Well Appointed Vintage Beach Cottage

Guest: Ohio Guests (Great Lakes, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 07/31/10 Review Submitted: 08/12/10

A vintage beach cottage with all the amenties for a relaxing beach vacation away from the traffic and crowds of Cape Cod. The cottage has everything one could need from the kitchen/bath supplies to all the "beach toys" (beach chairs, umbrellas, beach bags). Especially important are the air conditioning units (Yes, they really are necessary on the ocean when it is hot, sticky, and foggy). Extra modern amenities include the washer/dryer (with laundry detergent, etc.) and a dishwasher! Lots of towels and blankets (even if not needed in the summer). The cottage is located on the quiet side of West Island in a year round neighborhood, only a few streets up from a sheltered beach ideal for small children (easy walking distance). The main beach is a couple of minutes by car and a short bike ride down the road. The owners are very accommadating and communication was always prompt. They are also quite conscientious about maintenance of the cottage. Excursions: Although the Cape is a short ride away, the 2 or 3 hour Cape Cod Canal boat ride from Onset (about a 35 minutes drive) is a much better excursion for getting a flavor of the Cape towns without dealing with Bridge traffic. Also, there are bike/hike/fishing roads on both sides of the Canal that are right on the Canal's edge. They are easily accessible, traffic-free, and provide great Canal recreation activites and ship/boat watching. Eating: Save money and go to Kyler's Seafood for everything from lobsters, shrimp, and fresh fish. Look for the daily truck stand across from Shaw's Supermarket at the head of Sconticut Neck Road for sweet corn and veggies. We like Shaw's Market for everything in between. Bring it back to the cottage and enjoy! The kitchen has everything including 2 lobster pots to cook enough lobsters for all of West Island!

Recommended for:Sightseeing, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.

Guest: Christina Valliere (Palm Bay, Florida)
Date of Stay: 01/25/10 Review Submitted: 01/25/10

While I understand that a winter visit seems odd for this area, my Florida family thoroughly enjoyed our stay in what we now call "our Christmas Cottage." My 6-year-old loved playing in the front yard and walking the beach even though the island was covered in snow. However, that was not the best part, the authentic fireplace made for a wonderful dream of Santa and stockings dance in my little boy's head. The cottage was clean and it had everything we needed to make this place our home for two weeks. My husband and I slept well and enjoyed the closeness that comes with this cozy home. We are looking forward to next Christmas in "our Christmas Cottage."

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Guest: Chris63 (Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 01/30/08 Review Submitted: 01/30/08

West Island was a pleasant surprise for us as we vacationed here last summer. Sitting at the end of a causeway from Sconticut Neck, the island looks out into Buzzards Bay. Long, narrow beaches surround the island and provide access to the gentle, shallow, warm water of the Bay. Other areas around the island provide a great setting for nature walks where children can find all kinds of sea and coastal life in tidal pools and around rocks.The cottage is equally full of surprises. From the outside, it appears to be a typical small and simple cottage for summer use. Inside, however, it is modern, roomy, and immaculate. The efficient open floor-plan makes it all work (as well as the window unit air conditioners when needed). There are 3 bedrooms (2 downstairs and 2 upstairs) that easily slept 3 adults and 5 children. We had an additional 4 guests for dinner and managed to all dine together at the long kitchen table as if we were in a ship’s galley. The kitchen is fully equipped with all appliances and utensils needed. The bathroom is completely renovated and is comparable to the size and condition of a bathroom in any home being built today. A washer and dryer are available just outside the bathroom. One step down from the kitchen area is a family or living room with large comfortable chairs and couches. Guests can unwind watching cable television or movies from an incredible VCR collection of classics or can read quietly from selections in a well-stocked bookcase.A large and well maintained yard surrounds the cottage. Outside you will find a brand new grill and picnic table as well as a shower that’s pretty handy for washing off beach sand. A shed is in the backyard with room enough for 5 bikes that we brought along. We used that shed daily as we rode our bikes exploring the island and enjoying the scenery. It’s possible to spend your entire vacation on the island. In fact, I asked one of the year-round residents if there is anything nearby that’s a “must see” especially for children. She responded, “Well, most people vacation here just to stay on the island.” As much as we liked the island, we also wanted to check out areas nearby –- especially Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard. Staying on the island gave us a “home base” to take short day trips all over the Cape and a ferry over to Martha’s Vineyard. The Cape is only about 5 miles across Buzzards Bay, but a pleasant ride along the coast to get over the Cape Cod Canal takes a

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Guest: John Butler (Holden, MA)
Date of Stay: 12/06/07 Review Submitted: 12/06/07

We have been going to "the Cape" for years. What a difference. This fully furnished cottage is situated on a private island and is an incredible family retreat. It is located only a few minutes from a multitude causual and fine dining establishments and entertainment options in the evening. The best part of all is the relaxing atmosphere of the beach with ample parking literally 2 minutes from this home away from home. I recommended this place for a truly relaxing and peaceful getaway for the entire family or "just the two of you..." You will not be disappointed!

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Guest: Aubrey Joyce and Paul Buono (Worcester, MA)
Date of Stay: 08/15/06 Review Submitted: 08/15/06

"...A beautiful and wonderfully furnished beach house only minutes from the water on scenic West Island. The house is perfectly suited for a romantic weekend for two, and is equally well-suited for a family vacation. The accommodations make all the difference, including plenty of bedroom space, bright windows, DVD/VHS players, movies, books, towels/linens, and a washer/dryer. And everything is SO CLEAN!"

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