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Sandcastles Beach House - Duneside: On PEI's Best Beach!

Photo gallery for Sandcastles Beach House - Duneside: On PEI's Best Beach!

Sandcastles Beach House with Duneside on the left and Meadowside on the right.
Drift off to sleep to the sound of the waves lapping at the sandy shore.
Sunset strolls by the ocean...a highlight of island life.
Bright and spacious with deck access, ceiling fan, smart TV & expansive views.
The warm pine walls & cozy touches help you to relax and recharge.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 7

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue
  • Balcony
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
Darnley, PE
  • Place, Burlington Amusement Park
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, beach near Morrisons Pond
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Cavendish Beach
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Airport, Charlottetown, PE (YYG)
    ‪54 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Queen Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Balcony
Number of living rooms
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Sandcastles Beach House - Duneside: On PEI's Best Beach!

With Sandcastles Beach House a mere three minute walk along the path to the finest beach on the island and our beach's sandy, broad expanse and gentle slope it is perfect for relaxing and unwinding. You can walk for hours and never run out of beach. From your deck you can take in our spectacular dunes and you'll see the surf conditions so you'll know if it's a smooth swimming or a boogie board kind of day. In addition, we are in the enviable position of being the only rental having MacKay Pond border its lawn so you'll see eagles, herons, osprey and cormorants all day and end it all with blazing sunsets dancing off our waters. No neighbors separate you from your view of the dunes. Staying at Sandcastles is like having a series of natural works of art offered up to you all day long.

Sandcastles Beach House is a beautifully finished pine beach house with two independent units: Duneside and Meadowside. Each unit has two bedrooms, a full bath, washer & dryer and a fully-equipped kitchen, including dishwasher.

Sandcastles easily fills the needs of everyone from individual couples to groups of up to 14 celebrating reunions of families or groups of friends. We can customize in this way because we have two units which are adjoining and yet fully private and self-contained. So you can rent just one side and soak up all the beauty our location offers. Or, if you are with a larger group you can rent both sides, sharing meals and good times when you choose and yet still have the freedom to enjoy the privacy of dining and relaxing in your own unit. If you wish to book Duneside, please do so here. If you wish to book both Duneside and Meadowside, please book Duneside here and Meadowside on our other listing: "Sandcastles Beach House - Meadowside: Special Springtime Offer!" (also found under Darnley, PEI).

We supply all modern conveniences including Wi-fi, a 55" 4K UHD Smart TV with Chromecast and satelitte, and we have a convenient, fully private outdoor shower. Sandcastles Beach House is minutes from 8 golf courses, deep-sea fishing, fine dining and galleries. You'll be pleasantly surprised with our prices. Our rates are in Canadian dollars and include taxes. We do not charge extra for additional guests (up to 7 per side). So....be sure to check the final cost of other sites when comparing. Our guests tell us that Sandcastles is "enchanting" and our location is "breathtaking". We hope that you'll visit Sandcastles Beach House and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 19
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
We are family friendly!
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Events

No events allowed
No large gatherings please.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Lock the doors
Please close the windows.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Please empty the garbage before checking out. Carefully sort garbage, compost and returnables according to posted guidelines.
Please close windows before going out for the day if there is threat of rain.
Do not drive or park beyond the parking pads as this would damage the septic system.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3990173
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: No large gatherings please.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Darnley

Located in Darnley, this cottage is in a rural area and on a lake. Keir Memorial Museum and Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Darnley Greens Golf Course and French River Golf Course. Burlington Amusement Park and Burlington Amusement Park are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and windsurfing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and hiking/biking trails.
View more Cottages in DarnleyOpens in a new window
Map
Darnley, PE

What's nearby

  • Burlington Amusement Park - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • beach near Morrisons Pond - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Anne of Green Gables Museum - 11 min drive - 11.6 km
  • Shining Waters Family Fun Park - 30 min drive - 37.2 km
  • Cavendish Beach - 31 min drive - 38.2 km

Getting around

  • Charlottetown, PE (YYG) - 58 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ship to Shore Restaurant & Lounge - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Malpeque Oyster Barn - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Seashell Motel - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪O'Neil Home Gallery - ‬9 min drive
  • The Kitchen Witch Tea Room

Frequently asked questions

Is Sandcastles Beach House - Duneside: On PEI's Best Beach! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Sandcastles Beach House - Duneside: On PEI's Best Beach!?

As of 25 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sandcastles Beach House - Duneside: On PEI's Best Beach! on 9 Sept 2026 start from AU$251, 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 Sandcastles Beach House - Duneside: On PEI's Best Beach!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Sandcastles Beach House - Duneside: On PEI's Best Beach!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sandcastles Beach House - Duneside: On PEI's Best Beach!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Sandcastles Beach House - Duneside: On PEI's Best Beach! located?

Situated by the sea, this cottage is 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Burlington Amusement Park and 2.6 mi (4.2 km) from Darnley Greens Golf Course. Malpeque Outer Range Lighthouse and Keir Memorial Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 21 out of 26 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 26 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Byron R.

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

Great spot for us

Great location with the best beach
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr 2020
Thanks for the great review. Thanks especially for choosing to return for yet another vacation at Sandcastles Beach House. It's gratifying to have such a high percentage of regular guests. Hope you enjoy the rest of the summer.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Josiane D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a magical place! A short walk from a wonderful beach! Everything we needed and more in the cottage. Very family friendly place! Jane and Brian and wonderful hosts and always available to help out! Would/will definitly go again!
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Aug 2025
Thanks for your kind words and glad you found Sandcastles Beach House to be all that you had hoped for. It was an absolute pleasure to meet you and your family and we'd be happy to see you back on the island again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sean M.

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

Amazing week

Great location with ready access to the beach, and stunning views from the back deck of the house. We’re two adults and two kids (13 and 11), and the house was a perfect size for us.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martha M.

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

Bucket list stay

Visiting PEI has been on my friend's bucket list for years. Having beach access was lovely. This location meant nice drives to various sites, so we got to know and see the island.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather M.

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

Great location!

We had a great vacation a couple minutes walk from one of the best beaches on PEI. The cottage also overlooked a pond so we could sit on the deck and watch the cormorants, herons and gulls. Very helpful and friendly hosts. We plan to return!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen Fiona C.

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

Clean cottage in a great location

The cottage was clean and well-appointed. We loved the location for the proximity to the beach. Brian was very accessible and responsive before, during, and after our stay. We would go back.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2022
Archival

8/10 Good

Byron R.

Great location, could not get much closer to the beach

.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr 2020
Thanks so much...we agree. Our family knew that this was the location we had been searching for as soon as we discovered it. We had to make this stretch of beach, dunes and the dazzling sunsets over our bordering pond a ritual getaway -spring summer and fall. Glad you were able to make Sandcastles Beach House a part of your vacation plans. You're welcome back any time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mischa L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I cannot explain how amazing this property is. Steps from white sand beach, red cliffs, and beautiful ocean! We kayaked in the lake behind the cottage, spied a bald eagle having a bath, and took full advantage of the superbly maintained house. Brian was an amazing host, ensuring we had everything we needed to make our trip perfect! It was also a perfect location to explore the west end of PEI, and get lost on all of the back roads.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Sept 2025
It was a pleasure to host you, Mischa, and your group. We are thrilled that you had a wonderful experience in our beautiful part of Prince Edward Island. Sounds like you certainly made the most of your vacation time. Know that you are welcome back at any time.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynn L.

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

Ok

Top notch
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lise M.

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

Beau séjour

Paysage magnifique vue sur un bras de mer avec oiseaux et vue sur les dunes. Coucher de soleil. Accès rapide à la plage qui est peu achalandée. Chalet bien équipé Très beau séjour
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott A.

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

A perfect getaway

We really enjoyed our stay in Darnley. The beach was quiet, and absolutely gorgeous. It was our favourite beach on the island. The property is charming, and equipped with everything you need. You can even walk barefoot to the beach from the property! With views of the sand dunes, decks overlooking the pond, an eccletic collection of board games and movies, we really felt spoiled. Brian and Jane were the perfect hosts and we would definitely reccommend this place to anyone!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Oct 2020
We're delighted that you had such a great time. Thanks for mentioning some of things we have to offer. We always emphasize that it's only a three minute walk to the beach but you reminded us of one of our favourite things...walking out the door and to the beach in bare feet! We're glad you felt spoiled and hope to have you back soon. Thanks for being such great guests.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary H.

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

Yellow Duplex on the Pink PEI sand dunes!

amazingly comfortable and homey, with lots of space and very very clean. The owner is a very attentive, informative, personable guy who always responds to your questions in good time. Views are spectacular and proximity to the beach is wonderful. being on the shores of a pond with hundreds of birds is a bonus. Loved the area and so much to see within a 150 mile radius. Fresh Seafood abounding nearby and so close to grocery stores, coffee shops and local restaurants with great food. Would highly recommend this rental.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deborah L.

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

Great place on PEI

We stayed September 26-29 which is at the end of the shoulder season on PEI. The duplex was spotless when we arrived. Nice location and friendly owners. The ocean was a short walk over the dunes. Excellent vacation.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019
From a partner site

8/10 Good

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

What a gem! Right on the beach and close to everything!

This property was everything we imagined and more! Sitting on such a pretty pond with hundreds of birds to watch in the morning with Binoculars supplied by the owner. our dog was mesmerized by the birds and sat on the deck all day just watching the activity. at the break in the dunes where the pond is fed by the ocean, you can see the ocean! From the upstairs master bedroom deck, the ocean is very visible in all it's majesty and force, which we saw first hand on a couple of windy days when we first arrived. LOVED it! A short walk over pink sand dunes took us to the pink beach...think Cuba but pink and flat! the expanse of beach and the expanse of soft sand makes this location a hit in my books. Although it was October and we did have a couple really nice days for strolling on the beach, the summers at this rental would be awesome for kids and adults alike. NO way this private beach access for this neighbourhood would ever be crowded as there are miles of beach to explore at low tide in both directions! the Duplex itself is so comfortable, clean, spacious and well stocked including washer/dryer/dishwasher/satellite TV. There isn't a thing the owner forgot. the Property is big and a great place to bring the family and rent both sides of the duplex. The decks outside are wrap around and make a super place to just chill and take in the views that are spectacular. We loved that the location was only an hour or two from any PEI landmarks, national parks and seafood outlets for lobster, mussels and oysters...Malpeque oysters are some of the best in the world and it was only a 10 minute drive. Kensington and Summerside are both within 30 minutes drive and everything you want in groceries, coffee shops and restaurants are there. We ate at a great pub in Kensington called the Old Stone Pub..food was delicious and craft beer on tap. I cannot say enough good things about this rental. I sure hope we can return some day and enjoy the summer in PEI and use the outdoor showers!
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Oct 2020
Thank you so much for your detailed review, providing future guests with many tips about the beauty and benefits of our special corner of the island. Having stayed here many many weeks in three seasons over the past 18 years we have operated Sandcastles Beach House we have also seen that the beach is NEVER crowded - space, peace and serenity abound. And we too love the Island Stone Pub in Kensington - a mere 12 minute drive to one of our very favourite restaurants. So glad you thoroughly enjoyed your stay. Hope we can host you again in the future.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Great location on PEI

We stayed September 26th-29th which is at the end of the shoulder season for PEI. A quiet location. The duplex was very well maintained and clean on arrival. The owners were friendly and helpful. The beach is a few feet away over a dune. Great weather and a lovely vacation.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Oct 2020
So glad you had a lovely vacation at Sandcastles Beach House. We agree that the beach is a great spot in the fall - uncrowded, peaceful and steps away from the cottage. We hope you can stay with us again in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

christian d.

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

Très bien situé des plages et des dunes.

Bel emplacement près d’une superbe plage tranquille. Beau chalet très propre avec une belle vue sur le paysage, les dunes et de beaux couchés de soleil.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr 2020
Je vous remercie pour vos aimables paroles. Nous sommes heureux que vous ayez eu l'occasion de profiter des magnifiques couchers de soleil sur l'étang. Nous espérons que vous pourrez nous rendre visite et que vous profiterez du reste de l'été.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Sandcastles Beach House

We loved our stay and would definitely come back. Thanks! Debby and Bob
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Oct 2020
So pleased that you loved your stay at Sandcastles Beach House! We certainly would welcome you back anytime you wish to stay with us again. We have made some further upgrades to our property in the past year which you may enjoy on a future visit. We wish you all the best, Debby and Bob.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandy B.

A blissful stay!

Everything a person could ever want is provided in this quaint two bedroom dune side location. A short jaunt over the dunes and you’re at the magnificent ocean with crisp breezes and beautiful red sand. Early sunrises and late sunsets allowed ample time for both leisure time and island discovery. I would highly recommend this wonderful place for both single and family vacations. The host and hostess were very accommodating and some of the nicest people I’ve met in a long time! Thank you so much for a memorable experience!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr 2020
Wow...Sandy...what can I say? Such a nice comment and much appreciated. It was a pleasure to have a chance to spend a little time with you. We seem to be so fortunate through the years to draw the most wonderful people to our little piece of the island. You're welcome back any time to recharge after your busy year.
Verified

8/10 Good

Sue S.

Lovely site.. clean, relaxing and a beach stroll next door!

We stayed 3 nights in September. Sandcastles Beach House had all we needed.. a lovely view, deck to sit on, space and cleaniness we like.. and a fabulous beach right at our back door. Its a way out of town(s) - but thats what we looked for - a place which was peacefull to relax at day end. It was great! The owner, Brian, was very timely in responding to any needs. Would go back again when the time comes....
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

bonnie M.

Great location lovely couple clean well equiped

Lovely
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr 2020
We're lucky to have those western views of the pond and the ocean.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Comfortable, all the amenities, great beds, wonderful area

Very relaxing, great walks on the beach, lovely PEI, super accommodation. Brian was great, lots of good info and quick responses.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr 2020
Thanks so much for coming. We find those sunset walks as the sun disappears into the ocean, leaving behind a colourful display...mesmerizing! Glad you then enjoyed crawling into the comfy new beds.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie G.

Wonderful cottage within walking distance of one of best beaches on PEI!

Sandcastles Beach House-Duneside is a treasure! It's centrally located on the beautiful northern shore of Prince Edward Island. The setting is amazing with a pond filled with bird life right off the deck and then over a short dune walk, you find Thunder Cove Beach, one of the prettiest beaches on the island. The owners are wonderful. They are very accommodating, easy to work with, and anything you could need is provided. We rented both Duneside and Meadowside to have more space to spread out which is a really nice option. Renting both sides would be great for larger families, family reunions, or just to have more space. Just be aware that the cottages don't have an adjoining door inside. But each cottage is very spacious with a wonderful view. Very reasonably priced as well! Highly recommend!! We had a wonderful time here!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr 2020
Thanks for taking the time to write your kind words Jamie. It is always rewarding for us to hear that guests appreciate the surrounding area as much as we do. It is particularly gratifying to find out that a traveller's experience has been enhanced by a stay at Sandcastles Beach House. All the best!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dinah C.

Beautiful, clean, peaceful view of the lake

Brian is a great host. He went out of his way to make sure we had a great time!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2018
Archival

8/10 Good

Ann P.

beautiful setting

We really enjoyed our stay in this great location. The unit was clean and the beds were comfortable. Seeing a pair of eagles circling the pond was a real treat. We stayed in September and it was quiet and relaxing - just what we were looking for. The owners were very nice.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr 2020
Glad you enjoyed your stay. We're fortunate to have the eagles living on the other side of the pond and seeing them most days. We still get excited each time we spot them.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

maureen w.

Great spot and would definitely return!

Our family and dog enjoyed the cottage immensely. It had everything we needed and then some. The location was central and we easily traveled to Cavendish, North Rustico, Kensington , Charlottetown and Summerside. It made a comfortable vacation stay and a great home base. This was our first visit to PEI and we loved everything about the island and our vacation rental. One item of note, the other side of the duplex was rented by another family. We could hear them, as I am sure they could us, through the walls, but nothing disturbing, just the footsteps on stairs, washing machine and murmured voices. This was not a problem for us, but there may be some who would be bothered if the tenants were not respectful of the close proximity.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Apr 2020
We're so happy you enjoyed your visit. We do at times hear the lower tones coming through from the other unit so we are fortunate that we seem to attract guests who are respectful of that. This fall we are actually moving the beach house off its base "the big lift" and adding two more carrier beams and all new supports. We will then be able to add some more insulation up near the joists which may be a partial remedy. Again, thanks for coming and glad you'd like to return.

About the host

Hosted by Brian Power-Grimm

Host profile image
As teachers, my wife Jane and I have had full careers in Nova Scotia, the mountains of BC and Massachusetts. As fitness and outdoor enthusiasts and parents to three sons we have learned the pleasures of recharging at the beach.

Why they chose this property

We did the vacation research for you in 1996 when we travelled Prince Edward Island far and wide looking for "the" cottage where we could happily return year after year. Sandcastles Beach House was everything we had hoped for, and MORE. So much more that we kept a standing reservation as renters ourselves as did many other delighted vacationers. In 2003 we were fortunate to have the opportunity to buy the Beach House, and now we welcome you to come share in the joyful experience of life on the beach.

What makes this property unique

Sandcastles allowed us to park our car at the beginning of the week and not feel the need to start it up again. Having the beach on site, the best views in the world at our doorstep, spacious rooms for our family and all amenities within arms reach made us come back year after year until we bought it ourselves. We are near entry points to section 15-16 of 'The Island Walk' hiking route as well as to the Confederation Trail, so Sandcastles provides us restorative respite after a day of walking our beautiful countryside.

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English
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