Spectacular Waterfront Home! Privacy, A/C, VIEWS! Direct beach access!
This beautiful mid-century modern home, built by a landscape painter as an artistic retreat, enjoys dramatic views across a sheltered inlet from Cape Cod Bay. Completely renovated, the house now features two premiere bedrooms (queens) with en suite baths and two additional bedrooms (a pair of twins and a single) with a shared bath. All of the bedrooms have water views -- as do the gourmet kitchen, spacious dining area, and adjoining family room with a wood-burning stove. Overlooking the water are two decks, a bluestone patio, and two outdoor showers (one private). Half Shell Cottage is furnished with a lovely mix of contemporary and mid-century furnishings -- and the house has a multi-zone central air conditioning system, hot air heat, and amenities including hi-speed Internet WiFi, basic cable, a laundry room with washer/dryer, and a gas grill. The house is in South Wellfleet. A 5-6 minute drive from downtown Wellfleet. It's an extraordinary property!
** To keep costs down for you (and for additional health protection), like many Cape Cod rentals we do not provide sheets and towels. We can order them to be delivered to the house for you through a local company, though, so just let us know what you'd prefer. ** Please give us a call with any questions about the house or the area. We have loved sharing our home with our rental guests, and we look forward to working with you to make your Half Shell holiday great! ** Please make sure to include your dates for the most accurate pricing, as our rates are seasonal.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
* close and lock all windows and sliders
* refill propane tanks for the outdoor grill, if emptied
* wash, dry, and refold beach towels
* clean all dishes and return to cupboards as upon your arrival
* clean out fridge & pantry cabinet / discard coffee grounds and unplug the machine
* make sure stove and oven are off
* empty all trash to the big bins by the garage
* return comforters and pillows to the beds as per your arrival
* lock up and return keys to the lock box
HAVE A GOOD TRIP! Thank you!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
NOTES: VRBO “Strict” cancellation, except, if you cancel and we can re-rent for your dates, we refund all but 15% of your deposit.
Not baby-proofed.
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number C0311601024
About the area
Wellfleet
Located in Wellfleet, this holiday home is on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Cape Cod National Seashore and Cape Cod Beaches. Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill and Atlantic Spice Company are also worth visiting. Kayaking and windsurfing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and ecotours nearby.
Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater - 4 min drive - 2.8 km
Cape Cod Beaches - 5 min drive - 4.3 km
Wellfleet Preservation Hall - 6 min drive - 4.9 km
Wellfleet Historical Society Museum - 6 min drive - 4.9 km
Getting around
Provincetown, MA (PVC-Provincetown Municipal) - 31 min drive
Restaurants
Cumberland Farms - 9 min drive
Cumberland Farms - 4 min drive
Dunkin' - 4 min drive
Fairway Restaurant & Pizzeria - 10 min drive
4940 Brickhouse Restaurant - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Spectacular Waterfront Home! Privacy, A/C, VIEWS! Direct beach access! pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Spectacular Waterfront Home! Privacy, A/C, VIEWS! Direct beach access!?
As of 28 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Spectacular Waterfront Home! Privacy, A/C, VIEWS! Direct beach access! on 21 Nov 2026 start from £662, 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 at Spectacular Waterfront Home! Privacy, A/C, VIEWS! Direct beach access!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Spectacular Waterfront Home! Privacy, A/C, VIEWS! Direct beach access!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Spectacular Waterfront Home! Privacy, A/C, VIEWS! Direct beach access!?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Spectacular Waterfront Home! Privacy, A/C, VIEWS! Direct beach access! located?
Nestled on the beach, this Wellfleet holiday home is 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from Cape Cod National Seashore and 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from Cape Cod Beaches. Indian Neck Beach and Whitecrest Beach are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had a wonderful week at this airy, spacious house. Surrounded by by nature, completely private, and yet close to town. Kitchen fully equipped. Owners are a pleasure to work with- warm, helpful and available. Our stay could not have been better!
Karen G.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Aug 2025
Glad you had a great vacation! We were happy to have you!
This is a lovely home. And beautifully equipped. Easy drive to beaches, wonderful restaurants, galleries in Wellfleet and Provincetown. We've stayed in AirB&Bs over the years everywhere from Cape Cod to Paris and this was by far the BEST.
Robert M.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Sept 2024
Thank you! And back at you! You were lovely renters, and we hope to have you back.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Alan C.
4 Oct 2018
This is a beautiful house in a magnificent setting
The house is tastefully and minimally decorated, with art and light and views. All that is needed in the way of A/C, dishes, appliances, gadgets, etc are available and in pristine condition. Great place!
Half Shell Cottage was wonderful in every way. This immaculate mid century home with meticulous landscaping is perfectly located right on the bay with water views from every window. Sleeps seven comfortably, featuring two spacious en suites plus two bedrooms. Close to all, but tucked away and private - consider this home for your next getaway!
All was really perfect for our family vacation. All as advertised or better, kitchen very well equipped, beautiful, peaceful, and convenient spot. Late and Sam were very prompt with helpful responses. Great bonus to be right at the edge of the preservation area. Easy access to water for kayak or other small boats. Highly recommend this great spot.
Jonah H.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Archival
10/10 Excellent
June K.
30 May 2016
Modernist magic
This is among our all-time favorite homes on the Cape. The home is so bright, open and exquisitely tasteful without being fussy, and the views are to die for.
June K.
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2020
Thank you! We are so glad you enjoyed your visit! - K
Archival
8/10 Good
Jane R.
7 Jul 2017
Beautiful home in great bayside location
We truly enjoyed our time here. The location is great, on the bay, backing up to a conservancy, and secluded. The only minor downside was that the beach directly in front of the house is too marshy for good swimming. The house was beautiful, spacious, well-furnished, well-decorated, and well-equipped. We hosted a dinner for 14 very comfortably. Kate was a pleasure to work with.
Jane R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2020
We are so glad you enjoyed your visit!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Lauren S.
9 Jul 2016
Beautiful home and beautiful views
The pictures on the website don't do this home justice. The house is immaculate, the renovations are gorgeous while maintaining its original mid century modern character, the kitchen has everything you could need, and the beautiful views through the huge glass doors are why we love wellfleet. We also enjoyed the walking trails right off the home.
Lauren S.
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Jun 2020
Thank you for your kind words! We are so glad you enjoyed your visit to the Half Shell!
Our stay at Half Shell Cottage was truly wonderful. The house was perfect in every way: comfort, aesthetics, setting, supplies. The original 1950's house is charming, and the renovation is gorgeous. There are beautiful views over the salt marsh from every bedroom, and there are several outdoor spaces to enjoy the salt air and sunshine. We even sat outdoors in the Cape Cod drizzle because it was so lovely. It's a perfect location to walk around the salt marsh in Fox Island Reserve or to kayak out into the bay. Kate and Sam are super responsive and friendly hosts. Can't wait to return!
Rachel K.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Sept 2023
Thank you for taking the time to leave us this lovely review! And we look forward to seeing you back at the Half Shell in the future!
The home and environs were so lovely we didn’t feel the need to leave to go anywhere or do anything. When we did venture out there were plenty of area restaurants and activities. The way the house was laid out gave everyone privacy my in-laws were at one end of the house we were on the other with the kids in between. It was a true cooks kitchen boasting more than just your basic spices and including a kitchen aid mixer that was just right for gluten-free cookie baking with Grandma. We are all so glad to have called this place home for a week.
Maria B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Jul 2023
Maria, thank you so much for your lovely review, and we are so glad you enjoyed your vacation at the Half Shell! Have a wonderful summer!
The well maintained, modern home sits on a secluded lot in South Welfleet, overlooking an extensive marsh. There are floor to ceiling windows along the back of the house which provide a stunning view. We enjoyed watching the changing tides as well as local water activity. The two back decks also afforded the same view. Walking through the backyard down a wooded path brought you to the the water and a long stretch of narrow beach. We carried our chairs down and enjoyed happy hour here. We easily navigated the path, but it would be difficult for someone not so sure footed. You could also walk down the road to another path which was some distance from the house, but an easy walk. On one side, the house had a large master bedroom with queen bed and bath. There were two smaller rooms with twin beds. On the other end, there was a very nice suite with queen bed, sitting area and bath. Kitchen was well stocked… if you love to cook, you are all set! The house was 10 minutes from Marconi Beach as well as the town of Welfleet. Owners were easy to communicate with and accommodating. Rules were clear and easy to follow. We enjoyed our stay and exploring all that Wellfleet had to offer.
We loved Kate and Sam’s house. The view is so beautiful from all rooms. It feels like you are truly away. Well stocked. Beautiful rooms. Wide open. Happy place to re-charge. Highly recommend.
This house is fantastic; highly recommended! I’ve been visiting the Cape for over a decade, and my friend has been visiting for nearly three decades, and we have rented many different homes and this one was the best! The house is well laid out (open concept and nice bedrooms), has amazing views, and is well stocked and comfortable. The location of the house is very good, it’s about 5 minutes from multiple beaches (Lecount, White Crest, Cahoon Hollow, Newcomb Hollow, bay beaches in town, as well as several ponds) and Wellfleet town center. The home itself is located on the marsh/bay, which is a great addition. There’s a short path from the house down to the water (we took beach chairs down to the water for happy hour several times). The living and dining room have many large windows and there’s a nice patio off of the dining room, all have great views of the yard, trees, and the water (one of the best views I’ve seen on the Cape). The house also has two outdoor showers and two hammocks. The house is well stocked and comfortable as well. We like to cook when we’re on the Cape and we were very happy with how well the kitchen was stocked with appliances and kitchen goods. The living room and dining room are also very comfortable, as well as the bedrooms and bathrooms. The house has air conditioning, which is nice to have, but the house also has one of the best breezes that I have experienced on the Cape. As someone who was flying to the Cape we were very happy with the beach items that were at the house, including seven nice beach chairs and many beach towels. The owners are very helpful and responsive. We had no issues during our stay, and when we did reach out, they responded within an hour or so. Overall, I would highly recommend this house and plan to stay again myself.
We absolutely love this home and had such a wonderful time. The house is gorgeous, very spacious, well stocked, beautiful artwork, and well decorated. The view is breathtaking and it was so relaxing to sit and take in the surroundings from the various terraces and even just from the enormous windows indoors. We loved cooking in the kitchen and it had everything needed. Kate was an excellent host and was very responsive to all questions. We hope to return next summer again.
A mid-century dream made of exceptional architecture, art and landscapes. Kate and Sam were dreams to work with - couldn’t have asked for a more perfect experience!
Karen L.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Aug 2021
thank you, karen! we hope to see you back at the Half Shell one day for another Cape Cod vacation! all the best to you!
The Halfshell is fabulous! Gorgeous view, beautifully designed property, tranquil setting. The layout of the house was great for my husband, and our two small children, and my in-laws with room for privacy and family time. Being able to walk on the beach anytime of day was perfect; and the house is so nice we didn't mind the rainy days indoors. Excellent location for accessing all of Wellfleet, and short trip to Provincetown. Highly recommend.
A lovingly expanded, restored, and updated midcentury home overlooking the tidal basin at Paine Hollow. Spacious, open, airy, and bright, with breezes off the bay, the house is well-equipped, carefully maintained, and comfortable. It's especially ideal for two couples, having two "master bedroom" suites, and for anyone who enjoys the water on kayaks, paddle boards, or wind-surfers. The owners were attentive, helpful, and friendly before, during, and after our stay. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in this house and look forward to returning!
The views were serene and beautiful ,the light all day long was utterly lovely.
The house Is filled with light and windows and beautifully designed- simple yet elegant. And the owners were very friendly and helpful
Sara L.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Jun 2021
thank you! we are so happy you enjoyed your stay, and we hope to welcome you back to the Half Shell in the future!
The home was beautiful, the surroundings were magnificent and the owner did everything within her power to make our stay high memorable. An outstanding vacation experience!
The view through the front door on arrival set the tone for our stay. The setting was beautiful and calming. The home was lovely, both in the honoring of its history and in the modern amenities. The hosts are gracious and responsive.
We look forward to our return.
This is an extraordinary vacation rental. With lovely furnishings, original art work, and views from every room, the home was even more beautiful than the photos convey. The house was well equipped and comfortable for two couples and three adult children. The two master bedrooms, one on each side of the expansive ranch home, was the perfect set up for privacy. And the common areas (living room, kitchen, and dining room) offer plenty of space for 7 plus people.The location on the. tidal cove adjacent to preserved land and a short bike ride from the Cape Cod Rail Trail enabled one to set forth on adventures without even getting in a car. There is so much to explore in the Wellfleet area. But I found myself wanting just to sit looking out through the dappled sunlight filtering through the pine trees at the ever changing tidal cove. The owner was so responsive and helpful. She made us feel right at home. We plan to return!
Jennifer J.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Mar 2020
Thank you for your review, Jennifer! We are so happy you all enjoyed your stay despite the rainy weather, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future! Have a wonderful summer...
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Mark C.
12 Oct 2018
There aren't enough stars
We rented Half Shell Cottage over Columbus Day weekend. This is an amazing home with a spectacular view from just about every room. My children loved exploring the nature trails and watching the tide come in and out. My son put down his iPad! The home is beautifully decorated in a mid century style. It is truly a museum with all of the original artwork that appoints it. Kate, the owner, was a pleasure to work with. You can tell how much she cherishes this property. The house lacks nothing inside or out. When life brings us back to the Cape we know where we will be staying!
Mark C.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Siddhartha M.
23 Aug 2018
Beautiful home on the Bay
Loved the mid-century modern and lack of clutter in this well-appointed home. Great access to bay by very short walk down the hill. Appreciated the responsiveness to queries over the course of the stay.
Siddhartha M.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
About the host
Hosted by Half Shell Cottage
My grandmother was an artist out on the Cape in the 1950s, and our home was her summer studio, though we renovated the house fully a few years ago! More information on the house is part of the welcome packet we send to our renters.