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C&O Canal Potomac River Cottage

Photo gallery for C&O Canal Potomac River Cottage

Potomac River & Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
come sit a spell
Exterior
Dam #4
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

boat room/blue room

1 Double Bed

Common area 1

1 Double Futon

Living Room 1

1 Single Futon

master

1 Queen Bed

small room

1 Single Bed

1 bathroom

bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

C&O Canal Potomac River Cottage

Located just steps away from Dam #4 on the C&O Canal / Potomac River. (C&O mile marker 84.6) Perfect for a getaway or romantic weekend. You can hike/bike the C&O Canal, bring your kayak/canoe/bikes, fish or swim in the river. Sit on the porch and listen to the rumble of the water falling over the dam. Local lore is this was the home of a canal lock keeper or the gate house keeper. For history buffs, there was a small skirmish when Lee’s army attempted to cross dam.

THIS IS NOT A PARTY HOUSE, OWNER ON SITE IN GARAGE APARTMENT.

The house is a historic house built in 1841 and remodeled sometime in the early 1900's. Please be aware, the steps up to the front door and the basement steps are a little steep.

THE FIREPLACE IS NOT TO BE USED, its not in working condition.

FYI - this house is not a Canal Quarters lockhouse operated by the C & O Canal Trust, it is privately owned.

Cell service can be sketchy down here at the river, all depends on your carrier/weather conditions, etc. I have no issues, but if you do, wi-if calling and text works. And the internet works great!

Roku for tv. You will need to use your own passwords for Netflix, YouTube, etc.

FYI FOR TIMID DRIVERS : The house is high on a hill above the river, one side of the driveway has a steep drop off down to the road. The driveway is tight, but there is room for 4 cars, you will need to make 3 point turns in order to turn around.

We also have access to a local farm if you wish to stable your horses to ride along the canal or battlefield , I can put you in touch with them to discuss fees. They will allow you to park your trailer at the farm. (you need permission/permit for the battlefield)

Public boat ramp a few miles farther down the road. Because of steep/tight driveway, there is no room for boat/jet ski trailers. You can keep them overnight at the horse farm for a small fee.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 3:30 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Younger ones s/b supervised, lots of small items
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
Long-term renters welcome
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 and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Sharpsburg

Located in Sharpsburg, this cottage is in a rural area and on a river. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Greenbrier State Park and Washington Monument State Park, while Hagerstown Model Railroad Museum at Antietam Station and Pry House Field Hospital Museum are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Ram Stadium or Hagerstown Field House. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Sharpsburg, MD

What's nearby

  • Chesapeake and Ohio Canal - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Antietam National Battlefield - 22 min drive - 16.6 km
  • Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races - 36 min drive - 38.7 km
  • Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters - 39 min drive - 38.2 km
  • Harpers Ferry National Historical Park - 40 min drive - 38.9 km

Getting around

  • Martinsburg Station - 39 min drive
  • Martinsburg, WV (MRB-Eastern West Virginia Regional) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Spring Mills Diner - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬30 min drive
  • ‪Blue Moon Cafe - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪Tads Dairy Barn - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪King's Pizza - ‬30 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is C&O Canal Potomac River Cottage pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at C&O Canal Potomac River Cottage?

As of 14 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at C&O Canal Potomac River Cottage on 15 Mar 2026 start from £128, 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 C&O Canal Potomac River Cottage?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at C&O Canal Potomac River Cottage?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

What time is check-out at C&O Canal Potomac River Cottage?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is C&O Canal Potomac River Cottage located?

Situated on a river, this cottage is within a 10-minute walk of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and Potomac River. Antietam National Battlefield and Williamsport City Hall are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 56 out of 58 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 58 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 58 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kirt C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was very nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tina M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The place was perfect. A cozy “cottage” with so much character. It was exactly what we needed. Our grown kids came each day and we were very pleased at the amount of utensils, pans, dishes etc for cooking. We spent most of our time just being together. The hosts were very responsive to any questions. And take great care of the place!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We absolutely LOVED the cabin! It was so cozy and charming. The owners were very responsive and helpful. The cabin was stocked with all things needed. This has been our favorite vrbo thus far!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage was very comfortable and cozy and had many amenities and special touches to make it very welcoming. It was quiet and peaceful and located within short drives to the Antietam Battlefield and Shepherdstown where we rented bikes for a nice day of biking on the C&O Canal, the focus of our long weekend. We enjoyed the sounds of the Potomac River at the dam and the birds while relaxing on the porch.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

William H.

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

Beautiful location

We loved this incredible location just off of dam number 4. There is beautiful hiking along the river within a stone’s throw of the porch and the house itself is like a grandmother’s hug.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lukah L.

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

Great!!

This house and visit overall was spectacular. Rorke was incredibly responsive, the house was very clean, there were many helpful little notes about the quirks of the house, and the location right on the river could not be more peaceful and ideal.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

AMY W.

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

Wonderful relaxing stay

Looking for something unique and historical -this is the place. Great home base to visit Harper’s Ferry and Antietam. Wish we could have stayed longer!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rodney R.

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

Fantastic!

So lovely and clean. More than we had imagined!!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shannon S.

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

Serene

Loved our stay…beautiful home, peaceful setting, lots of nature and historical sites/towns to explore.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Doug F.

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

Springtime delight

Loved this property and location. Cozy, comfortable accommodations; all the necessities worked well.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen V.

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

Cool history

We had a great time. Very comfortable like home.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris Z.

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

A relaxing getaway

We loved staying here. The cottage is charming and comfortable. While most of the the structure, and furnishings, are vintage, the kitchen is updated and thoughtfully stocked.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

cindy54 T.

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

Cozy, Quaint Cottage

Historical cozy and quaint cottage nestled among the woods and the rustle of the dam waters. Very peaceful yet fairly close to attractions. Splendid!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erin H.

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

Great cottage

We had a great time exploring the area , seeing lots of wildlife, we just must of have misunderstood about the river but overall we had a wonderful time
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Alvin S.

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

Rustic Seclusion

Nice stay. Was looking for a get-away yet not too far away. Rustic setting next to the C&O Canal and Potomac Dam #4. Great hiking, quiet setting, and good visits to Harpers Ferry and Shepherds Town, WV. Enjoyed our time at the cottage.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie S.

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

A Weekend Well Worth the Drive.

Peaceful, tranquil and so much to explore right outside the door. The front porch is the perfect location for meals and reading. I absolutely loved riding my bike on the C&O canal towpath. The cottage is beautiful and well decorated with lots of details. Can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ray T.

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

Better than described!!

Excellent property, even better than described. Unique decorations and amenities make it feel like home. Highly reccomend.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Regina P.

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

Great escape

Overall great property and location. Rorke was incredible. She was incredibly friendly and communicative. This is a great place to veg out with your family and explore nature!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nancy T.

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

Cozy cottage!

A very cozy cottage! Host had nice amenities and great info on the area. Beautiful location along the Potomac River. Good for long walks, bike rides and enjoying the area. Some steep steps inside and out, so need to be nimble.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie C.

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

Charming and tranquil! A slice of heaven!

Our host was amazing. Such a beautiful cottage. Very peaceful and Rourke made our stay so enjoyable. Every amenity you can think of was provided. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Don F.

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

Beautiful and Relaxing

Can't say enough good things about this place. The setting is superb- from the sights and sounds as you relax on the porch looking at and listening to the waterfall, to the wonderfully decorated and comfortable interior. Really enjoyed just relaxing here. Next time I'll be sure to bring my bike to explore the C&O trail.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert T.

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

Great vacation spot! Loved every bit of this cottage!

Our stay was simply amazing! The home was very clean and inviting. You can here the sound of the water as it rolls over the dam from the the front porch. The sounds of the birds chirping right outside is the best sound. We loved this place and will be back. Rorke is especially nice and was very easy to communicate with. 5 Stars easy!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Erik S.

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

Enchanting

We had a wonderful time staying at this very comfortable and cozy cottage. Our stay was only 3 days so we didnt get to do everything we wanted to do in area. We would very much like to come back again, maybe next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott L.

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

Just what we needed!

It was what we needed. It was quiet and it was peaceful and we really loved it. We didn't want to go! having morning coffee on the porch to sitting out on the patio in the Evening having a night cap. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect place to getaway too.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark D.

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

Biking the C and O Canal

My brother and I used this wonderful historic home as a base camp for several days of biking the C and O. We did 142 miles of the 180. Dam#4 on the Potomic, across the road, is just this side of heaven. Go here. You won't regret it.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

About the host

Hosted by Rorke Eichholz

Host profile image
I am a lover of history and old houses/buildings. Wish I could save them all. I am a realtor licensed in MD and PA as well as operating the vacation rentals. Worked in administration for 25+ years before I decided to take on the vacation rental business. I have 3 beautiful dogs, that you might occasionally see at the property. 2 border collies and an English shepherd.

Why they chose this property

This is a fabulous property, with the awesome porch and the rumble of the water coming over the dam in the background, it's such a peaceful place to be. I love just sitting on the porch swing and doing nothing but watching the river and activity on the C and O canal towpath.

What makes this property unique

To me the best thing about this house is the porch. Just sitting out there relaxing and doing nothing and listening to the rumble of the Potomac going over the dam, it's just so peaceful.

Languages:

English

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