Charming Cozy Cottage, 5 minute pathway walk to quiet, unspoiled beach
If you long for a quiet down time retreat, a place to replenish and rejuvenate from a hectic life, this is your haven. The quaint lane with lovely neighbors is family- and couple-friendly, and a place for friends to reconnect.
This bright, charming, "retro Connecticut shore" cottage has an open-plan on the first floor. The kitchen has everything you could want, whether cooking for a family or just microwaving snacks. Basic cooking utensils and dishware are stocked.
The downstairs master bedroom has a queen-size bed, dressers and a quiet corner with a desk in case you have to squeeze in some work hours on your getaway. The couch in the living room pulls out to a memory foam queen bed.
Upstairs is a lovely, large bedroom with 2 twin beds and lots of floor space (two air mattresses are provided for extra guests) and a sitting area filled with books and games for a quiet day.
The stunning feature of this cottage is the beach. A 5 minute stroll down a grassy path leads to a quintessential New England beach with jetties, kite-flying, fishing, shorebirds, shells, sun and surf. The beach is bordered on both ends by state parks (Seaside and Harkness). Beach chairs, towels and umbrellas are provided.
Because of the quiet, residential nature of the neighborhood, we can't allow any events or parties to occur during your stay.
Nearby activities include: Mystic Aquarium and Seaport, the Eugene O’Neill Theater, Harkness State Park, Coast Guard Academy, Waterford Speedbowl, Skatepark, golf, Mystic Ghost and paranormal tours, lighthouse tours, multiple parks, breweries, museums, casinos, excellent seafood restaurants, boat cruises, and ferries to Block Island, Orient Point and other locations. A little over an hours drive gets you to Newport and Providence, RI.
The cottage is handicapped accessible (ramp entrance). Master bedroom and bath are on the main floor. Bathroom doorway is too narrow for wheelchair entry.
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This is a close-knit, residential neighborhood. Please be respectful of the neighbors' property boundaries and limit noise between 9 pm and 8 am.
One car in the driveway. If you require more than one car, please message host.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 740769vb
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 first aid kit
About the area
Waterford
Located in Waterford, this cottage is near the beach. Ocean Beach Park and Mystic Downtown Marina are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration. Custom House Maritime Museum and Garde Arts Center are also worth visiting. Kayaking, snorkelling and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby.
Harkness Memorial State Park - 14 min walk - 1.3 km
Waterford Beach Park - 3 min drive - 2.9 km
Pleasure Beach - 4 min drive - 2.1 km
Ocean Beach Park - 7 min drive - 5.4 km
New London Ferry Dock - 11 min drive - 9.9 km
Getting around
New London Union Station - 17 min drive
New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London) - 27 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 6 min drive
Cumberland Farms - 7 min drive
NV Bakery & Market - 7 min drive
Dunkin' - 6 min drive
When Pigs Fly - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Charming Cozy Cottage, 5 minute pathway walk to quiet, unspoiled beach pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Charming Cozy Cottage, 5 minute pathway walk to quiet, unspoiled beach?
As of 3 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming Cozy Cottage, 5 minute pathway walk to quiet, unspoiled beach on 7 Sept 2026 start from AU$311, 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 Cozy Cottage, 5 minute pathway walk to quiet, unspoiled beach?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Charming Cozy Cottage, 5 minute pathway walk to quiet, unspoiled beach?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Charming Cozy Cottage, 5 minute pathway walk to quiet, unspoiled beach?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Charming Cozy Cottage, 5 minute pathway walk to quiet, unspoiled beach located?
Situated by the sea, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Harkness Memorial State Park, Pleasure Beach and Waterford Beach Park. Eugene O'Neill Theater Center and Ocean Beach Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
House was clean, neat and tidy. Close walking distance to private beach was great for our little ones. Neighbors are all very friendly and helpful. Hoping to stay again some time!
This house was perfect for our group of 3 adults. Beautiful beach, friendly neighbors, convenient to Niantic, New London and Mystic. The kitchen had all of the cookware we needed and beach supplies- chairs, towels, umbrella, binoculars were thoughtfully supplied. We also appreciated the family history of the house.
With a little TLC this could be a really cute cottage! Paint the kitchen cabins to brighten it up…some new area rugs and a new chair is all it would need. Great location…private beach!
Very quiet neighborhood with friendly neighbors and a pristine private beach. House was clean and comfortable. Host Pam was very responsive to my questions. Highly recommend!
Great location, very convenient to nearby towns, parks and beaches. Just a short walk to the beach. Reminded me of the cottages that once were all over Cape Cod. It is an older cottage that is well maintained. It is located on a very quiet private street. Has the things you need for a comfortable stay including a kitchen with the things you need for a vacation meal away from home. If you are planning a stay in the Waterford area then I would recommend it. My family of 4 was very comfortable during our stay.
Beautiful older cottage with modern amenities. Family friendly, if you are looking for a quiet contemplative vacation away from noise and excitement. Exactly what was needed.
We've stayed before and this was our 3rd time at this house. Always a joy. This time we spent most of the week going to the beach and just relaxing. Great for a small family! :)
Alice E.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Aug 2022
We’re glad you had another great week. We agree, the beach is the best. Keep coming back!
Verified
8/10 Good
Susan M.
5 July 2018
Quiet Cozy Cottage
This cottage was a perfect way to kick of our summer! Its nice and quiet on the street--you feel like you are in a whole other world! It was so nice relaxing with my family and having friends come down and visit! Much fun to be had at the beach, and the accompanying Seaside State park! Perfect area for Nerf Gun Battle!
Susan M.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Mar 2020
We are so happy that you enjoyed yourselves! It's fulfilling for us to be able to share our cottage and all that goes along with it (beach, great neighbors, peace and quiet). We hope you can return soon!
The cottage was perfect for my family including my 8yr old grandson. We swam at the beach (which is just a short walk from the cottage) several times daily. The host was excellent at communication, the neighbors were super friendly, especially John who lives adjacent to the cottage, the beds were comfortable and the kitchen had all the amenities needed for making our meals.
I highly recommend the cottage and plan to go back some day.
Excellent neighborhood/beach and super clean cabin
The private beach is quite nice and is an easy walk even for our toddler. The beach in Harkness park 2min drive away is bigger, and highly recommend it as the park is huge and so beautiful, has big lawn area overlooking the sea for bbq. Although the cabin shows it’s age now but it’s super clean. All the neighbors are friendly and they are all cousins of each other. Quite unique neighborhood. The only downside is the internet is not very stable for video conferencing etc, but it shouldn’t be an issue if you don’t need to work while on vacation.
Angie L.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 2 July 2021
Thanks for your review , Angie. We are glad you discovered Harkness…it’s a real plus for the area and so close by. Come back another time when your husband doesn’t have to work!!
Archival
6/10 Okay
Melanie H.
10 July 2017
House very clean and temperature comfortable
Disappointed that beach was dirty with seaweed and you could not use it, not a place to swim. The house was very clean, window air conditioners in place but not needed, Owner very helpful and went out of her way for us. It was suggested to use bottled water, due to water coming from well, no big deal,, Nice quiet location, neighbors very nice
Melanie H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Mar 2020
Thanks for taking the time to review our property. We are sorry the beach was not at its best while you were here. After fifty-plus years of visiting the cottage, we know how disappointing it can be at those times when the beach seems unusable. Unfortunately, wind direction, water temperature, storms and who-knows-what-else can affect the amount of seaweed on the beach. We have seen it be seaweedy one day and then, literally overnight, it clears up and is beautifully clean and clear.
Usually, clearer spots can be found a short walk down the beach or at the state beach on the other side of the wall. We will be sure to show future guests the best way to access that beach.
Very relaxing and quiet.....very nice cottage ....really enjoyed the little touches like granola bars and nuts on table .....just an enjoyable stay. With my lung cancer and my friends not being there to help me pack up and leave I did the best I could with picking up. Couldn't get lockbox to open so put key under doormat.
What a cosy, quiet and relaxing place to enjoy a break. Pam’s cottage was just right for our group. We all had the space we needed and it allowed us to enjoy dinner together indoors or out. The sleeping situation was great for the four of us. There is a convenient path to head down to the beach and take a stroll. We did that almost every day. There is also a nice park located on one end of the beach that is walking distance, if you don’t mind a little exercise. The location was convenient for us to explore some of the key attractions and then return back to the home base for a relaxing night. We are glad we made this choice and hope others will enjoy their stay as much as we did.
Lingling S.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2022
We are so glad you enjoyed your time in Waterford and the surrounding area. Please come back again!
First and most important.... COMFY bed! My husband and I have a sleep number bed at home and, sadly, we find we really miss it when we travel. Sometimes the lack of sleep can ruin an otherwise great vacation destination. Everything was clean and comfy. Our only complaint is that we forgot about the lovely path to the beach until our last day :(. Boy, once we remembered and strolled to the beach we wish we'd skipped Mystic and had just relaxed on the beach with books all day. Pam was very welcoming and checked in on us via text to make sure we didn't have any issues or questions. We would highly recommend Esther's Cottage!
Samuel S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 15 July 2021
We are so glad you had such a good visit! And yes, next time, the beach!!
Nous avons beaucoup apprécié la tranquillité des lIeux et l’accès facile à la plage qui est aussi très calme.
Pam est facilement accessible et répond rapidement.
We had a great time with our 4 kids ages 8 to 13. Many great restaurants within 15 minutes, Recovery Room, Tony Ds, On the Waterfront, Paul’s Pasta. Recommend mystic Aquarium, mystic Seaport museum, Newport Mansions, best of all and well worth the price, POET'S LOUNGE SAILING CHARTERS, 3 hours with a swim! Short walk on the private path to beach was also a great plus for kids to bike.
Esther's Cottage is exactly like the description. My husband and I, our two adult daughters, and our 9-month-old grandson spent six days enjoying the quiet simplicity of this vintage home. Being able to walk out the front door, stroll down a shaded path and end up on our own private beach was awesome. Pam was easy to communicate with throughout our stay and we loved getting to know the history of the several cottages owned by Pam's family. The beds were comfy, kitchen well stocked and the bathroom was spotless. The upstairs bedroom is big and cooled by AC or fan. The front yard is small, but has a nice shade tree which is visited frequently by birds. The only negative for us is that we all have ATT and did not get phone service. The WIFI works well and there is a land line for local calls or in case of emergency. We already booked for next summer!!
This tiny throwback cottage is a perfect accommodation for a small family in need a very quiet laid-back beach accessible getaway. We came up for a week to celebrate our daughter's graduation from USCGA and it worked out perfectly. The beach is just a quick few minute walk down a grassy lane. You can walk a long ways all the way to Harkness Memorial Park with incredible views of the sound. I'd say the only drawback is the small driveway that will accommodate at most two cars. However the neighbors are family and incredibly friendly and accommodating should you need extra space. We will definitely book again if we're back this way. Thank you Pam for making it such an easy rental.
Andie D.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 May 2022
We’re so glad the cottage worked out for you and your family. We look forward to seeing you again!
Pam was very responsive and checking in during the tropical storm, also her neighbors were checking in with us too! Everything was great, we faired well throughout the storm and enjoyed our week stay. As a mom, I loved the laundry hampers in each room, and plenty of hanging rods and outside line for hanging towels and bathing suits. AC worked well also. Some pictures are out of date, there's now a powered chair (the kids loved) and updated table/ chairs and updated bed linens. The floor has some wear, but we didn't mind at all! Hope to be back to the beach house next year
karen s.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2021
We would love to have you back again, Karen! Hopefully for a week without a storm. We have updated from the photos on the VRBO page and are anticipating a full bathroom renovation this fall. So come back and enjoy!
About the host
Hosted by Pam Maxson
The owners of this property are 18 cousins who inherited the cottage from their Aunt Esther, who thoughtfully wanted to make the cottage accessible for all of us, most of whom have fond memories of playing at the beach and visiting Aunt Esther as children and young adults. We are scattered all across the country but some of us make it back to stay in the cottage regularly, soaking up the memories and the beach.
What makes this property unique
Where else do you get a beach, a sweet cottage in a neighborhood filled with members of a family who have been on "the Lane" for 6 generations? You are never a stranger here!