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Good Harbor Beach House - walk to beach, close to restaurants and shopping!

Photo gallery for Good Harbor Beach House - walk to beach, close to restaurants and shopping!

Howard's Cottage-by-the-Sea is nestled on the salt marsh with a quiet setting.
Bright & open living room with access to large outside deck overlooking marsh.
New kitchen in 2024.
Dining room open to kitchen and living room. Sits 6 comfortably.
View from master bedroom of marsh and Good Harbor beach just a short walk away.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 1% of guest reviews in this area
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dogs and cats allowed
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Gloucester, MA
  • Place, Good Harbor Beach
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Wingaersheek Beach
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, Boston Harbor
    ‪61 min drive‬
  • Airport, Boston, MA (BOS-Logan Intl.)
    ‪64 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Twin Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Good Harbor Beach House - walk to beach, close to restaurants and shopping!

A quaint 4 bedroom family cottage sits on the edge of the salt marsh and dunes of Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, Massachusetts - the oldest fishing port in the United States. This rare location offers privacy as well as desirable proximity to Gloucester's most famous beach. Listen to the surf, smell the sea and enjoy the breeze!

You can enjoy a quaint front deck, full length covered porch and spacious back deck. The deck allows for comfortable lounging as well as outdoor dining for 6+ (Pictures to follow, currently being painted.)

An outside shower allows for convenient clean up and a large private back yard for children to play. Loads of gardens and bird watching.

Four bedrooms allow for ample sleeping arrangements for up to 8 quests: (2) twins, (2) full and (1) queen. Please note that the bedrooms with the full beds are connected and one room is accessed via the other.

Gloucester offers minutes drive to world class seafood, ice cream just down the street, golf, state parks for hiking, whale watching, sport fishing, live theater, music, art and so much more!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)
Pets are allowed with prior approval.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
If time allows, it is very helpful if you can do a load of towels. The cleaners and next quests really appreciate it. Thank you.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Parking for a maximum of (3) cars. If additional off-site parking is required, contact owner.
People other than those listed in Rental Agreement may not visit/stay at the property without prior approval.
Loud noise on the deck is restricted between 9:00pm and 9:00am out of respect for the neighbors.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number C0479341070
Property # 716813
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 indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
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

About the neighborhood

Gloucester

Located in East Gloucester, a neighborhood in Gloucester, this cottage is next to a golf course and near the beach. Schooner Adventure and Maritime Gloucester are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Rocky Neck Art Colony and Essex Shipbuilding Museum. Cogswell's Grant and Long Hill are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and motor boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and cycling.
View more Cottages in GloucesterOpens in a new window
Map
Gloucester, MA

What's nearby

  • Good Harbor Beach - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Niles Beach - 7 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Wingaersheek Beach - 15 min drive - 13.6 km
  • Encore Boston Harbor - 61 min drive - 62.2 km
  • Boston Harbor - 61 min drive - 67.9 km

Getting around

  • Rockport Station - 6 min drive
  • Beverly, MA (BVY-Beverly Municipal) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Burn Tavern - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Lobster of Gloucester - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Good Harbor Beach House - walk to beach, close to restaurants and shopping! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Good Harbor Beach House - walk to beach, close to restaurants and shopping!?

As of May 11, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Good Harbor Beach House - walk to beach, close to restaurants and shopping! on May 13, 2026 start from $798, 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 Good Harbor Beach House - walk to beach, close to restaurants and shopping!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Good Harbor Beach House - walk to beach, close to restaurants and shopping!?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Good Harbor Beach House - walk to beach, close to restaurants and shopping! located?

Located in East Gloucester, this golf cottage is 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Good Harbor Beach and within 3 mi (5 km) of Long Beach and Cape Hedge Beach. Schooner Adventure and Massachusetts Bay 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. 214 out of 223 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 223 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 223 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 223 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 223 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely home, very close to beach and restaurants. We stayed for a weekend and it had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My family and I were lucky enough to stay here for a weekend getaway and it is as beautiful as it looks in the photos! The view of the marshes with the ocean in the distance is amazing and it is so peaceful to take in the wildlife from the deck. The house is beautifully decorated and well stocked with everything you may need. Our host was accommodating and responsive and you can feel how much she loves the cottage/area. The beach is only a short walk around the corner! We are already thinking about making another trip and hope to be able to stay again. Thanks for a great trip!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dianna R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It provided us with everything we needed for our trip.location was the biggest factor.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a lovely stay at Howard’s Cottage for Christmas! It was cozy yet spacious enough, had everything we needed to cook Christmas dinner, and the view was beautiful. We even had a bonus, a white Christmas! Thank you for sharing your cottage!!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Betty W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was very clean and comfortable. Communication was great. Laura was very accommodating with the parking. Our family had a wonderful time.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

nancy g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
very sweet cottage, well equipped kitchen. location great, quiet neighborhood .
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was such a fabulous home in a great location. My family and I had an exquisite time making memories. Laura was an incredible host!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colleen W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was magical, and me and the ladies had a perfect girl's trip by the sea. It was clean and had everything we needed, and good harbor beach was clean and amazing
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hank P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Laura is a very gracious host!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Courtney F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely wonderful from start to finish. I wish we could have stayed longer! Close to great eating, short walk to a beautiful beach, and the house is perfect. Will absolutely book again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ann L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Laura was very responsive. We enjoyed the house, especially all the antique quilts! The beach was very close and pretty at sunrise and sunset. I wish we could have used the porch, but that is for warmer weather….
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erinn M.

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

Beautiful Beachhouse!

We absolutely loved our stay! The house was beautiful. We especially loved the main living area, kitchen and porches.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amit G.

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

Great location, great experience

We had a great time. The house is at a great location and the experience was wonderful.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sue r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was good. Spotless.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elena A.

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

Great Spot!

The house was great! We never wanted to leave the beautiful porch. Quiet neighborhood, quick walk to the beach and short drive to town.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
As always, everything was just right
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
So clean - so comfortable - you feel like you're staying at a friend's home, not a rental property. Our group of 6 adults never felt crowded, especially with the very large deck as bonus space. Well-stocked with everything for a relaxing stay and trips to the beach (so close!). Laura has thought of every detail and is very responsive and helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

LYNNE W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I love this cottage. I would say it was magical. We just about lived on the back deck. We read our books, grilled, and just enjoyed the view and all the birds. The location is perfect. Everything you need or want is close by but once back to the cottage the real world melts away and you are back in a little paradise. We could not think of a negative about our vacation here.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carmen G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Property was just as described and pictured in online listing. It is a charming and cozy home with a beautiful view. It is conveniently located near Good Harbor Beach and downtown Gloucester.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheri B.

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

Wonderful spot and adorable home

We had a lovely stay at this adorable home. We had a wedding nearby and loved the walks to the beach, talks on the patio and a full kitchen to feed all.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Denise W.

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

Dream Cottage

Gorgeous marsh view with a super short walk to the beach. Perfection.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Olivia O.

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

Beautiful Stay!

House was exactly as described. Super clean, big enough for the entire group and a beautiful view in the back! Close to everything!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynn B.

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

Beautiful Vacation Home

Beautiful house, great location, spacious, great wi-fi, amazing deck.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

susan k.

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

Glorious Gloucester

I love the new kitchen!Home is so comfortable and lovely. Beach a stone’s throw away. Deck sits within a beautiful marsh filled with birds. We will be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan C.

We had a wonderful time. Gloucester is a charming little seaport town with lots of great things.

Beautiful home, and very relaxing!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 21, 2020
It was an absolute pleasure having you stay at Howard's Cottage-by-the-Sea! Thank you for the wonderful review. Would love to have you back :-) Best regards, Laura

About the host

Hosted by Laura Howard

Host profile image
Hi! I was born in Gloucester and grew up on Cape Ann! I am thrilled to be able to share my family beach cottage with you. We had been looking for over 10 years to find the perfect beach cottage and found this diamond in the rough and bought this home in 2007. At the time, it was a summer only camp with no heat! We renovated the home to a year around, cozy cottage, with many of today's modern amenities!

Why they chose this property

This home is uniquely situated on the marsh and dune systems of Good Harbor beach. It is one of only 7 homes with this highly desirable proximity to the beach with a large lot and privacy.

It is accessed by a quiet, private road and nestled between the woods and marsh/dunes. I hope you will enjoy my gardens as much as I do!

Sitting on the back deck or side covered porch, it is a pleasure to bird watch! We have numerous books to help you identify the many species. There is also an abundance of rabbits that are adorable to watch, but can be frustrating when the eat all my beautiful flowers :-)

The home still has the feel of a early turn of the century summer cottage with original hardwood floors, fireplace (non-functioning), built in hutch in the dining room and cozy layout. We were careful to not detract from the feel when we updated the home.

What makes this property unique

Privacy and close proximity to Good Harbor beach.
Highly functional layout - cozy, but sleeps 8 comfortably.
Amazing deck with both lounging and dining areas with spectacular views across the salt march to the Atlantic ocean.
Short drive to both downtown Gloucester and Rockport where there are numerous galleries, shops, restaurants and so many things to do!

Languages:

English

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