Property grounds

Reviews of Oceanfront White Stone Cottage w/ Private Beach!


Reviews

7.4

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 60 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 60 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 60 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 60 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 60 reviews" "

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

6.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best View on the Bay
This was the most amazing weekend we have had at a VRBO property! The location is absolutely unbeatable and the cottage is brimming with character and ambiance. We loved every minute of our stay and will definitely return. This property is a gem and we feel so blessed to have found this listing.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Craig N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Pleasant cottage experience
Cute little cottage on the bay. Short walk to beach. All the amenities are available. View is wonderful.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Diane G.

Cute rustic cottage
Beautiful area
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jim S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great view, unique stay
Awesome bay view. Unique, eclectic property but well- equipped and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

6/10 Okay

Patricia K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Hazard House
The pictures you are advertising have to be at least 10 years old! Does not look anything like the pictures. False advertising for sure. Floors are sloped so badly that they are a fall hazard. Also very few electrical outlets so surge protectors are everywhere. That is what I call a fire hazard. Someone from your company needs to inspect this property before someone is hurt and your company will be responsible because you have been told. Certainly not worth the money spent!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on May 26, 2023
Hi Patricia K, we take guest feedback seriously and passed your comments on to the homeowner who would like to share the following: - We were disappointed to hear your feedback and want to take a moment to address your concerns. - You are correct, the listing photos were taken a few years ago, but the property is still the same with some minor changes and we will be updating our listing with new photos soon. - The flooring in the home is slightly uneven due to the home settling but does not cause a falling hazard, but we're sorry if this had a negative impact on your stay. - We use surge protectors throughout the home as a precaution as they are to protect from the risk of an electrical fire should there be a surge with multiple devices being plugged in, but we're sorry if this caused you to be concerned. We do all we can to make the best possible stay, and we look forward to this property hosting many satisfied guests.

4/10 Poor

Rena W., Ruther Glen,Va United States

Disliked: Cleanliness
Not a the most relaxing getaway
I was really excited about staying here but the day of check in quickly diminished my excitement. While we are a very laid back couple who enjoy charming homes with lots of character, this home needs work inside and out. I wish I could post the pictures and video we took, but as I look back and compare many of these pictures are very outdated. Here are some of the issues we contended with during our stay: 1. Prior to arrival we were informed by the property manager that there was an electrical surge and the oven would not be working during our stay. She indicated she was aware and was headed to the property with a technician to address the issue. When I called her back later in the afternoon to see if it was fixed as we planned to cook during our stay, she indicated a part needed to be ordered and would not be arriving in time for our stay. 2. Upon arrival, the door was unlocked so we could access and we were told the key would be left on the table. There was no key left. When we alerted the property manager, we were told that she was going out of town and no one local would be available to bring us a key but we were in a safe neighborhood so we shouldn’t worry. 3. We had to flip breaker switches to plugs in the bedroom within the first 30 minutes of being in the home. 4. The master bedroom door does not close so if you are staying with others and looking for privacy, you likely won’t have much. 5. The bathroom door sticks as well and can be somewhat challenging to close. 6. The shower is incredibly slippery and the tile is chipping so be careful. 7. Dishes we hadn’t even used were dirty upon arrival. 8. There were no trash cans in the whole house. It was not until our last day that we noted two sitting out on the front patio. And we still had to take all our trash to the dump. The views are beautiful and it is a quiet little town, but in all honesty if the realistic pictures as to what the property looks like today had been shown on VRBO and we hadn’t fully committed to this trip, we would have found an alternative spot to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 23, 2023
Hi Rena, the homeowners were surprised to read your review, as they are accustomed to providing 5-star experiences, and would like to clarify the following: We have high standards of hospitality for our property to ensure our guests have a memorable trip. - We are truly sorry for the inconvenience of the unavoidable power outage that caused a surge to disable the oven. Flipping the breaker can occasionally happen when multiple machines and devices are operating at the same time on the same circuit. - We recognize that sometimes the doors swell from high humidity, but we have not heard about this issue in the past. To ensure efficiency, we will inspect this and address it if necessary. - We value the condition of the home and we can confirm that the shower is not slippery and the tiles are not damaged. We have documented photos to verify that the tile is not chipped. - Cleanliness is highly important to us and we ensure that the home is professionally serviced and that includes checking the dishes for guest use. - We aim for transparency towards our guests. There is a Guest Information Guide that includes detailed information on the trash. It states that we will take care of the trash, but for longer stays guests might want to use a nearby public landfill. The trash cans are located on the back porch and guests can easily notice this as it is the first thing they'll see when arriving at the property. We take pride in the service we provide and we're confident that future guests will have excellent stays!

10/10 Excellent

Carol G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful waterfront stay!
This is a wonderful small, quaint country cottage with a lovely scenic view!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cylia C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cute Hideawa!
Amazing trip with the family! The views, the peace & quiet, the overall beautiful location. It was cozy and stayed warm during the chilly nights. The house definitely has some mileage on her but has so much character. The only thing is the price for the clean up (cost more than the daily fee for staying there) and still having to take the trash to the dump. That is our only complaint. But we will definitely be staying there in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

Angela S.

Beautiful location
The views of Chesapeake Bay and how close we were to the water was excellent Very private secluded neighborhood off the grid on gravel road Not beach front we had to walk two houses down to get to our beach but that wasn't a bug deal You have the view right in front of you on the porch of the cottage The owner was very responsive to my texts and emails to answer all our questions It was a cute cottage however it definitely needs some updates to the property It was mostly clean but some things could have been cleaner as the pots and pans and silverware could have been cleaner Also they did not provide us with dish rags or dish soap Some things falling apart and picture's online not all accurate to how it looks now Some things were a bit unsafe with the electric and the appliances They didn't leave enough bath towels so consider bringing your own The air conditioner is in the window so it was hard to keep cool Other than that we had a good experience on the beach and they had kayaks we were able to use All in all still a good experience if they would just put some money into the property itself it could be even better! We still had a great vacation either way
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

4/10 Poor

Lindsay G.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Update June 2022
The comments noted previously still remain true and accurate. Wish we had paid attention before booking. The photos are deceptive. Look for another property near here... it's a great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 11, 2022
Hi Lindsay, we’re sorry your stay fell short of expectations. We followed up with the homeowner after reading your feedback, and they wanted to share the following: - The majority of our previous complaints were due to a leaky roof, a non-flushing toilet, spotty hot water availability, or flooding in the yard. We are happy to report that each of these issues has been addressed and fully taken care of. - We use professional photography for the home, so the features you see on the listing are accurately advertised. - There have actually been a few improvements made to the home since the photos were taken including a completely cleared and re-done yard that guests have been enjoying. Thanks for taking the time to leave your review.

2/10 Terrible

Leslie Y.

Disliked: Cleanliness
False advertisement!
We didn’t stay. I got my money back, the place was underwater and nothing like it was advertised. I wouldn’t recommend anybody rent this place. Horrible!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on May 24, 2022
From the owners: "We are very sorry for your experience at our property and wanted to clarify what happened. We went through a torrential downpour and flooding. Unfortunately, sometimes when it is of a certain magnitude, there isn't anything that can be done. We were happy to refund you for this inconvenience. We know you are understandably upset about the flooding, but as for the inside of the property, except for a few minor changes, everything is as pictured and described on the listing. We will be replacing the affected flooring and ready to provide our next guests with a great stay."

10/10 Excellent

jaimie s.

Liked: Cleanliness
Will Be Staying Again!
Pet friendly, clean, eccentric! We loved it and will be going back. Have already recommended to other friends and family. ♥️
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

6/10 Okay

Sharon

Travelled with family, Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
The interior of the house was very clean. Some work is needed inside. The outside property could use some straightening up.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

2/10 Terrible

Stacy B.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Filth, Decay and a Feud
This place is extremely poorly maintained - falling apart, iffy electrical wiring, with some filthy utensils and pans in the drawers and filthy cooking facilities (oven and grill unusable due to lack of cleaning over a time period that has clearly spanned many renters). For example, the oven was crusted over with layers of filth and old food chunks - it had a nice patina of burnt on old food - something no reasonable person would use, especially on vacation. There were chunks of old dried up meat and grizzle on the grill and what looked like inch long crusted drips of old cheese clinging to the cooking grate.. Also, the owners appear to be having a feud with the next door neighbor that will require you to pay a $500 fine if you happen to cross their property line or walk in their beach - we have rented many vacation properties have never seen this in a rental agreement. The neighbors even have cameras trained on the rental property 24/7. The view is gorgeous but there is no way to access the water from the rental property unless one perilously climbs over giant rocks on the breaker wall. Significantly, The owners call this an ocean-front rental property - and it is not on the ocean - it is the Chesapeake Bay.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jan 27, 2022
Hi Stacy, we take guest feedback seriously and passed your comments on to the homeowner who would like to share the following: -We did see the oven did not look fully clean after its routine cleaning. We apologize for that and have since gotten it deep cleaned. Our other cookware is kept clean. -We can't control what our neighbors choose to do, but they do have the right to ask people to refrain from walking on their private property. We note this in our listing as well. -It is a short walk to the beach, about three doors down. Thanks for taking the time to leave your review!

2/10 Terrible

Jacques O.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Vacationers Beware
Positives: Location and views of the water are beautiful from this property. Negatives: We did not feel safe and the cleanliness level of the house was very poor. The electrical circuit in the guest bedroom is an overloaded fire hazard. There was a full surge protector plugged into an additional full surge protector. Next, we felt some of the bedding was soured while others smelled unwashed/previously used. The oven and coffee pots were very dirty to the point we were uncomfortable using them Cobwebs and thick dust covered many visible places. The shower had bars of soap left in it from a previous occupant. Internet in the cottage was not fast enough to use basic streaming services on the TV provided by the owner. Interaction with the owner/property manager: Based on my concerns over the cleanliness issues, mainly the bedding, appliances, and dust/spiderwebs, I reached out to the Evolve team via VRBO messages. Evolve referee me to the property manager, who is also the property owner, to solve any concerns. The owner stated they would meet at the property the next day to inspect our concerns and replace master bedding. The next day, the owner arrived before I was able to get back to the property and let themselves into the property without notifying me or asking for permission. I understand this is their property, however, I am paying to rent the property and was very uncomfortable with someone letting themselves into the property without notifying me. For the rest of the trip, we had no sense of security that someone wouldn’t just let themselves into the property without our knowledge or permission. The owner was very dismissive of our concerns and stated they were annoyed with me. The owner stated they liked a lived in appearance and that the cleanliness level was acceptable to them based on the property being located in the country and the high occupancy turnover rate. We turned down additional cleaning or services by the owner based on how uncomfortable we felt with the interaction. When I spoke with the Evolve team about the interaction, they contacted the owner to get their side of the story and agreed that any concerns about the property would now go through Evolve and not directly with the property owner. During our interaction with the owner, they stated they wanted guests to have an amazing experience; however, based on the above, we did not achieve the desired end state.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Feb 3, 2022
Hi Jacques, we are very sorry to hear that this house did not exceed your expectations. - We followed up with the homeowners, who explained that while they work hard to provide a clean and comfortable home for all, this is an older cottage right on the water, and it will show some wear and tear because of that. - They confirmed that the home is always thoroughly cleaned between guests, including the bedding. They were happy to bring over new bedding upon request to ensure you were comfortable. - The bars of soap in the shower are provided new for every check-in. - The owners apologize for the oven; it has been deep-cleaned to remove any cooking residue. - They have the best Wifi offered in the area, but they are sorry if it did not meet your needs. - The owners are very sorry if anything about the interaction between you and their property manager made you uncomfortable. They provided text messages to show that she was polite when communicating with you and gave you an ETA and a notice when she arrived at the property. Thank you for your feedback. We will continue to work with the homeowner to ensure future guests enjoy great stays here!

10/10 Excellent

B Kyle M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Windy
Cozy
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

8/10 Good

Meredith C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Vacation is what you make it!
My wife and I are very easy going and tend to have a nice time where ever we stay. That being said, there are a few things of note. The views are amazing and the beds are comfortable. The cottage is eclectic, cluttered and peppered with religion. It seems the owner has packed it full of thrift store finds for the past 50 years. There is not a cohesive theme, whether it be river, beach, European, rustic, etc. Every drawer and cabinet is filled to the max with unusable junk, as if you were staying in someone else's mess, not a rental. The whole space is cooled by one window unit, which does't cool the entire space, even in the cool month of October. All of the surfaces are cluttered, making it very difficult to put anything anywhere. There is zero counter space, and the microwave and other appliances are stacked on what I can only refer to as the leaning tower of danger. You cannot use more than one appliance at a time without blowing the breaker. The electricity is out dated and scary at best. If you need to find the breaker box, It's in the primary bedroom, behind a mirror above the headboard. The shower situation is comical, prepare to feel like you are in an outdoor shower with slippery flooring and bad draining. There is also not a towel to be found, luckily there is shopping nearby to purchase what was said to be available. The listing says that the cottage can accommodate six humans, that is a stretch. Yes, there is bedding for six but the space is far too small and the comfortable seating areas are limited. We had two humans and two medium dogs and we were comfortable. The outdoor space, aside from the gorgeous bay views is run down. The porch is barely hanging on, the old brick fire pit is dangerous and should most definitely be removed, the gazebo is useless and outdated, and the swing set may fall whenever the next storm may hit. A private beach access should be considered, it's the only lot that doesn't offer walk out beach space. We collected our garbage and drove to the local landfill, like requested, but felt that was bit of an ask for the amount paid in cleaning fees, considering every other lot looked to have been set up for local trash pick-up. All things considered, we made the best of our stay and would love to come back and see what changes are to come. This place definitely has potential, we hope the owner considers putting in the love this place desperately needs.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Andy D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming cottage
The cottage was charming. The location was quiet which led to us experiencing our most relaxing vacation we have ever had!! We had the best week of sleep that we have had in forever. Hearing the water splash against the rocks was relaxing and peaceful. We enjoyed our coffee in the screened in gazebo gazing at the beautiful view!!! The cottage was very clean. We definitely will go back in the future! Very sad when we left. Just a cute little quaint place to escape the roller coaster of life!!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

4/10 Poor

Catherine S.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Beautiful View but Deceiving Listing
The location of this property is fantastic and the views are amazing. However that is where the charm for this house end. The pictures for the listing are definitely not up to date. One of the photos even says the house is recently remodeled but a lot of work needs to be done to make it worth renting. The house is full of sloppy diy projects from the mismatched kitchen tiles to the very scary shower. The microwave was balanced on a skinny shelf with other appliances balanced on top that we were afraid to use. The fridge did not work and was very warm. Outside the pillars on the porch are cracked and look very unstable. There was half burned furniture in the fire pit and we were told that the house and yard don’t handle rain water well. We also had an interesting check in. We received a call at about noon telling us no towels would be provided. Luckily we packed some but at this point we were half way into a long car ride and would have been out of luck if we didn’t pack them. We planned to arrive at 3:30 as per check in but due to traffic arrived at 5:00 to find the property manager on site cleaning with someone else mowing the lawn. Not sure what would have happened if we had arrived on time. This also made it uncomfortable upon arriving as the house is too small to social distance. After about an hour of being on property my mother’s allergies were triggered. Our initial guess would be from mildew or mold from the state of the house but it could have been from the property owner cleaning with straight bleach which is a major trigger for her allergies and asthma. We were unable to stay and honestly a little glad to get away and not have to use the shower. Definitely take a good look at the reviews before booking. This property needs A LOT work but has amazing views.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 18, 2021
Hi Catherine, we're sorry to hear that you were not able to enjoy this beautiful property. We followed up with the homeowner, who assured us that it is just as advertised - a rustic and charming oceanfront cottage. They would like to share the following: - The home is always professionally cleaned before arrival, and our housekeepers do use bleach, as it is the most effective way to kill germs. We were sorry to hear that this triggered your mother's allergies. - Regarding the shower, there is some discoloration due to the hard water in the area, but we can assure you it is very clean. - The refrigerator works perfectly. It had been unplugged by the previous guests and was still cooling down when you arrived. - We are doing some yard renovations, and heavy rains have sometimes overwhelmed the capacity to drain. That will be corrected soon, but our property manager wanted to give you a heads up, just in case. Thank you for your feedback. We will continue to work hard to provide a wonderful, relaxing stay for all of our guests.

10/10 Excellent

Kelli T., Fredericksburg, Virginia

Liked: Cleanliness
Chesapeake Bay Paradise
We will definitely stay again! The views were amazing! Such a peaceful and relaxing vacation. Benita was so gracious, and .we can't wait to go back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Thomas H.

Quiet and serene
The cottage is quaint and cute. It was a beautiful and serene!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Rachel I.

Liked: Cleanliness
Girls/Birthday Weekend
The perfect little retreat away from the city. Very calm and beautiful. Hosts/Owners were incredibly kind and accommodating. Absolutely loved opening the windows to hear the ocean waves crash against the shore. The fire pit was lovely and waking up to a beautiful clear sunrise view our last morning was the icing on top.

6/10 Okay

Robert W.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Shabby Without The Chic
Amazing view of the Chesapeake Bay!! More of a summer rental instead of a winter getaway! With a few improvements this would be a great place.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 1, 2021
Hi Robert, we're so glad you enjoyed the beautiful views of this cottage! The owner appreciates your honest feedback, and they're looking into your suggestions and plan to make the appropriate changes where necessary. We appreciate you letting us know of your concerns as it gives us the means to improve and provide 5-star experiences moving forward.

4/10 Poor

Stephanie H.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Disappointment
This quaint little cottage looks great in the pictures but is very deceiving. The house says rustic but I would say cluttered and cold. This house is a cinder block house on a concrete slab and was freezing our entire stay as there is not adequate heating source. There is a window unit ac/heat in the living room but does not heat the bedrooms or the bathroom. I absolutely refused to shower in the shower as it was disgusting. The kitchen sink is not much better. The view was the amazing but that was all that was good. The owners were nice and pleasant and on site when we arrived which makes me feel bad to have to write a bad review but this property needs a lot of work before it should be rented.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Feb 23, 2021
Hi Stephanie, Thanks for sharing your feedback with us. The homeowner was sorry to hear that you were disappointed with your stay, and they wanted to follow up with you on the items that you mention: - The AC/heater and a wood-burning fireplace are in the living room, and the owner provides additional electric heaters as well. Guests should also prepare for & dress for the weather when they travel during the winter, as this is a stone cottage on the coast - The shower was a remodel project, and while it may not look polished, the owner makes sure that is clean and ready for each new guest - They also confirmed that the sink is clean, although they did notice a few areas where the paint could use a touch-up. They'll take care of any spots that need attention before they host their next guests Thanks again for letting us know about your stay, and we hope you keep us in mind for your future travels!

10/10 Excellent

Lilly D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Romantic Getaway
This is a great, secluded location to get out of the fast paced nature of DC and relax! The property was rustic but very cute, and being able to hear the sound of the waves crashing at the bay at night is very soothing. Highly recommend for a waterfront, relaxing stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Craig A., Purcellville

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming Getaway
The cottage was a perfect long weekend retreat for my wife and I. Only steps from the Chesapeake Bay the cottage has breathtaking views and sunrises. We will definately be returning.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Antonia S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place for a relaxing girls trip
We had a wonderful time. The view is worth the price. Yes, it’s an older place but the pictures reflect what to expect. Bedrooms are on opposite sides of the home so it’s easy to sleep in while others are up. We definitely plan on booking again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

6/10 Okay

Patty S.

Rustic
Great location! It rained all weekend , lots of standing water and mud to get to car. Doubtful if we would return based on 1/2 of bill was cleaning fees and taxes...
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 24, 2020
Hi Patty, the right vacation home is everything, and we're disappointed if this wasn't the one for you. The homeowner would like to share this response: Unfortunately, we have had record rain this year. When it rains as much as it has, there is standing water and mud to deal with. We're taking care of it. We hope you enjoyed your stay overall, thank you for leaving us a review!

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness
NEEDS WORK
The view from the porch was magnificent and the property manager was very friendly! While I appreciate the owner's intent to remain rustic, the property needs A LOT of work. The curb appeal is non-existent, the lawn wasn't cut and needs landscaping, the house was very cluttered, the one A/C window unit could not keep up, the bathroom rugs and bedroom rugs were grungy. Even though we read previous reviews and asked about the access to the "private" beach, it was too far to even advertise a private beach AND you have to cut through someone else's yard to get there. We cut our visit short because the overall experience was not enjoyable.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 9, 2020
We want all of our guests to rest easy when they stay with us, and we're sorry that you weren't completely satisfied with this property. We passed your feedback along to the homeowners, who would like to share the following: - Our cottage is rustic, but that's a big part of the charm. We decorated to make it welcoming, but understand that some guests prefer a more spartan and spacious space. - We do have a landscaper who cuts the grass regularly. Unfortunately, the recent record rainfall amounts (including a hurricane) hindered our typical lawn mowing schedule. - Our central air-conditioning unit should be sufficient to cool the cottage, but we also provide several fans to supplement the AC unit. - Our rugs are washed regularly, and we've never had a complaint regarding them before. We will double-check for stains. - The beach access is clearly noted in our guest information guide. It is three houses down and easily accessible by a brief walk down the road. We're sorry you didn't enjoy your stay; we strive to provide every guest with a first-class vacation experience.

10/10 Excellent

Leah A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice get away
Loved our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

8/10 Good

Raye Y.

Liked: Cleanliness
place not the same as pictures on line
It would have been nice if the grass had been cut. Air conditioner could not keep up with the heat.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

David W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Little Cottage
This was the perfect little cottage for a sea side getaway. Beautiful bohemian feel right on the bay very convenient to towns and restaurants
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful retreat with a beautiful beachfront
Fantastic location, tucked away in the woods. House is simple with eclectic decor. Could use one more AC unit for the hottest of days, but leaving the windows open to listen to the waves in the main bedroom at night was wonderful.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Mary L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Million Dollar View
This cottage was HEAVENLY for my kids (7 and 9), my husband and me. Tranquil coffees in the morning with the sunrise over the water and birdsong filling the air... Swimming, crabbing, kayaking, fishing and biking were all incredible... The little town is beautiful and sweet, but our favorite place was the rustic cottage, the beach and this view. So quiet, such an open yard, perfect for kadima and frisbee. A fire pit for s’mores at night, and a trampoline and swings that my kids adored. Very secluded, the ideal place to disconnect from work, reconnect with nature. I saw 15+ bird species. Tons of stars. Cozy, rustic and charming. But also with great AC, TV, kitchen needs, etc. Really nice bedding too!!! But above ALL... the most incredible view around.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2020

6/10 Okay

Christie L., Roanoke va

November get away
The property is right on the water and that has beautiful views. I read several reviews and I was aware of the water pressure but we didn’t have hot water. The inside is what they show you in the pictures. Lots of collectibles which is totally fine. Some of the appliances were dirty. We bought a few scrubbing sponges to help clean pots or pans we used for breakfast.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 24, 2020
Christie, while we're glad that you enjoyed the views and location of this property, we're sorry that certain aspects did not meet your expectations. The homeowner let us know that they are working diligently with the owner of the well system that the property is on, to ensure that there is both adequate water pressure and hot water. They also plan to address your concerns regarding the cleanliness of the appliances with the cleaning company so this issue does not affect future guests. Thank you for letting us know and we hope that you'll give us another opportunity to show you the 5-star experience that we strive to provide! Best, the Evolve Team

10/10 Excellent

Andrew g.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend
Great weekend spot right on the water!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

John C.

Liked: Cleanliness
nice place to stay
very nice and quite
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

6/10 Okay

Lisa S.

Great location, little house
The location is amazing! The sound of the waves while sitting on the back porch, the gazebo, or the front yard is amazing. This house is quite small, which was fine for the two of us. It is pretty rustic, but fine for us. All and all we had a good time!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 24, 2020
Lisa, thank you for your review. We're so glad to hear you enjoyed this beautiful beach cottage! We do advertise the square footage of the home on our listing, so all guests have an idea of the size prior to booking. We'd love to host you at the cottage again soon, and if there's anything we can do to make it a 5-star experience next time, please don't hesitate to let us know. Best, the Evolve Team

2/10 Terrible

Christine M., Lake Frederick, VA

Tired, broken down and ignored ... future renters beware!
When I spoke to the property manager ahead of our visit, she apologized that the yard crew had not been able to mow the lawn before our visit, and to make up for it, she was leaving firewood for the fire pit. I asked about beach chairs and she said that we should bring them because she wasn’t sure if there were any. And to bring beach towels since past guests have stolen them and they are no longer provided. With that conversation, I was slightly apprehensive about our Memorial Day weekend trip, but we loaded in the car for the four-hour drive to the beach. Have you seen the documentary, Grey Gardens? That was the first impression as we pulled into the driveway. But not The Hamptons, Kennedy-legacy backstory Grey Gardens, just overgrown, broken down, and ignored. That also explains another point the property manager had made. To access the beach we needed to walk down two houses and use another lot. She said we needed to avoid going through the adjacent property to get to the beach. “I think he is jealous that we’ve been so successful on our rentals,” she said. No, I said out loud as we pulled up that drive, I think the neighbors are tired of living next to a neglected house. Inside the house proved no different. What was described as an European-style rustic cottage, is truly just tired, stuffed to the gills with junk, and steeped in half-finished DYI projects, most notably the shower. Tiles held up with excessive amounts of caulk, huge globs of caulk trying to direct the water down the drain, and a slate floor that rocks back and forth, so whatever misses the caulked drain ends up somewhere other than the septic system. Because of the overgrown vegetation, the mosquitoes were rampant, so we spent little time outside and the fire pits went unused. The house is surrounded by a riprap shoreline with no private sandy beach like neighboring properties. Because of the exorbitant cleaning fee we were charged, we assumed we would not be responsible for carrying the household trash to the dump. Yet we were. Also, there were no toiletries, no sponge to wash dishes, and the refrigerator couldn’t even keep ice from melting. With vacation time being a rare thing in our household, we decided to stick with it, largely because we didn’t have the energy to pack up and make to half-day trek home the same day. Please, future renters, beware, “My Sweet Escape” is neither sweet nor an escape, and no movies will be made about it.
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 24, 2020
Christine, we're sorry to hear you were unsatisfied with some aspects of your stay. However, we and the homeowner feel this rating and review are unwarranted. The owner did notify you that the landscaper had missed an appointment but the overgrowth was not near the stage of "overgrown vegetation" since they do regular upkeep aside from this isolated incident. The owners provide beach chairs for guests. As we understand, you were requesting an additional number of chairs and were advised that your party should bring any additional chairs above the number already provided. It is unfortunate that theft, whether intentional or not, happens in this industry just as any other, but the owner also provides towels for guests at the quantity of one per guest on the reservation. There is no issue with the functionality of the shower, but we're sorry that the aesthetic was displeasing to you. The owners provide the basics for guests as far as toiletries and kitchen supplies. If guests feel as though they are missing an item, the owners encourage guests to reach out so they can accommodate as best as possible. The cleaning fees are in line with the vacation rental industry standard as they have a different timeline and require a different level of attention than a hotel. This is often understood by travelers, but we're sorry if this caught you off guard as a new expectation. We do note in the listing and in the email sent two weeks prior to guest arrival that beach access is a short stroll away, but we're sorry if you found this to be inconvenient. The homeowner has never received a complaint about the refrigerator not working properly. Before your visit, it was functioning correctly, but after your stay, it had to be replaced. Future guests can be assured the new refrigerator will be ready for use. We wish you the best in your future travels. Best, the Evolve Team

10/10 Excellent

Elaine B., Ruckersville, VA

Adorable imperfections are perfect
Just the cutest cottage I've ever stayed in! I think it was built in the 50's, so it's not today's cookie-cutter home. Some imperfections in the floor, doors, etc. just add to the charm. Loved the colors, decorating, old-fashioned crystal doorknobs, super large tv, the screened-in porch, the covered porch, and of course the view. So nice to hear the waves slapping on the shore. Not far from restaurants, or cook your own meals. The kitchen has all the needed gadgets and utensils. Plenty of hot water and good water pressure. Anita, the property manager, was very nice and helpful too. I would go again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019

2/10 Terrible

Sharon t.

Lower your expectations of this property
Mother nature has provided the view. I wonder if the owners have actually been to see their property recently? Positives are the view, Queen bed is comfortable, and tankless water heater good hot water. Portable heaters effective. The guest book describes landscaping in progress, but from other reviews, this property does not get even the basics for upkeep. The high cleaning fee is absurd for the size of this property, especially when we only stayed 2 days no pets. The shower had debris in it looked like some caulking all coming apart and the drain was full of debris and hair. So much for the prior cleaning job! The bathroom door doesn't close it needs about 1/2" shaved at the top left. The yard was overgrown in many areas including broken potting shed, a HomeGoods shopping cart, and basic grass edging hasn't been done all spring it looks like. There was only one nearly empty soap dispenser in the bathroom so if you were in the kitchen you would need to go get the dispenser. On the final day extra soap was found under the kitchen sink but not before I had gone to the store to buy some. There were no washcloths. The manager said washcloths were a "personal item" and "no one has ever asked for that before". If towels and sheets and blankets are provided, why no washcloths or hand towels? You have to take the trash yourself to a public dumpster, not just take it outside as it states on the web information. While the property was stuffed full of amenities to make it pretty and nice, the web pics don't tell the full story. There is barely room to set a small suitcase down. Carpenter bees kept us off the porch because they were trying to drill into the window casing. With a little attention to cleaning up this place I could give it one more star but the care of it is very below par. Mother nature takes care of the view but people have to take care of the building and land. No idea how they got the Trip Advisor rating, that's really off. Not my usual experience with VRBO. I am also a homeowner who rents out my fully furnished home so I have basic expectations of care of the property and would be embarrassed to see this condition. If there was a weed eater around I might have done it myself!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 24, 2020
Sharon, we're sorry to hear your stay fell short of your expectations. The homeowner has fixed the door, and it now closes without a problem. The cleaning fee is standard among vacation rentals, but we're sorry if that caught you off guard. The owners are working diligently with their cleaning staff to make sure the scenario you encountered doesn't recur for future guests. They do ask that if guests need washcloths that they provide their own as they've had guests take or dispose of them in the past. We hope you can understand that it is also a standard policy for guests to remove their own trash from the premises. We're sorry if you found this to be an inconvenience. The owners do what they can to prevent bees from making their nests near the cottage but unfortunately, the cottage is located in the country and bees tend to make a home where they see fit. We can assure you that if there is an issue, the owners hope future guests will reach out while they are in residence to address any concerns. As evidenced by past reviews, we're more than confident this cute beachfront cottage will continue to host many satisfied guests! Best, the Evolve Team

8/10 Good

Nicole R., Loudoun County, Virginia

Great Place to Decompress
My Sweet Escape is truly just that... a time to escape the every day responsibilities and decompress. The cottage is located on the water, separated by rocks - the views are glorious. This is a place to enjoy a good book while listening to the water gently caress the rocks. If you are looking to get away from everything, and simply relax - My Sweet Escape is the place.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019

8/10 Good

Scott A., Lewisville

Those Views!
Really enjoyed our long weekend and found the cottage to be a relaxing place to unwind. We enjoyed the feeling of seclusion as the entire time we probably only saw a couple of other people. There were fantastic touches like having access to the kayaks and the multiple seating areas to relax and unwind. We took advantage of the wood stove during the cool nights and definitely roasted more than a few marshmallows at the fire pit. Sure, the place could use some TLC as the front yard was pretty junky, and the water pressure was pretty bad... but those are million-dollar views! Overall a great experience as long as you kind of know what to expect. I would also like to thank the next door neighbor for allowing direct beach access and a place to launch the kayaks. That kindness did not go unnoticed.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Michelle B.

Relaxing, comfortable, quiet getaway!
We really enjoyed our long weekend away at My Pan-o' Sea-a, My Sweet Escape. The quaint, quiet cottage was very peaceful and relaxing. It looked just like the pictures and the queen bed was very comfortable! The property manager was very attentive. The wood burning stove worked very well and the space heaters were perfect for the bedroom and bathroom. The house was clean and well stocked with kitchen essentials, blankets and towels. The BIG Screen TV and Direct TV hookup was perfect for nightly movies and watching March Madness, college basketball. The only downsides were the remote for the DVD player was missing and low water pressure. Once they clean up the front yard, this cottage will be in high demand! We definitely will stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Crissy B.

Best view ever
This house was the cutest place ever. It was comfortable to sleep in and was stocked with all we needed. The views were breathtaking, quiet and relaxing. The decor was totally beachy and perfect. The property manager was in contact within moments if I had a question. So many cute added on touches like wine and water waiting for us. There was a kayak and floats to use as well as Plenty of beach chairs. My dog loved swimming in the water as much as we did! We can’t wait to go back but next time it will Be for MUCH longer!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2018

8/10 Good

Judith H.

Nice Get Away
We weren't sure what to expect, but it was a small piece of relaxing heaven! We enjoyed watching the pair of Bald Eagles, Osprey, and the school of Dolphins cruising bye. Just what the Dr. Ordered for some R&R. We'll be back again
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Lee W.

PERFECT!!!!
Such an amazing place full of character and charm... and just plain fun! The owners have put a lot of time and effort to make this a fun, peaceful place for a getaway! We felt very welcomed and will definitely go back. The view is beyond words! You are right on the water. In fact, when you lay in the bed, all you see is water and it truly feels like you are floating. Magical! You must experience this beauty so rent now!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Joanne K.

Cute place, great location, great person to deal with!!!
My family and I had a great vacation at this spot. The cottage is very cute! Space to keep things is a bit lacking but even with two adults and three children we made it work for the 5 nights we were there! The property manager, Anita was wonderful! She was very easy to get in touch with and very responsive!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2018

2/10 Terrible

Eric C.

Poor
Not a good memory. Trying to get a refund.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 24, 2020
Hi Eric, We were very sorry to hear that you were not able to enjoy your stay at this property despite the homeowner's multiple attempts at a resolution. We do appreciate you working with us throughout the check-out process and we wish you all the best in your future travels. Best, the Evolve Team

2/10 Terrible

Christina W.

Unsanitary & Not as advertised
The property is overgrown, grass over our ankles. The toilet mostly didn't flush... The manager knew prior to our arrival that it wasn't working and never told us until we'd driven over ten hours. Manager screamed at me on the phone to get out and that she wasn't helping me, then refused to take my calls and requested I not contact her again (on first full day). What followed was unpleasant to say the least. Evolve has great customer service and did what they could for me. The front area looks like a dump site. The dishes had to be washed prior to use. The painted concrete floor bubbled in the humidity and flaked off on our feet and shoes. The tile in the shower is broken on the ground and is sharp on your feet. There are ZERO areas for any belongings or supplies including food... All dressers, drawers and cabinets are stuffed to capacity. Overall this is not a place I would return to or recommend for anyone. It isn't "rustic" it is run-down.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 24, 2020
Christina, we are very sorry for the issues you encountered. Here at Evolve, it's our goal for all guests to have comfortable stays, and we regret that your stay did not live up to that standard. The homeowner did everything they could to ensure the toilet was functioning properly. As there was massive rainfall when you stayed, the homeowner drove down to fix this and confirmed that the toilet was flushing fine upon arrival. We understand aside from this issue you loved this cottage and were satisfied with your stay. The homeowners are doing all they can to ensure guests have an enjoyable experience here, and we are confident future guests will have pleasant stays! Best, the Evolve Team