Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach
Cottage in Old Lyme, CT
9 guests · 4 bedrooms · 3 baths
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
This classic Beach Cottage (the “Sandtrap”) built in 1956, with own private beach on Long Island Sound, is fully updated while maintaining its historical roots. Old Lyme Land Trust protected wetlands, with views of occupied osprey nests, great white herons and other native birds, adjoin the cottage’s private parking space. As part of Hawk’s Nest Beach community, you can walk to Garvin’s Store, where daily free activities for kids are organized, and play tennis or horseshoes on the courts.
The Sandtrap has plenty of room for family and guests with five parking spaces. Fully furnished kitchen, grill (including propane tank), beach chairs and umbrellas, linens, bath and beach towels, kids' beach toys, boogie boards and inflatables, huge collection of beach reading, classic toys, games and puzzles provided. You do not need to bring any of the above items: they are there. No television but free Wi-Fi Internet access
The large screened-in front porch, with chaise lounges, dining table and ocean views up and down the beach is a favorite location to enjoy your morning coffee. At high tide the front porch is less than 50' from the water. The kitchen is part of the “great room” with views directly on the water. A very large fireplace makes for cozy evenings when it is cool or for marshmallow toasting and when it’s hot the kitchen/dining/living area is fully air-conditioned.
There is a master bedroom with a queen bed on the first floor (air-conditioned) and three bedrooms on the second floor, two with full size beds. The third bedroom has three twin beds. The upstairs bedrooms have ceiling fans and are open to the eaves (those requiring complete privacy should use the master bedroom). One and a half baths plus hot water enclosed outdoor shower to wash away the sea salt after a dip in the Sound. There is a washer/dryer in the cottage.
Free family activities starting at Garvin’s store include a marine biologist's weekly visit to discuss and touch our local sea life. Kids events include, a talent show at the store, lollipop hunts, scavenger hunts, bonfires, art creations, sand castle contests, tie-dye tee shirts, movies on the beach, crabbing contest, edible art and much more. You can pick up beach necessities–coffee, ice cream, milk, ice–and tee shirts, beach wear and Hawk’s Nest Beach souvenirs as well
Great local restaurants, renowned art galleries and museums featuring the historic Old Lyme school of American impressionism, both boutique and outlet shopping, spas, golf, antiquing, live theater, local farmers’ markets and much more are very nearby. Cottage owners, who live only 5 minutes away, provide a personalized guide, with maps, to the shoreline’s many attractions.
The Sandtrap has plenty of room for family and guests with five parking spaces. Fully furnished kitchen, grill (including propane tank), beach chairs and umbrellas, linens, bath and beach towels, kids' beach toys, boogie boards and inflatables, huge collection of beach reading, classic toys, games and puzzles provided. You do not need to bring any of the above items: they are there. No television but free Wi-Fi Internet access
The large screened-in front porch, with chaise lounges, dining table and ocean views up and down the beach is a favorite location to enjoy your morning coffee. At high tide the front porch is less than 50' from the water. The kitchen is part of the “great room” with views directly on the water. A very large fireplace makes for cozy evenings when it is cool or for marshmallow toasting and when it’s hot the kitchen/dining/living area is fully air-conditioned.
There is a master bedroom with a queen bed on the first floor (air-conditioned) and three bedrooms on the second floor, two with full size beds. The third bedroom has three twin beds. The upstairs bedrooms have ceiling fans and are open to the eaves (those requiring complete privacy should use the master bedroom). One and a half baths plus hot water enclosed outdoor shower to wash away the sea salt after a dip in the Sound. There is a washer/dryer in the cottage.
Free family activities starting at Garvin’s store include a marine biologist's weekly visit to discuss and touch our local sea life. Kids events include, a talent show at the store, lollipop hunts, scavenger hunts, bonfires, art creations, sand castle contests, tie-dye tee shirts, movies on the beach, crabbing contest, edible art and much more. You can pick up beach necessities–coffee, ice cream, milk, ice–and tee shirts, beach wear and Hawk’s Nest Beach souvenirs as well
Great local restaurants, renowned art galleries and museums featuring the historic Old Lyme school of American impressionism, both boutique and outlet shopping, spas, golf, antiquing, live theater, local farmers’ markets and much more are very nearby. Cottage owners, who live only 5 minutes away, provide a personalized guide, with maps, to the shoreline’s many attractions.
Amenities
Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
Family friendly
Map of Old Lyme, CT
££££
Ratings and reviews
8.0 / 10.0
Very accurate description. Very rustic cottage but very functionable and comfortable. With twin toddlers there was no worry of them damaging anything. Calm waters wich was excellent for youngchildren.
10.0 / 10.0
This was our fourth year staying at this house and, as always, it was phenomenal. We love staying here because the location is perfect, the house is very well equipped, it's very clean and spacious, and the owners are wonderful. We always look forward to our stay at the sand trip.
10.0 / 10.0
We had a wonderful week on the beach this cottage had everything you need from boggie boards to towels and cookware. We will definitely be back
10.0 / 10.0
We loved the view from the porch and the beach. It can’t get much better than that. Had to get used to no TV, but wifi helped. Would definitely stay again and John was wonderful.
10.0 / 10.0
This beach house is one of the most equipped rentals at Hawk’s Nest Beach . John was very kind to let us arrive an hour earlier and we were amazed that he provided linens , beach towels , bath towels , comfortable beach chairs , a pop up tent , beach toys , inflatable tubes and boogie boards , books , games and puzzles .
The kitchen was stocked as well .
The jetty was fun for all to go fishing and crabbing .
A very enjoyable vacation on your own private beach .
We would love to rent it again next summer !!!
8.0 / 10.0
You couldn’t ask for a better location on this private beach! Cottage is well- stocked, including everything you need for the kitchen and the beach. John is very responsive and accessible.
10.0 / 10.0
The Sand Trap is a great place to stay at the beach. The house is right on the water and we'll equipped for fun, cooking, and sleeping. This was our third stay at the Sand Trap and we've loved it each time
8.0 / 10.0
Had a relaxing week living the cottage right on the beach life. Screened in porch was everyone's favorite location in the house. Cottage was well equipped. Just had to open the door and the vacation started
8.0 / 10.0
Great location
The house is very well stocked
The owner was very accommodating
10.0 / 10.0
Prompt replies to questions.
10.0 / 10.0
Rustic house but charming, Owner was kind, responsive and helpful. Towels and sheets a bonus and helped justify cost. Location and porch great.
10.0 / 10.0
Relaxing Getaway
John's house is one of the most well-equipped rentals at which I've ever stayed. All the sheets, linens, towels, kitchen equipment, beach chairs, beach toys, beachnt, etc. were all already in the house. The house is right on the beach with access to your own private beach. It's a very small community with tons of friendly people. We absolutely loved our stay and would recommend it to everyone.
10.0 / 10.0
Fabulous House
We absolutely loved the house. John's house was the most well-equipped rental house we have ever gotten. There was ample kitchen supplies, beach chairs, a huge number of beach towels, blankets, extra sheets, etc. The house was in a great location and right on the beach. We highly recommend this house!
8.0 / 10.0
Casual beach house
Low key home with lots of books for summer reading. Fully equipped with necessaries. This year it was VERY hot upstairs so bring your own fans to help cool it down. Air conditioning downstairs a plus. Nice beach community with a child’s dream of a country store.
10.0 / 10.0
Sandtrap - Old Lyme
We were met by Mr. Heckman when we got to the Sandtrap. We were able to get in earlier than we anticipated! The house was spotless and contained everything you could need for vacation, including a vacation binder with all the rules, history of the house and places to go and eat. There were coffee makers (regular and Keurig), a crockpot, pots and pans, dishes, linens, bath and beach towels. They were fully stocked with cleaners and essentials such as toilet paper and papertowels. They had plenty of beach chairs and sand toys as well. Truly a family style beach house. We had a wonderful time and I would highly recommend the Sandtrap if you are looking for a super host and wonderful family vacation!
10.0 / 10.0
Beachy family oriented home
This casual home comes complete with linens,towels, basic supplies. It is not fancy but if you enjoy cool breezes off the ocean, open porch dining for several families, and books galore, you will enjoy this house. Our multi generational family used it as the center of our communal activities and loved living the simple beach life for a week.
10.0 / 10.0
Perfect location
The house itself is a bit older and worn, but everything was in working order and we had a great stay. John was responsive and helpful.
Being right on a private beach was wonderful (bring water shoes as there are a lot of rocks/shells) and the little neighborhood was great for letting the kids go out and explore by themselves.
10.0 / 10.0
Great!!
Love this cottage
10.0 / 10.0
Great location! Right on the beach with beautiful views! Lots of room for family and guests!
Didn't need to bring much at all! House is equipped with pretty much everything. Beach chairs, boogie boards and umbrellas are all right there. Beach towels, blankets and a large canopy tent outside for when you don't want to be in direct sun. Vey quiet and relaxing!
10.0 / 10.0
Great beach bungalow
Casual beachfront home that always has a breeze on the first floor. AC is available in first floor BR & LR but we haven’t used it because of how well the ocean breezes flow through the porch and LR/kitchen. Super casual kitchen is small but adequate. Screened in porch looks out on the ocean - lovely place to read & have coffee in the am or have a casual dinner at the long table with benches. We had 14 adults and 2 kids one night and didn’t feel crowded at all. Great to have linens & towels supplied. Beach umbrellas, chairs, sand toys there too. If you are a book lover it’s got lots to satisfy your taste. This is not a super modern home but it is an old fashioned bungalow with the necessary appliances to cook and party without fuss. It is located in Hawks Nest Beach, a family friendly place to enjoy the CT shore.
10.0 / 10.0
Love this beach
Great cottage!! Wonderful that most everything is included. John the owner is fantastic to deal with!! I can't wait to come back next year!!
10.0 / 10.0
Perfect CT beach house
The house is perfect for the CT shore. Simple, rustic with TONS of books, games, beach toys. Totally furnished with linen and towels and they did the small stuff like supplying hand soap in the bathrooms. Kitchen stuff was adequate but I probably would bring more stuff next year to supplement. NO TV - just the simple pleasures of life and friends to enjoy the ocean and tranquility. WiFi was good. The owner is very informative and helpful. He supplied a book of information about the house, the area and sundries. We never have had an owner go to such lengths to help their renters. We loved it. We are delighted that we discovered such a comfortable gem.
10.0 / 10.0
Very cute rustic cabin!
Had a great time! Being in a house on the water was even better than I had expected. Neighborhood was very kid and dog friendly!
10.0 / 10.0
We had a great time!
This is the second year that we have rented the home for a 3-generation family vacation. The home is clean and comfortable. The host is friendly and accommodating. We find it homey and our vacation was relaxing. We even had our week's groceries delivered the day we arrived so we could spend the maximum time in the sand and enjoying the views.
We enjoy the proximity to the water and the beach is clean; we spent most of our waking hours out there. My 3-year-old niece can play safely under the tent and in the water (with an adult) - it's one of her favorite places and both last year and this year she talks about it long after the vacation is over. My mom suffers from dementia and normally a new place makes her anxious but after a day even she was relaxed - playing in the sand, doing puzzles, and regularly telling us how much she loved being there.
We have loved all the memories we've made in this home and on this beach.
10.0 / 10.0
Cozy and rustic cottage just steps from the ocean...stunning view!
The cottage was cozy and quaint and equipped with everything you need for your beach vacation. Just steps from the water and the views and sounds of the ocean were breathtaking. We had four young children with us and there was always something for them to do in the Hawks Nest community. John, the owner was very responsive and accommodating. It was definitely an unforgettable week!
10.0 / 10.0
Wonderful and Peaceful
This cottage was perfect for our vacation with three generations of the family. From my 70-something parents to my 2-year-old niece we all loved the cottage and especially the beach! The cottage was clean and well-equipped with everything we needed from beach toys to kitchen needs. John was so easy to work with. He answered all my questions, sent out a booklet with information and suggestions before we got there and fit us into his schedule both checking in and out without an issue.
To access the home, there is a short flight of stairs - I have some mobility issues but was fine climbing them with the help of the railing. On the first floor is the kitchen/living area, a full bathroom with a tub/shower, and a bedroom. There is also a screened in sun porch with a lovely table where we ate all our meals and some lounge chairs where more than one nap was taken. The porch faces the beach/ocean and is a beautiful view. Upstairs is a smaller bathroom and three bedrooms. We all were comfortable in the beds.
To access the beach, you leave by the backdoor and walk down a few steps and you're basically on the beach. There is a sun tent that is put up for you and you can sit under there or in the sun - whichever you'd like. The water was fairly calm and there were swimmers, people on paddle boards, and such all the time. The beach was NOT crowded at all - everyone stayed in the water in front of their home it seemed. My niece loved being at "Nanna's Beach" each day and playing in the water and sand. The community is nice - everyone drives slowly so you don't need to worry about kids, it's clean and quiet even with all the people who are there. There are kids who bring by donuts each morning - what a nice way to wake up! And, the ice cream man visits a couple times a day too.
By our fourth day my mom was already asking if we could come back next summer. I certainly hope so.
10.0 / 10.0
As promised, a week on the beach!
This was a perfect spot for three generations of our family to enjoy a week at the shore. The house is rustic to be sure, but filled with just about anything you'd need - kitchen, books, games, beach equipment. Internet worked just fine, and it was very nice not to have TV! The big star for us was the beach, literally right outside the back door. Great neighborhood with a little store that kids can walk or ride bikes to, and convenient to other shoreline destinations and I95/395. No one wanted to leave and we'll carry our happy memories around til next time.
FAQs
How much does this cottage cost compared to others in Old Lyme?
The average price for a rental in Old Lyme is £273 per night. This rental is £328 above the average.
Is parking included with this cottage?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach. 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 Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach 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 Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach?
We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, and fireplace.
Explore similar vacation rentals in Old Lyme
Explore all rentals in Old LymeOld Lyme travel inspiration
Read our blogGuides
Top Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama: Adventure and Fun Await
Local Culture
Exploring Miami’s Wynwood District: Street Art, Food, and More
Guides
Fun Things to Do in Ocean City, Maryland
Local Culture
A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Dining in Orlando, Florida
Guides
Top Things to Do in Oahu and Honolulu
Guides
Top Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Guides
Top Things to Do in Miami: From Beaches to Culture
Guides
The Best Things to Do in Orlando: Attractions, Food, and Family Fun