Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
Located right on the beach, this cottage features 4 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, accommodating 9 guests. Enjoy beach views from the deck, porch, and patio while indulging in nearby water sports and hiking. The property is pet-friendly and includes access to games, with attractions like Rocky Neck State Park close by.
Highlights
Family fun awaits
Top-rated for families.
4 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 9
Popular amenities
On beach
Toys
Barbecue
Patio
Washing machine
Air-conditioning
Explore the area
Old Lyme, CT
Rocky Neck State Park
Place, Rocky Neck State Park
5 min drive
Florence Griswold Museum
Place, Florence Griswold Museum
11 min drive
Hole-in-the-Wall Beach
Place, Hole-in-the-Wall Beach
11 min drive
New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London)
Airport, New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London)
28 min drive
Where you'll sleep
4 bedrooms (sleeps 9)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 4
3 Single Beds
1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 2
Toilet
Bathroom 3
Outdoor shower
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Dining area
About this property
Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach
This classic Beach Cottage (the “Sandtrap”) built in 1956, with own private beach on Long Island Sound, is fully updated while maintaining its historical roots. Old Lyme Land Trust protected wetlands, with views of occupied osprey nests, great white herons and other native birds, adjoin the cottage’s private parking space. As part of Hawk’s Nest Beach community, you can walk to Garvin’s Store, where daily free activities for kids are organized, and play tennis or horseshoes on the courts.
The Sandtrap has plenty of room for family and guests with five parking spaces. Fully furnished kitchen, grill (including propane tank), beach chairs and umbrellas, linens, bath and beach towels, kids' beach toys, boogie boards and inflatables, huge collection of beach reading, classic toys, games and puzzles provided. You do not need to bring any of the above items: they are there. No television but free Wi-Fi Internet access
The large screened-in front porch, with chaise lounges, dining table and ocean views up and down the beach is a favorite location to enjoy your morning coffee. At high tide the front porch is less than 50' from the water. The kitchen is part of the “great room” with views directly on the water. A very large fireplace makes for cozy evenings when it is cool or for marshmallow toasting and when it’s hot the kitchen/dining/living area is fully air-conditioned.
There is a master bedroom with a queen bed on the first floor (air-conditioned) and three bedrooms on the second floor, two with full size beds. The third bedroom has three twin beds. The upstairs bedrooms have ceiling fans and are open to the eaves (those requiring complete privacy should use the master bedroom). One and a half baths plus hot water enclosed outdoor shower to wash away the sea salt after a dip in the Sound. There is a washer/dryer in the cottage.
Free family activities starting at Garvin’s store include a marine biologist's weekly visit to discuss and touch our local sea life. Kids events include a talent show at the store, lollipop hunts, scavenger hunts, bonfires, art creations, sand castle contests, tie-dye tee shirts, movies on the beach, crabbing contest, edible art and much more. You can pick up beach necessities–coffee, ice cream, milk, ice–and tee shirts, beach wear and Hawk’s Nest Beach souvenirs as well
Great local restaurants, renowned art galleries and museums featuring the historic Old Lyme school of American impressionism, both boutique and outlet shopping, spas, golf, antiquing, live theater, local farmers’ markets and much more are very nearby.
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Absolutely no fires on the beach, including in a fire pit or otherwise.
Swimming and using any floatation devices is at your own risk.
Please leave everything as you found it, and do not leave behind any newly purchased items.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 678927vb
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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
Old Lyme
Located in Old Lyme, this cottage is on the beach. Florence Griswold Museum and Essex Steam Train are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park Trail and General William Hart House. The Book Barn and Childrens Museum of Southeastern Connecticut are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.
New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London) - 27 min drive
Restaurants
Dunkin' - 10 min drive
Coffee’s Country Market & Catering - 14 min drive
Dunkin' - 9 min drive
Lyme Tavern - 9 min drive
James Farmacy Organic Cafe and Juice Bar - 14 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 1 total).
How much is parking at Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach located?
This Old Lyme cottage is on the beach, 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Rocky Neck State Park, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Rocky Neck State Beach and Giants Neck Beach. Ferry Landing State Park and Old Lyme Historical Society 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.
This was my second time staying at The Sandtrap, and we will absolutely be returning again and again. The location is perfect if you’re looking for the true beach-house experience. John is incredibly responsive and accommodating, and his flexibility and genuine care for his guests make the entire experience so enjoyable and stress-free. Thank you, John, for another lovely stay at HNB—we’re already looking forward to next year!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Sept 2026
Wonderful! We are looking forward to having you next year!
This was our third stay at The Sand Trap beach house. It's a very charming and rustic beach house with a well stocked kitchen . Beach towels, sheets, blankets, beach toys, and beach chairs are all provided for a comfortable vacation. It was nice to have the sun shade canopy available and the outdoor shower. We had a great week and hope to return next summer. Victoria
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Aug 2026
Thank you so much. We are glad you enjoyed your time at the beach and look forward to you coming again next year!
This was our fourth year staying at this house and, as always, it was phenomenal. We love staying here because the location is perfect, the house is very well equipped, it's very clean and spacious, and the owners are wonderful. We always look forward to our stay at the sand trip.
Great location. It’s wonderful to have Long Island Sound right in your backyard! House is rustic and charming. House is close to restaurants, bakeries, adult and children’s activities.
