Location: Rockport, North of Boston & Greater Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts, USA (Cape Ann/North Shore 50 minutes from Boston Logan Airport) View Map
Accommodations: House, 5 Bedrooms + Den, 3 Baths (Sleeps 10)
Keywords: house, villa, rental home, vacation rental home, holiday rental, oceanfront, waterfront, coastal, Rockport, Cape Ann, MA
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.
Nearby country roads showcase 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.
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.
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 4 AC units, 1 in living area, 1 in master bedroom, 1 in twin bedroom, 1 in queen bedroom.
- Linens Provided : Sheets, bath towels, and beach towels provided
- Washer : In hall outside upstairs bedrooms
- Dryer : In hall outside upstairs bedrooms
- Off Street Parking : Space for 5 to 7 cars
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer : On the property's lower level
- Wood Fireplace : Working fireplace in living room
- Beds
- King Bed : Ocean Views.
- Queen Bed : Ocean Views.
- 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. Ocean Views.
- Convertible Bed : In family room/library.
- Crib : This is a portable PackN'Play.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV (3) : 3 TVs in house, all with VCR and DVD.
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : Video Library with 50+ kids films and 100+ adult dramas & comedies
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : Mix of classical, international, and popular CDs.
- 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 : Weber gas grill on terrace
- Charcoal BBQ Grill : Weber charcoal grill on terrace
- Deck/Patio : Overlooks ocean, with table, chairs, umbrella, loungers, chiminea.
- View/Location
- Oceanfront : House sits on property's upper level giving expansive views of Gull Cove, Sandy Bay, and open ocean. Path and steps lead from the terrace to the property's lower lever and its sea wall abutting Gull Cove.
- Communications
- Telephone : Free local calls
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Wireless internet access throughout the house
- Other Amenities
- Iron/Board, Fans, Hair Dryers, Central Vacuum, Alarm Clocks, Patio Chiminea, Beach Chairs/Towels/Umbrella, Toys, Games, Puzzles, 1500 book library.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed : To accommodate returning guests with allergies we do not allow pets at the house.
- 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 30
- Smoking Not Allowed : Smoking outside the house is fine provided guests put extinguished matches/butts in trash bins
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Shelling
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Art Galleries, Beaches, Foliage, Music/Concerts, Whale Watching
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
October to May .. $2500/week.
$3195/week over Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, & Christmas.
June & September .. $3195/week | July & August .. $3995/week.
$500 Security Deposit. Discounted Monthly Rates Offered October to May.
Weekly summer rentals from 3 PM Saturday to 10 AM the next Saturday.
Minimum Summer/Major Holiday Stay 1 Week. 10 Guests Maximum.
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.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Spacious 5 BR Oceanfront Vacation Rental in Rockport ~MA~
Year Purchased: 2003
Why the Owner Chose Rockport
I grew up on Boston's North Shore and love the area. Each season has different charms and rhythms, and the ocean changes daily and often hourly. Boston is just an hour away and other parts of New England are within an easy drive. It is a great place to live.
The Unique Benefits at this House
Our location just to the north of town provides privacy in pretty and peaceful surroundings. Yet the house is an easy walk to Rockport train station and town center. The view includes not only ocean to the horizon, which is lovely enough, but also a cove below the house and shoreline to the southeast.
The lobster boats, sailboats, and other watercraft from the cove add interest to the view and perspective to the ocean's expanse. At night the shore lights can be almost mesmerizing as they twinkle over the water. The atmosphere is both relaxing and invigorating depending perhaps on mood.
The house itself is clean, well equipped, and comfortable. Its large living and outside areas allow many places for private time plus lots of room for family and friends to gather. The furnishings and subtle decor make it a residence not a stripped-down rental.
Some of the many activities possible here:
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 to swim in a quarry along the way. Stroll to Front Beach or Rockport center for fresh scones and espresso, a harbor cruise, or a meal on Bearskin Neck. Rent kayaks and paddle to Thacher Island and its twin lighthouses just off the coast. Ride bikes to explore countless seaside roads and pathways. Play tennis on one of several nearby courts open for public use.
Cool off by jumping from the property seawall into Gull Cove. Buy lobsters from a local merchant or try fishing off Granite Pier. Cook out on the patio with panoramic ocean views as your backdrop. Choose a book from our library for a peaceful read.
Enjoy a glass of wine by the chiminea or fireplace as you watch the moonlight dance over the ocean. Watch a movie from the house collection. 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.
Owner's Map of Rockport
Owner and host Tim Clarke grew up 15 minutes south of Rockport. After living overseas for nine years and in Boston for 16, family and the ocean called him back to Cape Ann in 2003.
Property Photos
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- Ocean View from Gull Cove House - Rockport, Massachusetts Real Estate
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- Ocean Side of House - Rockport, Massachusetts Real Estate
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- Spacious Living Room has 9 Windows with Ocean View - Rockport, Massachusetts Real Estate
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- King Master Bedroom has 8 Windows with Ocean View
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- Kitchen has Breakfast Bar and 5 Windows with Ocean View
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- Queen Bedroom with Ocean Views
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- Patio and Terrace with 2 Grills, Chiminea, Stunning Ocean Views
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- Dawn View from Gull Cove House
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- Sunroom overlooks Ocean
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- Dining Alcove with Ocean Views
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- Driveway Side of Gull Cove House
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- Full Bedroom
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- Bedroom with Daybed and Trundle, Ocean Views
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- Twin Bedroom with Ocean Views
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- View from Property Sea Wall
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- Garden at Gull Cove House
Traveler Reviews (110)
September 2011
Guest: Diane O.
Date of Stay: 09/17/11
Review Submitted: 09/26/11
This is an absolutely lovely home! Everything you need is provided and well cared for. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay! Thank you!
Owner response:We appreciate this kind review very much and hope Diane and her wonderful family return when the timing fits for them.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, families with teenagers.
Awesome Coastal home
Guest: Barry19
(Windsor, Colorado, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/18/11
Review Submitted: 07/11/11
Wow, we were overwhelmed when we entered this marvelous home. While the website information was accurate it was still more than we expected. We only wish we could have stayed longer, the book shelves lined with books immediately made me feel at home and want to sit reading, but the view of the ocean, called us out to walk. We want to plan a return trip with more time to relax and enjoy this wonderful home! THANKS!
Owner response:We appreciate the kind review and are glad our house exceeded expectations. We look forward to a return visit by Barry and his family.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Guest: Renee H.
(-)
Date of Stay: 06/25/11
Review Submitted: 07/07/11
Thanks again for providing us with just the right home for our vacation; we really enjoyed our stay and it was great to visit with our daughter. Silly question for you--what kind of mattress and pillows do you have in the master? I slept so well and my hair wasn't even messed up in the morning. Just thought if you knew I could at least start with some new pillows. Thanks so much. Owner's Response: The bed in the master is a king Simmons Beautyrest. The pillows question is trickier because there are 3 pairs on the bed. One pair are plump regular-size pillows by Ralph Lauren. A second pair are king Home Design "Dacron Relief" pillows by PillowTex of Dallas. The third pair are good quality synthetic king pillows from Target. We avoid feather pillows because some guests are allergic to them.
Recommended for:
If you're looking for heaven, this is it
Guest: Thomas
(Copenhagen /Denmark)
Date of Stay: 05/28/11
Review Submitted: 06/07/11
Spending a week with excellent weather, this house fulfilled all of our dreams. A well equipped house, with all the things you need to do whatever you like; both in the kitchen, at the grill, the fireplace, and a fantastic sample of lecture in every genre, we especially took advantage of the massive collection of history lecture on New England and Cape Ann, and enjoyed the nice and calm atmosphere and silence. Every morning we enjoyed the refreshing swim from the pear in the garden (bay). We would highly recommend this house and friendly host to everybody.
Owner response:Thomas and his family from Copenhagen were wonderful guests. We are glad they enjoyed the peaceful surroundings and our library of some 4500 books including over 30 titles covering biking, hiking, boating, birding, touring, and other activities on Cape Ann and elsewhere in MA and New England. They deserve special recognition for swimming each morning off the seawall on the lower part of our property abutting Granite Pier Cove. The ocean temperature here in late May is bracing to put it mildly but that did not deter them. We hope they return and appreciate their gracious review.
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Guest: Bookin Family
(-)
Date of Stay: 11/28/10
Review Submitted: 12/01/10
We have enjoyed our second Thanksgiving here in Gull Cove House for our families from the far corners of the US including Boston, Portland OR, Oakland CA, and New York. We are looking forward to a 3rd year here for our annual family reunion. Gull Cove House is a perfect venue for large families. You have assembled an amazing book/movie collection and have every convenience. Thanks so much for our week-long respite.
Recommended for:
Beautiful House - Perfect Vacation
Guest: lsjc
(Boston)
Date of Stay: 09/24/10
Review Submitted: 10/05/10
The house was exactly as described and even better! Every detail was perfect, including the gorgeous furnishings and art work. We loved cooking in the kitchen (a cook's dream!) and on the outside grill. The views are prettier than the photos show. We loved every minute of our vacation. Our group included all ages (from an infant to a senior) and the house was remarkably well set up for all! Very highly recommended!
Recommended for:
Wonderful Stay
Guest: Sandy Y.
(-)
Date of Stay: 06/19/10
Review Submitted: 06/19/10
We had a wonderful stay here at Gull Cove House. We enjoyed the local charm and beautiful flowers we saw on our daily walks. The house is awesome! Rob, Sandy, & Florence, Fort Collins, CO
Recommended for:
Wonderful Retreat
Guest: Virginia & Family, CT, CO, SC, ND
(-)
Date of Stay: 05/09/10
Review Submitted: 05/18/10
We all agree that this house is a wonderful retreat and that we were so lucky to have found it! Thank you for a wonderful time. Every stay should include a thunderstorm, along with the beautiful sunny days we've enjoyed here. I hope we'll see you on a (contra) dance floor somewhere. PS We recommend the Tuesday night sea shanties at Cameron's in Gloucester for a rollicking evening!
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #57377
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