BEACHFRONT RENTAL An artist's house on a dune in a wildlife sanctuary.
4.2
Excellent(67 Reviews)House in Prime Hook Beach, DE
8 guests · 3 bedrooms · 3 baths
Reasons to book
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
Includes essentialsPets allowed, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Air conditioner and more
About this house rental
Beachfront rental in Prime Hook, Delaware. Sleeps 9. One King bedroom (splits into two twins), one Queen bedroom, 5 twin beds, featuring Tuft & Needle mattresses. Newly remodeled in 2019—brand new appliances including dishwasher, accessible bath/whirlpool, washer/dryer, Sony flat screen, Bose DVD/sound system. Amenities include stainless steel gas grill, fire pit, cruising tricycle, telescopes, painting easel, and electric car plug-in. Upper and lower decks with water views on both sides of the property (bay/ocean and wildlife refuge). 1.5 baths plus a hot & cold, outdoor deck shower. Accessible wheelchair ramps.
Enjoy the private walkway to the raw, natural beaches of a sanctuary dedicated to protecting the cross migration of birds and Horseshoe crabs. Situated inside the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, the house is ideal for wildlife observation, bird-watching and stargazing in every direction. Wildlife refuge features regular birding tours, lectures, and biking/hiking trails year-round. 10-minute drive to Milton, DE (home of Dogfish Head Brewery) and 15 minutes to Lewes, DE—featuring ocean-front Cape Henlopen state park and Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Nearby Rehoboth, DE offers a boardwalk, rides, and tax-free shopping outlets. Approximately 2 hours from DC/Baltimore, 1.5 hours from Philadelphia, 3 hours from NYC.
Dogs permitted, but please no dogs on the furniture. No smoking in the house, and note that it is NOT designed for smaller children. Perfect for a gathering of family or friends, an artistic residency, working retreat, or a BBQ beach party.
Paint your sunrise masterpiece or pen your maritime novel to the sounds of the surf and the birds. Sittin on the dune of the bay watching the Cape May Ferry cross the horizon you may just find yourself whistling with the wind.
“Sittin' in the mornin' sun
I'll be sittin' when the evenin' comes
Watchin' the ships roll in
Then I watch 'em roll away again”
Enjoy the private walkway to the raw, natural beaches of a sanctuary dedicated to protecting the cross migration of birds and Horseshoe crabs. Situated inside the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, the house is ideal for wildlife observation, bird-watching and stargazing in every direction. Wildlife refuge features regular birding tours, lectures, and biking/hiking trails year-round. 10-minute drive to Milton, DE (home of Dogfish Head Brewery) and 15 minutes to Lewes, DE—featuring ocean-front Cape Henlopen state park and Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Nearby Rehoboth, DE offers a boardwalk, rides, and tax-free shopping outlets. Approximately 2 hours from DC/Baltimore, 1.5 hours from Philadelphia, 3 hours from NYC.
Dogs permitted, but please no dogs on the furniture. No smoking in the house, and note that it is NOT designed for smaller children. Perfect for a gathering of family or friends, an artistic residency, working retreat, or a BBQ beach party.
Paint your sunrise masterpiece or pen your maritime novel to the sounds of the surf and the birds. Sittin on the dune of the bay watching the Cape May Ferry cross the horizon you may just find yourself whistling with the wind.
“Sittin' in the mornin' sun
I'll be sittin' when the evenin' comes
Watchin' the ships roll in
Then I watch 'em roll away again”
Amenities
Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Wheelchair accessible
Map of Prime Hook Beach, DE
Reviews
4.2
Excellent(67 Reviews)4.2
We stayed from Monday to Friday, it was extremely hot(90’s plus) every day. There were window ac units, and all of them were saying to clean the filter. Being by the ocean, I expected flies. The back decks, upper and lower, were in mild disrepair. It really just needs some love! I arrived looking for the picture of the horseshoe crab, but it was Very faded. That said, I would still go back.
4.2
Not exactly what we were expecting. It’s a bit older, cluttered, outdated and in need of a facelift. The owner could be more up front about linen usage and expectations. But overall, it worked for our needs.
4.2
Very beautiful area!
4.2
Great time. Location was awesome. We swam, relaxed, explored, and had a great time!
4.2
Our first impression was fly traps everywhere. A fly trap on the coffee table covered in flies. We tried to move past that though. Then there were the stained yellow pillows. We still tried to move past that. It is a bad time (late May/early June) to be in this area due to the horseshoe crabs and flies. We loved learning about the crabs and getting to see them. But the beach was covered in their eggs and dead bodies. We continued to have a good time regardless. But it was pretty stressful having to swat flies inside the home the entire time. The final disappointment was that in the photos there appears to be a jacuzzi tub. It was not in working order as far as we could tell.
4.2
Quiet, cozy house right on the beach. We were hoping to see some horseshoe crabs and were not disappointed. No exaggeration that we saw more crabs than people.
The views from the upper deck of the house were spectacular.
4.2
Beautiful view front and back of property, nothing else!
4.2
We were torn between spending time in/near the house and the nearby wildlife refuge. The house is filled with light and art and has a ramp to the beach. The refuge is a spectacular location for bird watching.
Both the house and the refuge are quite accessible. The main floor of the house can be reached by ramp and has a bedroom, kitchen, social space, and convenient bathroom. The rest of the bedrooms are up a spiral stair, so I stayed on the mail level. Several of the trails in the refuge are accessible and quite beautiful!
To summarize: a beautiful house on top of a dune overlooking the bay, accessible and dog friendly, near an accessible and dog friendly refuge. We'll be back!
4.2
It was a colder fall weekend and we wanted a change of pace. We spent all of our time at the fire pit watching shooting stars and grilling. We brought electric blankets with us. It was absolutely perfect. The house is nice and in great location to star gaze and bird watch. The owners were super responsive. I’ll definitely stay here again next fall
4.2
What a cute little nook at the beach. Our family truly enjoyed the private beach and quietness. It was great there was a bedroom on the first floor also.Loved it. Views of both the bay and ocean. Just perfect.
4.2
Cozy and comfortable space just a few feet from the beach. So heavenly we can’t wait to return.
4.2
If you are looking to relax and unwind, this is the place. Quiet area, no teens, no noise, no disturbance.
4.2
Right on the beach a fun weekend for the family
4.2
Charming and cozy house. So easy to feel at home here. Perfect location right on the beach. We loved it even on a rainy weekend. We will be back!
4.2
Very homey beach front house
Loved this place! Very unique and fun. Great pictures on the walls, interesting books. Beach is not groomed but loved the closeness to nature! The place had a great vibe and lots of fireworks nearby on the 4th!
4.2
We were thrilled with the house and location. The beach was in our backyard! Didn’t want to leave…
4.2
This house is in a beautiful location. The beach is great, and the neighborhood is nice for walking and seeing the nature sites. The full-time neighbors are really friendly. The views from the house are outstanding. We stayed over a cool week and having windows open, you get a great cross breeze and can hear the waves from the house.
I wish the house had been cleaner. The rugs create black-bottomed socks/feet. The bedding in both the queen and king bedrooms was dirty upon arrival. Fridge had a substantial amount of items left in it upon arrival (half-consumed drinks), and the dryer had personal items in it that we had to fold/hang up to move out of the way upon our arrival. The house felt like it needed to be more “renter ready” with clean-up.
4.2
Great Location
This house is in a beautiful location. The beach is great, and the neighborhood is nice for walking and seeing the nature sites. The full-time neighbors are really friendly. The views from the house are outstanding. We stayed over a cool week and having windows open, you get a great cross breeze and can hear the waves from the house.
I wish the house had been cleaner. The rugs create black-bottomed socks/feet. The bedding in both the queen and king bedrooms was dirty upon arrival. Fridge had a substantial amount of items left in it upon arrival (half-consumed drinks), and the dryer had personal items in it that we had to fold/hang up to move out of the way upon our arrival. The house felt like it needed to be more “renter ready” with clean-up.
4.2
Affordable, comfortable and enjoyable!
If you're seeking a five-star hotel experience, this place will not fit your needs. But if your looking for a comfortable place to unwind with family/friends......enjoy the view, walk the beach, kick back and relax - this place will give you plenty of memorable experiences!
As with any Vacation/rental place, there are positives and negatives; the ocean view is amazing, the house is old but quaint, the amenities are few but adequate, many of us enjoyed the outdoor shower option/experience, the spiral staircase was visually nice but difficult for some family members, the old gas grill must be replaced and the deck area could use some upgrade ............ and did not understand WHY we were instructed to NOT use the outdoor light at the front of the property (until the neighbor across the street complained that the light was bothering her?), the Artist Decor certainly enhances the ocean/beach experience!
Our family truly enjoyed our total experience and would not hesitate to return to this beach house! Thanks for the many new experiences, memorable moments and great pictures!
Ron H.
4.2
Lovely!
We were thrilled with the house and location. The beach was in our backyard! Didn’t want to leave…
4.2
Awesome beach cottage!
We had a wonderful time at this studio/cottage! The easy access (ramp) into the cottage was great. This is a perfect location for a much-needed getaway and if you enjoy wildlife, seeing the eagles nesting was a cool sight!!! The beach is right down a very short walkway which was great for walking our doggie Lily!! The host was extremely attentive! He responded by email almost immediately with answers to any questions that we had! This was a very nice experience!!
4.2
The house was nice and quaint with all the space that needed. It was literally steps from the water. I hear the waves while working and watch the sunrise with my morning coffee.
4.2
Exactly what I hoped and needed
The house was nice and quaint with all the space that needed. It was literally steps from the water. I hear the waves while working and watch the sunrise with my morning coffee.
4.2
Sunrise delight
We had a delightful time at prime hook house. The wrap around deck made it easy for our little furbaby to join us outside without having to be leashed. There was NO ONE else on the beach, so we were able to step off the deck, onto the beach for walks and frolicking. Venturing just a bit away are the viewing trails of Prime Hook, Slaughter Beach, and Bombay Hook Wildlife refuge.
Being November, there were no bugs anywhere and we found the house quite clean and ready for company. Kitchen appliances are new and upscale, and the kitchen is very well stocked. The lower level is definitely more inviting than the upper two rooms, but the view from the upper level decks and rooms can't be beat! Because we needed to be up and out early on our departure day, we brought our own sheets so we could just grab them and go. This IS the bay, so don't expect ocean waves. And for swimming, Rehoboth and Lewes are just down the road. A most enjoyable stay at this cozy beach cottage.
4.2
Great location but...
Place was not clean-very old coffee grounds in coffee maker, which had a very badly stained carafe. Place needed vacuumed, dining counter and kitchen ones had a lot of sticky, dirty spots. Furniture worn and I couldn't get out of the sofas without help. Counter stool-chairs too high to eat there comfortably. Outside grill rusted beyond use. Decking needed much repair so the best view of the bay was inaccessible. Thank goodness the mattress was new. Overall the property is badly run down.
4.2
The property is in a great location for a quiet downtime getaway with friendly neighbors. The house was ok. People in the reviews mentioned the spiders, yeah, there's spiders and bugs just annoying with them in the house so much. The house had everything we needed just a bit run down. And on our way to the house the first night was notified the upper deck was off limits which was really disappointing as you get the best view of the beach from there. There also were no beach chairs and just enough chairs on the deck for the 3 of us. It was fine for a couple of days but it would have been nice to get a later checkout as it was a bit of a rush to get all the linens washed, dried & folded, garbage out and breakfast cleaned up all by 11am.
4.2
Peaceful, private area
The property is in a great location for a quiet downtime getaway with friendly neighbors. The house was ok. People in the reviews mentioned the spiders, yeah, there's spiders and bugs just annoying with them in the house so much. The house had everything we needed just a bit run down. And on our way to the house the first night was notified the upper deck was off limits which was really disappointing as you get the best view of the beach from there. There also were no beach chairs and just enough chairs on the deck for the 3 of us. It was fine for a couple of days but it would have been nice to get a later checkout as it was a bit of a rush to get all the linens washed, dried & folded, garbage out and breakfast cleaned up all by 11am.
4.2
Fun house in a fantastic location!
We chose this house for the accessible features and secluded location and had such a blast! We have a family member who uses a power wheelchair and she had free range all over the first floor decks and inside the house. She could fit right at the countertop for meals and was able to use the outside shower with a shower chair we brought (unfortunately she couldn’t use the inside tub/shower). We loved how the beach was literally steps away but the path was too narrow (and a little steep) for the power beach wheelchair we rented. We were able to access the beach a few houses down on a flatter area. The neighbors were so nice and helpful and the whole road was calm and peaceful. The only small downside was the house didn’t seem to have been cleaned when we showed up so we had to tidy a bit. We had a wonderful time and will probably pick a week for next summer!
4.2
We were looking for a low key vacation as close to water as possible before heading to Bethany Beach. The place fit our large party of 8 including 6 kids ages 18-7 as in everybody had a place to sleep. Although not a problem with our crew, Not toddler friendly with spiral staircase to open wood beamed ceilings. Bill was great to communicate with but place needs major upgrade to fully enjoy including towels, patio furniture, bikes (no brakes) and major cleaning ( tons of spiders) The location was amazing.. a few steps to prime hook beach for sunrise, horseshoe crabs, swimming. We rented a kayak for the week that the older kids loved taking out each day which is a must. Bring bug-spray as the flies and horseflies are pretty bad inside and outside. Pretty secluded with nearest grocery store about 13 min away and ocean beach about 30 min with the coastal highway traffic. We enjoyed our stay but was looking forward to air conditioning and bug free living.
