Entire home

Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach

Photo gallery for Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach

A covered outdoor seating area with a view of the beach and ocean.
A cozy cabin interior with a wooden dining area, a kitchen with a bar, and a large window overlooking the beach.
A wooden deck with a railing overlooking a beach.
A two-story wooden house with a sandy beach in the background.
A cozy living room with a fireplace, a sofa, a chair, and a bookshelf.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Patio
  • Toys
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air-conditioning
  • Refrigerator

Explore the area

View in a map
Old Lyme, CT
  • Place, Rocky Neck State Park
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Florence Griswold Museum
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Hole-in-the-Wall Beach
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London)
    ‪28 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

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Interior
Direct LI sound waterfront cottage, one level living in Hawks Nest Beach
Old Lyme
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Outdoor space
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (4 reviews)
Direct LI sound waterfront cottage, one level living in Hawks Nest Beach

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. The Book Barn and Childrens Museum of Southeastern Connecticut are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.
View more Cottages in Old LymeOpens in a new window
Map
Old Lyme, CT

What's nearby

  • Rocky Neck State Park - 5 min drive - 4.6 km
  • The Book Barn - 10 min drive - 9.6 km
  • Rocky Neck State Beach - 10 min drive - 8.5 km
  • Florence Griswold Museum - 11 min drive - 12.1 km
  • Hole-in-the-Wall Beach - 11 min drive - 10.7 km

Getting around

  • Old Saybrook Station - 13 min drive
  • New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Coffee’s Country Market & Catering - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Lyme Tavern - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪James Farmacy Organic Cafe and Juice Bar - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach pet-friendly?

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

How much is parking at Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Classic Waterfront Cottage at Hawks Nest Beach located?

This Old Lyme cottage is on the beach, 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Rocky Neck State Park, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Rocky Neck State Beach and Giants Neck Beach. Ferry Landing State Park and Old Lyme Historical Society 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. 34 out of 39 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 39 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 39 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
perfect beach-front bungalow for a two-family extended family trip. will gladly come again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Aug, 2026
So glad you had a good stay! We would love to have you back next year!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was my second time staying at The Sandtrap, and we will absolutely be returning again and again. The location is perfect if you’re looking for the true beach-house experience. John is incredibly responsive and accommodating, and his flexibility and genuine care for his guests make the entire experience so enjoyable and stress-free. Thank you, John, for another lovely stay at HNB—we’re already looking forward to next year!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Sept, 2026
Wonderful! We are looking forward to having you next year!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
"The Sandtrap" is a a great get away. You could not ask for a better location. This was our second trip and we will certainly be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Jul, 2026
Thank you Laurie. Glad you enjoyed your stay. We would be happy to have you back again next year for more beach fun!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our third stay at The Sand Trap beach house. It's a very charming and rustic beach house with a well stocked kitchen . Beach towels, sheets, blankets, beach toys, and beach chairs are all provided for a comfortable vacation. It was nice to have the sun shade canopy available and the outdoor shower. We had a great week and hope to return next summer. Victoria
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Aug, 2026
Thank you so much. We are glad you enjoyed your time at the beach and look forward to you coming again next year!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed our stay - the house is very well stocked for an enjoyable family vacation!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is my dream cottage -- rustic, cozy, warm, throwback type of cottagey cottage, with wood and books everywhere and a fantastic, working, big old stone fireplace. The best part -- it's right on the water, which you can happily gaze at from the screened in porch, the kitchen, and the living room on the first floor and two of the bedrooms on the second floor. Sandtrap takes you back to a simpler time but still has all the amenities and power outlets and lighting and supplies you would need. We checked in the night before a huge nor'easter was predicted so were worried our five-night stay would be pretty much ruined. It wasn't at all! We hunkered down with other family members and had a fabulous time, and the few momentary power interruptions actually made it fun. (Fortunately, the weather did clear after two days.) The host was terrific and very accommodating; messages were answered promptly. If modern luxury is your thing, maybe look elsewhere. But if you're like me and my family, this will be your dream cottage. (Note: we brought our own TV as there wasn't one provided. Hope that was okay. If not, we are busted, lol.)
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Oct, 2026
So glad you and your family enjoyed the charms of our family home!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location. It’s wonderful to have Long Island Sound right in your backyard! House is rustic and charming. House is close to restaurants, bakeries, adult and children’s activities.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Stay

This was our fourth year staying at this house and, as always, it was phenomenal. We love staying here because the location is perfect, the house is very well equipped, it's very clean and spacious, and the owners are wonderful. We always look forward to our stay at the sand trip.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Family vacation

Great location The house is very well stocked The owner was very accommodating
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This cottage has everything you would want / need for a wonderful relaxing beach vacation . It was nice to have sheets , beach towels and beach chairs , toys , buckets and canopy readily available . Children enjoyed fishing and crabbing on the jetty and made frequent visits to Garvins .We had a fantastic stay and will rent this beach cottage again .Vicki
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great House

The Sand Trap is a great place to stay at the beach. The house is right on the water and we'll equipped for fun, cooking, and sleeping. This was our third stay at the Sand Trap and we've loved it each time
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Had a great stay!

We loved the view from the porch and the beach. It can’t get much better than that. Had to get used to no TV, but wifi helped. Would definitely stay again and John was wonderful.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great location

Rustic house but charming, Owner was kind, responsive and helpful. Towels and sheets a bonus and helped justify cost. Location and porch great.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug, 2022
Thanks. We look forward to having you again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Hawks Nest

We had a wonderful week on the beach this cottage had everything you need from boggie boards to towels and cookware. We will definitely be back
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Perfect location!

You couldn’t ask for a better location on this private beach! Cottage is well- stocked, including everything you need for the kitchen and the beach. John is very responsive and accessible.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Beach front cottage was amazing

Had a relaxing week living the cottage right on the beach life. Screened in porch was everyone's favorite location in the house. Cottage was well equipped. Just had to open the door and the vacation started
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Beach stay

Very accurate description. Very rustic cottage but very functionable and comfortable. With twin toddlers there was no worry of them damaging anything. Calm waters wich was excellent for youngchildren.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Relaxing Getaway

John's house is one of the most well-equipped rentals at which I've ever stayed. All the sheets, linens, towels, kitchen equipment, beach chairs, beach toys, beachnt, etc. were all already in the house. The house is right on the beach with access to your own private beach. It's a very small community with tons of friendly people. We absolutely loved our stay and would recommend it to everyone.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Jul, 2022
Thanks for the kind words. Hope to see you again next year.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect beach house

This beach house is one of the most equipped rentals at Hawk’s Nest Beach . John was very kind to let us arrive an hour earlier and we were amazed that he provided linens , beach towels , bath towels , comfortable beach chairs , a pop up tent , beach toys , inflatable tubes and boogie boards , books , games and puzzles . The kitchen was stocked as well . The jetty was fun for all to go fishing and crabbing . A very enjoyable vacation on your own private beach . We would love to rent it again next summer !!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were hoping to find a good old Cape Cod beach cottage by the sea. Rustic, quaint, family oriented, laid back, quiet neighborhood, stick your toes in the sand kind of place that used to exist before all the renovations/condos/traffic congestion hit. Mission accomplished! Cottage completely stocked with all the basics and then some. Plan your menus, bring your ingredients, and you never need to leave the driveway should you choose. Thoroughly enjoyed watching the children exploring and enjoying the wonders the ocean has to offer.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Jul, 2026
Thank you Charles. Glad you enjoyed your stay. We would be happy to have you back again next year for more beach fun!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay!! It was so nice to be right on the beach. The kitchen/living area, spacious front porch, and shaded area on the sand feels like one big indoor/outdoor vacation space. Hawk’s Nest Beach is very special. It has been loved by multiple generations of many families, including mine. If you have been here before… this cottage is classic Hawk’s Nest. If you haven’t, you are in for a treat. John and family provide everything you need to immerse yourself in the lore and ambience. You will be hooked.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jul, 2026
Thank you Anne. Glad you enjoyed your stay. We would be happy to have you back again next year for more beach fun!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

It was great to be right on the beach. The property had everything we needed.

Prompt replies to questions.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Fabulous House

We absolutely loved the house. John's house was the most well-equipped rental house we have ever gotten. There was ample kitchen supplies, beach chairs, a huge number of beach towels, blankets, extra sheets, etc. The house was in a great location and right on the beach. We highly recommend this house!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Casual beach house

Low key home with lots of books for summer reading. Fully equipped with necessaries. This year it was VERY hot upstairs so bring your own fans to help cool it down. Air conditioning downstairs a plus. Nice beach community with a child’s dream of a country store.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Sandtrap - Old Lyme

We were met by Mr. Heckman when we got to the Sandtrap. We were able to get in earlier than we anticipated! The house was spotless and contained everything you could need for vacation, including a vacation binder with all the rules, history of the house and places to go and eat. There were coffee makers (regular and Keurig), a crockpot, pots and pans, dishes, linens, bath and beach towels. They were fully stocked with cleaners and essentials such as toilet paper and papertowels. They had plenty of beach chairs and sand toys as well. Truly a family style beach house. We had a wonderful time and I would highly recommend the Sandtrap if you are looking for a super host and wonderful family vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback