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Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach
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Reviews
9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 91200 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Old Lyme, CT
- Place, Rocky Neck State Park5 min drive
- Place, Lyme Academy of Fine Arts6 min drive
- Place, Florence Griswold Museum10 min drive
- Airport, New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London)26 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.
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.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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- Washing machine
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- Parking available
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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (3 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed: limit 1 total
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 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
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
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. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Old Lyme, CT
What's nearby
- Rocky Neck State Park - 5 min drive - 4.6 km
- Lyme Academy of Fine Arts - 6 min drive - 4.6 km
- Rocky Neck State Beach - 9 min drive - 8.4 km
- Florence Griswold Museum - 10 min drive - 9.9 km
- Goose Island - 11 min drive - 12.0 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Dunkin' - 10 min drive
- Lyme Tavern - 9 min drive
- James Farmacy Organic Cafe and Juice Bar - 14 min drive
- Saybrook Point Inn & Spa - 16 min drive
- Paperback Cafe - 13 min drive
Frequently asked questions
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 window9.0/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
16 Aug, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Bernadette W.
23 Aug, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Bernadette W.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Victoria N.
13 Aug, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Victoria N.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
James G.
3 Aug, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Stay
James G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
8/10 Good
Scott R.
13 Jun, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family vacation
Scott R.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
James G.
29 Jul, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great House
James G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Julie F.
22 Jun, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had a great stay!
Julie F.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ann F.
17 Aug, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
Ann F.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Donna S.
17 Jul, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hawks Nest
Donna S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
8/10 Good
Kelly B.
9 Aug, 2023
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness
Perfect location!
Kelly B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
8/10 Good
Donna B.
11 Jul, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beach front cottage was amazing
Donna B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
8/10 Good
Kevin B.
20 Aug, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beach stay
Kevin B.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
James G.
16 Jul, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing Getaway
James G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Victoria N.
19 Aug, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect beach house
Victoria N.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Barbara G.
23 Aug, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was great to be right on the beach. The property had everything we needed.
Barbara G.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
James G.
7 Aug, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous House
James G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
8/10 Good
Eleanor S., Hartford, Ct, USA
1 Aug, 2021
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Casual beach house
Eleanor S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
10/10 Excellent
Theresa G.
5 Jul, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sandtrap - Old Lyme
Theresa G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
10/10 Excellent
Eleanor S., Hartford, Ct, USA
14 Jul, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beachy family oriented home
Eleanor S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
10/10 Excellent
Barry M.
7 Jul, 2020
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect location
Barry M.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2020
10/10 Excellent
Holly B.
28 Aug, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great!!
Holly B.
10/10 Excellent
karen a.
7 Aug, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location! Right on the beach with beautiful views! Lots of room for family and guests!
karen a.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
10/10 Excellent
Eleanor S., Hartford, Ct, USA
15 Jul, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great beach bungalow
Eleanor S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
10/10 Excellent
Holly B.
1 Sept, 2018
Love this beach
Holly B.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2018
10/10 Excellent
Eleanor S., Hartford, Ct, USA
20 Jul, 2018
Perfect CT beach house
Eleanor S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
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!).
Languages:
English, French
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