Neck Farm Museum - 14 min drive - 12.5 km
Rice's Hotel / Hughlett's Tavern - 20 min drive - 22.9 km
White Stone Beach - 41 min drive - 46.9 km
Deltaville Marina - 59 min drive - 75.0 km
Getting around
Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) - 99 min drive
Restaurants
Little River Seafood - 13 min drive
Newsome's Restaurant - 14 min drive
Los Portales - 14 min drive
T & J's Dairy Barn - 13 min drive
Los Patrones 2 - 13 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Charming cottage on Chesapeake Bay with private sand beach and 1 acre to play on pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Charming cottage on Chesapeake Bay with private sand beach and 1 acre to play on?
As of 16 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming cottage on Chesapeake Bay with private sand beach and 1 acre to play on on 31 May 2026 start from AU$421, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Charming cottage on Chesapeake Bay with private sand beach and 1 acre to play on?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Charming cottage on Chesapeake Bay with private sand beach and 1 acre to play on?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Charming cottage on Chesapeake Bay with private sand beach and 1 acre to play on?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Charming cottage on Chesapeake Bay with private sand beach and 1 acre to play on located?
Nestled on the beach, this Heathsville cottage is 0.9 mi (1.4 km) from Marshalls Beach and 1.3 mi (2.1 km) from Cordreys Beach. Ginny Beach and Buzzard's Point Marina are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We loved the peace and comfort of this wonderful home! The neighborhood is really quiet and the view absolutely breathtaking. There was a small sandy beach with calm waters and we were able to catch crabs using their crab pots. Just wonderful!
Amanda M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2024
Amanda, We are glad you enjoyed the cottage! We hope to see you again!
We stayed at Kozy Kottage over the 4th and loved the cottage and all the special touches it had. It was a great way to relax, enjoy the gorgeous view and reconnect. We would definitely recommend this cottage!
Jean T.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug 2023
We are glad that you had a relaxing stay. We hope to host you in the future.
This was a wonderful visit. The view and the charm exceeded our expectations. Communication with the host was prompt and accurate. We would gladly stay there again
Justin K.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Sept 2023
Justin, We are so glad you had a nice stay. We hope that you can come back and visit the cottage again.
We had a great time at this rustic cabin on the river. The screened in porch was great for feeding the kids throughout the day, and the firepit with ample supply of firewood was great for nighttime fires.
ben p.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Aug 2023
Thanks for staying at our cottage. I am glad you had a relaxing time and enjoyed the porch and firepit. We hope you will stay with us again.
A wonderful weekend!! Amazing sunrise and sunset views - very peaceful and relaxing. The cottage had all the amenities we wanted - upgraded kitchen and bathroom were perfect!! Awesome location by the water and woke up listening to the surf! And the king bed was sooo comfortable!!
Anthony M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug 2023
We are glad you had a relaxing stay. We hope you can return.
I took my family of four to the Kozy Kottage for the long holiday weekend. It was the best getaway for our family, and our children enjoyed the private beach area. The owner has thought of everything to make this a very comfortable and relaxing stay. The amenities, little touches of hospitality (i.e. smore kit, beach chairs, towels, outdoor games, etc) was much appreciated. We will certainly return in the future.
Amy D.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2024
Amy, We are glad you enjoyed your stay. It is a special place--and really gives you a chance to disconnect and getaway. We hope to host you in the future.
Nice and clean house. Like screened porch area to rest and eat. Easy access to water. Like the fire pit feature. Wish it offers kayaks for water activities.
Ching G.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Aug 2024
Ching, Thanks for the review and we are gald you enjoyed your stay. We hope you consider renting the cottage again.
Everything at the property was as advertised. Just bring the fam and food and everything else is taken care of. Really enjoyed the added touches like providing a s'mores kit, or having cold drinks already available upon check in as provided by host. Don't let this one slip away and enjoy your stay at the kozy kottage
Guy L.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 6 June 2024
Guy, I am glad you and your family enjoyed your stay. We hope to host you again! Thanks!!
Had a great stay, only thing i can stress from their description is that you may or may not have a beach during your stay, we didn't but it was a lovely relaxing stay, it was also well stocked with everything you could need. If you want ice right away pick up 1 on your way in..but we used the trays we filled on arrival and had plenty:)
Melody M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug 2023
We are glad you had a great stay and were able to relax. The beach can vary in size (from small to large) depending on the weather, tides, and wind. It is one of the amazing things about the cottage--seeing how nature remakes the coastline from day to day. We hope you are able to return for another stay.
The property is a very good blend of old and new. Still has the vintage cabin feel with modern amenities. Very comfortable with amazing views of sunrise and sunset. Plenty of places to sit and enjoy the surroundings. The steps to the small beach provided easy access to the water. Our grandsons enjoyed the water. We are planning a return trip.
Ralph S.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug 2023
Glad to hear you had a good stay and that your grandson was able to enjoy the water. We are happy to hear you are thinking about returning to the cottage. We look forward to having you again.
We are frequent visitors to the NNK, and this little cottage is such a gem! We enjoyed the historic charm of the cottage, the beautiful views of the water and wildlife and the calm and quiet. If you are looking for a place to completely relax & unwind, this is the place! Check -in was super easy, cottage was clean and well appointed, wi-fi worked well. 5 stars. We look forward to a return visit.
Kathleen F.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug 2023
We are glad you had a relaxing stay and enjoy the quiet and peace at the cottage. We look forward to you coming back to stay with us.
Kozy Kottage is easily the most charming, tranquil and enjoyable vacation rental I’ve ever booked. Tom and Mette’s cottage is a slice of Heaven on the Northern Neck - a rustic but very liveable, well equipped and comfortable home that reminded me of vacations at the shore with my grandparents decades ago. Love the yard and the incomparable views of the mouth of the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. I’m very much looking forward to my next visit!
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Sept 2023
Robert, It's great to hear that you enjoyed the cottage. It is a lovely place. We hope you can visit us again.
For 2 busy professionals, staying at this property was restorative, delightful and invigorating. We stopped by a local farm, rode bikes & played golf, rose to the sunrise over the water and took sunset photos on the dock (embarrasing but true) and enjoyed the local crab/seaside fare. It is a casual, rural setting with every detail considered and amazing host communication. A+
Christy M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 June 2024
Christy, We are glad you enjoyed your stay. It is a quiet and special place that really gives you a chance to slow down and rechage. We look forward to hosting you in the future.
Our stay was perfect!! It was so quiet and peaceful! The kids had a blast fishing, swimming, and playing with the games that were provided. We brought our own kayaks and took them out everyday! We even saw a large school of dolphins every morning swimming very close to the shore. The house was very clean and stocked with everything you can think of. They even had toiletries and extra toothbrushes. We will definitely be back!!
Larissa S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug 2023
Larissa, We are thrilled you had a great time at the cottage. You got a treat seeing the dolphins--it always made our day when we saw them. We hope you are able to come back.
Our stay was wonderful. Cottage is beautiful and so close to the ocean. The view from the screened porch was breathtaking. I was very impressed how clean and organized the cottage was. Anything we needed was there plus extra touches: s'mores kit, popcorn etc. I can go on and on.
Communication with the manager was great, response to any questions were answered immediately.
All of this together made the most pleasurable stay.
I highly recommend renting this property.
Edyta
Edyta G.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2024
Edyta, We are glad you enjoyed your stay. We hope that you are able to visit us again.
This was our second stay at the Kozy Kottage and once again we had a fantastic time at this charming house on the water. Kara makes the entire check-in/check-out process so smooth and simple and she went out of her way to give us additional recommendations for what to do in the area based on what she knew we were interested in.
The house is clean, kozy, and truly the perfect location for a getaway on the shore. We had a great time lounging on the beach, watching all the incredible wildlife, and gazing up at the stars at night around the fire pit. We’re planning to make a stay at the Kozy Kottage an annual tradition and I would highly recommend the house to others as well!
Shannon S.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug 2024
Shannon, We are glad you enjoyed your stay. Please come back again. It is a special place. -Tom
The house is very comfortable. Kara the property manager was extremely responsive. We were very lucky and had the perfect weather and days on the river. We brought our own kayaks, made s’mores, ate all meals on the screened-in porch, and one night out at the Crazy Crab. We used the gas grill on the other nights. The boys used the outdoor shower and the girls used the inside shower. Made it easier for sharing one bathroom and keeping it clean. The outdoor hammock was also a nice place to relax! We hope to return next summer or even at the end of the summer!
Jennifer L.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 6 June 2024
Jennifer, We are glad you enjoyed your stay--and had great weather. We look forward to hosting you and your family again. Thanks!
We have been to the Northern neck a couple of times now and find it to be one of the best kept secrets! This cottage met our criteria for privacy and waterfront and did not disappoint. The house was clean, cozy, and the beds were very comfortable. I was surprised to find it well stocked with things I didn’t even know about! We loved the water and outdoor toys. We were lucky that there were no jelly fish when we were there and the water was warm and calm. My only complaint would be that I wish there had been a bed upstairs. My young teen son was ok sleeping on the futon, but he would have preferred a bed, even just a twin! We loved this property and can’t wait to book it again.
Jaclyn R.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Sept 2023
Jaclyn, Glad you had a fun stay. Thanks for the feedback on the bed upstairs. We will consider if a real bed would work up there. We hope to host you again.
This was our second time at the Kozy Kottage, we absolutely love it. You couldn't ask for better hosts or a better place to stay. Everything is clean, comfortable, stocked with all you need, and cozy. Our 20 month old daughter enjoyed the water, giggling at it "chasing" her and throwing rocks in. It was perfect. We enjoyed the fire and smores this time, such a treat. We used the grill, ate on the porch, lounged in the hammock, and enjoyed all the wild life. Our daughter got to see a frog, a lizard, so many birds, rabbits (incl. a baby one), and multiple herons. This time we also went to the farmers market in Heathsville, which we really enjoyed, and we went down to Reedville - the icecream place there was amazing! We were sad to leave. It was a perfect, peaceful, beautiful, vacation. Hope to come back again!
Hannah A.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Aug 2024
Hannah, Thanks for your visit. Glad you and your family had another nice stay at the cottage.
The perfect getaway for our little family. All of the details and thoughtfulness made our vacation extra special. Kara provided outstanding hospitality. Everything was very cozy, comfortable, and clean. Wonderfully renovated. Kitchen well stocked for all our cooking. Blackout curtains and fans in the bedrooms (even a sound machine in the twin bed room!). Comfortable king bed, a little on the firmer side for me but I slept very well. The porch, outside seating, and hammock were our favorite relaxing places and where we spent most of our time listening to the waves and feeling the breeze. Our baby loved crawling around the cottage and loved the water. It was her first beach experience! We appreciated the beach towels. We watched each sunset and sunrise, so beautiful. We would definitely stay again. We miss it already.
Hannah A.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Sept 2023
Hannah, We are so glad you and your family had a nice stay--especially your little one's first beach experience. We hope we can host you again.
I want to give this place a bad review so that no one else will rent it and it is always available whenever I want!!
Very, very nice property. Very quiet - when we were there - just the cicadas, osprey and herons making some noise! The water was perfect, fishing was successful, bed was comfortable. Plenty of different little areas to sit and relax - the porch, the side porch, the hammock, the fire pit, the side yard. Great attention to detail and decorating inside the cottage. Nice, roomy, comfortable furniture, plenty of lighting, soft towels. Good instructions for using stuff. Lots of beach equipment - appreciate that and the supply of beach towels. Roomy outdoor shower with partition. Great area for walking and bike riding. Awesome views. This place was perfect.
Celia T.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Sept 2023
We are very happy you enjoyed your stay. I love your line about hearing 'just the cicadas, osprey and herons.' We could not agree more--it is the peace and quiet and the sense of being removed that made us fall in love with the cottage (and the Northern Neck). We hope we can host you again.
As a previous reviewer stated, I wanted to give this property zero stars so no one else ever comes here. The Kozy Kottage was truly a dream - clean, comfortable, and the location could not have been more amazing. My husband and I stayed here for four nights with our two boys ages 10 and 9 and every day we all commented on how it was the best.
Some highlights: most comfortable beds and pillows of any rental we've ever stayed in, SUPER clean, wildlife (bunnies, dolphins, seahorses, crabs, quail, osprey, herons, turkeys), amazing views of both the sunrise and sunset, the screened in porch, kid kayaks provided, great communication from the property manager, we were there during a very hot week and the AC worked great.
A few things to know (BY NO MEANS COMPLAINTS): no dishwasher or icemaker (but the bin in the freezer perfectly holds a 7lb bag of ice from Food Lion); the sand is a little on the coarse side - my boys were fine but if you have little ones/sensitive feet you might want to bring water shoes
Katie E.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Aug 2024
Thanks for your detailed and thoughtful review. I really appreciate the 'things to know' so people are fully aware of what the cottage has.
This place is just what I was expecting and more! We loved the unique decor. The pictures don’t do the kitchen justice. I was expecting more of a cabin like feel. It was more modern with fancy cabinets filled with everything you need and so much more. The charging station on the wall is such a cool idea. I used it often.The bathroom was also fully stocked. Provided beach towels and chairs was great! The screened in porch was perfect to get out of the sun for a little or girl talk at night. I would definitely go back to the Kozy Cottage. My only complaint was the jelly fish. (Nothing the owner could help) We couldn’t get in the water on our stay. We improvised and had a blast anyway. ☀️ Kara was very easy to talk to and responds quickly. If you’re looking for low key rural, peaceful area it’s perfect!!
Janelle W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug 2023
We are so glad that you enjoyed your time at the cottage. The jellyfish do stink when they come in--we are glad you still found a way to enjoy the beach and water.
About the host
Hosted by Kara Spears
My name is Kara, and I am managing this property for the owners while they live overseas. I live in the area and can help you with anything you need while you are here.
Here is a message from the owners:
We bought his property because we wanted an escape from the craziness of the COVID pandemic. The cottage and property needed a lot of fixing up, which we did over the course of the next two years. We made this place into an amazing sanctuary ... and then we moved overseas!
We now live in the Middle East for work (we both work in the humanitarian/international assistance sectors), and rather than have the cottage empty, we decided to open it up to others so that they, too, can enjoy its splendors and tranquility.
As you see from the price (compare it to other beachfront properties in the area), we are not looking to squeeze the property for all its worth... rather, we just want to just recoup our costs and share it with others.
We have an amazing local property manager that will see to any needs you might have during your stay.
Why they chose this property
It's beautiful, wild, quiet, remote, and amazing.
What makes this property unique
The water views from everywhere on the property are amazing and the private sand beach is truly unique.
Plus, it is so close, yet so far from the crazy world we live in.
Kara, the property manager, lives nearby and loves it out here!