4.2
The interior of the beach house has been updated and is nicely decorated. The wood walkways that wrap around the lower level of the beach house are great. The only disappointment was that second story wood decks are old and need to be replaced so we could not use them. We enjoyed the lower level wood decks and would be happy to stay here again.
4.2
Prime location
We were looking for a low key vacation as close to water as possible before heading to Bethany Beach. The place fit our large party of 8 including 6 kids ages 18-7 as in everybody had a place to sleep. Although not a problem with our crew, Not toddler friendly with spiral staircase to open wood beamed ceilings. Bill was great to communicate with but place needs major upgrade to fully enjoy including towels, patio furniture, bikes (no brakes) and major cleaning ( tons of spiders) The location was amazing.. a few steps to prime hook beach for sunrise, horseshoe crabs, swimming. We rented a kayak for the week that the older kids loved taking out each day which is a must. Bring bug-spray as the flies and horseflies are pretty bad inside and outside. Pretty secluded with nearest grocery store about 13 min away and ocean beach about 30 min with the coastal highway traffic. We enjoyed our stay but was looking forward to air conditioning and bug free living.
4.2
Sun House - Kitchen was well equipped. Sits directly on private beach. Greatly enjoyed our stay.
The interior of the beach house has been updated and is nicely decorated. The wood walkways that wrap around the lower level of the beach house are great. The only disappointment was that second story wood decks are old and need to be replaced so we could not use them. We enjoyed the lower level wood decks and would be happy to stay here again.
4.2
Overall, we had a memorable experience during our beach stay. The beach is great and is only about 30 feet away from the house. The weather was fantastic and the people were nice. It's dog-friendly, and that's a huge plus for us. Bill, the property owner was very nice and gracious and we appreciate him opening his home to us.
That being said, I would not stay here again. We have two small children, one being a 2.5-year-old. After doing an initial walk-through, the upstairs was virtually unusable to us. The balcony on the loft is about thigh height and the spacing in the slats in-between is wide. You can't really tell this from the photos. We were terrified that he'd either fall over or through, so upstairs was off-limits. So, all 4 of us stayed downstairs. My kids thought it was great, but we spent a lot of $ and to not be able to use 1/2 of the house was not ideal.
Some general upgrades to things people really use: towels, dishes, patio furniture etc.) would go a long way.
4.2
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this place if you have small kids, it was the middle of the pandemic and I was desperate to find something private with the intention of spending all of our time as a family at the house and at this beach. I didn’t do enough research and I didn’t ask enough questions so that’s on me. The loft railing is too low so we never used that space.
1. Prime hook beach is not a swimming beach. We brought our 4 kids under the age of ten and we saw no one in the water, and only a few people in chairs on the beach. It’s horseshoe crab season, which means there are a lot of dead crabs and seaweed on the beach and it smells strongly. The water is warmer on the Bay than at the ocean which is nice, but there are basically no waves, we ended up walking this beach in the mornings but never got into the water.
2. Just because a house has 9 mattresses in it, doesn’t really mean it fits 9 people. There’s only one shower in this house and the location is… next to the kitchen/living, just something to think about. Putting mattresses in a loft hallway won’t really make it a sleeping space. The bunk bed room has been changed and now has only 3 beds in it. There is no dining room table, there are only 4 producers chairs at the make shift island, so pulling yourself up to the island once you’ve sat down is nearly impossible and the height of the chairs was like putting a plate in your lap to eat.
3. Not a cooks kitchen. We knew coming in that this place was secluded, we did not expect to leave for groceries or dining out, who wants to eat out with 4 kids under ten anyway? But this kitchen has only the basic of basic supplies. The appliances work well, but there’s no hood exhaust which we found to be quite annoying when making breakfast sausage and grilled cheese sandwiches during our stay. And the pots and pans/cooking utensils are super cheap. I recommend bringing your own pairing knife/cutting board. Lots of cups and plates but only 3 bowls.
4. There’s no central AC. There are 4 window units in the sleeping areas only, Which means that the kitchen, bathroom, dining and living rooms are several degrees warmer. Which means that the flies congregate here, the flies were bad. I hated cooking and eating here with flies. A lot of flies.
5. You are the cleaning crew. Wash the dishes before you use them. We found dirty frying pans/cups/silverware. Time out how many loads of linens you’ll need to do the morning you leave. Bring your pillows.
4.2
Was looking to escape crowds and have a quiet beach weekend and got exactly that.
4.2
Beach Stay
Overall, we had a memorable experience during our beach stay. The beach is great and is only about 30 feet away from the house. The weather was fantastic and the people were nice. It's dog-friendly, and that's a huge plus for us. Bill, the property owner was very nice and gracious and we appreciate him opening his home to us.
That being said, I would not stay here again. We have two small children, one being a 2.5-year-old. After doing an initial walk-through, the upstairs was virtually unusable to us. The balcony on the loft is about thigh height and the spacing in the slats in-between is wide. You can't really tell this from the photos. We were terrified that he'd either fall over or through, so upstairs was off-limits. So, all 4 of us stayed downstairs. My kids thought it was great, but we spent a lot of $ and to not be able to use 1/2 of the house was not ideal.
Some general upgrades to things people really use: towels, dishes, patio furniture etc.) would go a long way.
4.2
Very private, not for kids
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this place if you have small kids, it was the middle of the pandemic and I was desperate to find something private with the intention of spending all of our time as a family at the house and at this beach. I didn’t do enough research and I didn’t ask enough questions so that’s on me. The loft railing is too low so we never used that space.
1. Prime hook beach is not a swimming beach. We brought our 4 kids under the age of ten and we saw no one in the water, and only a few people in chairs on the beach. It’s horseshoe crab season, which means there are a lot of dead crabs and seaweed on the beach and it smells strongly. The water is warmer on the Bay than at the ocean which is nice, but there are basically no waves, we ended up walking this beach in the mornings but never got into the water.
2. Just because a house has 9 mattresses in it, doesn’t really mean it fits 9 people. There’s only one shower in this house and the location is… next to the kitchen/living, just something to think about. Putting mattresses in a loft hallway won’t really make it a sleeping space. The bunk bed room has been changed and now has only 3 beds in it. There is no dining room table, there are only 4 producers chairs at the make shift island, so pulling yourself up to the island once you’ve sat down is nearly impossible and the height of the chairs was like putting a plate in your lap to eat.
3. Not a cooks kitchen. We knew coming in that this place was secluded, we did not expect to leave for groceries or dining out, who wants to eat out with 4 kids under ten anyway? But this kitchen has only the basic of basic supplies. The appliances work well, but there’s no hood exhaust which we found to be quite annoying when making breakfast sausage and grilled cheese sandwiches during our stay. And the pots and pans/cooking utensils are super cheap. I recommend bringing your own pairing knife/cutting board. Lots of cups and plates but only 3 bowls.
4. There’s no central AC. There are 4 window units in the sleeping areas only, Which means that the kitchen, bathroom, dining and living rooms are several degrees warmer. Which means that the flies congregate here, the flies were bad. I hated cooking and eating here with flies. A lot of flies.
5. You are the cleaning crew. Wash the dishes before you use them. We found dirty frying pans/cups/silverware. Time out how many loads of linens you’ll need to do the morning you leave. Bring your pillows.
4.2
Peaceful and Quiet
Was looking to escape crowds and have a quiet beach weekend and got exactly that.
4.2
This property has ample simple amenities and is disabled friendly- i had teo persons with mobility challenges and they appreciate having bars in the right places in the first floor bath- slept more than I needed but great for gathering- Remote beach has a lot of flies in summer but no crowds - we enjoyed pm bonfires bay sunsets and wildlife viewing- peaceful place - not urban not new but was laid back and perfect for me nd my clan.
4.2
Comfortable for a gathering
This property has ample simple amenities and is disabled friendly- i had teo persons with mobility challenges and they appreciate having bars in the right places in the first floor bath- slept more than I needed but great for gathering- Remote beach has a lot of flies in summer but no crowds - we enjoyed pm bonfires bay sunsets and wildlife viewing- peaceful place - not urban not new but was laid back and perfect for me nd my clan.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Prime Hook Beach?
The average price for a rental in Prime Hook Beach is $523 per night. This rental is $11 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at BEACHFRONT RENTAL An artist's house on a dune in a wildlife sanctuary.. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is BEACHFRONT RENTAL An artist's house on a dune in a wildlife sanctuary. pet friendly?
Yes! This house is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at BEACHFRONT RENTAL An artist's house on a dune in a wildlife sanctuary.?
We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, and parking.
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