Prudence Island is the unique, undiscovered yet welcoming jewel of Narragansett Bay. A vacation here is a true escape and one that will remain as a fond memory for years to come. The property is a year-round newly renovated three-bedroom home, traditionally and attractively-styled with panoramic views of the bay.
The first floor of this bright and immaculate home features a beautiful eat-in kitchen, spacious dining room, tasteful living room, full bath and sun room with ten windows providing clear views of the water and the mainland beyond. The second floor features three comfortable and inviting bedrooms as well as a bath with shower. Outside is a front deck where you can watch the gorgeous sun rise over the bay while having your morning coffee. The spacious rear deck is perfect for grilling and al fresco dining while enjoying the evening breezes. It also features an outside shower great for rinsing off while still enjoying the sunshine. Relax in the yard on the hammock while sipping a summer beverage and devouring your favorite novel. You’ll enjoy the comforts of this property so much you may find it difficult to take leave to explore the island, but there’s much to see and do.
Steps from the front deck is a beautiful private beach with clear waters perfect for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, clamming, snorkeling, boating and more. While some of the coastline here is rocky (water shoes recommended), throughout the island there are many sandy beaches you’ll want to explore.
Prudence Island is very scenic and secluded, abounding with preserved natural areas that comprise 75% of the island. The serenity and slow pace here give it the feel of a simpler time and place – one without restaurants, bars or retail shopping areas. Basic provisions are available at two small country stores so it’s recommended that vacationers bring their own supplies.
The island has a mix of paved and unpaved roads with few cars on-island making them ideal for biking, walking and jogging. Prudence has an impressive and well-maintained trail network featuring trails of varying lengths that link to interesting historical sites – birdwatchers, bring your binoculars! Sandy beaches are plentiful – and offer vacationers a secluded and tranquil escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of modern life.
This traditional island community is close-knit yet very welcoming with lots of activities to take part in. Look out for upcoming events and old-fashioned activities posted at the exit of the ferry parking lot – summer ice cream socials, pot luck dinners and other events are casual, enjoyable and good clean fun! There’s blueberry picking at Farnham Farm, movie nights at the Prudence Island Association community center, story hour at the Homestead Library and great programs for kids and adults at the Narragansett Estuarine Research Center. The unique one-room school house (currently serving seven island students) also provides fun summer programs open to all children visiting the island.
Prudence Island is accessible by ferry, water taxi or private vessel. The reliable Prudence and Bay Islands Transport ferry service travels between Bristol and Prudence several times a day and the crossing takes approximately 25 minutes. The ferry landing, and nearby country store, is a 5-minute walk from the house. Vacationers should consult the ferry website and are encouraged to make vehicle reservations well in advance of their trip.
Vacationers seeking experiences beyond the island can utilize the ferry for day trips to nearby Bristol, with its quaint downtown featuring a variety of shops, galleries, museums, restaurants and taverns. A half-hour drive north from Bristol brings you to Providence, Rhode Island’s capital and the state’s largest city. A half-hour drive south from the Bristol ferry landing is the beautiful and historic city of Newport, with its famed Bellevue Avenue mansion tours, renowned Newport Jazz Festival and great seafood dining.
Amidst the beauty and tranquility of Prudence Island and the comforts of this lovely waterfront home, your vacation here is sure to be a wonderful and memorable getaway. We’re sure you’ll want to come back again and again.
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The Douglass Family Cottage on Prudence Island, Rhode Island
Prudence Island
The Douglass Family Cottage on Prudence Island, Rhode Island
Rentals are WEEKLY from Saturday to Saturday from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number 09/30/2026, RE.06373-STR
Property # 3515273
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
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
Prudence Island, RI
What's nearby
Narragansett Bay - 6 min drive - 3.6 km
Linden Place Mansion - 37 min drive - 6.8 km
Colt State Park - 39 min drive - 8.9 km
Blithewold Mansion Gardens and Arboretum - 39 min drive - 9.3 km
Roger Williams University - 40 min drive - 10.7 km
Getting around
Providence Station - 62 min drive
North Kingstown, RI (NCO-Quonset State) - 85 min drive
Restaurants
Foodworks - 47 min drive
Dunkin' - 49 min drive
Aidan's Pub - 38 min drive
Cumberland Farms - 45 min drive
Grafik Coffee Co. - 48 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Down By The Bay Cottage pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Down By The Bay Cottage?
As of 4 Aug, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Down By The Bay Cottage on 6 Nov, 2026 start from S$2,753, 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 Down By The Bay Cottage?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Down By The Bay Cottage?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Down By The Bay Cottage?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Down By The Bay Cottage located?
Situated on the beach, this holiday home is 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from Narragansett Bay and within 6 miles (10 km) of Linden Place Mansion and Hope Street. Bristol Town Beach and Herreshoff Marine Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Four friends had an amazing weekend spent hiking, exploring, and simply enjoying this beautiful home and its gorgeous views! Low-key and relaxing vacation in one of New England’s best kept secrets!
Love this house! We have family that live on Prudence, this house makes it possible for us to have a comfortable visit and enjoy the island.
