Historic Beach Front Home: Victorian Elegance. Large Rooms with AMAZING bay view
House in Cape Charles, VA
12 guests · 5 bedrooms · 3 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Includes essentialsGarden, Pool, Kitchen or Kitchenette and more
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About this house rental
The Dryden House offers the most amazing sunsets the Chesapeake bay has to offer and the ultimate in flexible amenities with all the comforts of home and high-speed (up to 100Mbs) whole-house wifi for Zoom meetings, video streaming, etc.
The Dryden House was featured in 2015 Real Simple Magazine: "6 Historic Homes You Can Vacation In" and is perfect for that extended family vacation with Bike and kayak's and beach toys galore.
This 1912 historic private home is located within a registered historic district, known as the Sea Cottage Addition of Cape Charles, which is comprised of Arts and Crafts, Victorian and other architecturally elegant homes dating from 1850 to 1915, that display a variety of styles popular during this era. The Dryden House is unique due to its prominent size, intact historical details and central location upon Bay Avenue just steps from the beach and only two blocks from the town's charming business district.
This three-story beachfront Victorian home has an extensive wrap-around porch, with stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay. The home is extremely light and airy due to the tall ceilings and large picture windows, featuring bay views from almost every room in the home, including the kitchen.
All bedrooms and the third floor finished guest quarters have water views. There are two master bedrooms with king beds and sweeping water views, a queen size bedroom with en suite bathroom, two full baths on the second floor with a third extra large waterfall shower bathroom on the first floor near the convenient washer and dryer. An additional outdoor shower with temperature control is available to wash away the salt and sand. Private fenced yard with outdoor grilling area, herb garden and fire pit.
The large, chef's kitchen has stainless steel high-end appliances, including a five-burner gas stove, with electric oven and two full size sinks spacious enough for two chefs, and a separate beverage center and coffee station with Keurig. The over-sized dining room features an expandable dining table that can easily seat 12 for meals just off the first-floor living room and parlor each with fireplaces and flat-screen TV/ DVD.
Finished third-floor family room with 42' flat-screen TV, DVD, HBO, Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Streaming. Xbox 360 with a large selection of games. There is a good selection of over 50 movies for both kids and adults. A full-sized foosball table completes the game room for when you're feeling competitive. There is three-zone air conditioning to keep you comfortable on those hot days and nights.
The town gazebo and free fishing pier are to the left of the home and the extensive town walkways make this ideal for strolling or catching an evening horse and carriage ride on the Bay. Sunsets are nightly!
The Dryden House was featured in 2015 Real Simple Magazine: "6 Historic Homes You Can Vacation In" and is perfect for that extended family vacation with Bike and kayak's and beach toys galore.
This 1912 historic private home is located within a registered historic district, known as the Sea Cottage Addition of Cape Charles, which is comprised of Arts and Crafts, Victorian and other architecturally elegant homes dating from 1850 to 1915, that display a variety of styles popular during this era. The Dryden House is unique due to its prominent size, intact historical details and central location upon Bay Avenue just steps from the beach and only two blocks from the town's charming business district.
This three-story beachfront Victorian home has an extensive wrap-around porch, with stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay. The home is extremely light and airy due to the tall ceilings and large picture windows, featuring bay views from almost every room in the home, including the kitchen.
All bedrooms and the third floor finished guest quarters have water views. There are two master bedrooms with king beds and sweeping water views, a queen size bedroom with en suite bathroom, two full baths on the second floor with a third extra large waterfall shower bathroom on the first floor near the convenient washer and dryer. An additional outdoor shower with temperature control is available to wash away the salt and sand. Private fenced yard with outdoor grilling area, herb garden and fire pit.
The large, chef's kitchen has stainless steel high-end appliances, including a five-burner gas stove, with electric oven and two full size sinks spacious enough for two chefs, and a separate beverage center and coffee station with Keurig. The over-sized dining room features an expandable dining table that can easily seat 12 for meals just off the first-floor living room and parlor each with fireplaces and flat-screen TV/ DVD.
Finished third-floor family room with 42' flat-screen TV, DVD, HBO, Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Streaming. Xbox 360 with a large selection of games. There is a good selection of over 50 movies for both kids and adults. A full-sized foosball table completes the game room for when you're feeling competitive. There is three-zone air conditioning to keep you comfortable on those hot days and nights.
The town gazebo and free fishing pier are to the left of the home and the extensive town walkways make this ideal for strolling or catching an evening horse and carriage ride on the Bay. Sunsets are nightly!
Amenities
Pool
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Cape Charles, VA
RRRR
Reviews
10.0
The Dryden House was perfect for our group of several old friends and young children. The house's location across the street from the beach couldn't be better. The house itself is a beautiful historic Victorian but with all necessary modern amenities. We really appreciated how well it was stocked with basics like dish soap, detergent, toilet paper, etc., which you often have to buy yourself in rentals like this. We very much hope to return!
10.0
Dryden is an amazing location and house. With being steps to the beach, it was incredibly convenient to set up and spend the day at the beach. The house is huge and easily accommodated the whole family. The house also had beach gear, bikes, and other great amenities. Paul was a great host. We can’t wait to go back!
10.0
Our trip was absolutely perfect. The house was fabulous right across from the beach with great restaurants and ideal place to take the family for a very relaxing vacation.
10.0
Extremely well stocked house with lots of kitchen supplies, board games, and plenty of space for a big family! Very close to the water and excellent location overall. The owners were very easy to book with and communication was great. Absolutely would book again for a large group.
10.0
Gorgeous house. Had everything we needed and more. Highly recommend this home. Loved it!
10.0
This is a beautiful and grand home full of historic charm. The location is perfect - close to the beach and the main street with shopping and restaurants. It had everything we needed for a relaxing stay.
10.0
The Dryden house was the star of our Thanksgiving family get together - they certainly don't build houses like they used to! The rooms are incredibly large and the furnishings are beautiful. Everything was clean and the beds were very comfortable. The kitchen is very well appointed - we had everything we needed and the dining room table seated 10 with no problem. Being a November stay, we didn't use anything in the garage, but we did cross the street to see sunsets over the bay or walk out on the pier, which was pretty empty off season. It also was a quick walk to the shopping area. Paul was very responsive with questions -- it was a wonderful stay from start to finish.
10.0
We had the best time staying here!
I organized a family vacation and we were able to book with Paul!
The home is beautiful, convenient, spacious, and impeccably clean.
The first floor was perfect for entertaining. The second floor had four fantastic and large bathrooms.
We also had three children with us who loved to hangout on the third floor, which was a massive kid friendly space WITH two day beds that they slept in.
Walking to town was a breeze. We were able to walk, and rented golf carts on the second day for a very reasonable price.
Behind the house was the garage, which was well stocked and the kids loved to scooter all over town!
Lastly, you’re ON Bay Ave. Beach access is across the street, and the Pier is a very short walk away!
We would absolutely recommend this house to anyone looking to have a great family get away, summer, fall or spring!
10.0
This was our third year staying at Dryden House and are looking forward to our fourth. You can’t beat the location - especially convenient for kids who need bathroom or AC breaks. And the attic hideaway with foosball is always a hit with the kids. Thanks for a great stay!
10.0
This was a perfect house for us. The two boys stayed on the third floor which had everything a teenager could want. The 4 bedrooms on the second floor met our needs as well. The beds and mattresses were very comfortable. The kitchen is the best equipped kitchen I have seen in a rental property. My husband and I spent most of our time on the front porch where there was always a breeze.
As mentioned in the description of this property the garage has everything you need for a day on the beach.
10.0
Great property
10.0
Wonderful experience all-the-way-around !! Owners go out of their way to ensure everything about your stay and transaction is smooth and pleasant.
10.0
Truly lovely, charming house, with so many thoughtful touches. We especially appreciated the provision of extra charging stations for our electronics, as well as the number of kayaks, bikes, games, and other fun things available. Beds were very comfortable. This is not the house for anyone who has trouble navigating fairly steep bare wood stairs, as they are what you might expect in a three story house of this age. Location across from the beach cannot be beat.
10.0
Dryden is magnificent. The location is great and it is very convenient to both the water and the town. I really thought the owners were attentive. The toys and garage contents made it very easy to have a good time. Recommend highly.
10.0
Great communication. We hope to stay here again!
10.0
Wonderful sister's weekend spent at this great historic home! House/rooms are much larger in person, and there was plenty of room for all of us. The views are beautiful, and it's definitely worth walking across the street to the beach, but you can see the amazing sunsets right from the house!
Paul, the owner, was fantastic with his communication from the get go, right through the weekend! Thanks Paul, we'll be back!
10.0
Wonderful property, location, and the garage full of bikes, kayaks and beach equipment really made it a special trip
10.0
It’s been some years since we were here! Lots have changed. The home we stayed in was perfect for our family! Just hop skip and a jump your on the beach! Thank you for another successful stay in Cape Charles:🥰
10.0
Best family vacation ever!!!!
This property was the nicest house and location we have rented in 25 years. We now have grandchildren, so the bay is perfect for swimming and exploring. This house had everything you could ever need or want. It was by far the most well equipped vrbo imaginable!!! We have rented a property on the coast (mostly OBX) for 25 years. For our family of grandparents, 30 to 40 year old children., 8,5,and 9 month old grandchildren.....The Dryden House was a vacation that we will never forget!!
10.0
Family vacation
My husband and I had our whole family with us for the week, it was such a wonderful experience. Eight adults and five small children. The house was just perfect for all the activities and different needs. Having the beach right across the street was awesome. The house is well stocked with beach equipment, games, kitchen ware and linens. We loved the front porch in the mornings and evenings for coffee, reading, storm watching and drinks at night. Paul was so attentive and responsive to any questions. Our small children made us promise we would come back one day! And we will! Cape Charles is a hidden gem and we hope it stays that way. Thanks for sharing it with us .
10.0
Great place in great location!
Great, well stocked place!
10.0
Wonderful time!!
We had a wonderful time staying at The Dryden House. The house was extremely clean and the antique furniture was in wonderful condition. The kitchen was very well stocked. The garage was full of bikes, kayaks, beach toys, chairs, etc that were a really nice added touch. I would not hesitate to book again when we go back to Cape Charles. The town itself is so quaint and layed back. It's one of the most relaxing vacations I've ever had. Paul was wonderful to communicate with and responded very fast. Thank you so much for the wonderful experience!!
10.0
A wonderful Cape Charles vacation
The house and grounds were lovely. The house was extremely well equipped. Everything that you would need and want in a rental was provides. The host, although not there was very responsive by email to any issues that arouse. We had a lovely time sitting in the morning on the front porch watching as people came by. A truly delightful house.
8.0
Dryden review
Nice house and great location. Loved the big porch. Kitchen nicely furnished and 2 sinks a definite plus.
Beach supplies ( umbrellas, beach tent, boogie boards) all broken. Owner tried to replace but didn’t arrive until end of last beach day. We bought our own lovely but expensive tent at a store in town. Provided Beach chairs do not recline so if you want to relax just bring your own.
Overall, nice historic house.
10.0
Family reunited for summer vacation after Covid restrictions.
The Dryden House proved to be the perfect family vacation spot.
Plenty of room in an ideal location across the street from the ocean.
Safe spot for small children who love playing in the sand and water.
For a family who likes to cook, the kitchen was well equipped.
Excellent communication with the owner!!
10.0
Perfect family beach getaway!
We had such a great time staying at this property in Cape Charles! The location was perfect. The beach access was literally just across the street (great when you take multiple trips to and from the beach with little kids) and it was an easy two block walk to the downtown area. The house was clean and spacious. The kitchen had everything we could possibly need. The upstairs room was perfect for the kids with all kinds of games, movies, and even foosball! The garage had all kinds of beach toys, floats, and boogie boards as well as kayaks, bikes and chairs. We especially loved using the kid-sized kayak. Most importantly, Paul our host was so easy to communicate with. He messaged me our first day there to check on us. Anytime we had a question or issue, he was quick and thorough in his response. This was such a wonderful place to stay, and we look forward to our next visit!
8.0
Great stay in Cape Charles
Amazing stay in Cape Charles! Location is perfect! In my opinion, best location in all of Cape Charles! Walking distance to the Main Street and right across from the beach. Paul was great to communicate with and the house was very clean, had lots of toys (including bikes and kayaks), and was spacious. Overall 5 star vacation!
10.0
Family Reunion
We had a wonderful time at Cape Charles. The beach, town and house were all great. We loved the front porches, large kitchen and the big dining room table. Also, we had rented 2 golf carts that were great to get around. The weather was so beautiful that we did not get up to the third floor to play but just a little bit! Overall, a great two week family vacation!
10.0
Great Stay in Cape Charles
Our family has been coming to Cape Charles every summer for several years and this is definitely the best location in the town. The house is directly across from great beach access and is a tiny walk to the main shops, restaurants, and fishing pier. The owner, Paul, was really excellent about responding to questions and offering recommendations. Several weeks before the trip I reached out to ask about any places that we may not already know of in the town and Paul got back to me immediately with several great restaurant recommendations. Really stellar, fast communication. The house itself is large with tons of extras like the garage full of bikes, scooters and beach gear. The porch overlooking the beach and sunsets was my favorite place to hangout. Loved this house in Cape Charles! Would definitely rent again!
10.0
Awesome
We’ve stayed at the Dryden House for many years and it always the best. Close to town and beach. Awesome host to answer any questions.
10.0
Historic home on the beach
Gorgeous sunset views over the Chesapeake Bay. Plenty of parking. Large rooms. Well outfitted, inside and out. Beach access couldn't be easier. Beautiful gardens plus firepit. Everything you could want in a beachfront home. We thoroughly enjoyed our 2 weeks here.
10.0
Wonderful time
We had a wonderful time staying at the Dryden House for Thanksgiving! The house was great and Paul was super gracious throughout our stay, checking in to make sure we had everything we needed. We will be back!
10.0
Beautiful house at the perfect location to enjoy the beach
Enjoyed the stay here and the location is so beautiful at the charming bayside of Cape Charles. Paul has been great in making sure that the check in process was flawless and also have received timely response to messages. Wifi worked great as well and we were able to work and do online schooling while we were there.
10.0
Fun time
The Dryden house was perfect for our family. There was plenty of room for everyone. We loved the porch and the close access to the beach. A good time was had by all!
10.0
Thanks
Wonderful
10.0
Best spot on Bay Ave
My family loved our time at The Dryden House! The home is beautiful with all the amenities, the attic bedroom was loved by my GranBlessings with all the videos and games and trundle beds it was a perfect fit. The garage was full of things to keep the kids active and the huge porch was so relaxing to just sit on and watch all the activities going on! You simply walk across the street to the bay it was perfect and the view from bedroom windows was amazing! Also the AC system was awesome in this big house on every level! One of my favorite things was the huge downstairs shower! Paul was in contact with me before, during and after to make sure our stay was perfect and it was! We will definitely come back again!
10.0
Family Vacation
Excellent location...right across the street from the beach! Large and comfortable for big families with all the amenities too. A/C keeps all three levels cold and always plenty of hot water for showers. The outdoor shower is a plus! Lots of beach toys for kids & adults to use and so many bikes! Beach is beautifull, clean & shallow for little ones. Town is very quaint with lots of charm. Our family of 6 adults and 5 kids ranging from 2-12 had an amazing and safe beach vacation during the Covid pandemic. Our host Paul was very attentive, responded quickly and made sure we had everything we needed...would love to come back again!
10.0
I only have positive things to say
About us: two families of four with kids ranging from 2-5 and one additional adult, totally 9 people.
The location can’t get any better. There was no need for a golf cart. We just had to walk across the street to be at the beach. It was convenient to pop back inside for food and potty breaks.
An outdoor shower made rinsing off the sand before going inside easy. And an indoor shower right inside the back door was great for warming kids up & getting them sand free for setting them loose in the house.
The third floor was perfect for the kids to sleep. I especially appreciated the blackout shades that made the room nice & dark.
As the photos show, the garage is stocked with more beach supplies than you could hope for.
Paul checked in with us regularly to see how things were going and to help when the WiFi went out temporarily
Basically, I can’t imagine renting any other house in Cape Charles.
10.0
Amazing Week of Exploring Nature and Relaxing in Comfort
We had an amazing week in Cape Charles - the location of Dryden House cannot be beat - Looking out onto the dunes and beach. Sunsets - and meteor shower - were amazing. The house has everything you could ever need or want. We cooked in almost every night (due to COVID) and the kitchen is so well equipped. The bedrooms are spacious and the house is a historic gem. We took great day trips - eco boat tour in Wachapreague, kayaking, exploring Kiptopeke State Park. And each night, we came back to that expansive porch, to have poker tournaments, play cards and watch the sunset over the bay . There are not very many places where teens, young adults and old(ish) adults can all co-exist, have enough space to do our own things, and and have a great place come together aty the end of the day. Ddryden House fit perfectly. We will be back.
10.0
Great location and very cool historic house
The Dryden house is wonderful - can’t get any closer to the beach in Cape Charles than this. The house is very cool - and stocked with all of the basics of home that you don’t usually find in a rental. Tissues, spices, trash bags, dish soap - starter TP - Then there are the beach toys in the garage - and bikes - you need only bring yourself, your beach towel and your main groceries. Everything else is there. Owner is very responsive and helpful - gives lots of peace of mind for anything that might come up. The beach is great for younger children and older folks - it is shallow and clear for a great distance. No waves if you want to surf, but the trade off is a relaxing and cool place to sit in the sun and play in the sand. It is also not crowded not the beach since the town itself is small. Great place to vacation!
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Cape Charles?
The average price for a rental in Cape Charles is R 7,841 per night. This rental is R 6,288 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Historic Beach Front Home: Victorian Elegance. Large Rooms with AMAZING bay view. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at Historic Beach Front Home: Victorian Elegance. Large Rooms with AMAZING bay view. Enjoy the water!
Is Historic Beach Front Home: Victorian Elegance. Large Rooms with AMAZING bay view pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Historic Beach Front Home: Victorian Elegance. Large Rooms with AMAZING bay view?
We found 11 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, and fireplace.
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