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The House At The Top Of The Hill

Waterfront cottage with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for The House At The Top Of The Hill

Sandy Point beach with lighthouse-3 minute walk down the hill from cottage.
Cottage front-road view.
Small front deck facing the road.
Door to cellar and laundry area.
Back of cottage facing the water. This is where the glassed in porch area is.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 574.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

View map
Portsmouth, RI
  • Place, Brown University
  • Place, Narragansett Bay
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Roger Williams University
    ‪43 min drive‬
  • Airport, Providence, RI (PVD-T.F. Green)
    ‪72 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Glassed in Porch

1 Single Bed

Main Room

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The House At The Top Of The Hill

Before making a reservation, please understand that Prudence Island may not be the best choice if you have events to attend on the mainland. Please make an inquiry first to make sure a stay on Prudence Island is a good fit for your activities in the area. Thank you!
Quiet, remote, escape from the big city...this is Prudence Island. Our cottage is very simple, but extremely adequate to sink into Prudence and forget the mainland. The Island offers an unhurried pace of life and is like a step back in time. You will find no commercialism here. When you board the ferry in Bristol, Rhode Island, leave all your stress on the dock. If you are looking for the buzz of big city night life or the excitement of a theme park, then you have come to the wrong place. If you are looking for total relaxation and a renewal of your spirit, then Prudence Island is for you.

Prudence Island is a whale-shaped island in the center of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. Accessible only by ferry or private boat, it feels like a million miles away, but is only a short distance from Providence-Rhode Island's capital, and the mansions of
Newport, Rhode Island. There are no motels, restaurants or convenience stores, so plan on bringing everything you need. If your in-laws decide they need to pop in during your Island vacation, they need to know in advance that there are no instant accommodations on the Island. They will stay with you, eat the food you have brought and deplete your toiletries. There is a very small store that carries some essentials, but there is no guarantee they will be operating or open when you need them. Of course, you can leave the Island and go to the mainland, but you may not want to.

There are several websites and Facebook pages on the internet to help you better get a feel for Prudence and the exciting areas around the Island to visit during day trips. Prudence Island, The Farnham Farm, Prudence Conservancy, Newport and Bristol Rhode Island are all good searches to start with. Explore the Internet, then make your reservations to explore one of the world's little pieces of heaven-Prudence Island.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Water view

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Property grounds
Classic waterfront cottage on Prudence Island, private beach, dock & mooring
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
10.0 out of 10, (80 reviews)
Classic waterfront cottage on Prudence Island, private beach, dock & mooring

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
Well mannered pets are sometimes allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking is not allowed in the cottage

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
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
Property Registration Number 02/23/2025, RE.03389-STR

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

North America

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Map
Portsmouth, RI

What's nearby

  • Narragansett Bay - 4 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Blithewold Mansion Gardens and Arboretum - 42 min drive - 11.0 km
  • Roger Williams University - 43 min drive - 12.4 km
  • Newport Bridge - 45 min drive - 14.5 km
  • Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast - 55 min drive - 28.6 km

Getting around

  • Providence Station - 65 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cumberland Farms - ‬48 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬52 min drive
  • ‪Mindy’s Restaurant - ‬47 min drive
  • ‪RWU Global Heritage Hall - ‬45 min drive
  • ‪The Gulf Stream Bar & Grille - ‬54 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The House At The Top Of The Hill pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

How much is parking at The House At The Top Of The Hill?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The House At The Top Of The Hill?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The House At The Top Of The Hill?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The House At The Top Of The Hill located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Narragansett Bay and within 6 miles (10 km) of Prudence Island Ferry Terminal and Linden Place Mansion. Hope Street and Herreshoff Marine Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.4

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. 58 out of 75 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 75 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 75 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 75 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 75 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Danielle M.

Perfection. Couldn’t have been kinder, we had a beautiful time.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We love it here. You will not be staying at a 5-star hotel, but that’s the point. It is a well-loved summer home with so much history, the best view of the ocean, and a short walk to the beach. Bring some charcoal to grill on the hill, a towel for the outdoor shower, and just relax.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Mike M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved Prudence Island

The house is very basic. More like a camp but the view is spectacular and served us well.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

victoria r.

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

Prudence Island Charm

This property has the true Prudence island charm. The pictures do not do this cottage justice. Elizabeth was quick to answer any questions. We had a wonderful time.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Catherine P.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Cottage on the hill

Our 3rd summer on Purdence staying in this little cottage. Elizabeth is always easy to communicate with and quick to respond. If you’re lookikng for a “vintage island experience” with a million dollar view this is the spot for you Already booked our time for next summer !!
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joy W.

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

Best kept secret.....ssshhhhhh

Prudence Island and "the house at the top of the hill" are best kept secret!! I feel so fortunate to have found this diamond in the rough!! Absolutely loved this cottage, the view and the island!! Driving onto Prudence Island is like taking a step back in time in the best sence of the words. Everyone waves here and it was refreshing to encounter such open and friendly people. Their neighbor/cousin across the street walked me thru his amazing garden and I took a whole salad back to the cottage in the pocket of my sweatshirt, he was a pleasure to meet!! The cottage felt like home to me and we will be returning. The only thing I wish I had more of at this cottage........was time. Elizabeth was very easy to talk to, friendly, helpful and I just want to thank her for sharing her wonderful little piece of heaven with us!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Luke P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming cottage with the best view on the island. Waking up to the sunrise and the ocean in front of you is truly an unbelievable experience. Wonderful fishing, clamming, and beaches.
Quahog
Sandy beach
Steamers
Fried fish and stuffies
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Love it here. Fantastic view. Will be back next year!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome as always! See you next year!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristen M.

Always a great location with a view and the cool breezes.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lea R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect gateway. Lovely house, breathtaking view of the bay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terry O.

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

Lovely Cottage, Simple Life

We had a lovely, seamless stay at this quintessential New England cottage. The host, Elizabeth, really helped us understand Prudence Island and what it would mean to journey and stay there. She also introduced us to some online groups that helped us resource lobsters on-island and lovely plums from cousins from across the road. Though only a few miles from the mainland, it felt a world away. We loved the simple life, and the cottage had everything we needed to cook and be comfortable! We hope to return next year.One thing: having lived in older houses myself with wood floors, they are somewhat hard to keep clean. You might want to bring a pair of slippers or house shoes for inside.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura G.

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

Comfortable cottage, lovely island

The cottage was exactly how the owner described it. It's a basic beach cottage, worn in spots, but very comfortable. It is small, compact, but has all the necessities. It is located very close to the ferry landing, in a quiet neighborhood. The 'Crow's Nest' trail is just across the road and down the road a bit, but is unmarked. This trail leads to the Baker farm, where other trails can be picked up. The trails on the island are beautiful. We found the cottage to be very restful. Just sitting in the yard, watching the boats and listening to the buoy was enjoyable.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie H.

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

So Relaxing

A stay at this house is beautiful in any weather. Whether it's hot beach weather, cool and breezy, or raining, the island is a beautiful place, and experiencing it at this house is lovely. Great view. Lovely yard. The dining area on the porch, with comfy chair, single bed and broad view of the water, is the heart of the house. What does one do on Prudence Island?-- Walk, swim, read, chill. You might not even want to turn on the TV in the living room, though there are plenty of DVDs to choose from if you want a movie night. There are also some games there for family fun. The outddoor shower at this house is great for every shower, not just for after swimming. The folks across the street will take your compost so you don't have to worry about getting rid of food garbage when you leave. Very convenient.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy S.

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

House on the hill

We love the location of this house. Can't wait to stay again!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Martha A.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quintessential family getaway

We had a great stay and enjoyed the quiet and the break.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Catherine P.

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

perfect once again

If you like simple cottages with amazing views this is the perfect spot for you!! Walkable to an excellent beach for swimming and sunbathing and about 15 minutes to beaches on the other side of the island Outdoor shower is awesome and the hammock will call your name as soon as you walk around the back of the house Elizabeth the host is easy to communicate with and quick to respond Just book it !!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bob S.

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

House on the hill

Had a fantastic time. We will definitely be looking to stay here next season.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Miranda C.

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

House on the hill

Second time staying here and it was even better than the first. We packed up like we were camping. Sleeping bags, towels, cooler filled. The kitchen is fully stocked with all supplies you could need. Our days were spent swimming and adventuring the island. Our nights were relaxing on the porch with an amazing view. It’s a little hidden gem for sure. Owners are very welcoming and receptive to the needs of the renters. 5 star.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wendy S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing view!

We really enjoy staying at this cottage. It sure does fill up fast!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kassandra R.

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

Prudence Island

Loved the house, it’s a little cottage. Anytime I had a question or anything- the owner answered very fast. A beautiful view of the water.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa R.

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

Wonderful cottage

This was our second year at this cottage. We love the location on top of the hill with the screened in porch, the outdoor shower and a little grill. It’s a short walk to the beach that is the little local swimming hole so to speak. The neighbors are so friendly and we can not wait to go back. Communication with Elizabeth was also great.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristen M.

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

Quaint little house with great view

It is a nice little house with a great view of the bay, small but quaint. Has necessary amenities, clothes washer and dryer and a decent fridge. It is up on hill which is a little work to bring in your supplies but it is worth the effort.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

victoria r.

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

Cottage on the hill

We had a great time. Any time I reached out with questions they were answered very quickly. The cottage has what you need for a stay on Prudence. We will be back.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Julianne O.

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

beautiful weekend

overall we had a wonderful stay. this was our first trip to the island so we did not know what to expect. we would recommend bringing everything you need. gorgeous sunrise view from the front room of the property
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Elizabeth Lilley

Host profile image
Prudence Island has seen many generations of my family. We are true Islanders and have been going to Prudence for decades. We currently live in North Carolina and don't get to go to the Island as much as we would like to, but that will change with retirement! Prudence is the only place I go that truly renews me to face the real world.

Why they chose this property

Prudence is a family place. I can't imagine not going to Prudence. The Island is not for everyone and you either love it or hate it. If you love it, it becomes part of you and you need it to renew yourself for life's stress. The people who aren't happy with Prudence are those that want to be entertained and need a certain lifestyle to be happy. Prudence has no commercialism because the Islanders do not want it. People and nature make up Prudence and that is all you need to have one of the most relaxing vacations you have ever had.

What makes this property unique

No commercialism, a step back in time. People are friendly. No one cares if you have makeup on or not, or what your current fashion statement is. Everyone waves, speaks and is actually nice! Since Prudence is an island, there are beaches all around and every one is different. We have majestic New England rocks in front of our cottage, but if you walk 3 minutes down the hill, there is more of your traditional beach with coarse sand. If you go to the west side of the Island, the beaches are fine sand and you can often go and not see another person. You will not want to watch television or constantly have your Ipad on-there is too much to do and see.

Languages:

English
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