Summertime where the livin’ is easy at the Rivah in Irvington!
WE WISH TO LET OUR GUESTS KNOW THAT WE ALWAYS THOROUGHLY CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE ENTIRE HOUSE AFTER EACH AND EVERY TURNOVER BETWEEN GUESTS. OUR CLEANING CREW IS TAKING EXTRA STEPS, MEASURES AND PRECAUTIONS TO ENSURE AS SANITARY AN ENVIRONMENT AS POSSIBLE.
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!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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A charming and peaceful getaway in the heart of Irvington, Virginia.
Irvington
A charming and peaceful getaway in the heart of Irvington, Virginia.
Pets allowed: dogs less than 20 lbs per pet (limit one pet total)
$50. pet fee per pet.
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Property # 825122
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
About the neighborhood
Irvington
Located in Irvington, this cottage is in a rural area. Steamboat Era Museum and Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Compass Entertainment Complex and Deltaville Maritime Museum. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hunting and cycling.
Northern Neck Farm Museum - 28 min drive - 39.8 km
Yorktown Beach - 54 min drive - 82.2 km
Getting around
Richmond Intl. Airport (RIC) - 82 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 12 min drive
The Alley Café & Sports Lounge - 10 min drive
Front Porch Coffeehouse - 10 min drive
Dairy Queen - 12 min drive
The Tides Inn - 17 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Summertime where the livin’ is easy at the Rivah in Irvington! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 20 lbs per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Summertime where the livin’ is easy at the Rivah in Irvington!?
As of May 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Summertime where the livin’ is easy at the Rivah in Irvington! on Jul 5, 2026 start from $254, 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 Summertime where the livin’ is easy at the Rivah in Irvington!?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Summertime where the livin’ is easy at the Rivah in Irvington!?
Check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Summertime where the livin’ is easy at the Rivah in Irvington! located?
Situated in a rural location, this cottage is 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from Steamboat Era Museum and 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Historic Christ Church. Compass Entertainment Complex and Golden Eagle Golf Club are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
The house was so cute and exactly what we expected. Dealing with the host was very easy and she was very responsive! Already planning our next trip to Key Cottage!!!!
We had a great time relaxing at the Key Cottage as always. The perfect place for a peaceful getaway and a base for all your tidewater adventures.
ROBERT T.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 9, 2025
Hi Robert!
Many thanks for the kind words and 5 star review. We strive to make our guests feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible while they are on vacay. You’ve been wonderful and loyal guests and we appreciate it. We look forward to having you back.
Best regards,
Kinnet
As always, the Key Cottage is a treat. While there are many things we like about it, the porches are our favorites. Just unplug and spend some quality time enjoying a trip back to a simpler time. The cottage is always meticulously prepared and the host is warmly welcoming. When we tell folks in local establishments where we are staying we frequently get an understanding look of envy. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
ROBERT T.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 9, 2026
Wow! Thank you, Robert, for your wonderful 5 star review. We appreciate it as word of mouth has proven to the best type of advertising. We strive to provide a luxurious respite to come home to after a day of sightseeing or fun in the sun. And we aim to keep both the outdoors and the indoors both meticulous and cozy as possible. We look forward to having you back!
Best,
Kinnet
This is a classic early 20th century cottage that's been cared for to perfection; the decorating and special appointments are exceptional and the neighborhood was perfect for runs and dog walks; great food options are very accessible.
Fred S.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 16, 2025
Good morning, Fred!
Many thanks for the kind words and 5 star review. We are so glad that you enjoyed your stay at Key Cottage, We strive to make our vacation property the ideal spot to forget all your worries and provide a place to relax and have a great time! We look forward to having you back!
Best regards,
Kinnet
We had a great stay and loved the house especially the porch..enjoyed reading and having coffee before heading out to see all the things around Irvington. Many great meals in town. Location was perfect. Also appreciated that we could bring our dog along. Would book again!
Chuck S.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 25, 2025
Dear Chuck,
Thank you so very much for your sweet remarks about Key Cottage and your five star review. We strive to make your stay as comfortable and convenient as possible. You are welcome back any time!
Best regards,
Kinnet
This was a great cottage for our get away on the NNK. Walking distance to The Tides Inn and very close to other restaurants we wanted to explore. That said, normally we do more cooking when at a VRBO and this kitchen was beautifully furnished with anything and everything you could possibly need. Lovely porches front and back, really charming.
Laurie C.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 21, 2025
Dear Laurie,
Many thanks for the great review and 5 star rating. We appreciate it as word of mouth is the best form of advertising and it increases our business as a result.
So glad to hear that you had a great time. That’s our aim - to provide the best and most relaxing vacation experience to our guests. We look forward to having you back!
Best regards,
Kinnet
Key cottage - cozy, comfortable and a perfect getaway
Spent a few days here before the Holiday - the cottage was perfect
Dorothy K.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 2, 2023
Dear Dorothy,
Thank you for the 5 star review. So happy to learn that you found the cottage perfect. We look forward to having you back anytime.
Best regards,
Kinnet
Thank you, Prasanna, for the nice words and 5 star review. We’re so happy that you enjoyed your stay. We look forward to welcoming you back!
Best regards,
Kinnet
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.
We enjoyed our stay here in Irvington, VA. Great location for a quiet weekend retreat.
Paul B.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 12, 2023
Thank you, Paul, for your kind words and 5 star review. We’re so glad that you enjoyed your stay. We look forward to having you back!
Best regards,
Kinnet
What a charming cottage located in Irvington! The place had tons of great character, was clean and very well located. Kinnet was super easy to communicate with. Thanks for a lovely stay!
Cat H.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on May 27, 2025
Dear Cat,
Thank you for the wonderful compliments and the 5 star review. We do appreciate it as these kind of reviews and word of mouth do wonders for our business.
We’re so happy to hear that you had a good time in Irvington. We look forward to having you back!
Best,
Kinnet
We had a very pleasant stay at the Key Cottage. Everything we could have wanted was available, the house was immaculate, and the location and neighborhood were perfect. Communication was excellent with the host and we are truly looking forward to a return visit.
ROBERT T.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 19, 2025
Many thanks for the kind words and 5 star review. Good to know that you found everything you needed. We enjoyed having you as our guests and look forward to having you back!
Best,
Kinnet
Clean, quiet, comfortable, perfect location for us.
Pete E. W. W.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 2, 2023
Dear Pete,
We’re so glad to hear that you found everything at Key Cottage to your liking. Thanks for the 5 star review and for your continued patronage. We appreciate your loyalty and look forward to having you back next year, if not sooner.
Warmest regards,
Kinnet and Chris
Very relaxing and so convenient to all of Irvington. Very peaceful location and wonderful star gazing at night. Excellent!
Tim M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 21, 2024
Dear Tim,
Thank you for the kind and lovely words and the 5 star review. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay, brief as it was. We look forward to having you back for a longer visit! 😊
Best regards,
Kinnet
Thank you, Robert for the 5 star review! So glad that you liked the style and location. We look forward to having you back!
Best,
Kinnet
About the host
Hosted by Kinnet Ehring
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
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests