A Beautiful Waterfront Retreat for Family Gatherings!
5.0
Outstanding(23 Reviews)House in Chesapeake Bay, NC
12 guests · 6 bedrooms · 4 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 house rental
Come take a break with your extended family and friends to a remote area of Dorchester County, Maryland. With 2.5 acres and plenty of waterfront, there is ample ways to enjoy all the property has to offer and the beautiful scenery. Enjoy the pool (May thru September - Not heated) or swim in the protected Mallard Cove. Catch crabs or fish off the dock or explore the water views on 2 provided kayaks. It is a perfect getaway! The outdoor space includes a saltwater pool, deck for sunbathing and dining, screen porch, extended dock and plenty of lawn for family activities. Enjoy the outside fire pit, wood burning fireplace in the family room, or the gas fireplace in the living room overlooking Mallard Cove. You can be assured that the property will be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Amenities
Pool
Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
Hot tub or spa
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Chesapeake Bay, NC
Reviews
5.0
Outstanding(23 Reviews)5.0
My family and I had a week long vacation together and this was the perfect place for it! We enjoyed the dock, kayaking, and the pool! Grocery store and country market close by. The Maryland crabs were awesome and plentiful. The house was the perfect set up, clean, high quality and met every need for all. Tom was an exceptional host, very kind and extremely accommodating. By far our favorite vacation together! Thank you Tom for hosting our family and your kindness and generosity!
5.0
We had a great time. The kids had a blast. The dock and the pool were amazing. It was a hot week so the pool was a lifesaver.
Would definitely recommend
5.0
We had a wonderful time at the half shell, the kids loved the pool, crabbing and fishing from the dock, kayaking and exploring the area. we enjoyed having a quiet relaxing week, disconnected but an easy drive for groceries or food. tom was a great host, the house was in perfect shape with plenty of things to keep the little ones occupied. the huge yard was amazing for the the dogs and kids run around. we look forward to seeing tom and the half shell again next year!
5.0
This home is amazing! We had a big family group stay here and so many memories were made. The home is just like advertised-plenty of space for all of us. Tom-the owner-made sure we had everything we needed and answered all of our questions. The home, the pool and the dock were all clean and well maintained. So many extras included! Also, close to a couple of towns so lots to do and great places to eat. We would definitely stay here again.
5.0
The pictures do not do this house justice! The house was very clean, well stocked for anything a cook would need, the location was so quiet and it was just paradise! If you have multiple families, they can stay in their own areas of the house for sleeping arrangements. You can watch beautiful sunrise while sitting on the deck, in the pool or in the sunroom! You can watch storms roll in or roll out over the bay! We caught and released crabs using the cages that Tom provides. The pool was so nice, warm and relaxing even in the 99 degree weather! There are some many local businesses close by that you can easily support them, Lindy’s Seafood, Emily’s Produce, Bay County Bakery and Simmons Grocery Market.
The Half Shell definitely will not disappoint you and Tom was an amazing host! He answered all my questions promptly! Thank you so sharing your beautiful home!!
5.0
The Half Shell property was more than we had hoped for! Tom really has thought of everything here---everything you would need for cooking- including pots, burner, and propane for cooking crabs (which you can catch right off the dock or pick up at Lindy's down the road) and for shrimp boils. We cooked most of the nights here and enjoyed the lawn games provided while cooking and enjoying cocktails. We all (kids, teens, and adults) loved spending time by the pool. There is a wonderful shelf in the pool where you can have your feet in while sitting in the pool chairs! It was perfect for lounging while the kids swam. We traveled with 3 separate families and there was more than enough room for everyone.
Other wonderful amenities: provided pool towels, on site washer/dryer, crabbing traps and lines, large dining table so everyone can eat together (back deck and inside), and fishing rods on site. Tom was very quick to get back to us on anything we needed or questions we had---we even had wonderful suggestions for where to view the Cambridge 4th of July fireworks! This was a perfect escape, beautiful house, and a backyard/pool area that we were all sad to leave.
5.0
Tom was a terrific host and the home is even better than in pictures/description on VRBO.
KITCHEN FULLY STOCKED! We were able to cook full meals for the family just like at home--every type of cookware, utensil, and small appliance we needed was there and paper towels, foil, plastic wrap, and plastic containers. Cook inside on the stove or in the oven/microwave or outside on the grill (or s'mores on the firepit). Plenty of cleaning supplies, good dishwasher.
BEDROOMS Primary BR is huge as is accompanying full bath. Gorgeous views to start your day or sleep in on the comfortable king bed. Two upstairs BRs. Zero complaints from our younger kids about the beds! Entry level BRs private--older kids stayed there and could sleep in without being bothered by the younger kids. They are smaller rooms; comfy beds and bedding.
BATHROOMS All quite clean and functional. The primary BR has a full; the upstairs BRs have a full; and the entry level BRs have a full. And there is a powder room on entry level.
OTHER We used the family room off the kitchen when we were inside (why be inside??). We did not use the formal dining room or living room but they are sizable with good furniture. The screened in porch was perfect for getting out of the sun and doing crafts or reading on the nice chair or loveseat.
OUTSIDE This is where you will want to be. The pool was great--clean and with a nice walk in so you could actually sit on chairs with your feet in the water (the chairs are there). Do your part to skim and run the pool vacuum and you'll have a pristine pool like we did. The the dock was perfect for morning coffee and to check the crab traps--we had crabs every day, though we released them as most were undersized (but the dog loved to investigate). The younger kids fished from the pier and kept a close eye on the osprey family living adjacent. There is a small break along the bank to put in kayaks--super easy (and there are two excellent kayaks there with paddles and life vests). And the yard was perfect for frisbee, playing catch with the rugby ball or football, croquet, or chasing the dog! The dog also got into the water at the kayak put-in. You really cannot swim in hot months unless you're pretty brave about jellyfish.
MISC Laundry works well (and detergent there). Plenty of bath and beach towels. Super quiet neighborhood. Eat seafood from nearby Lindy's and Emily's for produce/meat/cheese/beer. In town, go to Blackwater Bakery, RAR, Snappers. And mostly, RELAX
5.0
We had a wonderful week swimming and fishing/crabbing off the dock. We brought jet skis and parked them on the dock for the week. The house was clean and the kitchen was well-stocked. We cooked most meals at the house but ordered steam crabs from Lindy’s one night. Everything was wonderful and we would highly recommend. Tom was easy to get a hold of and very accommodating.
5.0
I wish VRBO had 10 stars because this property was a definite 10!!! Gorgeous!!
We all enjoyed our time at the Half Shell. Thanks for sharing your amazing home with all of us.
5.0
great vacation
tom’s house is beautiful, comfortable, clean, and was easy for all 9 of us (ages 1 year to 67 years) and our dogs to navigate. the pool is lovely, with a shallow entry area that was extended out enough for our one-year grandchildren to be on, enjoy the water, and have fun (supervised of course) and the pool area is beautifully landscaped with a lovely view of the lake. in the pool area we also made s’mores over the fire pit. we barbecued several nights. the amenities were great. the view from every part of the house was fantastic. we had so much fun on our vacation, making wonderful memories with our children and grandchildren.
5.0
So peaceful!
Nothing but positive feedback from our multi generational group. The checkin process was easy and very good communication with the owner. The house was *absolutely* spotless.
Great views over the water, from inside and outside. Crabbing off the dock was great, and kayaking around the coves was SO peaceful. The landscaping around the yard and pool was so well done and added nicely to the pretty views. The layout of the house works so well, as described in other reviews. The kitchen was well stocked with high quality cookware and we loved the extra beverage fridges.
It feels like the house is in the middle of nowhere (just what we wanted) but is actually extremely convenient to whatever you need. Cambridge, with Walmart and other “big box” stores, is only 15 minutes away. BUT, we happily did most of our shopping at Emily’s Produce. The Woolford General Store was also a favorite.
5.0
Beautiful and impeccable property. Pool and dock are amazing. Fire pit was lovely and crabs literally walked into our traps. Well appointed kitchen. Layout is ideal for groups of families as there are three “wings” of 1-2 bedrooms each with a bathroom. All in all great stay. Thank you Tom!
5.0
A wonderful vacation!
We had an incredible time at this beautiful home. The pool was so perfect for the kids. Tom was so helpful and a wonderful host. We’ll absolutely be back again!
5.0
Great Chesapeake experience
Beautiful and impeccable property. Pool and dock are amazing. Fire pit was lovely and crabs literally walked into our traps. Well appointed kitchen. Layout is ideal for groups of families as there are three “wings” of 1-2 bedrooms each with a bathroom. All in all great stay. Thank you Tom!
5.0
Our family group of six, ranging in age from 10 to 76, had a wonderful week. The property is way better than advertised. Beautiful, spotless, comfortable and supplied with all the extras you need to fully enjoy it.
Crabbing, kayaking, relaxing, cocktails in the pool (plastic glasses, of course!), charter fishing nearby, resident osprey and the best home office anywhere if you can’t leave work behind. The owner/manager, Tom, is very easy to communicate with and prompt. He clearly wants you to enjoy a home he loves.
Too many positives to list. The only negative was leaving after our week ended.
Ray V, Shepherdstown, WV
5.0
The property was immaculate, spacious, quiet, and everything was well maintained. The communication between the property owner and me was prompt and efficient. The pool was beautiful and large. I would recommend this property for a large family who enjoy a pool, grounds and a lovely home.
5.0
Beautiful Retreat
The property was immaculate, spacious, quiet, and everything was well maintained. The communication between the property owner and me was prompt and efficient. The pool was beautiful and large. I would recommend this property for a large family who enjoy a pool, grounds and a lovely home.
5.0
The week we spent here was wonderful! Our family planned this trip months ago and I cannot say enough about the house, the pool and the property overlooking Church Creek. The house was clean, and the gourmet kitchen looking out onto the water was well stocked! Everyone loved having some separate spaces that you could curl up with a good book or have family game night. The pool was so nice to have, especially in the summer. We paddle boarded, kayaked, and crabbed. Tom was great and always responded to our questions. If you are looking for chill time on the eastern shore with lovely views of the water and tranquilty, this is the place for you!
5.0
Family Vacation 2021
Our family group of six, ranging in age from 10 to 76, had a wonderful week. The property is way better than advertised. Beautiful, spotless, comfortable and supplied with all the extras you need to fully enjoy it.
Crabbing, kayaking, relaxing, cocktails in the pool (plastic glasses, of course!), charter fishing nearby, resident osprey and the best home office anywhere if you can’t leave work behind. The owner/manager, Tom, is very easy to communicate with and prompt. He clearly wants you to enjoy a home he loves.
Too many positives to list. The only negative was leaving after our week ended.
Ray V, Shepherdstown, WV
5.0
WOW!
The week we spent here was wonderful! Our family planned this trip months ago and I cannot say enough about the house, the pool and the property overlooking Church Creek. The house was clean, and the gourmet kitchen looking out onto the water was well stocked! Everyone loved having some separate spaces that you could curl up with a good book or have family game night. The pool was so nice to have, especially in the summer. We paddle boarded, kayaked, and crabbed. Tom was great and always responded to our questions. If you are looking for chill time on the eastern shore with lovely views of the water and tranquilty, this is the place for you!
5.0
What a relaxing vacation!
This lovely house provided us with everything we needed for a perfect vacation. The house was beautiful and well equipped. Enjoyed the pool every day, kayaked and rented a boat for 3 days to enjoy the lovely views on the river. Watched the ospreys feed their young and had numerous turtles visit us in the yard. We took advantage of the crab traps which our 9 year old grandson loved checking on a daily basis. Ended the week with a crab fest from a local seafood store! Thank you, Tom, for sharing your home with us!
5.0
The house and property were exactly as described and out-fitted, offering our multi-generational, active adult family plenty of space to relax, play, sleep, eat, and enjoy the sunrises beyond the dock and across the bay. Bedrooms were varied in set ups and spread out to provide privacy and quiet for (ugh) virtual workspace. The kitchen was big and well stocked with cooking and serving items. The large island with extra small sink was perfect for communal food prep, cocktail mixing, and misc. storage. The casual family room was cozily, comfortable for rainy day movie watching and the living room overlooking the deck was an ideal place to escape the sun for a bit and still watch the bay. Early morning kayaking on the placid water in multiple directions was serene and offered lovely views and solitude. Board games, yard games, the pool with Baja shelf, the fire pit, and crabbing/fishing entertained everyone. The wonderfully landscaped and fenced pool area was perfect for our pup. Tom, the host, was lovely, responsive and provided brochures and local info. as part of a perfect welcome basket. Aside from grocery shopping , there was not too much need to find outside activities, but some of our family off-site favorite destinations were the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge, Liddy's Seafood (just around the corner), Emily's Produce (fresh and local and multiple activities for kiddies), RAR Brewing, and some local downtown shops. Minor detail, but used the majority of the time by everyone and throughly enjoyed... the outside shower. We highly recommend the Half Shell!
5.0
Half Shell Stay Added Up to a Whole Bushel of Fun
The house and property were exactly as described and out-fitted, offering our multi-generational, active adult family plenty of space to relax, play, sleep, eat, and enjoy the sunrises beyond the dock and across the bay. Bedrooms were varied in set ups and spread out to provide privacy and quiet for (ugh) virtual workspace. The kitchen was big and well stocked with cooking and serving items. The large island with extra small sink was perfect for communal food prep, cocktail mixing, and misc. storage. The casual family room was cozily, comfortable for rainy day movie watching and the living room overlooking the deck was an ideal place to escape the sun for a bit and still watch the bay. Early morning kayaking on the placid water in multiple directions was serene and offered lovely views and solitude. Board games, yard games, the pool with Baja shelf, the fire pit, and crabbing/fishing entertained everyone. The wonderfully landscaped and fenced pool area was perfect for our pup. Tom, the host, was lovely, responsive and provided brochures and local info. as part of a perfect welcome basket. Aside from grocery shopping , there was not too much need to find outside activities, but some of our family off-site favorite destinations were the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge, Liddy's Seafood (just around the corner), Emily's Produce (fresh and local and multiple activities for kiddies), RAR Brewing, and some local downtown shops. Minor detail, but used the majority of the time by everyone and throughly enjoyed... the outside shower. We highly recommend the Half Shell!
5.0
The words modern and immaculate are not usually paired with warm and inviting but those are the words that describe this perfect waterfront property. Our family enjoyed every inch of this beautiful home. It was well stocked with anything you could possibly need and so very organized! We loved having multiple gathering areas, the very comfy beds with great linens and the fantastic chef's kitchen with a 6 burner stove. The kids loved fishing and crabbing right from the dock and also swimming in the saltwater pool. The provided kyacks were a big hit and we enjoyed gathering around the fire pit in the evening. The home is also beautifully landscaped with lots of blooming flowers. We rented a boat one day and explored the surrounding waterways accompanied by dolphins at one point. We highly recommend going to the nearby Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park as well as The Black Water Refuge where we were greeted by a beautiful bald eagle in flight. Emily’s Market and Lindy’s Seafood are also great and very close by. We even popped over to Assateague National Seashore to see the wild ponies and had dinner one night in quaint St. Michaels. Tom was great with communication and was a perfect host. We look forward to returning soon
5.0
Gorgeous Waterfront Pristine Home
The words modern and immaculate are not usually paired with warm and inviting but those are the words that describe this perfect waterfront property. Our family enjoyed every inch of this beautiful home. It was well stocked with anything you could possibly need and so very organized! We loved having multiple gathering areas, the very comfy beds with great linens and the fantastic chef's kitchen with a 6 burner stove. The kids loved fishing and crabbing right from the dock and also swimming in the saltwater pool. The provided kyacks were a big hit and we enjoyed gathering around the fire pit in the evening. The home is also beautifully landscaped with lots of blooming flowers. We rented a boat one day and explored the surrounding waterways accompanied by dolphins at one point. We highly recommend going to the nearby Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park as well as The Black Water Refuge where we were greeted by a beautiful bald eagle in flight. Emily’s Market and Lindy’s Seafood are also great and very close by. We even popped over to Assateague National Seashore to see the wild ponies and had dinner one night in quaint St. Michaels. Tom was great with communication and was a perfect host. We look forward to returning soon
5.0
Fantastic stay
We had a wonderful stay at this property. The house is gorgeous and was spotless. The house owner was friendly, communicative, and made the process seamless. Pool was well-maintained and the grounds and amenities made this stay perfect for keeping active while socially distanced. Crab pots, pool towels, kayaks, fire pit—everything was waiting and ready. We had a wonderful time. Will definitely return.
5.0
Relaxing waterfront retreat
Such a beautiful and well thought out house! Lots of space to accommodate gaming, playing games, watch sports or quietly reading a book. And if you have a boat it is a great place to explore to fish, crab or quietly enjoy nature.
I highly recommend this house.
5.0
Such a beautiful and well thought out house! Lots of space to accommodate gaming, playing games, watch sports or quietly reading a book. And if you have a boat it is a great place to explore to fish, crab or quietly enjoy nature. I highly recommend this house.
5.0
Great stay
We wanted a remote home that allowed dogs, had a lovely pool, and included some activities, and we got exactly that. Check in was easy, and we were welcomed by some treats, which the owner provided, plus an amazing view of the bay/cove. We had an enjoyable time crabbing, swimming, and kayaking, and we never had to leave the property. Everything was provided for us, including towels and all of the crabbing equipment and bait/fish. The owner is very responsive, which we found out as we endured a mini-hurricane while we were there! Life is an adventure. We always had access to him through text and phone.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Chesapeake Bay?
The average price for a rental in Chesapeake Bay is $266 per night. This rental is $714 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at A Beautiful Waterfront Retreat for Family Gatherings!. 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 A Beautiful Waterfront Retreat for Family Gatherings!. Enjoy the water!
Is A Beautiful Waterfront Retreat for Family Gatherings! 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 A Beautiful Waterfront Retreat for Family Gatherings!?
We found 14 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, and internet / wifi.
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