The Sand Trap is a great place to stay at the beach. The house is right on the water and we'll equipped for fun, cooking, and sleeping. This was our third stay at the Sand Trap and we've loved it each time
This cottage has everything you would want / need for a wonderful relaxing beach vacation . It was nice to have sheets , beach towels and beach chairs , toys , buckets and canopy readily available . Children enjoyed fishing and crabbing on the jetty and made frequent visits to Garvins .We had a fantastic stay and will rent this beach cottage again .Vicki
We loved the view from the porch and the beach. It can’t get much better than that. Had to get used to no TV, but wifi helped. Would definitely stay again and John was wonderful.
You couldn’t ask for a better location on this private beach! Cottage is well- stocked, including everything you need for the kitchen and the beach. John is very responsive and accessible.
Had a relaxing week living the cottage right on the beach life. Screened in porch was everyone's favorite location in the house. Cottage was well equipped. Just had to open the door and the vacation started
Very accurate description. Very rustic cottage but very functionable and comfortable. With twin toddlers there was no worry of them damaging anything. Calm waters wich was excellent for youngchildren.
John's house is one of the most well-equipped rentals at which I've ever stayed. All the sheets, linens, towels, kitchen equipment, beach chairs, beach toys, beachnt, etc. were all already in the house. The house is right on the beach with access to your own private beach. It's a very small community with tons of friendly people. We absolutely loved our stay and would recommend it to everyone.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 31 July 2022
Thanks for the kind words. Hope to see you again next year.
This beach house is one of the most equipped rentals at Hawk’s Nest Beach . John was very kind to let us arrive an hour earlier and we were amazed that he provided linens , beach towels , bath towels , comfortable beach chairs , a pop up tent , beach toys , inflatable tubes and boogie boards , books , games and puzzles .
The kitchen was stocked as well .
The jetty was fun for all to go fishing and crabbing .
A very enjoyable vacation on your own private beach .
We would love to rent it again next summer !!!
We were hoping to find a good old Cape Cod beach cottage by the sea. Rustic, quaint, family oriented, laid back, quiet neighborhood, stick your toes in the sand kind of place that used to exist before all the renovations/condos/traffic congestion hit. Mission accomplished! Cottage completely stocked with all the basics and then some. Plan your menus, bring your ingredients, and you never need to leave the driveway should you choose. Thoroughly enjoyed watching the children exploring and enjoying the wonders the ocean has to offer.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2026
Thank you Charles. Glad you enjoyed your stay. We would be happy to have you back again next year for more beach fun!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay!! It was so nice to be right on the beach. The kitchen/living area, spacious front porch, and shaded area on the sand feels like one big indoor/outdoor vacation space. Hawk’s Nest Beach is very special. It has been loved by multiple generations of many families, including mine. If you have been here before… this cottage is classic Hawk’s Nest. If you haven’t, you are in for a treat. John and family provide everything you need to immerse yourself in the lore and ambience. You will be hooked.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 5 July 2026
Thank you Anne. Glad you enjoyed your stay. We would be happy to have you back again next year for more beach fun!
We absolutely loved the house. John's house was the most well-equipped rental house we have ever gotten. There was ample kitchen supplies, beach chairs, a huge number of beach towels, blankets, extra sheets, etc. The house was in a great location and right on the beach. We highly recommend this house!
Low key home with lots of books for summer reading. Fully equipped with necessaries. This year it was VERY hot upstairs so bring your own fans to help cool it down. Air conditioning downstairs a plus. Nice beach community with a child’s dream of a country store.
We were met by Mr. Heckman when we got to the Sandtrap. We were able to get in earlier than we anticipated! The house was spotless and contained everything you could need for vacation, including a vacation binder with all the rules, history of the house and places to go and eat. There were coffee makers (regular and Keurig), a crockpot, pots and pans, dishes, linens, bath and beach towels. They were fully stocked with cleaners and essentials such as toilet paper and papertowels. They had plenty of beach chairs and sand toys as well. Truly a family style beach house. We had a wonderful time and I would highly recommend the Sandtrap if you are looking for a super host and wonderful family vacation!
This casual home comes complete with linens,towels, basic supplies. It is not fancy but if you enjoy cool breezes off the ocean, open porch dining for several families, and books galore, you will enjoy this house. Our multi generational family used it as the center of our communal activities and loved living the simple beach life for a week.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
About the host
Hosted by The Heckman Family
Your hosts are long-time shoreline residents and visitors. Our closest family members, John Heckman and his wife Helen Cantrell, live 5 minutes away and can answer any questions about the area. John is a former professor of comparative literature and current computer consultant; Helen is a painter and printmaker who shows her art throughout the Northeast. A number of her works are on the cottage walls.
Why they chose this property
Our family has been coming to Hawks’ Nest Beach for over 100 years. John’s grandfather built this cottage in 1956; it has been our family beach cottage ever since, with generations of children and parents enjoying it every season. Decades of beloved beach reading and games await you, with a big tent on the beach and fluffy beach towels and chairs. Indoors you have air conditioning when it’s hot, and a wood-burning fireplace for coziness when it’s chilly. We have provided brochures on local attractions, as well as our own personal guide to the area including maps, arts, antiques, fine dining, sports and other features we think you will enjoy.
What makes this property unique
Hawks’ Nest Beach is a real old-fashioned family beach community with traditions going back generations—children still walk up and down the beach road every weekend morning selling donuts out of an old red wagon; you can still see ospreys raising their young out of raised nests across the road; small inflatable boats and sailfish launch directly out from the beach into the Sound; and fisherman still go out on the ends of the jettys (and sometimes bring back fish!).