Bethany~Bay View Retreat ~ Waterfront , Bird Watchers / Nature Lovers Delight!

See all properties

Save

Entire home

Living & Dining areas. (With gas fireplace = Cozy in winter!)

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 102600 sq ft

Popular amenities

Washer

Barbecue grill

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Fireplace

Dryer

Explore the area

Bethany Beach, DE

Fenwick Island Beach15 min walk
Bethany Beach Beaches4 min drive
Bethany Beach Boardwalk7 min drive
Georgetown, DE (GED-Sussex County)46 min drive

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

1 ~ Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

2 ~ "Tulip" Room/Guest Room

1 Queen Bed

3 ~ "Twin" rooom

2 Twin Beds

4 "Kid Bunk Room"

1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

5 ~ "Queen" Bedroom/2nd Master

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Lower Level Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Mather Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

NOTE to 2025 "Early Birds" -- we will not open our Summer '25 Calendar until the first of the year. We give first dibs to our return renters.

In Summer we rent Sunday to Sunday (it makes traveling and getting a cleaning team easier). Note: Limit of 3 cars for overnight parking.

DESCRIPTION:
On the WATER with FABULOUS VIEWS, fantastic sunsets, direct access to beautiful nature preserve/wetlands and Assowoman Bay and quick access to beach/ocean.

This is a remodeled & solar powered older 5 bedroom, 3 baths "beach house" -- not a new MacMansion. It's the perfect place for a relaxed family vacation, quiet retreat, or romantic getaway. Two 'master' bedrooms (king & queen) with dramatic bay views. A 'guest room' (queen bed) also with views. Twin Bed room and kids 'bunk' room with double/futon lower and single upper. Strict limit of 10 people, including children; limit of 3 cars parking overnight. We do not rent to student beach-week groups. We do not supply linens or towels -- your can bring your own or rent from a very good local service
-- Gale Force Rentals. Call: 302-539-6244 or 1-800-321-1592 or on the web: www.galeforcerentals.com

Large open living, dining, kitchen area with great views. Well stocked kitchen. Big screened in porch and 2 large decks (upper and lower levels) and 2 outdoor showers. Gas grill & charcoal grill. "Smart TV" in downstairs family room/rec room (with ping pong table).

PLEASE NOTE : 3 night minimum stay off season (late Oct. through early April at $375/ night for 2 people . Slightly higher in "Shoulder Season" -- April/ May and September/ October. Holiday weekends also higher. Again, limit of 3 cars for overnight parking. (Our community association does does not allow street parking overnight.)

Minimum 1 week in Summer Season. Peak Summer (June 1 - Sept. 8) . Great Bird & Butterfly migrations in Spring & Fall which are lovely at the beach -- no crowds & lower prices. In Spring & Fall minimum is 3-nights. Holiday Weekends -- Easter, Memorial Day, Columbus Day are also 3-night minimum and rates slightly higher).

We allow ONE dog with a signed "Doggy Addendum" to our Rental Agreement covering the rules on our beach and in our neighborhood. (No other pets.) $100 pet fee.

We are in the small community of Bay View Park at the north end of the undeveloped Fenwick Island Delaware State Park Beach. We are on the Bay side of Rt. 1. Bay View Park is 1/4 mile south of York Beach/South Bethany. Very close to the charming 'quiet resorts' of Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island and 15-20 minute drive to more "action" in Rehoboth or Ocean City.

On the edge of a vast Nature Preserve this home has 180 degree views ~ a very special Nature Lover's retreat.

Short walk (1/2 mile) to the beach or quick drive with permit parking along Route 1 access road -- only for Bay View Park visitors.

Three Kayaks and a Canoe available for your use (at your own risk). Plus 2 "beach" bikes -- they only have 1 gear-- and an assortment of beach chairs, sand toys, etc.

Many puzzles and games and other kid toys on hand. One large screen "Smart" TV -- tune in to your favorite program accounts.

If you have a boat, we have a dock. There is a public boat launch into Little Assowoman Bay about 1/2 mile south of our Bay View Park Community.

SPRING and FALL are lovely at the beach -- bird migration on, quiet walks on the beach. Quiet and lovely but not lonely -- Bethany and Rehoboth's restaurants and area attractions are open and uncrowded. FALL especially has continuing warm water, warm weather and the best sunsets of the year.

Property manager

June Taylor Wolcott

Languages

French, Spanish

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet friendly

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Wonderful yard with boat ramp, dock, ample seating

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet friendly

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Pool

Washer

Air conditioning

Outdoor Space

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Nice selection of games and puzzles for all ages.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed

1 well behaved dog on flea control program No cats

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

However, smoking okay OUTSIDE the house.

Important information

You need to know

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

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Bethany Beach

Located in Bethany Beach, this vacation home is on the waterfront. Jolly Roger Amusement Park is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Ocean City Beach and Maryland Beach. Traveling with kids? Consider Captain Jack's Pirate Golf, or check out an event or a game at Carousel Ice Skating Rink. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

View more Vacation Homes in Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach, DE

What's nearby

Fenwick Island Beach - 15 min walk
Bethany Beach Beaches - 4 min drive
Bethany Beach Boardwalk - 7 min drive
Maryland Beach - 8 min drive
Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club - 12 min drive

Getting around

Ocean City Station - 24 min drive
Ocean City, MD (OCE-Ocean City Municipal) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

‪Dunkin' - ‬5 min drive
‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
‪Bethany Diner - ‬8 min drive
‪Parkway Restaurant - ‬7 min drive
‪Bethany Boathouse - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Bethany~Bay View Retreat ~ Waterfront , Bird Watchers / Nature Lovers Delight! pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Bethany~Bay View Retreat ~ Waterfront , Bird Watchers / Nature Lovers Delight! ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Bethany~Bay View Retreat ~ Waterfront , Bird Watchers / Nature Lovers Delight! ?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Bethany~Bay View Retreat ~ Waterfront , Bird Watchers / Nature Lovers Delight! located?

This family-friendly Bethany Beach vacation home is located on the waterfront, within 2 mi (3 km) of Fenwick Island Beach and Bethany Beach Beaches. Bethany Beach Boardwalk and Chief Little Owl Totem Pole are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.

Learn more

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Susan G.

Jul 26, 2024

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

Peaceful home with an amazing view

Thank you June for having us to your home for the week. My family and I had an incredible time in Bethany. June was a wonderful host, very attentive. She responded and addressed my one concern and very quickly resolved it. Her home is so welcoming and relaxing, and the view is amazing!! I would definitely come back again.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey H.

May 21, 2024

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

Stunning Escape!

We had an amazing stay, the view is stunning. You can sit and look at the bay for hours, beautiful sunset. House is ideally located, close to everything but feels a world away. You can hear the ocean at night. The hosts are lovely and welcoming. Plenty of space. Thank you for having us, can't wait to return!

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

mary h.

Nov 21, 2023

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

Year two

This was our second year in a row. The view and location are stunning!

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan B., West Norriton, PA

Oct 31, 2023

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

Best View Ever!

June was terrific to work with. The house itself is comfortable and has everything you need from a rental property. The view is worth it's weight in gold. You won't be disappointed if you decide to book a stay.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristin M., West Chester, PA

Aug 24, 2023

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

Family trip

The property was beautiful. Amazing views, we loved the kayaks and canoe! Even got the 3 yr old and grandma out in them! The beach was great, almost completely to ourselves. Super close to Beyhany downtown but out enough to not feel cramped or it to be loud. June and her husband were winderful, even letting us stay an extra day!! My in-laws would love to stay here again. That's a win!!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patricia C.

Jul 3, 2023

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

Beautiful home

This home’s location is great if you like peace and nature. beautiful views with Lots of birds. The canoe and kayak use was really nice to have as option for the older teens/young adults. Beach a little too far to walk when hot outside but you can park your car closer with one of the passes the owner has so that worked fine. Owner had beach chairs avail for use which helps so we didn’t have to bring our own-appreciate that! Wi-Fi worked well. One tv on lower level but we barely used the TV since all had their own devices. Some of the bedding and Appliances such as dishwasher and washer/dryer are older could use an upgrade at some point. And a personal pref would be for more curtains or blinds in master bedroom. But overall the place was terrific for our needs and June was really nice and and easy to coordinate with. We enjoyed our stay very much. :-)

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

mary h.

Nov 26, 2022

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

Thanksgiving

The view was stunning, the furniture was comfortable and the location was perfect. We packed the house with food and love. No complaints. Enjoyed the morning egret. Watched the sunset every night with delight! June was just a text away.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

nadir t.

Oct 21, 2022

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

Golfer’s den

This is our second straight year for our group of four golfers. The kitchen is fully equipped so if you plan to cook, like we did for 12, you’ll find everything there. Views on the deck outstanding. You feel like you’re really at home.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer T.

Aug 16, 2022

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

Amazing!!! June and Rob are super nice and helpful. We highly recommend this property.

Amazing!!! June and Rob are super nice and helpful. We highly recommend this property if you’re looking for the best family vacation.

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen C.

Jul 17, 2022

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

Spectacular views

This property is quiet and peaceful with spectacular vies of the marsh lands and birds. This is our second year here and we throughly enjoyed our stay.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nicol R.

Jul 5, 2022

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

Wonderful!

Truly the best location in Bethany!! Can not beat the view from the back deck. Beach is easy to get to and kids can ride bikes back if they want to leave before the parents!! The hosts could not have been more accommodating before and during our stay (thank you!!). We feel very fortunate to have found this spot!! If you are looking for a more quieter location away from the crowds - this is perfect. Definitely want to return.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Jun 4, 2022

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

Excellent Property!

My wife and I enjoyed this property immensely. The quiet location, with a nice measure of privacy was perfect for us. We were there for just under a week, and found the beach about deserted, even on Sunday. Never even turned on the TV. Between the sunrises, the sunsets, reading and watching the blue herons, the great egrets and the ospreys, watching TV seemed pretty unnecessary. The owners were most helpful in making this a great stay!

Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alice F.

May 11, 2022

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

Nice May Getaway

When you walk in the door you feel like your home. You are smiling immediately because of the incredible views that greet you. Very welcoming warm place to stay

Stayed 8 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lori T.

Apr 26, 2022

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

Beach to Bay in one Vacay

Rent this property in the off-season for a wonderful space to rest and recharge. Plenty of room in the house for the family to spread out and appreciate the quiet neighborhood and amazing views of the wildlife in the Preserve. 10-min walk to the beach. Good variety of nearby restaurants--grab dinner to go and enjoy the sunset from the screened-in porch.

Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Caterina F.

Apr 12, 2022

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

Wonderful stay!

Lovely, well-appointed, clean house with gorgeous views! Our family (grandparents, parents, and two young kids) had a fantastic stay. The home is spacious and has great living spaces for dinner, hanging out, etc. Weather was cool during our stay, and we are looking forward to coming back when it is warmer to enjoy the ample deck space and watch the wildlife (herons, bald eagles, ospreys, etc.) June was the perfect host and gave us all kinds of wonderful recommendations for our stay. Highly recommend!

Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark H., Gardners, PA, USA

Mar 17, 2022

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

Cozy comfort

Cozy place with incredible sunset views

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn K.

Jan 1, 2022

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

Peaceful getaway for Christmas

We loved this place. The view of the wetlands from the living room and the master bedroom was stunning. It was such a relaxing week. June was very accommodating and easy to get in touch. with. We hope to return again soon.

Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

nadir t.

Oct 12, 2021

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

Dated interior but a keeper

Despite the dated appliances and bathroom fixtures, the house is large and comfortable. The views and decking are outstanding. Definitely a great value.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sharon W., PA Furnace, PA

Oct 11, 2021

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

Wonderful place to stay!

My family and I loved our week-long stay at this lovely, spacious, comfy home. We enjoyed the beaches, biking, kayaking, and fishing, and we even spent one day on a pontoon boat rented locally that we could motor right up to our own dock. The views of the bay and wildlife preserve are magnificent! The owners were very responsive and even provided us with a charming welcoming gift of flowers and wine. Highly recommend this property.

Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey M.

Aug 12, 2021

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

Great house awesome views

Have stayed here before as always A great time ,great location worth every penny

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

John M.

Jun 9, 2021

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

Stunning View Over Wetlands

Great property with amazing views and sunsets. Quiet out of the way neighborhood, but you can still walk to the beach. Friendly and responsive owner.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sarah S.

Jun 6, 2021

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

Lovely Bayside Weekend Getaway

My friends and I had a blast staying here our girls weekend getaway this year. The house is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood but minutes from Dewey by car. The home is beautiful, spacious, and has great views of the bay. June was the most accommodating host, was easily accessible and checked in regularly to make sure we had what we needed. Definitely recommend staying here!

Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jutta C.

May 24, 2021

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

Relaxing vacation with amazing bay view

Our family spend one week in this spacious house by the bay which geht like home right away. Check-in process was simple and communications with the owners were great. The house is in a quiet and friendly neighborhood. We spend a lot of time on the upper deck and in the screened in porch watching birds and boats in the bay and we also took the canoe out and the kayaks. The house had everything we needed for cooking some meals at the house. The beach was close by as well as many good restaurants. We fished and relaxed on the beach and saw many dolphins 🐬 We would love to come back again soon for another family vacation...

Stayed 7 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Susan C., Bethesda, MD

May 7, 2021

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

Peaceful, beautiful, wonderful

This is a lovely home on a BEAUTIFUL site, overlooking the marshland and bay waters. Dozens of birds (egret, heron, geese, gulls, terns, and we think an Osprey) put on a charming show, as did the changeable clouds. Communication with the owner was easy (and fun). Easy to explore the several beaches and beach towns in the area. We hope to come again!

Stayed 5 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Karen S.

Apr 27, 2021

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

Looking for a quiet magical place for some down time and relaxation ? you won’t be disappoint.

The owner is very responsive and helpful, though there was no need to reach out during the stay. The property has a wonderful homey vibe, and incredible access to the wildlife refuge next door. Morning kyaks afternoon walks to the state park undeveloped beaches. LOVELY.

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2021

About the host

Hosted by June Taylor Wolcott

Rob, originally from Toledo, OH, is an economist by background and spent a career at the US EPA working on numerous health and environmental issues -- such as getting lead out of gasoline and reducing water pollution runoff from agricultural lands. June, a Californian who grew up at Lake Tahoe, is an environmental reporter/consultant who most recently has focused on climate change. They live at Bethany part-year and other times in Silver Spring, MD.

Why they chose this property

We'd rented this house for many years when the owners (Rob's mentor, Allen Ferguson and his wife Audrey) decided to sell it. The Ferguson's were early purchasers in the little bayside waterfront community of Bay View Park and got the lot with the BEST VIEW. The serenity of watching sunset from the deck is something we wanted to keep -- and share with others.

What makes this property unique

Being able to have 2 vacations in one -- the bay side with bird watching and kayaking and the beach with body surfing and fun in the sand -- make this a unique vacation spot.
The community of Bay View Park offers a quiet retreat even in the busy summer season.
Many people like our varied collection of artworks from around the world. (And many by the original owner/home builder Audrey Ferguson.)