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Your own private Island Retreat

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A cabin with a wooden deck and a fire pit surrounded by tree stump seating.
A modern cabin with a large windowed section, surrounded by dense forest and a body of water.
A wooden dining table with four chairs, a hammock, and a view of a lake through large windows.
A cozy cabin interior with a wooden floor, a colorful rug, a hammock, and a large window offering a view of the outdoors.
A kitchen with wooden walls, a black refrigerator, and a wooden island with stools.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Top-rated comfy beds
    Guests liked the comfy beds here.
  • Paddleboard available
    A rare find — hit the water on a paddleboard right here.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet
  • Onsite parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Barrington, NH
  • Place, Swains Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Stonehouse Forest
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Hampton Beach
    ‪42 min drive‬
  • Airport, Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.)
    ‪35 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Kids cabin

2 Twin Beds and 2 Double Beds

Main cabin

3 Double Beds

Mid cabin

1 Queen Bed

2 half bathrooms

Bathroom main cabin

Soap · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Outhouse

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area

Add dates for prices

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About the neighborhood

Barrington

Located in Barrington, this cottage is near a water park and on the waterfront. Jenness Farm and Bedrock Gardens are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Durham Farmers' Market and Cozy Corners Plaza. Woodman Institute and The Children's Museum of New Hampshire are also worth visiting. Jet skiing, kayaking, and water tubing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking nearby.
View more Cottages in BarringtonOpens in a new window
Map
Barrington, NH

What's nearby

  • Swains Lake - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Stonehouse Forest - 3 min drive - 2.6 km
  • University of New Hampshire - 17 min drive - 19.0 km
  • Market Square - 39 min drive - 43.4 km
  • Hampton Beach - 42 min drive - 58.4 km

Getting around

  • Durham Station - 23 min drive
  • Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Jefferson - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Your own private Island Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Your own private Island Retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Your own private Island Retreat?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Your own private Island Retreat located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 1 mi (2 km) of Swains Lake and Stonehouse Forest. Mendums Pond and Nippo Pond are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

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. 16 out of 16 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 16 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 16 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 16 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 16 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome really
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 16, 2026
Thank you Susan. So glad you enjoyed your stay and thank you again for being an awesome guest. Daryn
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property and buildings are exceptional. All the beds are full size mattresses. The views are stunning. Great new gas engine on Jon boat. Daryn was very helpful and responded quickly to inquiries. Would definitely rent again
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had such a wonderful stay on this private island on Swains Lake! I didn't want to leave this slice of heaven. It was our first time staying here, and the peaceful setting was the perfect way to spend time together before moving my son into UNH. With three separate cabins, we had plenty of room to spread out while still enjoying quality family time. Having the entire island to ourselves made the experience feel incredibly special.We made wonderful memories and loved it so much that we hope to return next year when my son heads back to UNH for his senior year!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Such a fun place to stay! We really enjoyed our time on the island. The host has thought of many of the necessities. We would definitely go back again. Pictures in the listing are somewhat deceiving since there is no jet ski or pontoon boat available for use. The pics should really show what is available to renters, not the owner. But we knew this going in so it didn’t affect our stay there.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful views, comfortable accommodations, and the perfect getaway from screens, routines and responsibilities. From fishing to kayaking to swinging and eating blueberries, this island has it all! We had the best time with our crew ranging from age 4 to 51yo. The AC was much appreciated during the heat wave, the hot shower was a perk, and the cabin full of board games and books helped us enjoy the rainy days. The hosts were communicative and we had everything we could have needed. While the weekdays were peaceful on the lake, this was a very active lake on the weekends- be prepared to hear lots of neighborly noises including loud music until 10pm.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Everything we needed, and more!

We’d definitely stay again. This island had everything we needed and plenty of comfortable space for our family of 11. We played, ate well, slept well and contained us all to an island.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was a great properity for a large family (2 adults, 6 kids). It was really fun getting out on the water and there was plenty of space for everyone to do their thing. It was a good set up for meals (did lots of grilling).
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This island was an absolute dream for our family. The views were beautiful. The water was clean and refreshing. We fished almost daily, weather permitting, and caught a ton of fish! The island was so much fun for the kids to explore. Although the kids slept with us in the main cabin, the kid cabins would be perfect for them. The location was great too. We loved using the kayaks and exploring the lake. We stayed on the island and shopped around there but a few days we traveled to some beaches on the coast which was only about a 45minute drive. Everything was well stocked in the kitchen. And life jackets were there too. Our daughters planned a paddle boat ride for us for our anniversary, it was hard to steer but it was fun. If you're not used to compost toilets, it's a little getting used to. But glad they were there and not just an out house. There was a few days of bad weather so we didn't travel off the island, but we stocked up at the local stores. There are sooo many good things I could say about this place. It was peaceful and a great soul reset. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Above and Beyond Expectations

me and my husband decided to do a week vacation on this island. It was absolutely beautiful. They had absolutely everything and more that we needed. We most certainly be back again. I strongly recommend staying here if you’re looking into it don’t think twice the place is absolutely beautiful and my kids loved it.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Amazing "glamping" experience!

We loved staying on the island! Felt private and secluded yet only a minute boat ride from shore and town necessities nearby. The place had everything we could need from cleaning supplies to cooking essentials and plenty to do outdoors -- kid kayaks, adult kayaks, SUP, swim raft, bon fire pits, etc! Beds were comfy and wifi came in handy when needed. The host was very responsive to any questions or issues we had.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a delightful stay on Harper island. This is an ideal option for anyone looking for time with family & friends in a serene & private island setting.Daryn was responsive & helpful, the cabins are cutely designed, beds are very comfortable & the kitchen well stocked.Early mornings were peaceful waking up to the mist on the water til the sun came up. Ample number of hiking trails within 2 hours to choose any level of challenge.Winding down, enjoying a nightly fire pit once the sun set while hearing the loons on the lake was perfect A perfect balance of Rejuvenation & relaxation ;) we would love to make another visit out in the future!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing time with the kids. Definitely not for you if you aren’t used to glamping, boat use or “roughing it”, but, if you are, this is an absolute gem! The kids were busy consistently, lots of boats and floats to use on the lake. We played manhunt after dark, seriously, the kids had an amazingly good time. Only one tv on the island, WiFi in main cabin but the service was fine without the WiFi. Next year, it’s definitely going to see us again :)
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Hidden gem right in the middle of the lake

We had a relaxing and chill stay, and would highly recommend. Upon check-in we encountered a couple of minor issues with the water pressure and a sunroom light malfunction. Daryn is super nice - he was very responsive and took care of them right away. It took us a minute to get acclimated to the toilet, but that is part of the experience. Helpful tips: bring k-cups with you, as there is no kettle. Make sure to load up on drinking water. We didn't use the other 2 cabins, but did notice there are no AC's.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Awesome in every way!

We loved our stay at Daryn's place on Harper Island and will definitely be coming back again. It was exactly as described, and it a wonderful location for those who are up for an adventure. The outdoor shower was hot, the beds comfortable, the kitchen well appointed, and we couldn't have asked for better sunrises and sunsets. There are two composting toilets, and I brought along our 2 gallon empty water jug for drinking water and sturdy, reusable grocery bags to fill before we headed to the island. I would recommend bringing both, along with rain jackets and headlamps, which will make transporting groceries in the rain and in the dark much more manageable. Aside from that, Daryn was super responsive and helpful at every turn. Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Very cool

My husband 4 kids + my older parents all stayed for a week here and had a blast! Not much to do in the area if your looking for that. My younger kids 4 & 6 loved the built in bunk beds in the main cabin it has a great fire pit for roasting marshmallows in front. The views are beautiful in the morning from the main cabins enclosed porch, spent a few night playing cards and listening to the loons! Main cabin is the only one with AC and WiFi which was a little difficult because we happen to go during a heat wave! My parents who stayed in the cozy cabin with the queen size bed were pretty hot and sweaty during the day. Daryn did have fans at night it did cool off a little but the humidity was brutal and of course Daryn can’t control that! I don’t know if it was the heat but my only complaint would be the ants and spiders! You are in NH so you shouldn’t be surprised but there is definitely a lot of spiders. My parents reported ants in their cabin but the main and kids cabin had very few if any ants. Kids cabin is directly behind the main cabin on the other side of the island which gave my two teenage boys privacy. They brought they’re own tv and hooked it up and used a hot spot to play video games and watch movies but the bunk beds were awesome in there as well.Daryn had plenty of lake floats and kayaks but definitely wish we had our own boat to go tubing! The terrain is very uneven and it was a little difficult for my parents, Daryn had most stuff stocked and it was very clean!
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
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