Experience the Best of Mathews Riverfront Living here at Mariner's Legacy!
Discover our stunning six-bedroom riverfront retreat in Mathews, where every sunrise and sunset can be enjoyed from different sides of the wraparound porch and interior rooms. Guests often say the views of the East River are even more breathtaking in person than in photos. Thoughtfully equipped with everything you need for a memorable stay, all that’s left to bring is your favorite food, drinks, and good company—we’ll take care of the rest.
Enjoy the completely remodeled chef's kitchen, fully stocked and ready for you. Large refrigerator plus extra fridge on enclosed back porch, double ovens with built-in air fryers, double dishwashers, 36” 5-burner cook-top, dedicated coffee bar, and favorite adult beverage area leaves plenty of room for all the cooks in your group.
The kitchen cabinets have been built with comfort in mind. Pull-out drawers have replaced shelves so you can easily find what you need. Quartz countertops make clean-up easy. Dedicated baking drawers with supplies. There is an entire cabinet from ceiling to floor of pull-out drawers for our guests supplies.
The large dining table has seating for 12 so everyone can gather for family meals. There is also an outdoor white Pottery Barn table on the wraparound porch to eat overlooking the river. If you are lucky, you might see the pods of dolphins that come up the river. Step outside from the back porch and fire up the grill for all your grilling needs and crab steaming. Propane tanks are provided for your use. And right beside the grill is a poly-wood picnic table for the crab feasts under the shade of an ancient oak tree.
When it's time to unwind, sink into the comfortable, large leather sectional sofa in the “Rivah” room or head out to the porch and take in the stunning water views. The children will enjoy playing on the play set while the parents can see them from the kitchen. At night, enjoy the fire pit with Adirondack chairs for 12 with firewood provided. The beach area is perfect for children to become comfortable in the water. Beach chairs, loungers are provided as well as plastic chairs you can literally sit in the river! You can challenge your loved ones to a game night with the selection of games provided.
Included is high-speed WiFi for 18 devices, a fully stocked laundry room with a large washer and dryer. Multiple kayaks, a pedal boat for four, life jackets in multiple sizes, bikes, volleyball, croquet, and corn hole are available for your use with no extra charge. Fish from the shore, walk out and cast into the river or use a kayak to get to deeper water. There are also crab pots with a crab steamer, large and small, to cook your catch.
What do we treasure most about our family’s home? The history woven into its walls, the laughter shared with loved ones on the wraparound porch, and the simple joy of cutting hydrangeas with my mother to brighten the dining table. We think of holidays filled with celebration, the aroma of something always baking in the kitchen, and long walks along the shoreline with my grandfather. But above all, it’s the happiness of being together—and that is our greatest wish for every guest, in whatever way it unfolds for you.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Please ask us prior to confirmation for pet rules
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights
Safe travels to all our guests! Thank you for the honor of selecting our family’s home for your vacation.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
We recommend each guest bring a pair of water shoes if they plan on accessing the water. Oyster shells can wash up with the tides
Do not open windows in the bedrooms. This is a house that is over 150 years old. We need to keep a low humidity environment and a constant temperature
We highly recommend each group purchase trip insurance at time of rental for unforeseen changes in your group, such as emergencies, pregnancy
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
About the area
Bohannon
Located in Westville, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. Gloucester Museum of History and Deltaville Maritime Museum are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Main Street Center and Walter Reed Plaza. Travelling with kids? Consider Bay School Community Arts Center and Cobbs Creek Arts Center. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and cycling nearby.
Bay School Community Arts Center - 18 min drive - 21.0 km
Gwynn's Island Musuem - 23 min drive - 28.5 km
Main Street Center - 23 min drive - 29.1 km
Riverside Walter Reed Hospital - 25 min drive - 31.9 km
Busch Gardens Williamsburg - 54 min drive - 69.4 km
Getting around
Newport News, VA (PHF-Newport News - Williamsburg Intl.) - 54 min drive
Restaurants
Howard-Dooley Cafe - 16 min drive
Shun Xing - 18 min drive
Seafood Shack - 17 min drive
Subway - 18 min drive
Southwind Pizza - 17 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Experience the Best of Mathews Riverfront Living here at Mariner's Legacy! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Experience the Best of Mathews Riverfront Living here at Mariner's Legacy!?
As of 10 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Experience the Best of Mathews Riverfront Living here at Mariner's Legacy! on 24 Apr 2026 start from £332, 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 Experience the Best of Mathews Riverfront Living here at Mariner's Legacy!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Experience the Best of Mathews Riverfront Living here at Mariner's Legacy!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Experience the Best of Mathews Riverfront Living here at Mariner's Legacy!?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Experience the Best of Mathews Riverfront Living here at Mariner's Legacy! located?
Nestled on the beach, this Westville holiday home is within 16 mi (25 km) of Bay School Community Arts Center, Brown Park and Cobbs Creek Arts Center. Gwynn's Island Musuem and Ware Parish Church are also within 16 miles (25 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The house was VERY clean. The sunrises over the waterway are absolutely breathtaking. I enjoyed sitting on the porch while reading my Bible and watching the birds scurry around. If you need to unplug, this is a great place to do just that.
Absolutely one of the best properties we have ever stayed on vacation. Danette and Rick were always prompt in responding to any questions we had during our stay. The home was beautiful and stocked just like your own home. The view from the porch was breathtaking. Loved the kayaks and paddleboat.
The private location and waterfront vistas are a big plus. Families can fish, kayak and enjoy swimming from a sandy beach. We saw eagles, ospreys and a dolphin! The sunrises and sunsets are picture worthy!So restful-nature and amenities all in one!
This is among if not the best rentals we have ever stayed at. The location is superb. The house is astonishingly well stocked. The hosts have thought of everything.
Completely stocked home for large groups!A Kitchen which rivals a professional. Well equipped for outside activities on land and the river. A very comfortable home to stay in.
This is our second year at Mariners Legacy for a family vacation with 4 generations! This is such an excellent location to relax and enjoy the river. We spend most of our time on the back porch just watching the boats, birds, and jumping fish. Great place for the kids and adults to catch crabs and fish. Lots of other activities, like corn hole, bikes, a canoe, and kayaks. We were out in the canoe and kayaks and had a blast.Inside the house, you have everything you need to cook meals, so you never have to leave the property. The owners are so nice and very helpful. We can't wait to visit again!
Every Mother’s Day our extended family leaves town to explore a new part of Virginia for the weekend. Our stay in Bohannon could change all that. We want to go back! This is a lovely and spacious home with a million thoughtful touches. The property itself is spectacular and our gang enjoyed the kayaks, paddle boat and fire pit. We rate this as our top Mother’s Day getaway so far and we’ve been doing this for six years! Highly recommend!
Kerry D.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 May 2025
Dear Kerry, we love sharing our home with other families for them to make wonderful memories. We look forward to seeing you again!
If you're looking for a quiet secluded get away, this is your place. A short drive to Mathews for a great walk about town and Williamsburg within an hour. We loved the whole property and truly enjoyed our stay.
We have stayed at several VRBO properties and overall this home is one of the best. It was beautiful, clean, well stocked and had plenty of room! It was remote and private, yet close enough to drive to some of Virginia's best places to visit! Would visit again!!
This was a very clean house that had plenty of space and things to do. The hosts were thoughtful in their decorations and overall supplies in this beautiful home. We had a great time and are very thankful that we chose this property.
We had a great time relaxing next to the water, kayaking, fishing and overall having a fabulous time. There is plenty of space for activities outside as well as enjoying a movie at night inside. Thanks again for a wonderful trip!
This was an excellent stay for our entire family and friends. It was very relaxing and had plenty of room for all of our needs. I highly recommend this VRBO and Danette was a wonderful host. We want to come back just to enjoy a relaxing time in the future.
Truly one of the best vacations I have had. Meeting with friends is always fun but the house made it even more spectacular. I cannot say enough good things about it and the owners are just wonderful.
Definitely will book this house again
If you want a hastle free vacation then this is it! The views couldn't be better. Playground and sandy beach for kids to play. Plenty of relaxing seating in the house and the 3 sided wrap around porch. Everything is just as described. Bring your food and enjoy
Perfect for us, five children under ten could run around with minimum supervision, allowing the parents to reconnect. Interaction with landlord was excellent, accommodations were excellent, really didn't need to bring anything but food.
We just spent a week at this beautiful home with our adult children. It was amazing time celebrated my wife’s 60th birthday and we had a baby reveal with the newest member of our family Little baby Jayde will arrive sometime in November overall very relaxing. The accommodations were perfect. Couldn’t ask for anything better. The owners were very helpful and friendly. Thanks for a wonderful time.
Tom L.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
About the host
Hosted by Danette Aldrich Machen
Mariner’s Legacy has been in my family since around 1867. I grew up here while my father farmed the land and learned early the importance of caring for this special place. After nursing school in Richmond, I married my Mathews High School sweetheart, Rick, and spent my career as an RN at our local hospital. Together, while raising two daughters, we’ve volunteered in the community and devoted countless hours to preserving and nurturing this home—just as my family has for generations.
Why they chose this property
Mariner’s Legacy has been my family’s home for generations, and it holds a special place in my heart. The area around the East River is truly one of a kind. Its peaceful atmosphere, natural beauty, and rich history make it a magical place to live and share with others. You will not find another home away from like this one.
What I love most is the incredible connection to the water. The views from every room are breathtaking, and life here revolves around the river. I grew up sitting in cozy nooks with a good book, and now I enjoy sipping coffee on the wrap-around porch, watching ospreys soar overhead and search the waters below.
The sense of community here is remarkable. You can watch the local water men and women dock their boats in the adjacent creek with their fresh catch or see neighbors paddling along the river’s many creeks. There’s always an adventure waiting—whether it’s wading the shoreline to find Indian arrowheads or kayaking along this Blue Water Riverway.
This neighborhood isn’t just scenic—it’s deeply meaningful. It’s a place where my family has made memories for generations, hosting countless gatherings and celebrations. It’s where I’ve raised my children and watched my grandchildren play.
Our family's home has everything you need for a truly memorable stay. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the riverfront location and create lasting memories with your family and friends.
What makes this property unique
Mariner’s Legacy offers an experience unlike any other. In addition to the charming waterfront home, guests have access to a nearby property with a commercial-sized dock, boat ramp, and a protected cove with one slip to moor your own boat that we also own. Whether you’re boating, fishing, or crabbing with string and chicken necks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
What truly sets this property apart is the natural beauty and wildlife all around you. From the wrap-around porch, you can watch osprey couples hunt for fish each evening while you relax with your favorite drink. Herons and egrets gracefully comb the shoreline as the tide changes, creating a serene and picturesque scene.
For fishing enthusiasts, a public fishing pier is located directly across the river, making it easy to enjoy the area’s plentiful waters. The combination of water access, wildlife, and breathtaking views ensures a one-of-a-kind stay for our guests.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests