Historic Waterfront Home with Chesapeake Bay View. Sleeps 9. Close to the Beach

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Entire home

Betterton Beachhouse - historic Buena Vista, overlooking the Chesapeake Bay

Expansive front porch overlooking the Chesapeake Bay and Sassafras River!

Plenty of porch seating for your entire group.

View from the porch. Enjoy ospreys and eagles, sailboats and ships.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

5 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Barbecue grill
Outdoor space
Pet-friendly

Explore the area

Betterton, MD

Betterton Beach
‪7 min walk‬
Elk Neck State Park
‪79 min drive‬
Ripken Stadium
‪82 min drive‬
Aberdeen, MD (APG-Phillips Army Airfield)
‪88 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Captain's Room - Upstairs Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Downstairs Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed

Upstairs Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Captain's Half-Bath

Toilet

Downstairs

Toilet · Shower only

Upstairs

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Separate dining area

Garden

About this property

Stunning view overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, and a quick 5 minute stroll to scenic Betterton Beach! This historic waterfront home offers everything you need for a relaxing vacation or family reunion.

Sit on the expansive porch with a cup of coffee and wait for eagle and osprey sightings, or just watch the ever-changing play of light and clouds as ships make their way up the Bay.

Cook meals in the fully appointed kitchen and enjoy family time in the adjacent dining room. Start a ballgame, set up a wading pool, or have a BBQ in the spacious backyard. The house can easily accommodate up to 9 adults and is equipped with fiber-optic wireless internet.

With this lovely old house on Bayside Boulevard as your home base, you'll be at the heart of Betterton, the "Jewel of the Chesapeake." Swim and sun at the beach, with its new bathhouse and outdoor shower. Take the kayak into the water, or take the kids up Main Street to enjoy the recently installed playground, with a splash pad.

Nearby towns of Chestertown, Galena, and Rock Hall offer great dining options, coffee shops, antique shopping, art galleries, and coastal culture. From Rock Hall you can charter a fishing boat, explore the Bay by sailboat, or pick up some steamed crabs to bring back and tuck into!

In the early 1900’s Buena Vista was a boarding house, where passengers who arrived on the ferry from Baltimore could stay while they vacationed in Betterton. She’s an old and creaky girl - over 100 years old, after all - but she's still gracious and comfortable, and ready to welcome you home!

NOTE: Buena Vista is a work in progress. We've updated the electrical system, and installed new AC/heat pumps upstairs and down, as well as a new washer and dryer. Carpeting has been replaced on the stairs and upstairs foyer and hall. In May '22 we remodeled the upstairs bathroom, adding a shower. We also added a half-bath to the Captain's Room. May '23 we stripped wallpaper and freshly painted two more bedrooms upstairs as well as the stairwell and upstairs hall. April '24 we installed a new refrigerator and dishwasher.

There is still old wallpaper in most rooms downstairs, and in one of the upstairs bedrooms. Much of it will eventually come down, but all living areas and bedrooms are comfortable and ready for you to enjoy.

Buena Vista is a grand old home and will provide you with plenty of room, quick and easy access to the beach, and of course that incomparable view!

Property manager

Bob and Debbie

Premier Host

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

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Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Please note that our house overlooks the Bay.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)

Owners must give prior approval. May allow 2 dogs.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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

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

About the area

Betterton

Located in Betterton, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Betterton Beach and Betterton Community Park, while Kent Museum and Historical Society of Kent County Maryland are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Betterton, MD

What's nearby

Betterton Beach - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
Washington College - 20 min drive - 19.5 km
Cal Ripken Museum - 79 min drive - 86.2 km
Elk Neck State Park - 79 min drive - 80.1 km
Ripken Stadium - 82 min drive - 93.6 km

Getting around

Perryville Station - 64 min drive
Baltimore, MD (MTN-Martin State) - 107 min drive

Restaurants

‪Marzellas by the Bay - ‬14 min walk
‪Barbara's on the Bay - ‬6 min walk
‪Molly Mason's - ‬13 min drive
‪Stoltzfus Family Restaurant - ‬13 min drive
‪K-B Market and Kitchen School - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic Waterfront Home with Chesapeake Bay View. Sleeps 9. Close to the Beach pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

What time is check-in at Historic Waterfront Home with Chesapeake Bay View. Sleeps 9. Close to the Beach?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic Waterfront Home with Chesapeake Bay View. Sleeps 9. Close to the Beach?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Historic Waterfront Home with Chesapeake Bay View. Sleeps 9. Close to the Beach located?

This family-friendly Betterton holiday home is located on the waterfront, within a 10-minute walk of Betterton Historic District and Betterton Beach. Betterton Community Park is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) away.

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Ann F.

17 Feb, 2025

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

Winter Break

This is the second time my husband and I have stayed here. Despite a mixed bag of weather ranging from snow, rain, winds, and sunshine, the visit did not disappoint. We were still able to walk on the beach, view the resident bald eagle, immerse ourselves in the ever changing water views and visit surrounding towns.The house was warm and welcoming.

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katie T.

6 Jul, 2024

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

Amazing House in a Relaxing Spot

This is the perfect house - great spot right on the bay in Betterton, plenty of space, and everything you need for a relaxing vacation. We had a great time and can't wait to come back again.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carol M.

1 Dec, 2024

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

Long Thanksgiving Weekend Stay

We had a great time at the house with friends from our apartment building and neighborhood for the long Thanksgiving weekend. Debbie and Bob had everything we needed to cook with, the porch overlooking the Bay was amazing, and the living room, TV room and dining room were all used frequently. We also played games, and had a nice fire in the portable fire pit outside. Weather got coooold but the house was always warm and cozy. It was a really fun stay. The bedrooms were great, too. They've taken good care of this home.

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ann F.

25 Sept, 2024

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

Betterton in September

The house was very comfortable and suited us perfectly. We loved sitting on the porch drinking our coffee in the morning watching the ever-changing water views and eagles flying overhead. The house was also very close to the beach and at this time of the year, we often had the beach to ourselves.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Helen J.

12 Aug, 2024

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

Great location for family trip

This house has many bedrooms and is only a short distance from the beach. It has a great view of the bay from the front porch overlooking a bluff. The kitchen has lots of counter space and the carpeted laundry room can serve as a rec room. Many things are provided including games and beach supplies. We hope to stay her again.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

4 Oct, 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication

This house had the most amazing views and was clean and tidy. It was perfect for us and the dogs. The yard was clean and mowed and provided plenty of room for frisbee play which is part of my german shepherd's job. The kitchen was very adequate for our needs! As expected, the upstairs bedrooms were "historic" and the staircase was steep also "historic". The showers were perfect. We had a great visit and would love to come back here!

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judy B.

25 May, 2024

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

Pequea group

It was a great getaway for our church group!

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jill S.

8 Jul, 2024

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

Peaceful destination

Buena Vista is a charming historic home with modern updates overlooking a beautiful river view. The house is comfortable and generously stocked. The hostess is quick to reply to inquiries. I enjoyed swimming and watching sunsets at the beach which is a 5 minute walk away.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stacy B.

3 Sept, 2024

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

Perfect Weekend Get Away

Debbie was a great communicator and very generous with allowing us to check in early - such a treat! The kitchen is well appointed and we were all impressed with the great bath towels and bed linens. The one thing to point out is that while this is a water front property, I didn't realize from the pictures, that its on a cliff, so you couldn't fish from the front of the property like I was imagining prior to arriving; luckily the walk to the beach was a short one so our kiddos fished from there. Overall a wonderful, relaxing stay with lots of bald eagle sightings!

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michele D.

18 Jun, 2023

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

Friends getaway

Home was a fantastic location for our friends Weekend getaway.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

katie d.

20 Feb, 2024

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

Relaxing weekend at Buena Vista

This was our second stay here. The property is well appointed for a relaxing stay with 5-star views! Lots of room for family to spread out and relax, and the kitchen has everything you need to make delicious meals. Betterton is extra relaxing with its beautiful views and quiet stillness. We'll be back!

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Milton I.

16 Jul, 2022

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

Great experience

we enjoyed our stay the weekend of July 4, the view of the bay is beautiful,

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

katie d.

3 Jul, 2023

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

Betterton Visit

Buena Vista was well equipped and super relaxing.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephen M.

14 Oct, 2022

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

Excellent property

Everything was very clean!

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Judy B.

7 Aug, 2022

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

Enjoyed our stay!

Enjoyed our stay! This property worked out so well for our family of five! We loved the view, the cleanliness of the property, and how well the house was stocked! We would love to return again with family, our adult kids absolutely had a wonderful time and so did we! We like that it was so close to the beach!

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

theresa p.

5 Jun, 2023

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

Awesome

Wonderful property.owners were very easy to work with.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

robert S.

7 Jun, 2022

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

Betterton

Enjoyed the stay along the quiet and beautiful view of the bay

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

J W.

15 Jun, 2024

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

Amazing view

Truly an unobstructed view of the bay. Property was very clean, and had plenty of space for 9 people (7 adults, 2 teens.) Excellent communication w/ host and well-stocked with kitchen supplies, linens, and outdoor equipment for your stay. The front porch was missing some screens and needed a little cleaning and sprucing up for the summer season. Overall, a wonderful stay, and our family made a lot of great memories at Buena Vista!

Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Frances R.

15 Aug, 2022

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

Waterfront wonderful

This is an amazing place. Truly magical and the hosts were fantastic. Will definitely return!

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Don A.

19 Jul, 2022

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

Beautiful Place

It was so much fun to visit that area, the house is beautiful, well kept, and set up. Thank you Don

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gretchen H., Los Angeles, CA

16 Jul, 2023

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

Dog friendly rental on the east side of Chesapeake Bay

This is a beautiful well appointed old school and pet friendly 5 bedroom home with an exquisite view of the Chesapeake Bay and a short walk to a public beach. The owners are welcoming and stay discreetly in touch. It is a wonderful spot for a family reunion.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

4/10 Poor

Stephen E.

10 Oct, 2022

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

Nice place

As noted in listing, some updating still being done, but overall quiet location, clean property.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Linda S.

25 Aug, 2022

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

My husband was working out of town so we stayed with him at Buena Vista while he was working closew

We had the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets from the front of the house

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gail P.

26 Sept, 2022

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

Slice of Heaven

The views from this property are breathtaking. The house is comfortable and charming. Debbie was responsive and very helpful.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Judy B.

24 Jun, 2023

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

Our stay at Betterton beach

We with our friends spent a few days at Betterton beach on the Buena Vista property, and everyone enjoyed our stay even though we had lots of rain! We took three couples along with us and they enjoyed their stay also! Very cozy and clean was the property ! Yes the property was what we expected, and we were very pleased! Judy

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

About the host

Hosted by Bob and Debbie

Hi! While Bob grew up in Maryland, and Debbie in California, we spend most of our time in Texas, where we raised our children. We love to travel, and our children caught that bug as well, with the seven of them living with their families in 5 different states. So Betterton is our eastern headquarters, a great place for family to rendezvous!

Why they chose this property

We bought our first house, Betterton Beachhouse, after years of bringing our kids to Betterton during summer visits to their grandparents. After offering it on VRBO for several years we had a chance to buy a larger house, Buena Vista, just across the alley, overlooking the Chesapeake Bay! Buena Vista is just as comfortable and as close to the beach as is Betterton Beachhouse, and also offers magnificent views! We hope you enjoy, as we do, the lovely beach, friendly neighbors and quiet pace of life. May you leave refreshed, with great memories of time well spent in Betterton.