Entire home

"The Half Shell" Cottage in Osterville Village

Photo gallery for "The Half Shell" Cottage in Osterville Village

A house with a gabled roof, a front porch with steps, and a flagpole with an American flag.
A living room with a dark wooden floor, a white sofa, two striped armchairs, a glass coffee table, and a fireplace.
A modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a central island with bar stools, and pendant lighting.
A modern kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a central island with bar stools.
A two-story house with a front porch, a chimney, and a flag.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Dive into relaxation
    Unwind in the top-rated pool, your perfect spot for relaxation.
  • Outdoor pool
    The outdoor pool is a refreshing retreat under the open sky - a rare gem in this area.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to Stand Up & Paddle Cape Cod

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Private pool
  • Barbecue
  • Air-conditioning
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet

Explore the area

View map
Barnstable, MA
  • Place, Stand Up & Paddle Cape Cod
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Hyannis Harbor
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Place, Mayflower Beach
    ‪33 min drive‬
  • Airport, Hyannis, MA (HYA-Barnstable Municipal)
    ‪14 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only · Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Office
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

Add dates for prices

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About the area

Osterville

Located in Osterville, this holiday home is by the sea. Hyannis Harbor is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Cape Cod Beaches and Mayflower Beach. Stand Up & Paddle Cape Cod and Barnstable Performing Arts Center are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with windsurfing and sailing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and mountain biking.
View more Holiday homes in OstervilleOpens in a new window
Map
Barnstable, MA

What's nearby

  • Stand Up & Paddle Cape Cod - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Cape Cod Beaches - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Craigville Beach - 7 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Hyannis Harbor - 16 min drive - 12.1 km
  • Mayflower Beach - 33 min drive - 29.0 km

Getting around

  • Hyannis Transportation Center - 17 min drive
  • Hyannis, MA (HYA-Barnstable Municipal) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Harbor & Anchor - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Four Seas Ice Cream - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Daily Paper - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Pizza 1 Subs 2 - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does "The Half Shell" Cottage in Osterville Village have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is "The Half Shell" Cottage in Osterville Village pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at "The Half Shell" Cottage in Osterville Village?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at "The Half Shell" Cottage in Osterville Village?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at "The Half Shell" Cottage in Osterville Village?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is "The Half Shell" Cottage in Osterville Village located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Stand Up & Paddle Cape Cod, Cape Cod Beaches and Dowses Beach. Centerville Historical Museum is 2.8 mi (4.5 km) away.

Reviews

10

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. 15 out of 15 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 15 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Michelle’s house had everything we could have needed and more! Perfect spot for a family vacation. The backyard and pool was even better than pictured - felt like paradise!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Aug 2026
Jamie and her family were wonderful guests. They treated the house as if it were their own. I would welcome them back anytime. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place! Great host - will be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Half Shell was perfect for our family!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great stay!

The Half Shell was exceptional. The pool was clean and heated to the right temp for everyone to jump right in. The house was clean, open layout downstairs and had everything we needed for cooking or going to the beach.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 July 2024
Oh Thank you!! So thrilled you and your family had a wonderful stay!! Come back to The Half Shell anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Loved our stay at the Half Shell Cottage in Osterville Cape Cod MA

An absolutely lovely home, beautifully and comfortably furnished and decorated, equipped with everything you need to enjoy Cape Cod including a wonderful salt water pool and a Barnstable county beach pass. Close to Main Street with restaurants and shops and beautiful Dowses Beach. Host is extraordinarily helpful and responsive. Highly recommend.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful home !!!

The Half Shell cottage was more than we expected. Beautifully decorated, stocked with everything you could need, convenient location, and very pleasant and accommodating owners. We had a great time and would certainly be back again!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
You are welcome back anytime, Patty! Thanks for renting the Half Shell!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A Shell of a Good TIme

The Half Shell vacation cottage in Osterville was a great place to spend many weeks of enjoyment. The beautifully decorated home was a great place to come back to after a fun day at the beach or golf course. The home had everything one could need. I would defeintly stay there again!
Stayed 48 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
We are pleased to hear you and your family enjoyed your summer vacation at the Half Shell, Pam!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Exceptional Home

If you're looking for a well-appointed, comfortable top-quality home for a vacation stay The Half Shell over-delivers. Versus a lot of bare-bones rentals where things are poor-quality and nothing quite works, THS is a 'home'. Beds, kitchen, bathrooms all spotless and home and bath towels all provided. Appliances and cookware top-class. As a family of 4 we had masses of space and enjoyed too the outside deck and dining area. AC works beautifully and WiFi is fast. A short cycle or walk into Osterville which has everything you need and only a mile or so to Dowses Beach. Surrounding area is very beautiful. The owner goes out of his way to welcome you and make sure everything is comfortable/answer any questions. Strongly recommend.
Stayed 13 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Aug 2020
Thanks, Will and family. We would love to welcome you back any time to the Half Shell and Osterville!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

The Half Shell is a home you will want to come back to!!

We are so glad that we stumbled upon the Half Shell!! The pictures on line were beautiful, however when we walked in we were even more pleased. This Half Shell offers all of the comforts of home. Dave and Michelle were the perfect hosts! Always wanting to make sure we were happy. They provided sheets, towels, all paper goods, laundry detergent , soaps, beach chairs and beach towels!! All of the appliances were terrific!! We had everything we needed to feel right at home. The Half Shell is so close to area restaurants and just a short drive or walk to the beach. Oh, and they provided boogie boards as well! They have a beautiful deck with an outdoor shower and a lovely back yard!! We would definitely recommend the Half Shell to everyone! Thank you Dave and Michelle for sharing your home with us! We absolutely loved it! Can't wait for next year!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
We look forward to renting the Half Shell to you and your family next summer, Laura!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect summer retreat

We absolutely loved staying at The Half Shell. Michelle and DJ were incredibly accommodating. The house was immaculate; it had everything you may need to feel at home and relax. Our 3 year old loved the pool. It felt like a fancy getaway. We were close enough to activities but could also just chill at the house. Highly recommend.
Stayed 32 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept 2021
Thanks for the wonderful review. Come back to the Half Shell anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Murphyfam

This house was not only beautiful inside and out, but immaculately clean and well appointed. We were very comfortable and had everything we needed for a relaxing stay and lovely vacation. The owners were very kind and immediately responsive if we had a question. It’s amazingly close to both of the main beaches ( 5 minutes to Dowses ) and the village of Osterville. It’s everything you would want in a beach rental. I would rent here again in a second, and not hesitate to recommend it to a friend. We had a wonderful time!
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Sept 2020
Please come back to the Half Shell anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great week!

We had a great week at the half shell. The property is recently renovated and we loved the style ! Big family room and kitchen, well equipped and stocked, super clean - we spent a lot of time at the house cooking every night and we felt at home and comfortable. Osterville is a great area as well - dowses beach was beautiful and we were close to some quiet fresh water lakes as well. We were also walking distance to a park and the center of Osterville. We would definitely come back !
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Very Responsive owners, home is meticulous, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Couldn't have been better!
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
Thanks for choosing The Half Shell Chuck and Jane! Glad you enjoyed your stay.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Just Perfect!

We just wrapped a week in Osterville and had an amazing stay at the Half Shell. Beautifully furnished and immaculate. My boys loved showering in the outdoor shower after a day at the beach. Close to town and our beloved Dowses Beach. David and Michelle were so accommodating and responded to all of our texts while on their own vacation! Highly recommend this beautiful home.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
So pleased to hear you had such a great vacation. Come back to the Half Shell next year!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Great Cape Stay!

We stayed at "The Half Shell" for a week long summer getaway and could not have been happier. The location is perfect, easy to get to and being in Osterville the home provides easy access to great restaurants and shopping as well as multiple beautiful beaches (the beach permit with the house is a HUGE bonus), but is secluded from the large crowds and traffic of a larger town like Hyannis. The house itself was wonderful, recently renovated and immaculately decorated, and all five of us were able to sleep comfortably with room to spare! Loved being able to wake up in the morning with a coffee or relax after a long day at the beach out on the back deck too. Overall, would highly recommend for anyone looking for a great Cape getaway!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
Thanks for the great review, Matthew. We are thrilled you and your family enjoyed your stay at "The Half Shell." Come back next year!
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