Entire home
A beach cottage gem...
Photo gallery for A beach cottage gem...





Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6900 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Waterford, CT
- Place, Harkness Memorial State Park14 min walk
- Place, Waterford Beach Park2 min drive
- Place, Ocean Beach Park5 min drive
- Airport, New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London)17 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 1
2 Single Beds
1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Outdoor shower
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
A beach cottage gem...
Built in a bygone era, and completely remodeled, Driftwood cottage is one-of-a-kind. It sits on a private beach with uninterrupted views of the Long Island Sound. Walk down 8 steps, and you're on a lovely, white sand beach. Go for a dip, build sandcastles, read, nap and enjoy stunning sunsets. Sleep to the lulling lapping of the waves.
The Cottage has weathered wooden shingles and a deep green trim, and it's bordered by tended gardens on one side and native grasses and flowers in front - between the porch and the sea. The 900 square foot interior has been remodeled and now has a sophisticated open feel. We've kept a few of the antiques, but otherwise the furniture is new.
All rooms have views of the ocean and open into the living area and the fully-equipped modern kitchen. It's one level with 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. All bedrooms and beds have ocean views. The master bedroom has a queen bed. The other bedrooms have just been redone - more pictures coming soon -into a queen; the other now has a two twins that can combined to make a king. There is a new truly comfortable sleeper sofa for additional guests. The bathroom has a shower and bathtub. There are wood floors throughout, except for the tiled kitchen and bathroom.
A short walk down the beach takes you to a nature preserve where there is birdwatching and access to Harkness Memorial State Park, with its grand lawns and stunning gardens. And, behind the Cottage, there is an enormous lawn where you can kick around a soccer ball, throw a frisbee or a football. It is shared with families who also live around this cul-de-sac.
If you feel like an outing, you can visit nearby historic towns, like Stonington or Mystic, take a ferry and then bike around Block Island, shop at farmer's markets, attend outdoor concerts, tour wineries, sail, kayak, fish, play tennis or take in a play at the Eugene O'Neil Theatre, a mile away.
When you're ready for a day in the city, consider Providence for surprisingly exquisite food, art and entertainment. (We love New Rivers for dinner.) You might also enjoy an evening at Waterfire, bonfires floating down the Providence river in the city center. Or catch the train to NYC for gourmet dining, shopping, and a world class art and theater scene. On the way you could check out New Haven, see the centuries-old Gutenberg Bible at the Beineke Library and eat the best pizza this side of the Atlantic.
When you return, you can throw fresh produce on the grill and chill out on your private porch with a glass of whatever suits you. You may even make s'mores over your own bonfire on the beach. In the cooler months, you might enjoy cozying-up around the old stone fireplace after a day of leaf-peeping along Connecticut's riverways.
Driftwood is well-loved and cared for, full of happy memories. We hope you, too, make your own wonderful memories here! You may just want to come back year after year!
Amenities include:
Fully-equipped modern kitchen
Outdoor grill
Outdoor shower
Beach chairs, towels and toys
Fireplace
WiFi
TV
Indoor dining table
Outdoor picnic table for lunch in the middle of a beach day or alfresco dinners by candlelight
Heating
Washer
Dryer
Free parking on premises
Wheelchair accessible
Books
Board games
Cards
Hangers
Iron
Hair Drier
Laptop friendly workspace
The Cottage has weathered wooden shingles and a deep green trim, and it's bordered by tended gardens on one side and native grasses and flowers in front - between the porch and the sea. The 900 square foot interior has been remodeled and now has a sophisticated open feel. We've kept a few of the antiques, but otherwise the furniture is new.
All rooms have views of the ocean and open into the living area and the fully-equipped modern kitchen. It's one level with 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. All bedrooms and beds have ocean views. The master bedroom has a queen bed. The other bedrooms have just been redone - more pictures coming soon -into a queen; the other now has a two twins that can combined to make a king. There is a new truly comfortable sleeper sofa for additional guests. The bathroom has a shower and bathtub. There are wood floors throughout, except for the tiled kitchen and bathroom.
A short walk down the beach takes you to a nature preserve where there is birdwatching and access to Harkness Memorial State Park, with its grand lawns and stunning gardens. And, behind the Cottage, there is an enormous lawn where you can kick around a soccer ball, throw a frisbee or a football. It is shared with families who also live around this cul-de-sac.
If you feel like an outing, you can visit nearby historic towns, like Stonington or Mystic, take a ferry and then bike around Block Island, shop at farmer's markets, attend outdoor concerts, tour wineries, sail, kayak, fish, play tennis or take in a play at the Eugene O'Neil Theatre, a mile away.
When you're ready for a day in the city, consider Providence for surprisingly exquisite food, art and entertainment. (We love New Rivers for dinner.) You might also enjoy an evening at Waterfire, bonfires floating down the Providence river in the city center. Or catch the train to NYC for gourmet dining, shopping, and a world class art and theater scene. On the way you could check out New Haven, see the centuries-old Gutenberg Bible at the Beineke Library and eat the best pizza this side of the Atlantic.
When you return, you can throw fresh produce on the grill and chill out on your private porch with a glass of whatever suits you. You may even make s'mores over your own bonfire on the beach. In the cooler months, you might enjoy cozying-up around the old stone fireplace after a day of leaf-peeping along Connecticut's riverways.
Driftwood is well-loved and cared for, full of happy memories. We hope you, too, make your own wonderful memories here! You may just want to come back year after year!
Amenities include:
Fully-equipped modern kitchen
Outdoor grill
Outdoor shower
Beach chairs, towels and toys
Fireplace
WiFi
TV
Indoor dining table
Outdoor picnic table for lunch in the middle of a beach day or alfresco dinners by candlelight
Heating
Washer
Dryer
Free parking on premises
Wheelchair accessible
Books
Board games
Cards
Hangers
Iron
Hair Drier
Laptop friendly workspace
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
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- Pool
- Hot tub
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (7 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Wonderful for children and families!
Events
No events allowed
Please check with the owner about exceptions.
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Please check with the owner beforehand.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking in or near the cottage.
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
Note from host: Please check with the owner about exceptions.
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
This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Waterford
Located in Waterford, this cottage is on the beach. Some of the area's popular attractions include Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration. Ocean Beach Park and Custom House Maritime Museum are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Waterford, CT
What's nearby
- Harkness Memorial State Park - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
- Waterford Beach Park - 2 min drive - 2.2 km
- Ocean Beach Park - 5 min drive - 4.3 km
- New London Ferry Dock - 9 min drive - 8.8 km
- Foxwoods Resort Casino - 30 min drive - 35.8 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 7 min drive
- Cumberland Farms - 7 min drive
- NV Bakery & Market - 7 min drive
- Ocean Pizza - 7 min drive
- Dunkin' - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.6/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
Verified
16 Apr, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kat D.
31 May, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beach house getaway


Kat D.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Billie G.
8 Aug, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Serene beach retreat
Billie G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
John C.
27 Jun, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Early Summer Family Stay
John C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lori S.
26 Jun, 2024
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mini Get-Away
Lori S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Amanda G.
28 Dec, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A gem of a beach cottage
Amanda G.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lori B.
22 Dec, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Dream stay at Driftwood
Lori B.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Andrea N.
17 Oct, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect beach cottage
Andrea N.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
terence o.
10 Jul, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Beach House
terence o.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
catherine H.
24 Mar, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
ocean winter
catherine H.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Bobbie H.
29 Jun, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Vacation
Bobbie H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kimberly W.
7 Apr, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exactly what I Needed
Kimberly W.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Brenda D.
25 Oct, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hidden Gem
Brenda D.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Pat M.
16 Oct, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in
Wonderful
Pat M.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Greg T.
15 May, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Driftwood is a piece of heaven.
Greg T.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Theresa O.
22 Oct, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Slice of Heaven!
Theresa O.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jimmy L.
23 May, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The winner!



Jimmy L.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Christopher R.
17 Nov, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Location and Peaceful Retreat
Christopher R.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer M.
12 Oct, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Serene beach getaway
Jennifer M.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Geoffrey D.
10 Jul, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent beachfront cottage
Geoffrey D.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Gary G.
12 Jun, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hope to come back soon
Gary G.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Susan T.
17 May, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect waterfront escape
Susan T.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Peter M.
17 May, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
First visit to Driftwood
Peter M.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rod L.
11 May, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
So grateful for our short time at Driftwood
Rod L.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Martha T.
3 May, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Location, location, location
Martha T.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
About the host
Hosted by Annie Wohlgenant
We are new "empty-nesters", with both our girls in college far from our home in Colorado. We love friends, family, the outdoors (skiing, fishing, rafting, biking, hiking, beachcoming, surfing, sailing), animals of all kinds, traveling, cooking, reading, learning from others who have different histories, perspectives and experiences. (If you have a hankering for the Rocky Mountains and rivers, you might be interested in our properties in Salida, for fishing, hiking and mountainbiking, or Breckenridge for skiing and boarding!)
Why they chose this property
Driftwood was built by a decorated Navy soldier in 1952. His daughter was like a grandmother to our children and a mother to us. We have been blessed to be coming to Driftwood since our children were small, and hope that one day our grandchildren will play in the waves! We inherited the property recently. While our hearts ache missing her, we know she loved sharing Driftwood with others who also loved it. (FYI - There aren't any vrbo reviews because until now, this property has been rented privately to friends and family who have returned, year after year, some for 50 years or more.) So, welcome to Driftwood! We hope sharing this place with you will help to make the whole world a little better!
What makes this property unique
It's a little piece of heaven - a sanctuary from the busyness of the Northeast. From the porch, take in the sea and sky. We wake early and stroll down the beach to birdwatch at Harkness. We spend the days playing or resting, according to our own hankerings, and we gather for sunset cocktails and seafood fresh off the grill. There's something so wonderful about walking a few paces from the beach, dipping your sandy feet in the iron tub and rinsing off in the outdoor shower. We've never slept so soundly and peacefully. We also love friendly our friendly neighbors. They all have a way of respecting your privacy, but making you feel welcome.
Languages:
English, Spanish
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