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It’s Autumn on the Northern Neck! Why does it seem so inviting?! Come find out!

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A Cute and Cozy Cottage.
Key Cottage is its Name!
With very happy clematis!
Come on In!
Coco wanted to be in the photo and to let you know that doggies are welcome!

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 41700 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Pet friendly
    Pet friendly
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Irvington, VA
  • Steamboat Era Museum
    18 min walk
  • Historic Christ Church
    5 min drive
  • Compass Entertainment Complex
    5 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Guest bedroom

2 Twin Beds

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

It’s Autumn on the Northern Neck! Why does it seem so inviting?! Come find out!

WE WISH TO LET OUR GUESTS KNOW THAT WE ALWAYS THOROUGHLY CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE ENTIRE HOUSE AFTER EACH AND EVERY TURNOVER BETWEEN GUESTS. DURING THIS COVID - 19, OUR CLEANING CREW IS TAKING EXTRA STEPS, MEASURES AND PRECAUTIONS TO ENSURE AS SANITARY AN ENVIRONMENT AS POSSIBLE, INCLUDING THE WEARING OF MASKS AND THE LAUNDERING OF TOWELS AND BEDDING IN HOT WATER. YOUR COMFORT AND SAFETY IS OUR PARAMOUNT CONCERN. TOGETHER WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS! 👍💕

ADORABLE COTTAGE IN THE HEART OF HISTORIC IRVINGTON!

Leave all your troubles behind and unwind at this adorable single level 2 bedroom 2 bath bungalow in the heart of historic Irvington. Situated on a beautifully landscaped half acre corner piece of property, Key Cottage, ca. 1918, provides the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, family reunion, holiday retreat, wedding accommodations, and spillover for houseguests.

It is the perfect spot to relax after a day of golfing, fishing, sailing, waterskiing, antiquing, and boutiquing. Key Cottage is centrally located and walkable to everything the charming village of Irvington has to offer.

Feel like starting your day with a morning coffee walk? No worries! Head down to The Local and enjoy a croissant and coffee at their outdoor cafe!

Want to go out for dinner but don't feel like getting in the car? No problem! Walk to The Tides Inn, Hope and Glory, The Office or Dredge, f/k/a Trick Dog Bar and Bistro.

Feel like eating in? No sweat! In nearby White Stone, there is a gourmet shop called The River Market, affectionately known as "Jimmy's", where you can pick up a couple of mouthwatering steaks, and pop them on our hardwired Weber gas grill, and dine al fresco on our screened in porch, complete with ceiling fan and all accoutrements.

Feel like seafood? Merroir (Rappahannock Oyster Company), just across the Rappahannock River, is famous for its oysters and offers delightful outdoor riverside dining. It is open for lunch and dinner. It and Willaby's, in White Stone, also open for lunch and dinner, offers some of the finest views of the Rivah!

Feel like enjoying a cocktail in Irvington before dinner? The bar at the Chesapeake Club at The Tides Inn, Dredge, and Vine, are all within a healthy walking distance of Key Cottage.

There are three supermarkets 4 miles away in the "big city" of Kilmarnock, along with other shops and restaurants, including Specials Wine Seller, where the knowledgeable and friendly proprietor, Amy will pair her fine wines with what you’re planning to have for dinner. She also offers fun and informative wine tastings every Friday evening! There are also art galleries and museums, including the very popular Fishermen's Museum in Reedville. But don't forget to check out our own museum, The Steamboat Era Museum in the heart of Irvington on King Carter Drive. Our little museum has received big praise for its state of the art exhibitions offering a glimpse of days gone by, when folks traveled here by steamboat, and disembarked on nearby Steamboat Road.

Then there is the top rated Irvington Farmer's Market on the Village Green on the first Saturday of the month from May - November. There you will find everything from flowers to furniture!

Feel like some retail therapy, shop til you drop at The Dandelion, Objects, Fore and Aft, and Jimmy and Sook. For the needlework lover, there’s Sewlovelee right across the street from the Post Office. There’s also Cathi’s Gardens which will be happy to create a beautiful floral bouquet for your sweetheart.

We also boast a first rate winery called The Dog and Oyster Vineyard, where you can take a tour, or sample one of their many fine wines and oysters.

The Fourth of July is a special time in Irvington! The Hometown Parade starts just a block from Key Cottage and winds its way down to the Village Green where complimentary hot dogs and sodas are served by the good folks of Chesapeake Bank. The Green with its famous gazebo is also the backdrop for the world renowned United States Air Force Band concert featuring patriotic music and songs!

Are you a visiting yachtie? Rappahannock Yachts has transient slips and The Rappahannock River Yacht Club honors reciprocity with participating yacht clubs. Both are across the field and a short stroll from the front porch of Key Cottage and offer superb views of Carters Creek and the Rappahannock River.

The Thanksgiving Holiday is a great time to spend in Irvington! The popular Turkey Trot footrace goes right past Key Cottage. Its fully stocked and equipped kitchen is perfect for making Thanksgiving dinner. Its cozy dining room, with its hearth and table large enough to seat 6-8, is ideal for giving thanks and breaking bread together.

Christmas is also an idyllic time in this special village. Key Cottage offers perfect accommadations for folks who might have relatives who are residents of nearby Rappahannock Westminster- Canterbury, or whose hosts need some spillover room for their guests.

There is so much to do here! Or not do! It's up to you!

PS. Feel like going to Cape Cod for a different kind of summer vacation? Please check out The Charles Gray House in West Barnstable at Listing # 2447960. Wherever you stay, we look forward to having you as our guests!

Property manager

Kinnet Ehring
Premier Host

Languages

English, Spanish

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 13-17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 20 lbs per pet (limit one pet total)
$50. pet fee per pet.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 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 and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Irvington

Located in Irvington, this cottage is in a rural area. Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library and Middlesex County Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Compass Entertainment Complex and Deltaville Maritime Museum. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Irvington, VA

What's nearby

  • Steamboat Era Museum - 18 min walk
  • Historic Christ Church - 5 min drive
  • Compass Entertainment Complex - 5 min drive
  • White Stone Beach - 9 min drive
  • Deltaville Marina - 32 min drive

Getting around

  • Newport News - Williamsburg Intl. Airport (PHF) - 66 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Chesapeake Doughnut Company - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Front Porch Coffeehouse - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Alley Cafe and Sports Bar - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is It’s Autumn on the Northern Neck! Why does it seem so inviting?! Come find out! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 20 lbs per pet.

What time is check-in at It’s Autumn on the Northern Neck! Why does it seem so inviting?! Come find out!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at It’s Autumn on the Northern Neck! Why does it seem so inviting?! Come find out!?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is It’s Autumn on the Northern Neck! Why does it seem so inviting?! Come find out! located?

Situated in a rural location, this cottage is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Historic Christ Church and within 6 mi (10 km) of Compass Entertainment Complex and Golden Eagle Golf Club. White Stone Beach and Good Luck Cellars are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 274 out of 283 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 283 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 283 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 283 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 283 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

sandy L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice relaxing stay
We very much enjoyed our stay at Key Cottage. It is a quirky cute house in a sweet neighborhood. We spent most of our time outdoors on the porch watching the world go by. The grounds are kept so pretty, and the butterflies and bunnies were all around. We enjoyed the town and Kilmarnock. Do yourself a favor and have a lobster roll from the little food truck in Kilmarnock. The extra pounds are worth it.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl A S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

kim f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Little Yellow Delight?
Love,love,love this cottage. This is our second stay in one of the best little towns around. Key Cottage has the history, transom windows, flooring, with just the right touches of the modern.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ronald P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another great stay at Key Cottage
Excellent place to stay in Irvington - house is perfect, tastefully, simply decorated, well-equipped kitchen, lovely area, host/owner most responsive, near everything needed, stores, gym, restaurants, cafes, etc.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lu Ann C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfectly comfortable cottage
For a comfortable, convenient stay in Irvington, the Key Cottage has everything you could want! We enjoyed sitting in the front porch rockers as well as around the table on the back screened porch. Our dog appreciated his fenced in run where he could chase toys while off leash and loved watching the squirrels and birds sheltering in the fig trees right off the porch. The house feels much larger than it looks in the pictures. High ceilings and wide rooms made the cottage feel very spacious. Thank you Kinnet and Chris!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Key Cottage
Enjoyed our stay. Thank you.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Karen Dawn B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Almost perfect
Darling little cottage. It is just a bit short of perfect. The 100+ year old house is looking sad and in need of upkeep and repairs. It's starting to look neglected With that said, we had a great time enjoying the area and quiet neighborhood. Overall we had a great experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gordon C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Reunion
It was a beautiful home that was perfect for us. We loved the location, as it was convenient to get to my mom's house in White Stone. I would definitely recommend staying there.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ronald P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Bungalow!
Excellent accommodations, well equipped, tastefully decorated, quiet peaceful neighborhood, near The Tides, Irvington and Kilmarnock. Very responsive host. Highly recommend!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chase M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Outstanding Cottage
Maybe the best setting in Irvington VA just a stones throw from the famous Tides Inn. A very comfortable setting with all of the creature comforts for an individual, groups of family time. The surrounding property is exquisite with maybe the greatest Fig tree I have ever seen. Can't wait to come back. Thank you Kinnett and Chris
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelley T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming Cottage in Irvington
We very much enjoyed our stay at the cottage - very authentic and charming. The master bedroom was huge with a large walk-in closet/changing room. The kitchen has just about everything you could need to cook a gourmet meal. We enjoyed the music collection, which we listened to over dinner one night while drinking the complimentary bottle of wine Kinnet left us. The location was peaceful, and we walked to the Tides Inn and town daily. Thank you for hosting us! We'd like to come back next summer.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely spot to stay in IRV VA
Thanks to the owner. The house is lovely and notably quaint. The yard is sweet with flowers and a gardeners touch; nice for bunny sightings. Little dog run is what brought us back for a second booking over another option. Perfect for traveling with a small dog(s). It rained when we were there, little mud room very practical! Kitchen is well appointed. We enjoyed the front porch rockers while sipping wine, watching the rain. Very responsive owner. Check out simple, (not a 2 page list of to do’s). Worked great for our long weekend. Shop the Dandelion, coffee and breakfast or lunch at The Local, dinner at Salt & Meadow (Tides Inn). Nice stay. Terrestrial rain and all.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ilene T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful house, great host
The property is exactly as advertised. It was clean and I don't think we've ever stayed where everything you could have needed was provided. The house is really sweet and so well-kept. The neighborhood was really upscale and we were close to everything we wanted to get to and do. There are some great restaurants in the area and some wonderful shops in town and in other towns nearby. The host was absolutely fantastic, providing all needed information for a great weekend and answering any concerns. It was more than obvious that she really cared about her guests and her property. We'd do this again if going back to the Northern Neck of VA.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

CAROLINE B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Perfect Getaway!
I really dont think that the pictures do this place justice because the house is much more charming in person. I think my favorite part were the beautiful fig trees framing the backyard. The house is gorgeous and the bathrooms are simply luxurious. The kitchen is well appointed and the dishwasher is so fancy that i couldn't figure out how to turn it on. You really don't need to bring anything but your clothes. My only suggestions would be an extra key for guests and to get rid of the old spices (some were hard). Either way, I would be happy to stay here again and again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tim M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location and wonderful home
Very relaxing and so convenient to all of Irvington. Very peaceful location and wonderful star gazing at night. Excellent!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Annual Girls Weekend
We book Key Cottage ever summer for a girls weekend due to its proximity to The Tides Inn Spa and Kimarnock where we like to spend a shopping day. Kinnet is a pleasure to work with and the cottage suits our group of 3 perfectly. We'll be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nick S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exceeded expectations.
Very comfortable historic house with quality updates that do no damage to that ambiance. Well furnished and decorated. Quite sizeable interior with front and rear porches. Fully outfited with any utensils and appliances you'll need. Exceptionally groomed grounds with lush vegetation. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Margien C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best ever
We absolutely loved Irvington and the key cottage! We thought this was the best bnb or Vrbo that we’ve ever rented. The home had so much beauty and character! The location was close to everything but still very privately located. We hope to return!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Howard E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mothers Day
Family gathering (two houses) to celebrate three sisters/mothers and participate in a fund-raising golf tournament for a local non-profit.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming
Classic Northern Neck cottage beautifully maintained and wonderfully comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patricia B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay.
Everything was as reviewed prior. What a lovely house. Clean, roomy, eclectic! We’ll definitely go back.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amber I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
So peaceful!
Our great little go to place to catch our breath! Thanks for sharing it!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marla and David G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Smiles generated throughout
This cottage is adorable with cute touches everywhere you look. I couldn’t help but smile in each room at the shelf contents, painted pineapples and sweetness that abounds. The host is super communicative and a notebook is provided with most everything you need to know including suggestions for dining out and groceries.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Julia H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
If you want to feel as though you are in France....
If you want to stay in Irvington VA, then Key Cottage is where you'll want to stay. This is a whole house rental, all on one floor, which feels like you are in a boutique French museum home. There are so many interesting things to look at and read, you will not be bored if you have a rainy day. Lovely, safe neighborhood to walk and enjoy, with a small marina close by as well. You will not be disappointed.
Stayed 41 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Craig S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute Historic Bungalow
Fantastic property in a quiet location in Irvington. Perfect for a weekend getaway for a couple or small family. Great, communicative hosts and great place to chill with a glass of wine in a rocking chair on the porch catching the sunset.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

About the host

Hosted by Kinnet Ehring

Host profile image
My husband, Chris amd I are originally from the Metropolitan NYC area. We retired to the Northern Neck of Virginia for the less rushed way of life. We knew we wanted to be in Irvington for its friendly community and hometown feel. We love it here and are happy to say that all of our neighbors are our friends. When not here, we spend time on Cape Cod.

Why they chose this property

We loved this home the moment we pulled into the driveway and saw its large sunlit front porch. It was built in 1918 and has the charm that is only found in old homes. Over the years we have added on to it, but were diligent in retaining its integrity to remain true to the original design. We christened it Key Cottage because everyone said our house reminded them of houses they saw in Key West or The Bahamas. Our house is featured in “The Houses of Irvington: Architecture of an American Village” by architect Steven M. Reiss.

Our house stands out from most vacation rentals because for 13 years we called it home. We’re a couple of old foodies, so our kitchen is well stocked with high end pots and pans, and any tool you could possibly imagine (I think we even have a cherry pitter in there somewhere!) and the decor and design was done by us with us in mind!

What makes this property unique

The foursquare layout offers a symmetry that we just fell in love with. The detailing of the front porch columns, the 10 foot ceilings and the transom windows are all testament to the careful workmanship of the house. Our stand of fig trees, planted the same year the house was built, is one of the finest in the County. The house is situated on a corner lot which offers more privacy. The evergreens and gardens, which, of course we have supplemented over the years, were a big draw as well. And then, of course, we're in Irvington, the best little town on the Northern Neck of Virginia!

Languages:

English, Spanish

Premier Host

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