Perfect location
This was our third stay at this beautiful home, and just like in the past, we enjoyed every minute. Early morning coffee and reading on the porch, walks to the lighthouse, days spent on the beach, fishing at the T Warf, deer rides and gorgeous sunsets are just a few of our favorite things to do when we visit. We look forward to going back next year!
This was our 5th year at Down by the Bay Cottage… feels like home to us. Clean, well equipped, cozy, peaceful, love the view of Narragansett Bay. And, the deer in the backyard. Hoping to return next year.
Very comfortable, clean and had all the amenities that you could possibly need. I have rented before and look forward to continuing renting. Thank you McKnights for renting your lovely home.
Our stay at Down by the Bay made our weeklong vacation on Prudence Island just perfect. The home is immaculately kept, roomy, and has all the amenities we desired. The caretaker was so welcoming. Being so close to bay made lounging on the front deck such a special experience. We’ll be back next year for sure!
This is our third year staying at this house. It’s absolutely perfect providing everything you could possibly need for a relaxing and fun time on Prudence Island. We enjoy sitting on the front porch watching the sunrise across the bay. It’s the prefect way to start the day. The ferry, store, church, fishing and beaches are within walking distance to the house. We did drive a short distance to other beaches and fishing spots, and also to watch the sunset. This is the perfect spot to rest, relax and recharge!
This Prudence Island getaway was exactly what we needed to slow the pace of our busy lives. This peaceful ocean front retreat had everything we needed including ample space inside and out, breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay and easy access to the ferry. Tom and Mary were gracious hosts and quick to answer any questions we had. We highly recommend!
The cottage is exactly as pictured simply lovely! If you are looking to take a break from a busy life this is the place for you. Private beach access steps away from the front door or a beautiful backyard to relax in! Bring your food and beverages then breathe and relax!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Down By The Bay Cottage. The spaces are stunning, the use of space, and the attention to detail are amazing. We walked to the light house everyday, sat on the porch and waved to the locals, put togeather two 550 pcs puzzles (no missing pieces); one was from 1982. We read books, cooked meals, and mostly looked out the windows at the Beautiful view. We could not have asked for better lodging while on island. Thanks to the owners and maintenance crew for a wonderful get-a-way.
I love this property, great location, plenty of room, had everything you could want, only exception, no AC and it was a hot humid week, showers need water filters which I recommended, owners are great to deal with!!
2 besties for 47 years celebrating our birthdays wanting to escape the world found paradise. We were blessed with great sunny weather and we did sightseeing. But all plans we had to leave for Newport or shopping immediately were cancelled. The cottage is adorable and the beachfront view is outstanding. Thanks to all.
My sister and I drove from Louisiana to celebrate my 50th birthday dream vacation!
I’ve always wanted to travel to Rhode Island and when I spotted this place on Prudence Island, I had to go! It was absolutely perfect! We were very comfortable and felt like home! Everyone was friendly and welcomed us as we were family! The island is beautiful! The transit system is on point and the staff is friendly and helpful! We took the ferry to and from the island daily and enjoyed the experience! There is much beauty to explore and we look forward to returning! Much love to all!
Prudence Island is a magical place for a couple days of hiking, relaxing, and bird-watching. We (two adults) visited during the off-season, three nights in late March. The house is very comfortable. Baseboard heating was plenty warm. The house was recently renovated, and everything is as advertised.
The island has no restaurants or supermarkets, and no tourism industry. Bring all your own food. We loved hiking on the trails; walking along the beach; bird watching; and spotting the seals. We watched spectacular sunrises each morning, and were visited by a large wild rabbit twice.
We enjoyed the chance to relax without wi-fi. There is very good cell reception.
Communication and check-in all went smoothly. Guests need to bring their own sheets and towels.
We already began plotting how to return next year.
The front porch with view of the water is a lovely place to hang out, read or play one of the wide variety of games. The breeze and light from the front porch filters into the living room, where there is a TV hidden in a cabinet, along with DVD's appropriate for adults and for kids of a variety of ages. There are plenty of windows which open and close easily for a nice cross breeze throughout the whole house. The kitchen has plenty of amenities to make it easy to cook and serve on the big dining room table or oversized picnic table out back, and to clean up afterwards. Upstairs, the master bedroom is a tranquil space, with windows on three sides, a nice cross breeze, a ceiling fan, and a view of the ocean and the twinkling lights on the bridge, as well as dark curtains to shut out the morning light. There are two little rows of books with a strong collection of literature. Poetry lovers are out of luck, unless they want to read essays by Dylan Thomas, but there are quite a few short novels and short story collections to delight any reader of fiction, and there is some interesting non-fiction, too, including info about the Island. My kids were close by across the hall, with a sturdy bunk bed, cross breeze, and a box set of The Lightning Theif. The other bedroom is small but breezy, fit for an adult. The secret bedroom off the porch downstairs is a pleasant, fun space. Plenty of blankets and pillows for all. Washer/Dryer small but easy to use. A quirky house, but quite nice.
Our 3rd year renting this sweet cottage… charming, cozy, wonderful location overlooking Narragansett Bay… we love it! Looking forward to seeing you next Fall.
Very nice home has all you need to enjoy your stay, 2 full bathrooms and plenty of room for sleeping, nice deck over looking the bay. Would rent it again