The House At The Top Of The Hill
Cottage in Portsmouth, RI
5 guests · 3 bedrooms · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
About this cottage rental
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.
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.
Amenities
Pets allowed
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Parking
Laundry
TV
Map of Portsmouth, RI
$$$$
Reviews
Summary of reviews
Guests had a fantastic time at the cottage with amazing views, fully stocked kitchen, and friendly neighbors. They enjoyed swimming, relaxing, and adventuring on the island, planning to return next year.
10.0
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.
10.0
We love the location of this house. Can't wait to stay again!
8.0
We had a great stay and enjoyed the quiet and the break.
8.0
The house is very basic. More like a camp but the view is spectacular and served us well.
10.0
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 !!!
10.0
Had a fantastic time. We will definitely be looking to stay here next season.
10.0
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.
10.0
We really enjoy staying at this cottage. It sure does fill up fast!
10.0
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.
8.0
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 !!
10.0
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.
10.0
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.
8.0
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.
8.0
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
10.0
Elizabeth’s property is exactly what you would expect for a house on prudence island. It is quaint, with all the amenities you need. I noticed some nice improvements such as new paint and fixtures that made it even more comfortable than last year. Awesome location overlooking the bay and plan to return next year.
4.0
The location is great. The island is spectacular.
I knew this was a cottage but I was not expecting the uncleanliness since there was a cleaning charge for each rental. When entering through the door to the kitchen, the first thing we saw was a dirty peach pit on the counter and a dirty fork in the sink with ants all around. So the first thing we had to deal with was cleaning up the ants and counter and sink. There was also someone else's garbage (not much but still not nice) in the bathroom garbage can. The fridge had used things left and also spills. Also, the floors were very dirty. They clearly had not been vacuumed and definitely not mopped in a very long time. Given all this, I'm not sure what the $100 cleaning fee gives you. The mattress pads need replacing - they are stained and gross. The outdoor shower was nice. The location is great and the cottage feel is nice. Just would have preferred to have it clean upon arrival.
6.0
The cottage was simple and adequate as stated in the description. The location and views were spectacular. The new enclosed porch and outside shower were both very nice.
However, for the most part the cottage is very dated, dark and very musty. Although the provided bed linens were in plastic totes they were so musty they were unusable without first laundering. Glad that we had taken our own bedding. The window fans and floors were not at all clean and there was pet hair all over the sofa cover. It was nice to have access to the laundry but it was located in the basement which was also the storage room. A little organization and the addition of adequate lighting would help a lot. Overall, with a few more renovations the place will have a lot of potential.
8.0
The property was much as we expected and had hoped for. A traditional island cottage like others we have rented. Not glamorous! It suited us. (one comment, I had not anticipated the challenge of getting our food and supplies up a flight of twenty-two stairs. I'm getting old! Perhaps this should be mentioned.
10.0
How can you not stay at this cottage and fall in love …. The house is perfect for an organic getaway - it has everything you need to be super comfortable and the most amazing view of the bay !! We’ve fallen in love with Prudence Island and this cottage is a big reason why !! Thanks Elizabeth !!
10.0
Beautiful view in a peaceful setting
Gorgeous view! So peaceful. Perfect setting for pictures and a lovely walk to the lighthouse. All amenities provided. We enjoyed our stay!
10.0
Wonderful time at Prudence Island
It was our first time in Prudence Island, It has been an amazing and unique experience for myself and my husband and our family friend.
The cottage was comfortable and has a very relaxing and amazing view of the water. Neighbors are very friendly.. We really enjoyed our stay.
Elizabeth the owner was very easy to communicate with and quick to respond to our queries.
We highly recommend this place and we will definitely book again.
10.0
Hilltop cottage
This is a charming cottage on a hilltop site overlooking the water to the east. Elizabeth’s description of the property and the island are accurate and her communications are clear and timely.. We loved it.
10.0
Getaway in RI
Prudence Island never fails to be the perfect getaway for relaxation away from all the hustle and bustle. The views are amazing from the house on the hill and the most recent updates to the house make it that much better.
This is not my first time renting this property and it will not be my last
10.0
A wonderful place
We had a wonderful time on Prudence Island! Cute and cozy cottage, great people, amazing view, great fishing, great clamming, awesome beaches, super relaxing and Elizabeth is a fantastic host...!!! Our first time on the Island and we would love to go back! Prudence is a very special place.
10.0
Relaxing- Great View, Responsive Host
The house is simple, but has everything needed for a relaxing time. The view is beautiful, and my kids loved jumping off the dock, which is a very short walk from the house. That was their favorite swim spot. We showered almost exclusively in the out-door shower, and it was easy to throw in a load of laundry regularly to keep us in towels and bathing suits every day. Being able to compost our food waste at the neighbors' directly across the street meant we could take a small amount of not-stinking trash home with us when we left without problem, and we enjoyed the free fresh vegetables set out by the gardener. My kids enjoyed walking on their own down to the little store at the ferry dock (a long walk, but ok even for my 9-year-old; I would go pick her up in my car) to get a frozen lemon treat. The store sells a few food items now, which is good in a pinch. The little museum is also walking distance from the house, and it was worth the small effort it took to go during their limited hours. The little library was good, too-- we got some books and DVD's without trouble, and returned them in the library drop-slot before we took the ferry home. The island is lovely, just being there, outside every day, was good for me and my kids. Eating at the picnic table in the back yard was great. We all sat on the same side of the picnic table to enjoy the view while we ate. We experienced Hurricane Henri while we were there, which turned out to be not much of a storm, though it was beautiful to watch the water and the rain from the safety of the back porch while playing cards with my kids during the storm. The host was wonderful leading up to and following the storm, making sure that we had everything we needed to be safe and working with us to make sure we weren't left stranded on the island at the close of our rental agreement following the storm. She is very kind and communicated with me regularly via text when I needed her.
10.0
House on the Hill was just perfect
We had a fantastic and peaceful time at the cottage. The view and ocean breeze was beautiful. Very nice little cottage with a well equipped kitchen. Loved the outdoor shower too. Great to rinse the salt off before coming in from the beach.
We will very likely try to come here again and would recommend to anyone who wanted a peaceful getaway.
10.0
Paradise Found
How do I even begin to explain the magic that is Prudence Island. From the moment we got off the ferry we knew this was the place for us. Elizabeths house is a 5 minute car ride from the ferry and did not disappoint. The house sits up on a hill and has the most magnificent view over the bay - we spent hours at the picnic table eating - playing card games while watching the boats go by and fighting (not really fighting) over who would get the hammock. The house is old but quaint and has everything you need for your stay. No AC, but it really is not needed as there is always a breeze. Elizabeth is easy to communicate with and quick to respond. This is a vacation spot with a vibe of the good old days. If you're up for bringing all your food for your time on the island (no stores - no restaraunts) and are into shutting down then I strongly suggest you hit the enter button and book .... this truly is a magical place to spend a week ... or two or three
10.0
Amazing hidden gem
We loved our vacation to prudence island. It was one of our best get! We did go super prepared and planned as if we were camping. We used sleeping bags and brought all our food/cooler. We used our own toiletries etc. The cottage location is the best! I was able to walk to the lighthouse for sunrise. The “treasure” hunting was abundant. The owner was quick to respond and extremely helpful. We did take our trash with us. It was all worth it for the experience we had. Would love to go back!
10.0
Great small space on the island
Wonderful home perfect for my family of four. Comfortable bed and fantastic view!
10.0
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.
5.0
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!!
10.0
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!!
10.0
Great stay
The cottage was very comfortable. Very friendly neighbors. Our first time on the island and we definitely want to come back. The cottage was clean and the view of the ocean amazing. Loved sitting in the yard looking over the ocean and having my prayer time. Best way to spend our 32nd anniversary amidst Covid
4.0
The house is in an amazing location. It is right on the water and the front "dining room" looks out right over the bay. We sat staring at this view every morning and evening. The island is small so you can drive around the whole thing in a short amount of time and find the best beaches. It is extremely quiet and we loved being able to disconnect for a few days.Our only major issue was the trash situation. The contract says that you have to remove your own trash. When I contacted the owner about this, she said to just bring it back to the mainland with us. This was not really an option as we live 6 hours away and still had 3 days left on our road trip. We were planning on using the dump on the island (and paying the very high fee for only 1 bag of trash) but when we went, it was closed (on Fridays). Basically what you are being told is that your only option was to keep the trash with you and dump it illegally somewhere on the mainland. I think it is ridiculous to pay a cleaning fee and trash removal not be part of this. If you are going to tell people to take their trash, you should provide an option as to where to take it on the mainland. This was our vacation so driving around to find a dump was not part of our plan. Also, you have to wear shoes in the house because the floors are extremely dirty and do not appear to be swept or mopped in a long time. So again, I feel the cleaning fee is very high for what you are getting.
10.0
Amazing
Our family had the most wonderful time in this lovely little cottage! Coffee every morning watching the sun come up over the ocean and long days hunting for crabs on the beach with the kids. Everyone on the island is so friendly. We can no wait to return next year!
5.0
The house is in a great location with a wonderful view of the water. We watched the sun rise every morning from the screened porch, and then had breakfast on the picnic table overlooking the same view. Quite lovely!The house was clean and we found that there was everything we needed for our stay. It is an older property, however, very much a family summer house needing some updates and with the usual mishmash of old china, cutlery and utensils (but all clean!). You might be disappointed if you are looking for all mod cons and a stylish decor, so do read the owner's description carefully. We were very happy with our stay because we were able to enjoy Prudence Island in an affordable lodging with a stunning view. The owner, Elizabeth, was responsive to our questions (of all kinds) and was very helpful.The people on the island are so friendly! The neighbor (his wife is related to the owner) kindly took us fishing one morning. We had a great time and ate the fish we caught for supper. My son went out for a run one day and came back with a pile of quahogs that someone had shown him how to rake for (we cooked them on the grill for dinner!). Everyone waves and and miles and drives carefully if you are walking or on your bike.We had a great time. Thank you!
10.0
Beautiful Sunrises on Prudence Island
The house is in a great location with a wonderful view of the water. We watched the sun rise every morning from the screened porch, and then had breakfast on the picnic table overlooking the same view. Quite lovely!
The house was clean and we found that there was everything we needed for our stay. It is an older property, however, very much a family summer house needing some updates and with the usual mishmash of old china, cutlery and utensils (but all clean!). You might be disappointed if you are looking for all mod cons and a stylish decor, so do read the owner's description carefully. We were very happy with our stay because we were able to enjoy Prudence Island in an affordable lodging with a stunning view. The owner, Elizabeth, was responsive to our questions (of all kinds) and was very helpful.
The people on the island are so friendly! The neighbor (his wife is related to the owner) kindly took us fishing one morning. We had a great time and ate the fish we caught for supper. My son went out for a run one day and came back with a pile of quahogs that someone had shown him how to rake for (we cooked them on the grill for dinner!). Everyone waves and and miles and drives carefully if you are walking or on your bike.
We had a great time. Thank you!
8.0
Great Location but be aware of the trash situation
The house is in an amazing location. It is right on the water and the front "dining room" looks out right over the bay. We sat staring at this view every morning and evening. The island is small so you can drive around the whole thing in a short amount of time and find the best beaches. It is extremely quiet and we loved being able to disconnect for a few days.
Our only major issue was the trash situation. The contract says that you have to remove your own trash. When I contacted the owner about this, she said to just bring it back to the mainland with us. This was not really an option as we live 6 hours away and still had 3 days left on our road trip. We were planning on using the dump on the island (and paying the very high fee for only 1 bag of trash) but when we went, it was closed (on Fridays). Basically what you are being told is that your only option was to keep the trash with you and dump it illegally somewhere on the mainland. I think it is ridiculous to pay a cleaning fee and trash removal not be part of this. If you are going to tell people to take their trash, you should provide an option as to where to take it on the mainland. This was our vacation so driving around to find a dump was not part of our plan.
Also, you have to wear shoes in the house because the floors are extremely dirty and do not appear to be swept or mopped in a long time. So again, I feel the cleaning fee is very high for what you are getting.
2.0
Very disappointing
I have been coming to Prudence for close to forty years, so I am familiar with Prudence’s charms and limitations. This rental, however, was a complete disappointment. We arrived to an overwhelming odor of cleaning products, enough to make us cough and gag. Despite the smell, the floors were black with grime, the bedspreads filthy (fortunately we had brought our own linens), the bathroom sink clogged, the towels stunk of mildew, and dead bugs and other detritus littered all of the window sills. The double bed was too short for normal-sized adults; my husband and I slept with our feet hanging off the end of the bed and desperately attempting not to fall into the sinkhole in the middle of the damp, saggy mattress. My husband likened it to sleeping "on a damp marshmallow," and this is a man not known for his expensive tastes. One of the other “beds” appeared to be a mattress slung atop an ottoman, threatening to deposit its occupant on the floor should they roll over.
I would be ashamed to rent this property to others in this condition, and I reached out to the owner with my concerns before leaving this review. Her response was to suggest I hadn't read the rental agreement (I had, not that it matters). She did not offer to fix the clogged bathroom sink, make what she was advertising as a bed safe for sleeping on, or thoroughly clean before the next poor guests. I would definitely not recommend this property.
10.0
Beautiful View, Relaxing Time
This was a beautiful place to stay. The whole family relaxed. The view from the house and lovely yard didn't stop being beautiful. There was nothing to do but relax, read, write out postcards we bought at the store by the ferry landing, play board games, take walks and go swimming. It was just what we needed. No Internet; no interruptions. The island is a nice place to be, and the locals are very friendly. The house was comfortable for our family of four. If you're looking for pristine, updated furnishings or kitchen, you should consider another listing. But, this house was great for us. Everything works-- the electric stove works well (cooking and baking), and the refrigerator is sizable. Eating at the picnic table or at the table on the screened-in porch was a pleasure. The hammock and lounge chairs were wonderful for relaxing in while watching the boats on the water. The two twin beds in the living room served as sofas during the day, and there were two comfortable swivel chairs, but we spent most of our time outside or on the porch, where there is a table and another twin bed. Once we lugged all of our supplies up to the house (a bit of a workout!), we totally relaxed and had a great time. The hardest thing to do was leave.
FAQs
How much does this cottage cost compared to others in Portsmouth?
The average price for a rental in Portsmouth is $447 per night. This rental is $82 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this cottage?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at The House At The Top Of The Hill. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this cottage?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this cottage. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is The House At The Top Of The Hill pet friendly?
Yes! This cottage is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at The House At The Top Of The Hill?
We found 5 amenities for this rental. This includes pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, parking, laundry, and tv.
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