The Boat House on the Bay - WaterFront; Pet Friendly; WiFi; off street parking.

Photo gallery for The Boat House on the Bay - WaterFront; Pet Friendly; WiFi; off street parking.

A wooden deck leading to a building with large windows, overlooking a body of water.
A wooden dock extending over a body of water, with a stone building in the background and string lights above.
A wooden deck with a view of a bridge over water.
A living room with a sofa, coffee table, and a chair. There is a dining table with chairs and a window with curtains.
A room with teal walls, wooden flooring, and a bed with a floral bedspread. There are three windows with sheer curtains, and a lamp on a side table.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Highlights

  • Room to spread out
    Enjoy a spacious layout that gives everyone more room to relax.
  • On the beach
    A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the beach and sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Patio
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet

Explore the area

View in a map
Norfolk, VA

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden

Add dates for prices

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About the neighborhood

Norfolk

Located in Norfolk, this villa is on the beach. Norfolk Premium Outlets and Waterside District are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Chesapeake Bay. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Hampton Coliseum, or consider a night out at Froggies. Looking to get your feet wet? Jet skiing, kayaking and water skiing adventures can be found near the property.
View more Villas in NorfolkOpens in a new window
Map
Norfolk, VA

Getting around

  • Newport News Station - 20 min drive
  • Norfolk Intl. Airport (ORF) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Subway - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Firehouse Subs - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Boat House on the Bay - WaterFront; Pet Friendly; WiFi; off street parking. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 3 total) with a maximum weight of up to 999 lbs per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at The Boat House on the Bay - WaterFront; Pet Friendly; WiFi; off street parking.?

As of Nov 15, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Boat House on the Bay - WaterFront; Pet Friendly; WiFi; off street parking. on Jan 4, 2027 start from $98, 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 The Boat House on the Bay - WaterFront; Pet Friendly; WiFi; off street parking.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Boat House on the Bay - WaterFront; Pet Friendly; WiFi; off street parking.?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Boat House on the Bay - WaterFront; Pet Friendly; WiFi; off street parking. located?

Nestled on the beach, this Norfolk villa is within a 5-minute walk of Norfolk Beaches and Chesapeake Bay. Ocean View Beach and Oceanview Fishing Pier are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 15 out of 32 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 32 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 32 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 32 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 32 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

8.8/10

Communication

8.0/10

Location

7.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A unique and memorable setting. Simple and right on the water. Exactly what we needed for a busy weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had a very nice stay. Home is cozy, we enjoyed sitting on the large deck overlooking the bay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A little hard to find. Host stepped in to give great directions. Pet friendly. Very clean cottage. Would have loved to get to the Small beach but ramp was broken. Will gladly return!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
False advertisement
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 15, 2026
There are some people that have difficulty with comprehending the information provided in the listing. This guest did not understand the information provided concerning the dock. We love our little boathouse and it remains one of our most popular romantic getaways! Even without the dock!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were in the area for Puppies&Yoga with our puppies, and George was gracious enough to allow us to stay with them. They stayed inside of a pen only. George was very good at communicating everything we needed to know with us. Home we stayed at was very clean and nice. We look forward to hopefully staying again with George as our host in the future!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Boat house

Great place for the price. Our second stay here. Convenient to all area attractions.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Nice vacation

Another fun vacation in the books.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was on the bay, would have like to have access to the water. Other than that it was a peaceful, quiet place.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Easy check in and nice place.location was good being right on the bay but the ramp to get down to the water needs to be redone with steps and handrails please and the railings with no spindles is kinda dangerous spindles definitely need to be added.the pier that was once there it would be great to have it rebuilt so guests could walk out there and fish and just enjoy the pier.the bathroom wall needs some repairs.with that all being said we really enjoyed the boat house and with the mentioned repairs and such would make any guests stay much better.and also extra towels and wash cloths please.very nice boat house and really enjoyed our stay
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were three generations of women who just came for the beach. We needed a hot shower and beds. We were within a couple minutes walk to the beach--perfect for us. My mom was only there to get away from home-broken ankle in January so she doesn't walk the sand like she used to. Other reviewers mentioned the lack of transparency of the views--the highway--That highway didn't bother us one bit. We didn't hear it at night and it did not impact our enjoyment of the deck in the evening with a glass of wine. The location is back a bit from the road so we had to walk farther from parking than I'd have liked but I would still stay here again because it felt more private and secure. The owner was there and other tenants of his building. They were all friendly, polite, non intrusive and accommodating. The beach area doesn't have easy access but we used the boat ramp to get to it without too much difficulty. The water had ducks, sea gulls, pelicans, etc. The yard is fenced and large enough for our country dogs to have a bit of a run. We were close to one of our favorite cafe spots, Mudita's! Also close to the Fishing Pier. This is west OV so we did have to travel farther for most other things. I had no issues with the house or surrounding tenants. We enjoyed our usual haunts during our week and would rent here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Listing accuracy
The boathouse was clean, the Smart TV worked well, and the temperature stayed comfortable with the window A/C units and fans, although they were fairly loud.Unfortunately, the listing did not accurately reflect my experience. The listing showed a pier, but there was no pier during my stay. The beach contained trash, debris, and discarded items, and the wooden ramp leading to it was broken and partially collapsed.The listing also gave the impression of a secluded waterfront getaway. In reality, the boathouse is located on the same property as another residential building, and access requires walking through that property's backyard. This was not clearly apparent from the listing. During my stay, there were other people using the outdoor areas in the evenings, which made me uncomfortable using them as a solo traveler with my dog.The window coverings did not fully cover the windows, reducing my sense of privacy. I also encountered ants inside the boathouse. Only two bath towels and one hand towel were provided, with no washcloths.I believe the listing should be updated to more accurately reflect the property's current condition and setting so future guests know what to expect before booking.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay at the boathouse

This was a great little place right on the water of the bay. At low tide we had a private tiny beach. It was in a great location and although it was in a very bisy area, it felt secluded. Everything we needed was there at yhe boathouse. It was clean and bright. The host was friendly and responsive immediately. He gave precise directions and we found the place easily in the dark. We had a lovely stay and would absolutely stay again. and was fr
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
My husband and I spent three nights here, wanting to relax and enjoy the water and seafood restaurants nearby. We are happy with our stay at the boathouse and spent quite a bit of time on the deck, and walking at nearby beaches. My husband enjoyed watching the naval aviation planes that frequently flew over. The dock is no longer in existence; it would have been nice to have it, as well as windows that could open. Another thing not revealed in the ad is the nearby highway going over the bay which produces constant noise. The house was clean, bright and sunny and I loved that the water came right up close. The price to rent was very reasonable and we were comfortable in this humble home. We thoroughly enjoyed our get-away and thank George for his prompt assistance and communications.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Property listings is misleading

the beach there is not swimmable, the water is dead dirty and there are fish net all over. you share the deck, the rooms are small, and there is no oceanic view only highway bridge with a lot of construction and cars noise. check in was easy and the host is responsive. I think clarifying the listing will help people understanding what they are renting.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy

Location, location, location?

We were expecting a quiet view of the bay, but instead, we encountered a noisy highway bridge running over the bay. This was not mentioned in any of the reviews, nor we’re there any pictures of the highway in the ad. We felt it was not worth what we paid. We could’ve stayed at a hotel on the other side of the bay which would’ve been cheaper and much more peaceful. Lesson learned.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Communication, location, listing accuracy

The Property Was Not What It Appeared to Be Online

The property is 50 yards across the water from an interstate bridge. It was very loud inside with doors and windows closed. This was not told in the information on the rental site. The dock has many warped boards and it did not look safe to walk on. The only source of heat was a window unit that did not keep the cottage warm even when turned up high. There was a strong draft coming from the windows over the bed. It took me over 3 hours to reach the owner. He moved us to an apartment with no water view. It was disappointing as the whole point in renting the property was to be on the water.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

032024

The positives first the property manager was very friendly and helpful the check in process was easy property was clean had an nice time especially loved the wildlife in the bay! Something's I wish I knew before I booked the pictures are pretty outdated so the dock that we were hoping to fish on was in complete dis repair it was not safe to go on at all a little disappointing but it is off season. We did also have a random couple ask us on our first day what we were doing there because he said he rented it which was odd but I think he was just confused and nothing ever came of it parking is TIGHT but there isn't much anyone can do about that its a small driveway, and it's not serious, but just an fyi the bottom of the shower takes a long time to drain so your shower can't be too long or one immediately after another despite these few small things it is a relaxing space we over all enjoyed our stay
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay in the Norfolk Area

I stayed here for 20 days while I was attending a training course on the Naval Base. Everything I needed was there. The deck outside gives a good view of the sunset and you are just a couple blocks from the beach on the other side of the spit. There is a outdoor grill near the entrance built into the brick. I never used it but give it a shot if you like cooking. This place has plenty of space for a couple, plus a child or maybe two. The water heater is very capable. Don't turn the faucet or shower too far your first time or it might be too hot. Shower only needs a quarter-turn to the left. Smart TV works great and you can log into all your accounts. Don't forget to log out before you leave. Ducks like to hang out on the sand next to the house, including a couple big muscovy ducks. You can get a good look at them most mornings. Definitely go check out Fort Monroe and the Casemate museum just across the bridge if you are in the area--there is a cell there where Jefferson Davis was imprisoned for a couple of years after the civil war. This is not a five star hotel, but if you just want somewhere comfortable to sleep, eat, watch tv, plus a good view and location, it has everything you need.
Stayed 21 nights in Jan 2022
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Liked: Cleanliness, location
Disliked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Unbelievably disappointed.

First off... George sends directions the day of the stay so you have to pull over to read his convoluted directions. the property is run down tall weeds, broken fence, termite riddled tree stump, unsecured and less than professionally installed electrical. Broken windows!!!, majority of windows are sealed shut and are inoperable. The main ac (big window unit) did not work at all .. small bedroom ac kept icing up. The window frames were rotted and haphazardly painted over. The trim is falling off of the windows at the front left windows! Rat trap with poison in it was in top of the refrigerator. The mattress was the cheapest possible mattress. 6'2” 225 lbs and my body was laying on the metal frame. I was highly upset and disappointed that a host would leave a property in this condition and expect guests to be fooled by a poorly constructed deck and dangerous railings. Also there are open electrical junction boxes in the closet with the water heater (no approved discharge pipe on the tp safety valve! And the electric panel was in the same closet with no means of egress...I'll check with the code office to see if they care about guest safety. I have more pictures than I can upload here.
Rot again!
Love, open electric connections in fully accessible closet.
Rot, rot and more rot!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Really enjoyed my stay despite all this

The property was nice, but the deck needs to remodeled completely. There were some renovations but not the entire deck was finished. There is a pier right off the home that is advertised but it’s use at your own risk. One of the pillar is almost completely rotted through and when you walk the thing creaks. You can not go all the way to the end of it because it has collapsed at the end. None of this is disclosed in the details of the listing. The pictures are misleading the beach area is nice, but the neighbors harassed my kids and told them it was their property. The listing says private but we had over 5 people walk up on the deck outside the home ( I have young daughter windows cover this home) and said they were staying at a different house and they had access to the area. It was NEVER disclosed that the deck area like I mean patio right outside the boathouse would be shared. The house is covered in windows it’s a complete lack of privacy of not knowing who is going to walk up when your sitting eating breakfast trying to enjoy the view. The neighbors watch you because anytime you leave for a second they come and poke their heads around and their younger children will harass your children and make them feel unwelcome. Beware their are nails rusted stick out out in areas kids need to be watched a lot. To add to all this the shower was broken. The hose was leaking to the shower head and just poured out the back not pressure to even feel water on your scalp.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 20, 2023
We are so sorry about the shower and it has already been replaced. The dock is under repair and is not advertised. The deck has been repaired and is perfectly fine to use. More repairs and renovations will be done soon. I'm sorry that your kids did not get along with the neighbors kids, although I'm not sure there is anything I can do about that. We are on the way to being perfect and hope that you will come back again soon!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Right site to chill across from the beach
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Location, listing accuracy

Accuracy of listing is questionable

It is a private house on a dock but we had no access to the beach from where the picture were taken and I find that to be quite misleading. I paid quite a bit of money to stay here & the dock had wood that was soft / rotted we weren't able to access most of the dock and part of the porch. We had to walk thru a unlit alley way between abandoned houses to get to the rental, that's a safety hazard. The back door didn't lock, it just had a stick wedged in the sliding door, i don't consider that to be a safe & effective lock. The front door locked great. The house had ants. I have a picture of a dead roach, so there's a potential pest problem, but the house was obviously cleaned just seems to have some pests. And my boyfriend couldn't stand up in the shower & could barely fit in the bathroom, so not for tall people. There was flooding in the area and we left because of flooding. The process of canceling our reservation was quick and easy. I found the host to be quick with communication and easy to get ahold of. The birding was great, we saw several different species of bird. I just really wish that I would have known I didn't have access to the beach with live oaks & the rest of the dock. I didn't mind the bridge and crane views, nor the noise from the highway, so much as not having acess to the the supossed private beach location.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 29, 2023
A new deck has just been added. Come back again!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Boat house

Location was perfect. Loved that it was right on the water
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great family time on the water

Good respite from the grind
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Awesome experience. The owner was super responsive. It’s as advertised right on the water and very private. Plus the main beach was a super short walk away. Will definitely book again when we are in the area. My only suggestion, not a complaint, maybe put in a few hooks for towels. Other than that it was great!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
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