Location: Rockport, North of Boston & Greater Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts, USA (Cape Ann/North Shore 50 minutes from Boston Logan Airport)
Accommodations: House, 5 Bedrooms + Den, 3 Baths (Sleeps 10)
Gull Cove House is a bright, cheerful, roomy, and relaxing waterfront vacation rental home in the scenic New England coastal town of Rockport, MA. Sleeping 10, the house has 5 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and stunning ocean views. Though the setting is tranquil, the location is convenient. It's just an 8-minute walk to Back Beach; an 18-minute walk to quaint Rockport center; a short drive to several larger beaches; a 3-minute walk to wooded trails circling pristine quarries; and 3/4 mile to Rockport station with regular 1-hour train service to Boston. In the cove below the house are two boat ramps, one to launch boats from trailers and another for hand-carried craft such as kayaks and windsurfers.
The house offers dozens of amenities for comfort and entertainment: patio furniture on each of the property's two levels; grills and chiminea; fireplace; fans and 2 air conditioners; piano; stereo; 3 DVD/VCR players; large collection of books, music, movies, and games; telescopes; satellite TV; and wireless DSL. With a spacious living area, cozy sunroom, paneled den, dining area, breakfast bar, and well equipped kitchen, guests can mingle, have an intimate talk, and dine formally or casually, all while savoring the view from the banks of windows looking out to sea.
Rockport is a charming community on the tip of Cape Ann, the prettiest seaside area in Massachusetts. The town has miles of coastline, several beaches, and walking trails along the water and through forest. At its center are a classic New England harbor, renowned Motif No. 1, and quaint Bearskin Neck with cozy cafés, seafood restaurants, and a thriving artist community with many galleries.
Rockport's neighbor on Cape Ann and just 3 miles from the house is Gloucester, the oldest fishing port in the U.S. and the setting for Sebastian Junger's bestselling book and popular film The Perfect Storm. Gloucester has miles of rugged coastline, lovely rivers and forests, several large and popular beaches, excellent restaurants, museums, and the oldest working artist colony in the U.S.
Although Cape Ann offers a wide variety of activities--beaches, water sports, hiking, biking, antique shops, art galleries, restaurants, birding, boating, and brilliant autumn foliage to name just a few--it can also serve as a base for day trips to neighboring attractions. Historic Salem, Boston, Lexington, and Concord are within easy reach by train or car. The outlet stores of southern New Hampshire and Maine are just over an hour's drive from the house. Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, and the Berkshires in western MA are all about 2 hours away.
Gull Cove House in Rockport is the ideal holiday rental home for your trip to New England. It is especially well suited for family vacations and reunions, for couples or small groups looking for a tranquil seaside getaway, and for business visitors wanting easy access to Boston while staying in prettier surroundings outside the city. For those wishing to visit Gordon College in Wenham or Endicott College in Beverly, the house is only 20 and 25 minutes’ drive respectively from these two fine institutions. Have a look at our house web site for more details and photos of the house and its views; read what past guests have said about their time here; and check availability on our calendar. Then please let us know if this sounds like the right place for your stay.
Your Stay at Gull Cove House:
Wake up early at least once during your stay to watch the sun rise over the ocean from the house, which faces due east. Take the path 2 minutes from the house for a walk in the woods, perhaps stopping for a swim in a quarry along the way. Stroll to Front Beach (only 12 minutes from the house on foot) or to Rockport center (only 6 minutes farther) for fresh scones and espresso, leisurely shopping, a harbor cruise, or a casual meal on quaint Bearskin Neck. Rent kayaks and paddle to Thacher Island and its twin lighthouses just off the Rockport coast. Bring or rent bicycles to explore Cape Ann’s countless seaside roads and pathways within easy riding from the house.
Cool off afterward by jumping from the property seawall into Gull Cove just below the house. Buy lobsters directly from lobstermen returning with a fresh catch to their moorings in Gull Cove, or try fishing for striped bass off the property sea wall. Cook out using either the gas or the charcoal grill on the patio with panoramic ocean views as your backdrop. Choose a book from the 1400-book library for a peaceful read on the terrace in the sun and sea air.
Take a drive on nearby country roads to see New England’s lovely spring colors or fall foliage. Stop at a farm stand for fresh cider and produce. Pack a picnic and take the kids to one of Cape Ann’s beaches or state parks. Go to historic Salem or Boston, only 35 and 65 minutes respectively from Rockport by car or train. Visit some of the excellent nearby locations for bird watching—Essex County in MA has over 400 species of birds visiting or living here all or part of the year.
Return to the house for a glass of wine by a fire in the patio chiminea or the living room fireplace as you watch the moonlight dance over the ocean. Choose a movie from the house video library of 25+ kids films and 80+ adult dramas and comedies. Fall asleep to the sound of waves breaking on the shore below. Next morning let another ocean sunrise rouse you from your dreams as the sea gulls call you to begin another day at this little piece of paradise.
Gull Cove House, a Rockport MA vacation/holiday rental home by owner.
Member Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning: House has 2 AC units, 1 in living area, 1 in master bedroom.
- Washer: In hall outside upstairs bedrooms
- Dryer: In hall outside upstairs bedrooms
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking: Space for at least 6 cars
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer: On the property's lower level
- Wood Fireplace: In living room
- Beds
- King Bed
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed (4) : 2 twins convert to 1 king bed if preferred. The other two twins are a day bed and trundle.
- Convertible Bed: In family room/library.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV (3)
- DVD (3)
- VCR (3)
- Video Library: Video Library with 25+ kids films and 80+ adults dramas & comedies
- CD Player (2)
- Stereo System (2)
- Music Library
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: Large, fully equipped kitchen has 5 windows with ocean views
- Cooking Utensils Provided: Well-stocked with accessories
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill: Built-in gas grill on terrace
- Charcoal BBQ Grill: Weber grill on terrace
- Deck/Patio: with table, chairs, umbrella, loungers, chiminea
- View/Location
- Oceanfront: House sits on property's uppper level giving expansive ocean views. Path and stone steps lead from the terrace to the property's lower lever and its sea wall abutting Gull Cove.
- Communications
- Telephone (2) : Free local calls
- Broadband Internet: DSL modem provided plus multi-hub port.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet): Wireless internet access throughout the house
- Other Amenities
- Iron/Board, Fans, Hair Dryers, Central Vacuum, Alarm Clocks, Patio Chiminea, Outdoor Cold Shower, Beach Chairs/Towels/Umbrella, Toys, Games, Puzzles,
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly: Kids are welcome at the house. However the water location and perch of the house mean toddlers cannot be left unattended outside.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters: Renters must be at least 25
- Smoking Not Allowed: Smoking outside the house is fine provided guests put extinguished matches/butts in trash bins
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Shelling
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Sledding/Tubing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Art Galleries, Beaches, Foliage, Music/Concerts, Whale Watching
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
October to May .. $2500/week
$3495/week over Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, & Christmas
June & September .. $3495/week | July & August .. $4395/week
Discounted Monthly Rates Offered October to May.
Weekly rentals from 3 PM Saturday to 10 AM the next Saturday.
Minimum Summer Stay 1 Week. 10 Guests Maximum. $500 Security Deposit.
Weekly House Cleaning Included. No Smoking, Pets, or Large Events/Weddings.
Owner lives in separate attached apartment
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Property Photos
- Ocean View from House - Rockport, Massachusetts Real Estate
- Ocean Side of House - Rockport, Massachusetts Real Estate
- Spacious Living Room has 9 Windows with Ocean View - Rockport, Massachusetts Real Estate
- Master Bedroom has 8 Windows with Ocean View
- Kitchen has Breakfast Bar and 5 Windows with Ocean View
Guest Comments (86)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #57377
There have been 16453 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2005.
This listing was first published here in 2005.
Date last modified - June 26, 2009
Positive Rating
We had a beautiful time in the Cape Ann area once again! Your house is beautiful and thank you for letting us enjoy the views of the cove. We loved being able to walk to Bearskin Neck and being so close to the train station for our day trip into Boston. Once it stopped raining we loved going down to the float and sitting outside in the fresh air. Thank you!
Positive Rating
We had a wonderful stay! The views from this lovely home are breathtaking, and there’s so much to do close by. Thank you for the warm hospitality & the excellent recommendations.
Positive Rating
Well, our two weeks have flown by filled with many adventures with our family & friends & leaving us with wonderful memories of our 50th anniversary celebration. We all loved the house & it fit the 9 of us perfectly. Lots of space for everyone to do their own thing or to gather together. And everywhere we were there were those beautiful views! We took advantage of your DVD & video library, worked on several puzzles, played (mini) pool & took your shovels & pails to the beach. We marveled at your book collection! & dipped into some to them. Being in walking distance to town was another great advantage & we only used the cars for out of Rockport trips. We even took the train into Boston twice. We’d love to return someday—maybe with friends for the Chamber Music Festival. If so you will be the first person we will call for housing. Thanks for your thoughtfulness.
Positive Rating
Thank you so much for providing us with a gorgeous setting for the (celebration) for our dear friend. The panoramic views were amazing and every detail of your home was beautiful. Your home was outfitted with more amenities than we could believe and your efforts were much appreciated. We look forward to hosting a reunion in years to come.
Positive Rating
We have very much enjoyed our stay at your beautiful house and its gorgeous setting. Thank you for welcoming us so warmly and providing us with all the facilities and creature comforts we could need. The library room was a particular success with the children—especially the mini-pool table. Thanks again, The Hillier, Baglee, Vivanco, and visiting Rowlands families
Positive Rating
This is the second time in your beautiful house for our group of 8 college friends, and we look forward to continuing our tradition with you. A vacation house that feels like a beautiful home, a view that is absolutely splendid no matter what the time or weather, and an expansive host next door--what more could we ask for? Thank you! Irene and Friends
Positive Rating
Our stay at your home couldn't have been better! A big thank you for your effort to accommodate us. We would really like to reserve in 2010 if you are booking that far in advance.
Positive Rating
Thanks again for everything. We had a great time and your house affords us all the amenities necessary for a successful young psychologist get away. The snow added a touch of beauty to your magnificent location. Will be in touch in the future as the group would love to return.
Positive Rating
We all had a delightful time at Gull Cove House. Thank you for making it available; it was perfect for our family reunion.
Positive Rating
What a perfect house for a getaway. This is exactly what we were seeking for our family gathering. Thank you for providing such a welcoming, cozy, beautiful home away from home. We plan to be back! All the best, Nicole, Aaron, Kathy, Tom, Pat, Erine, Jen, and Alyson Boston, MA; Bangor and Northeast Harbor, ME; Oak Ridge, NC; Jacksonville, FL