Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
Highlights
Family fun awaits
Top-rated for families.
4 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 9
Popular amenities
On beach
Onsite parking available
Pet-friendly
Kitchen
Washing machine
Air-conditioning
Explore the area
Old Lyme, CT
Rocky Neck State Park
Place, Rocky Neck State Park
5 min drive
The Book Barn
Place, The Book Barn
10 min drive
Rocky Neck State Beach
Place, Rocky Neck State Beach
10 min drive
New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London)
Airport, New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London)
28 min drive
Rooms & beds
4 bedrooms (sleeps 9)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 4
3 Single Beds
1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 2
Toilet
Bathroom 3
Outdoor shower
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Dining area
About this property
Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach
This classic Beach Cottage (the “Sandtrap”) built in 1956, with own private beach on Long Island Sound, is fully updated while maintaining its historical roots. Old Lyme Land Trust protected wetlands, with views of occupied osprey nests, great white herons and other native birds, adjoin the cottage’s private parking space. As part of Hawk’s Nest Beach community, you can walk to Garvin’s Store, where daily free activities for kids are organized, and play tennis or horseshoes on the courts.
The Sandtrap has plenty of room for family and guests with five parking spaces. Fully furnished kitchen, grill (including propane tank), beach chairs and umbrellas, linens, bath and beach towels, kids' beach toys, boogie boards and inflatables, huge collection of beach reading, classic toys, games and puzzles provided. You do not need to bring any of the above items: they are there. No television but free Wi-Fi Internet access
The large screened-in front porch, with chaise lounges, dining table and ocean views up and down the beach is a favorite location to enjoy your morning coffee. At high tide the front porch is less than 50' from the water. The kitchen is part of the “great room” with views directly on the water. A very large fireplace makes for cozy evenings when it is cool or for marshmallow toasting and when it’s hot the kitchen/dining/living area is fully air-conditioned.
There is a master bedroom with a queen bed on the first floor (air-conditioned) and three bedrooms on the second floor, two with full size beds. The third bedroom has three twin beds. The upstairs bedrooms have ceiling fans and are open to the eaves (those requiring complete privacy should use the master bedroom). One and a half baths plus hot water enclosed outdoor shower to wash away the sea salt after a dip in the Sound. There is a washer/dryer in the cottage.
Free family activities starting at Garvin’s store include a marine biologist's weekly visit to discuss and touch our local sea life. Kids events include a talent show at the store, lollipop hunts, scavenger hunts, bonfires, art creations, sand castle contests, tie-dye tee shirts, movies on the beach, crabbing contest, edible art and much more. You can pick up beach necessities–coffee, ice cream, milk, ice–and tee shirts, beach wear and Hawk’s Nest Beach souvenirs as well
Great local restaurants, renowned art galleries and museums featuring the historic Old Lyme school of American impressionism, both boutique and outlet shopping, spas, golf, antiquing, live theater, local farmers’ markets and much more are very nearby.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Absolutely no fires on the beach, including in a fire pit or otherwise.
Swimming and using any floatation devices is at your own risk.
Please leave everything as you found it, and do not leave behind any newly purchased items.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 678927vb
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
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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Old Lyme
Located in Old Lyme, this cottage is on the beach. Florence Griswold Museum and Essex Steam Train are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park Trail and General William Hart House. Ocean Beach Park and The Book Barn are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and cycling nearby.
New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London) - 27 min drive
Restaurants
Coffee’s Country Market & Catering - 14 min drive
Lyme Tavern - 9 min drive
Dairy Queen - 15 min drive
Cafe Sol - 13 min drive
Ashlawn Farm Coffee - 13 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 1 total).
How much is parking at Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach located?
Nestled on the beach, this Old Lyme cottage is 2.8 mi (4.6 km) from Lyme Academy of Fine Arts and 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Rocky Neck State Park. Rocky Neck State Beach and Giants Neck Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).
About the host
Hosted by The Heckman Family
Your hosts are long-time shoreline residents and visitors. Our closest family members, John Heckman and his wife Helen Cantrell, live 5 minutes away and can answer any questions about the area. John is a former professor of comparative literature and current computer consultant; Helen is a painter and printmaker who shows her art throughout the Northeast. A number of her works are on the cottage walls.
Why they chose this property
Our family has been coming to Hawks’ Nest Beach for over 100 years. John’s grandfather built this cottage in 1956; it has been our family beach cottage ever since, with generations of children and parents enjoying it every season. Decades of beloved beach reading and games await you, with a big tent on the beach and fluffy beach towels and chairs. Indoors you have air conditioning when it’s hot, and a wood-burning fireplace for coziness when it’s chilly. We have provided brochures on local attractions, as well as our own personal guide to the area including maps, arts, antiques, fine dining, sports and other features we think you will enjoy.
What makes this property unique
Hawks’ Nest Beach is a real old-fashioned family beach community with traditions going back generations—children still walk up and down the beach road every weekend morning selling donuts out of an old red wagon; you can still see ospreys raising their young out of raised nests across the road; small inflatable boats and sailfish launch directly out from the beach into the Sound; and fisherman still go out on the ends of the jettys (and sometimes bring back fish!).