Entire home

The Shipbuilder's Cottage-Two Century Old Charm

Photo gallery for The Shipbuilder's Cottage-Two Century Old Charm

Exterior
Exterior
Exterior
Exterior
Property grounds

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 82000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

Map
West Quaco, NB
  • Quaco Museum
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Sea Caves of St. Martin
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Fundy Trail Parkway
    ‪26 min drive‬
  • Saint John, NB (YSJ)
    ‪36 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1-Master Bedroom-Ground floor

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2-Upstairs

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3-Upstairs

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4-Upstairs

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1-Ground Floor

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2-Upstairs

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Bidet · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Shipbuilder's Cottage-Two Century Old Charm

Surrounded by spacious grounds, the Shipbuilder’s Cottage is one of two separate but adjacent rental units (The Shipbuilder's Summer Kitchen). Built in 1812 by shipbuilder Caleb Ward as a summer cottage, it is the oldest home in St. Martins. Its centrepiece is the original brick hearth around which many generations have enjoyed a meal, a pint, or a fire on a chilly night. A well-equipped kitchen, an old oak dining table and a large sectional couch are arranged around it in a spacious room where the whole family can relax. The master bedroom on the main floor features a queen-size bed, a sunny bay window, an en-suite bathroom and a laundry room.

Upstairs there are two more bedrooms with comfortable double beds, a second bathroom with a deep claw-foot tub and a bidet - for those so inclined. There is another large living room upstairs with high ceilings and exposed timber beams that also contains two single beds. There are board games, puzzles and a Smart TV connected to Wi-Fi (there is no cable or satellite service) that can access your personal Netflix, Prime Video, Disney, etc. accounts. In addition you will find a shelf full of books for you to curl up with in a hammock. Throughout the house there are hiding spots and a secret passageway that make for a fantastic game of hide-and-go-seek.

Outside there is a flagstone patio with BBQ, fire pan, chairs, hammocks in the trees and a sprawling lawn for playing games. On calm nights the world's highest tides can be heard washing into shore, carving the red rock coastline to smooth perfection.

The cottage is located at 170 West Quaco Rd., 5 km from the Village of St. Martins, the harbour, restaurants, cafe, art and gift shops, tourist information centre, museum and the Sea Caves. The Fundy Trail is 13 km from the cottage. Within walking distance of the cottage is The Quaco Head Lighthouse (1.3kms), and Brown's beach (1.9kms) - which is as quiet as it is scenic and a rock lover's dream. There is also a coastal trail that connects the two.

In consideration of the peace and serenity offered by its location, guests are asked to be considerate of those in the adjacent rental unit and local residents and observe a quiet time from 10:00 pm-9:00 am.

The owner Nick and his fatherJoe, the property manager, reside on the property and are happy to help if you have any questions, especially about planning your adventures on the Bay or the nearby Fundy Trail Parkway. Otherwise, your privacy is the priority and you will have the freedom to enjoy your vacation in this cottage that was passed from loving owner to loving owner and found its way to Nick.

Property manager

Joe Brennan
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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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
The cottage is not childproof. Steep stairs
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Cover bed and couch with sheets in the Laundry Rm
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking allowed outside only
You are kindly asked to be considerate of other cottage guests and area residents by observing a quiet time between 10:00 PM and 9:00 AM.
Dogs must be house trained and not left unattended unless placed in a kennel. Must be on leash when outside. Pick up poop and dispose with garbage.
The outdoor fire bowl is not be left unattended. Please be conscientious of sparks, use the spark cover. Extinguish fire with water when finished.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

West Quaco

Located in West Quaco, this cottage is in a rural area and by the sea. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Quaco Museum, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Fundy Trail Provincial Park and Saint Martins Beach. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and hiking.
Map
West Quaco, NB

What's nearby

  • Quaco Museum - 5 min drive - 4.4 km
  • Harbour Park - 6 min drive - 5.4 km
  • Sea Caves of St. Martin - 7 min drive - 5.8 km
  • Fundy Trail Parkway - 26 min drive - 19.2 km
  • Bay Ferries - 61 min drive - 72.0 km

Getting around

  • Saint John, NB (YSJ) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shipyard Cafe - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Sea Side Restaurant - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Seaside Resturant - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Fiori's Restaurant - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Caves Restaurant - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Shipbuilder's Cottage-Two Century Old Charm pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at The Shipbuilder's Cottage-Two Century Old Charm?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Shipbuilder's Cottage-Two Century Old Charm?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Shipbuilder's Cottage-Two Century Old Charm located?

Situated by the sea, this cottage is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Saint Martins Beach and within 3 miles (5 km) of Quaco Museum and Betty Thibodeau Library. Harbour Park and Macs Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 75 out of 91 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 91 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 91 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 91 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 91 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

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

Outstanding Property and Location

We loved this quaint cottage and location. Both Joe and Nick were very responsive and helpful and the cottage was immaculate. We enjoyed sunrise at the lighthouse each morning and the Saint Martin and surrounding area. We shall return.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Molly J.

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

Grows on you

Our first impression was pretty bad, but the property starts to grow on you. We enjoyed the kitchen room and the large living room upstairs. Some investment in the bathrooms and electrical would go a long way to making this a great place. It was certainly memorable.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judith B.

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

Quirky and Cute

There's much to enjoy about Shipbuilders Cottage. Location close to everything St. Martins. Lovely outdoor space, nearby beaches and accommodating hosts. I'd recommend it with the caveat that if you're tall or unsteady, watch your yourself upstairs; it is the oldest building in St. Martins!
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eleanor W.

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

Wonderful!

This is a beautiful property, the house and surrounding grounds are perfect for a relaxing vacation. We loved the location. The hosts, Joe and Nick, are very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend a stay here.
Stayed 11 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah M.

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

Macdonald Clan Stay

Although I’m from this area, I rented the cottage as our family is growing! It was a perfect safe location for children and a great area for walks to the lighthouse and bay. The cottage has lots of games and toys for kids, including Lego! Nice big fridge, comfortable living space and the upstairs area is great for kids, including a tv. Two bedrooms upstairs were cozy! Kayaking tours in St Martin’s; highly recommended! Village grocery( candy) store and Spinny’s for fish chowder and lobster rolls. Lots of history in St. Martin’s; it was a shipbuilding village in the 1800’s.! Thanks for the great accommodations Joe and Nik.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

SYLVIE A.

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

Jolie maison ancienne à West Quaco

Nous avons passé un séjour (court) dans le cottage de West Quaco. La maison était très confortable bien qu'ancienne. La région est très agréable et l'histoire de St Martins très intéressante.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marsha H.

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

Fantastic family vacation home

Travelling from out of province, this was a lovely, quiet place to stay for a few nights. There were plenty of beds for all of us, plus couches to relax on and a decent-sized kitchen. The kids loved exploring and hanging out in the hammocks, and it was a short drive into St. Martins to explore the sea caves and coastline. The property manager made sure to meet with us and ensure we had all that we needed during our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard C.

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

Love the history

Experienced a bit of local history close up. Lovely home. Clean and well stocked. Not the conventional home. Smaller room s upstairs with low thresholds. Steep stairs. Not for big people. Down stairs bedroom quite nice. Loved the gardens.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul G.

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

Excellent

Very nice views of the ocean within 1 minute of Walking
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Toni N.

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

Summer getaway

Staying in the Shipbuilder’s cottage is like travelling back in time. We loved the charm and character. We also enjoyed reading and learning about the history of the area. The owners are very helpful and quick to respond to any questions. We had a great time for our summer getaway!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Characterful, quirky and comfortable cottage

This cottage has been very well renovated, so the character of the old property remains very much in evidence, but modern conveniences are discreetly in place! We were a party of 6, two parents mid 50s and four 20 somethings, and we found the property comfortable and spacious - room for all to spread out and relax. We enjoyed lovely walks along the coast from the lighthouse to Brown Beach, which truly is a hidden gem. We loved the outdoor seating area where we could sit around the fire and chat. All in all, this was a great base for a relaxing few days exploring the Fundy Parkway and National Park - we would be definitely recommend for similar groups.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

John P.

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

Lovely getaway by seaside cliffs

My family had a great time staying in the Shipbuilder's Cottage. Cozy and historical. Everything you need to relax or cook meal. Spectacular hikes along seaside cliffs are walking distance from the house! One hike, down a dirt path opened into a beautiful pond and otherworldly rocky caves. The amazing tides in the Bay of Fundy have to be seen to be believed. The host was very helpful in recommending where to go. Would recommend. Would love to return sometime.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

Roland

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great rustic location very roomy
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sophie P.

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

When you need to unwind in a place that feels like an old family house, rent it and let happiness in

The instruction for getting checked in are simple and clear. The cottage is roomy and clean. Everything you need to know is in the binder. If you misses something and have a question, Joe will answer it promptly. Very good communication between ourselves and our host. We felt very welcomed and he took interest in our stay and activities. Even provided us with a ride for our anniversary meal to an excellent restaurant (Periwinkle) that he had recommended. Such a kindness. The house is lovely and full of charm and caracter, 210 years of uneven creaky floors and all. It is very well maintained and decorated, well stocked with everything you should need. There is no shortage of things to do locally. The binder provides everything you need to know about the property and its surroudings and beyond. But the cottage is also an activity in itself, read about its history in a binder, browse through its books and games, the fire TV, so many windows to gaze out while having tea, comfy beds to read in, an awesome antique clawfoot bath for longs soaks, a fire pit to just relax and sit, all the while getting to know which board will creak and wich board will not. I adored that. We feel like we might have found a vacation place to return to again and again. Very much appreciated everything in our stay. We highly recommend it. Thank you for evrything. Sophie and Jim.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nicole B., Leamington

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

Wonderful Getaway

We really enjoyed our stay at the Shipbuilders Cottage; loved the character of the home, location was central to our planned adventures, and our host was lovely.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bryant

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
A two century old cottage! Very clean, quaint and well maintained. Host was very helpful and took good care of us as Hurricane Fiona went through the area. Would love to come and stay again in the summer.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Norah L.

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

This cottage was perfect for visiting the Bay of Fundy.

The cottage was quaint and comfortable and ideally situated near the Bay of Fundy, St Martins, and various places to sightsee and hike.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Kathleen K.

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

Rustic but cozy.

The property is exactly like it is shown on the website. We loved it. Our only concern was the stairs and railing as we are a BIT older and falling is a concern. Joe is an excellent host. My concerns and questions were answered quickly and with concern. Would recommend the Shipbuilders Cottage.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Erin A.

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

Absolute Gem - Perfect for Active Travelers

West Quaco is a little off the beaten path, but absolutely worth the drive. We had a wonderful stay with ourselves and six guests, and made great use of the fire pit and barbeque while we stayed. The lighthouse and beach made for wonderful hikes, and the St Martin's sea caves (and seafood) were just a short drive away. The cottage itself was gorgeous, with all kinds of really cool historic features. It was also spotless, and the host provided everything you might need, plus everything you probably forgot (the bug spray was much appreciated!). I couldn't recommend this cottage more highly, and we can't wait to come back
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Donald W.

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

Historic outrage with great ambiance.

The historic cottage is very well appointed and was an excellent place to visit the local area. The kitchen dining-room and family room area made for a wonderful meeting area with more space upstairs to socialize. Would stay here again
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Eric R.

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

Great time in a lovely old house

Three members of The Yarmouth Shantymen and our wives stayed at the Shipbuider's Cottage in West Quaco while appearing at the Fundy Sea Shanty Festival. the cottage was very suitable for our purposes - not too far from town and a nice drive, scenery-wise, to get there and back. Everything we needed was supplied and there were good instructions provided both beforehand and in the cottage. Our only concern was that only one key was provided for the front door - although we coped very well and it didn't turn out to be a problem. If there is a second Fundy Sea Shanty Festival - and we hope there will be, we'd love to stay at Shipbuilder's Cottage again. Thank you Joe.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Honey B.

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

Charming cottage in great location

This is a really charming cottage with a great story in a great location. Very spacious with lots of space for a family. The kids especially loved the loft. We liked having a choice of bedrooms. The grounds are really nice too. The owners left a welcome book with lots of helpful info to help understand the area. And what a great area it is! It’s just a short drive to the Sea Caves and the foot of the Bayof Fundy trail. Highly recommend a stay here - can’t say a negative thing! I wish we could have stayed longer!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Hans B.

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

Perfekter Aufenthalt

Schönes Häuschen, gute Lage, gut ausgestattet.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jorden W.

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

Beautiful house

Nice old house. Very quiet neighborhood.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brenda L.

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

The Shipbuilders cottage was fantastic! Highly recommend!

The location is incredible! We will definitely be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Joe Brennan

Host profile image
Nick Brennan has a deep love of New Brunswick's landscapes and seascapes. He fell in love with St. Martins while exploring the rugged beauty and vast stretches of pristine coastline by kayak with his adventure travel business that operates out of the Village of St. Martins - Bay of Fundy Adventures.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests