Charming private townhouse-style lodging, a block from Marblehead Harbor
Chestnut Sweet, a two-floor townhouse-style apartment, is located in its own building in one of Marblehead's historic neighborhoods, called the Shipyard. Ideal for two adults (or for a couple and one guest), the Sweet is quiet and private, a gentle, fireplaced respite from your day's activities: swimming at nearby beaches, playing tennis and pickleball, sailing, shopping, and dining in town, and enjoying Marblehead's rich history. Everything is within easy walking distance. The Sweet features, on its first floor, a sitting room on the garden with a convertible love seat (to a double guest bed if needed0 and large closet; a living room with flatscreen TV and gas fireplace; a kitchenette (coffeemaker, countertop oven (we are not zoned for a full-size stove), microwave, electric kettle, and small fridge; full bath with rain shower, laundry facilities, and easy, private ground-floor access. Its second floor offers a queen bed, half-bath, skylights, ceiling fan, large bureau, and closet. The Sweet has full AC, plus wonderful sound-proofing throughout, making it a truly relaxing and private get-away space. Guests will have bikes, beach chairs, and beach towels to use, and a pair of congenial hosts who are available 24/7.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove leftover food and drinks and take out the trash
Turn off the lights
Check-out is 11 a.m. Key can be left on the hooks by the door. Please sign our guest book!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Minimum overnights: THREE
No smoking on or near premises.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number C0279361680
Property # 1889983
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the neighborhood
Marblehead
Located in Marblehead, this vacation home is in the city center and on the waterfront. King Hooper Mansion and Marblehead Museum & Historical Society are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Nahant Beach - Lynn Shore Reservations and Revere Beach Reservation. Bewitched in Salem and Salem Willows Park are also worth visiting. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing, and don't miss out on the ice skating and sledding.
Marblehead Museum & Historical Society - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
King Hooper Mansion - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
Riverhead Beach - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
Gas House Beach - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
Fort Sewall - 7 min drive - 2.5 km
Getting around
Swampscott Station - 7 min drive
Salem Station - 14 min drive
Beverly, MA (BVY-Beverly Municipal) - 33 min drive
Restaurants
The Landing Restaurant - 19 min walk
Casa Corona - 15 min walk
Marblehead Village Market - 10 min walk
Maddie's Sail Loft - 20 min walk
Starbucks - 12 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Charming private townhouse-style lodging, a block from Marblehead Harbor pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Charming private townhouse-style lodging, a block from Marblehead Harbor?
As of Sep 27, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming private townhouse-style lodging, a block from Marblehead Harbor on Nov 10, 2026 start from $268, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Charming private townhouse-style lodging, a block from Marblehead Harbor?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Charming private townhouse-style lodging, a block from Marblehead Harbor?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Charming private townhouse-style lodging, a block from Marblehead Harbor located?
Located in the heart of Marblehead, this vacation home is within a 15-minute walk of King Hooper Mansion and Marblehead Museum & Historical Society. Riverhead Beach and Fort Sewall are also within 1 mi (2 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
We loved the convenient location for our walks, how charming this property is and how well appointed this property is. Francie is a wonderfully warm and welcoming host. I would definitely stay here again.
Francis was so friendly and accommodating when our arrival plans got shifted. The house was clean and everything was easy to find. We had a wonderful time!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 23, 2026
Erin, thanks so much for your review! We loved meeting you both, and we promise that next time the weather will be better!
Many thanks again.
Absolutely lovely spot. Impeccable decor, privacy and centrally located to north shore spots. Enjoy off the beaten path visits to Long Hill and Crane Castle gardens, along with perfect New England coast.
We've stayed here for four years in a row and it never disappoints. The decor is beautiful, home is very clean and it is an excellent location.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 14, 2026
Kelli, you are becoming a Chestnut Sweet alum! We love it that you both return and enjoy our town and the Sweet itself. Thank you so much for your lovely words, and we will look so forward to seeing you again next year, if you decide to make it five in a row!
The Chestnut Sweet was the perfect spot for our mother daughter vacation. 1 minute drive to the beach, Marblehead offers so many local shopping and dining options and Salem was a 20 minute drive. Our hosts were wonderful, kind and very helpful. The cottage was beautiful, cozy and gave us all the comforts of home. I would highly recommend staying here for a great time.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 12, 2026
Lori, thank you for these lovely words and your kindness in sharing them. We so enjoyed you both and hope we’ll see you again !
We absolutely loved our stay at the Sweet! I honestly can't find a single negative thing to say about it. I hope to return again next time we get to the North Shore. The hosts are wonderful and all the amenities were perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 26, 2026
Richard, thank you so much for your lovely words! We so enjoyed meeting you and Shane and we do hope you’ll find your way here to Chestnut Sweet again soon! We would love to welcome you again.
The property was perfect for our needs - a long weekend in Marblehead for a family wedding. The cottage is beautifully restored, tastefully decorated, and impeccably clean; the gift basket of fruit and snacks and the Keurig coffee maker were greatly appreciated. We had excellent communication and great rapport with our host, who reached out to us to make sure all our needs were met. Everything about our stay was smooth sailing. The VRBO is convenient to everything Marblehead has to offer: a two minute walk to a view of the harbor and causeway, a five minute walk to Plus Coffee for great breakfast and lunch options, a very short drive to groceries (Shubie's) and great dining options, and about seven minutes to Old Marblehead with it's colonial buildings and historic sites. Highly recommended! We would not hesitate to return for another visit.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 26, 2026
Chris, that was absolutely lovely! Thank you so very much for all you wrote about the things that make our little place and our town special. It's clear that you enjoyed it all, and now we hope you'll plan to return for more! Again, warm thanks.
One of the best stays I’ve ever had! Francie was extremely helpful and responsive to everything we needed. The house was thoughtfully designed and comfortable, it felt like staying in a relative’s beach house instead of a typical vacation rental. We loved walking to Marblehead and barely needed our car for the whole stay. Overall 10/10, can’t wait to come back!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 23, 2026
Oh Maya, what a lovely review! You are most kind—and what a pleasure it was to meet the three of you. We loved having you here and now we’re hoping that you’ll be back !! You were lovely guests indeed. Next year perhaps?!!!
No way to overstate how lovely this property is! The apartment is IMMACULATE. Nothing has been forgotten. We were greeted with a kind note, a bowl of mandarins, and a vase with fresh flowers from the garden. The apartment is stocked with anything you can imagine needing, and its location is perfect. The harbor is at the end of the street, and there are restaurants within walking distance. My sister and I had the most wonderful, relaxing time. All of this is due to the warmth and hospitality of Francie, who made sure we had everything we could wish for. Thank you, Francie! We will be back!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 7, 2026
Wow, Trish, this was a truly wonderful review! Thank you so very much. We so enjoyed meeting you and Anne, and now we're looking forward already to your next visit! In fact, counting on it!
I could not have asked for a nicer place to stay or more wonderful friendly people. The property is absolutely what you see in the pics. Simply beautiful and amazing.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 10, 2026
Annette, many thanks for your kind words! We really enjoyed meeting you and we'll look forward to your next visit!
We had a lovely time at Chestnut Sweet! It was so cozy (we were there in snowy times!) and well appointed. And Francie was extremely welcoming and attentive. Highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 6, 2026
Amy, thank you so much for your kind words. We so enjoyed meeting you and Carly, and we ‘d love to welcome you again on your next visit to Marblehead!
Francie
Loved this place! Excellent location. The host was so sweet and gave awesome recommendations for the area. Their attention to detail for making our stay as comfortable as possible was unmatched. Will definitely stay here again when we come back to Marblehead.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 22, 2025
DAnielle, forgive me for how LONG it's taken me to thank you for this lovely review AND for finding us on VERBO. We loved meeting you and hope to see you again very soon!
Frances was very kind and helpful, place was clean and warm, and she even gave us places to go to!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 22, 2025
Helen, thank you so much for your kind words and please forgive me for taking sooooo long to write back! We loved meeting you and hope you'll join us again in the very near future!
The whole experience was wonderful! The hosts were fabulous and so thoughtful. The cottage was well appointed , clean and with attention to every detail. We could not have had a better experience. Many thanks! Eric and Sue
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Feb 23, 2026
Eric and Sue, thank you so very much for your kind words. You were indeed the perfect guests and we are hoping we'll see you again one day. Such a pleasure to meet you.
5 Stars for this property! It was beautifully presented and had all the amenities needed for our stay. I will recommend this property and certainly would stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 6, 2022
Anja, lovely review and we thank you heartily! It was a pleasure having you with us and we hope it's the first visit of many to come.
Outstanding in all respects. Wonderful host and superb property. We'll definitely be back!
Stayed 14 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 3, 2025
Rob and Kate, thanks so much for these kind words. We so enjoyed your stay and we’re looking forward to the next one with much enthusiasm! Happy new year!
Wonderful accommodations and friendly host. Will definitely come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 10, 2022
Many thanks, both! We hope you had a great reunion weekend, and we'd love to see you again anytime!
About the host
Hosted by Francie King
Your hosts are Francie King and husband Robert Erbetta. Francie is a writer and book editor, and Robert is a facilities manager and historic-house renovator. They have lived and worked in Marblehead for several decades and consider fine hospitality one of life's purest pleasures. They are deeply familiar with the North Shore, where Marblehead is located north of Boston, and eager to share its gifts with their guests.
Why they chose this property
We invite guests to fully enjoy the Sweet, while encouraging them to explore Marblehead, fall in love with it (as many do) and return often. The Sweet is located in a neighborhood that hugs the waterfront and that once housed shipbuilders, sea captains, and waterfront workers. The Sweet itself, located in its own building with its own small outside brick patio adjacent to a lush garden, is ideal for a summer stay, but equally pleasurable for a winter retreat, thanks to a cozy fireplace. The Sweet's central location means that many guests simply park and leave their cars during their stay, while walking to Marblehead's shops, restaurants, historic sites, and beaches, nearly all of which are within easy walking distance. Ours is a true seaside walking town, with many amenities close by.
What makes this property unique
Close to the harbor, beaches, parks, shops, and restaurants; private; quiet; and available year-round for both short or longer stays. Salem is a 15-minute drive away, and Boston can be reached by car (45 minutes) or public transport. Marblehead is in the heart of historic New England, adjacent to other villages and towns with deep roots in the past. Hosts are amateur historians of the area and of Marblehead's place in Revolutionary War history.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests