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James River Beach Retreat - Last Minute Rate- Williamsburg - Ferry End Cottages
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Reviews
9.6 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% based on
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 592.9 sq m
Popular amenities
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Double Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
James River Beach Retreat - Last Minute Rate- Williamsburg - Ferry End Cottages
Historic James River, VA Cottage with Private Beach & Pier. Ferry End Cottages are located by the Historic Free Jamestown-Scotland Ferry operated by VDOT. Please enter 7 night dates for 10% lower weekly rate. There also is a last minute rate and early booking rate which can be combined with the weekly or monthly reduced rate. Check them all out for cost saving options.
Send a note if you wish to arrange a same day booking. The cottage is carefully cleaned with disinfectant products throughout. Our cottage has both a private beach with easy access and private pier - hard to find amenities on the James River with very close access to historic and entertainment sites.
Free high speed internet, Direct TV, private sand beach, private pier, keyless entry lock, and exterior security flood lights are a few of many useful amenities. You will also have kayaks, life vests, sand toys, and fishing gear for great waterfront fun.,
Our cottage is a perfect PRIVATE retreat get-a-way where you can enjoy a private beachfront setting with no public access. Our cottage is located on the historic James River with your own private white sand beach 10 feet from the cottage, 170 feet of private waterfront and private beach, and 180 foot private pier.
We provide guests with kayaks, fishing gear, beach chairs, gas grill (with propane), and our 180 foot private pier with two large end decks over the water. You will love this cosy cottage with easy, quick proximity to the historic sites and a wonderful, relaxing waterfront setting. Enter weekly dates to see discounted weekly rental rate. Last minute discount and early booking discount also available.
On land once owned by John Rolfe, husband of Pocahontas, the cottage provides endless views of the river and Jamestown Island. The cottage is level with the beach and provides easy beach access. Check the location of waterfront properties carefully on the map. There are only a very few cottages available for vacation rental on the James River with this type of close, level proximity to the beach and river along with easy and quick access to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, and Busch Gardens. We have made both of our cottages available for vacation rental! See vrbo listing #352993 for description of our cottage next door and also explore our ferryendcottges venue. .
Our cottage is in a wonderful location to enjoy a private beachfront/riverfront escape while being very close to major historic and entertainment sites in every direction including Jamestown, Williamsburg, Yorktown, Busch Gardens, Petersburg, Richmond, Smithfield, Virginia Beach and other locations. Great location for a couple or a small family.
Enjoy swimming, making sand castles, sunning, searching for shells, sharks' teeth and fossils, fishing, kayaking or just doing nothing but sitting and watching the water sights and rhythm of the ferries. Enjoy a relaxing retreat with privacy and delightful water views. .
The cottage provides top of the line updates and comfortable amenities - all within a 15 minute FREE ferry ride of Historic Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg and a lovely short drive to historic Yorktown, site of the end of the Revolutionary War. Our cottage is directly across the river from historic Jamestowne Island, a major historic site where the original 1607 fort, site of the first permanent English colony, is under excavation.
The cottage is the perfect get-a-way with a 38 foot heated and cooled sunporch with three walls of windows to capture views of ships, ferries, tug boats and a menagerie of birds including osprey, eagles, seagulls, cranes, ducks and geese. An occasional dolphin can also be seen if luck is with you. We even provide binoculars for your use.
There are two bedrooms - one with a queen bed and the second with a double size antique maple four poster bed. A twin size day bed on the heated and cooled sunporch provides an additional sleeping space for daytime naps and night time sleeping. Each bedroom has reading lamps, an alarm clock, flashlight, terry robes, and luggage rack. Wide windows provide views of the river or the gardens. We provide comfortable mattresses with luxury bed and bath linens, bath toiletries, terry robes, beach towels, bath and kitchen paper products and basic cooking spices.
The sunporch is a favorite hang-out day and night and has a daybed plus chaise lounge and rocking chair for leisurely day time naps or night time sleeping plus a second dining table for dining with a riverfront view. The sun porch day bed (twin bed) is a favorite sleeping spot at night where you can watch the ferry lights gliding back and forth across the river.
Modern design enthusiasts will fall in love with the fully appointed sleek, white IKEA kitchen, original vintage Danish teak furniture, and eye popping fabric throughout the entire cottage. In fact, every single piece of furniture has been recently reupholstered in vintage inspired designs. Bold color is carried into the bathroom with a European-designed, 50 inch green glass countertop.
We have even extended this mid-century revival through to the lighting. Look up to see funky vintage chrome ball Lightolier track lights that my resourceful daughter found that you will want to take home with you--but please don't! Dine in style with a sputnik, mid-century-inspired chandelier above the Danish teak dining table. From original vintage Laurel mushroom lamps in the bedroom to the one-of-a-kind European industrial orange floor lamp in the living room, every light fixture is vintage and chosen with great care to embody the mid-century spirit.
Other high end touches include Waterworks faucet in the kitchen and towel warmer in the bathroom, Hansgrohe bathroom fixtures, Bosch dishwasher, Toto toilet with soft close toilet seat, usb outlets for your electronics, a flat screen TV with DVD player, free high speed internet, keyless entry lock, luxury linens, terry robes, bath toiletries, and basic cooking spices. The central HVAC system provides heat and air conditioning for year round enjoyment. Exterior security lights and cameras are provided for safety and security.
The kitchen has large windows that look out to both the river and the gardens and offers a built-in oven and microwave, gas cooktop, counter depth refrigerator with ice maker, dishwasher, white granite countertops and small appliances such as a Keurig coffee maker, French Press, coffee grinder, four slot toaster, hand mixer, blender, and crock pot. The kitchen is very well equipped with most cooking essentials including quality cookware and dinnerware.
Basic cooking spices, oil, vinegar, sugar are provided along with a few Keurig K-cups and tea bags.. We also provide paper products including paper towels, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, plastic storage bags, and bathroom paper products . If serious cooking is not on your vacation menu, an endless array of restaurants and take-out deli facilities is available. Information on many "food" and "eating" resources is provided prior to your arrival.
But who wants to stay inside? When you are not sightseeing in Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, Petersburg, Smithfield, Busch Gardens, or enjoying the 15 minute ferry ride, this cottage comes equipped with a range of outdoor activities -- even if all you want to do is sit on the beach or the pier with a fishing pole and a book. Strolling the water's edge in the early morning searching for sharks teeth and shells - with a cup of coffee, is a favorite pastime of many guests as is sitting and watching the rhythm of the ferries crossing the river.
Test your skills at finding shark teeth among the shells in the waterline! Included for your enjoyment are two adult size and one child size kayak, life preservers, fishing poles with tackle box basics, beach towels, sand toys, beach chairs and a weber gas grill. The Weber gas grill on the beach, right outside the sun porch door, provides easy beach-front meal preparation. The sun porch also has a handy beverage frig for easy access to whatever libations suit you.
The river is shallow near the shoreline and there are no jellyfish making this a good space for children. The James is a tidal river with two tides per day.
Please note that there are exterior security cameras installed on three sides of the cottage - the entry side facing the parking area, the water side facing the pier and beach, and the east side facing the grassy walkway to the beach.
Please see our other James River cottage right next door at VRBO 352993. You can expect the same great service, spotless cottage, wonderful amenities and absolutely delightful river front setting.
Close by in the county of Surry, guests can find several beautiful historic sites including Smith's (John Smith) Fort Plantation, Bacon's Castle, and the plantation home at Chippokes State Park. The Chippokes Plantation State Park is home to a historic plantation home and historic farm museum along with many outdoor attractions including equestrian trails, a swimming pool, and picnic areas and large waterfront area on the banks of the James River. It also hosts special events throughout the year, providing fun for all the family.
Come and enjoy this turnkey beach cottage. Put in dates to see weekly rate which offers a discount over the nightly rates.
Send a note if you wish to arrange a same day booking. The cottage is carefully cleaned with disinfectant products throughout. Our cottage has both a private beach with easy access and private pier - hard to find amenities on the James River with very close access to historic and entertainment sites.
Free high speed internet, Direct TV, private sand beach, private pier, keyless entry lock, and exterior security flood lights are a few of many useful amenities. You will also have kayaks, life vests, sand toys, and fishing gear for great waterfront fun.,
Our cottage is a perfect PRIVATE retreat get-a-way where you can enjoy a private beachfront setting with no public access. Our cottage is located on the historic James River with your own private white sand beach 10 feet from the cottage, 170 feet of private waterfront and private beach, and 180 foot private pier.
We provide guests with kayaks, fishing gear, beach chairs, gas grill (with propane), and our 180 foot private pier with two large end decks over the water. You will love this cosy cottage with easy, quick proximity to the historic sites and a wonderful, relaxing waterfront setting. Enter weekly dates to see discounted weekly rental rate. Last minute discount and early booking discount also available.
On land once owned by John Rolfe, husband of Pocahontas, the cottage provides endless views of the river and Jamestown Island. The cottage is level with the beach and provides easy beach access. Check the location of waterfront properties carefully on the map. There are only a very few cottages available for vacation rental on the James River with this type of close, level proximity to the beach and river along with easy and quick access to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, and Busch Gardens. We have made both of our cottages available for vacation rental! See vrbo listing #352993 for description of our cottage next door and also explore our ferryendcottges venue. .
Our cottage is in a wonderful location to enjoy a private beachfront/riverfront escape while being very close to major historic and entertainment sites in every direction including Jamestown, Williamsburg, Yorktown, Busch Gardens, Petersburg, Richmond, Smithfield, Virginia Beach and other locations. Great location for a couple or a small family.
Enjoy swimming, making sand castles, sunning, searching for shells, sharks' teeth and fossils, fishing, kayaking or just doing nothing but sitting and watching the water sights and rhythm of the ferries. Enjoy a relaxing retreat with privacy and delightful water views. .
The cottage provides top of the line updates and comfortable amenities - all within a 15 minute FREE ferry ride of Historic Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg and a lovely short drive to historic Yorktown, site of the end of the Revolutionary War. Our cottage is directly across the river from historic Jamestowne Island, a major historic site where the original 1607 fort, site of the first permanent English colony, is under excavation.
The cottage is the perfect get-a-way with a 38 foot heated and cooled sunporch with three walls of windows to capture views of ships, ferries, tug boats and a menagerie of birds including osprey, eagles, seagulls, cranes, ducks and geese. An occasional dolphin can also be seen if luck is with you. We even provide binoculars for your use.
There are two bedrooms - one with a queen bed and the second with a double size antique maple four poster bed. A twin size day bed on the heated and cooled sunporch provides an additional sleeping space for daytime naps and night time sleeping. Each bedroom has reading lamps, an alarm clock, flashlight, terry robes, and luggage rack. Wide windows provide views of the river or the gardens. We provide comfortable mattresses with luxury bed and bath linens, bath toiletries, terry robes, beach towels, bath and kitchen paper products and basic cooking spices.
The sunporch is a favorite hang-out day and night and has a daybed plus chaise lounge and rocking chair for leisurely day time naps or night time sleeping plus a second dining table for dining with a riverfront view. The sun porch day bed (twin bed) is a favorite sleeping spot at night where you can watch the ferry lights gliding back and forth across the river.
Modern design enthusiasts will fall in love with the fully appointed sleek, white IKEA kitchen, original vintage Danish teak furniture, and eye popping fabric throughout the entire cottage. In fact, every single piece of furniture has been recently reupholstered in vintage inspired designs. Bold color is carried into the bathroom with a European-designed, 50 inch green glass countertop.
We have even extended this mid-century revival through to the lighting. Look up to see funky vintage chrome ball Lightolier track lights that my resourceful daughter found that you will want to take home with you--but please don't! Dine in style with a sputnik, mid-century-inspired chandelier above the Danish teak dining table. From original vintage Laurel mushroom lamps in the bedroom to the one-of-a-kind European industrial orange floor lamp in the living room, every light fixture is vintage and chosen with great care to embody the mid-century spirit.
Other high end touches include Waterworks faucet in the kitchen and towel warmer in the bathroom, Hansgrohe bathroom fixtures, Bosch dishwasher, Toto toilet with soft close toilet seat, usb outlets for your electronics, a flat screen TV with DVD player, free high speed internet, keyless entry lock, luxury linens, terry robes, bath toiletries, and basic cooking spices. The central HVAC system provides heat and air conditioning for year round enjoyment. Exterior security lights and cameras are provided for safety and security.
The kitchen has large windows that look out to both the river and the gardens and offers a built-in oven and microwave, gas cooktop, counter depth refrigerator with ice maker, dishwasher, white granite countertops and small appliances such as a Keurig coffee maker, French Press, coffee grinder, four slot toaster, hand mixer, blender, and crock pot. The kitchen is very well equipped with most cooking essentials including quality cookware and dinnerware.
Basic cooking spices, oil, vinegar, sugar are provided along with a few Keurig K-cups and tea bags.. We also provide paper products including paper towels, plastic wrap, aluminum foil, plastic storage bags, and bathroom paper products . If serious cooking is not on your vacation menu, an endless array of restaurants and take-out deli facilities is available. Information on many "food" and "eating" resources is provided prior to your arrival.
But who wants to stay inside? When you are not sightseeing in Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, Petersburg, Smithfield, Busch Gardens, or enjoying the 15 minute ferry ride, this cottage comes equipped with a range of outdoor activities -- even if all you want to do is sit on the beach or the pier with a fishing pole and a book. Strolling the water's edge in the early morning searching for sharks teeth and shells - with a cup of coffee, is a favorite pastime of many guests as is sitting and watching the rhythm of the ferries crossing the river.
Test your skills at finding shark teeth among the shells in the waterline! Included for your enjoyment are two adult size and one child size kayak, life preservers, fishing poles with tackle box basics, beach towels, sand toys, beach chairs and a weber gas grill. The Weber gas grill on the beach, right outside the sun porch door, provides easy beach-front meal preparation. The sun porch also has a handy beverage frig for easy access to whatever libations suit you.
The river is shallow near the shoreline and there are no jellyfish making this a good space for children. The James is a tidal river with two tides per day.
Please note that there are exterior security cameras installed on three sides of the cottage - the entry side facing the parking area, the water side facing the pier and beach, and the east side facing the grassy walkway to the beach.
Please see our other James River cottage right next door at VRBO 352993. You can expect the same great service, spotless cottage, wonderful amenities and absolutely delightful river front setting.
Close by in the county of Surry, guests can find several beautiful historic sites including Smith's (John Smith) Fort Plantation, Bacon's Castle, and the plantation home at Chippokes State Park. The Chippokes Plantation State Park is home to a historic plantation home and historic farm museum along with many outdoor attractions including equestrian trails, a swimming pool, and picnic areas and large waterfront area on the banks of the James River. It also hosts special events throughout the year, providing fun for all the family.
Come and enjoy this turnkey beach cottage. Put in dates to see weekly rate which offers a discount over the nightly rates.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue
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Beach Cottage - James River - Ferry End Cottages - Jamestown & Williamsburg
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- Kitchen
- Free Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning
- Outdoor space
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (71 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 23
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Not childproof. Parents MUST BE WATCHFUL
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights
Please leave linens on the beds.
Return all outdoor items used to original locations - e.g kayaks, chairs, fishing poles, life jackets, etc. Do not put wet items in the pier beach deck storage box.
Run dishwasher prior to departing to avoid any unattended malfunction.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Surry
Located in Surry, this cottage is in a rural area and on the beach. Jamestown Settlement is a notable landmark and some of the area's popular attractions include Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Busch Tennis Courts or Kaplan Arena. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Surry, VA
What's nearby
- Colonial National Historical Park - 18 min drive - 16.2 km
- Jamestown Settlement - 27 min drive - 6.1 km
- College of William and Mary - 33 min drive - 12.2 km
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg - 40 min drive - 22.8 km
- Water Country USA - 40 min drive - 23.5 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Chick-fil-A - 38 min drive
- Starbucks - 38 min drive
- Frothy Moon Brewhouse - 33 min drive
- McDonald's - 36 min drive
- Five Forks Cafe - 35 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.8/10
Cleanliness
9.4/10
Check-in
9.6/10
Communication
9.8/10
Location
9.6/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
1 Dec 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location
Stayed 30 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Lisa O.
30 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lisa O.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Emily H.
6 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Colonial 4th of July
Emily H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Brent K.
28 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Brent K.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
sherri t.
2 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cottage on the James River
sherri t.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Leigh K.
18 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy Rivah Home



Leigh K.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Laura N.
30 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Memorial Day
Laura N.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
6/10 Okay
STACI W.
22 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication
STACI W.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Amy L.
9 Apr 2018
Relaxing riverfront get-away
Amy L.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018
10/10 Excellent
Katrin L.
29 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best Lil Cottage
Katrin L.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jeff S.
24 June 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beachfront
Jeff S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
8/10 Good
Shawn O.
19 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Back to school reboot
Shawn O.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Dianne B.
20 Feb 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable and calming Cottage
Dianne B.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
10/10 Excellent
Karen Ann P.
19 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Location to Explore the Historical Triangle
Karen Ann P.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Carrie P.
30 May 2019
Beautiful cottage!
Carrie P.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
13 June 2018
Great cabin for our family of five for colonial adventures!
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in May 2018
10/10 Excellent
Amanda H.
21 June 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely Perfect!
Amanda H.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Michael Z.
20 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Greatest
Michael Z.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
8/10 Good
Kathryn B.
14 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ok, but a few unexpected things
Kathryn B.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Heather P.
30 Aug 2017
Awesome Host and House
Heather P.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
10/10 Excellent
Tim C.
19 July 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Best Hostess and Cottage !
Tim C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Phyllis B.
11 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Cottage
Phyllis B.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
2/10 Terrible
Joe O.
23 Aug 2024
Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Great vacation until...
Joe O.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Darryl/Kristie R., Dunkirk, USA
27 Aug 2018
Just What We Were Looking For!
Darryl/Kristie R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018
10/10 Excellent
Chris N.
27 July 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Soooo relaxing.......
Chris N.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022
About the host
Hosted by Deena Allen
This cottage belonged to my parents who purchased it in 1948. I am fortunate to be its caretaker now along with the cottage next door (vrbo 352993) that was built by my aunt and uncle (literally) from about 1948 to 1950.
Why they chose this property
This cottage was purchased by my parents in 1948 and has been in our family ever since, providing family summertime fun for many years. With modern amenities and fun decor, there is not a better place to spend time on the historic James River. Combine relaxing private waterfront living with close proximity to historic sites of Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, Surry, Smithfield, Petersburg and Richmond. I also own the two cottages on either side which also are family owned since 1948.
What makes this property unique
One of only handful of cottages on the James River for short term rental and only one of two (and we have both of them) that are level with the river so all you have to do is walk 10 or 15 feet out your door onto the beach. There is no long flight of steps or high cliff to limit your access to the beach and river. Our cottage combines the best of two vacation worlds: the fun of private waterfront living with the fascination of history. Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, James River Plantations and other historic sites are within a fun 15-30 minute car and/or ferry ride!
Languages:
English
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