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Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies

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Cottage and tidal pool with boardwalk to pier on Pomonkey Bay
Cottage and Pomonkey Creek 2 mile paddle to headwaters.
Cottage and Pomonkey Bay and Pier
Elevated walkway over tidal pool
Walkway over tidal pool to pier and Pomonkey Creek

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 5148.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Pool
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Bryans Road, MD
  • MGM National Harbor Casino
    ‪32 min drive‬
  • National Mall
    ‪43 min drive‬
  • George Washington's Mount Vernon
    ‪46 min drive‬
  • Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Lower living room

1 Single Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies

Only 35 minutes from DC yet a world away! Flat water Kayaker's Fisherman Nature lovers Heaven, Central air-conditioned 2 bedroom and 1.5 bath waterfront cottage, 2000 feet of waterfront with ten mile sunset view over the Potomac River, and sunrise view up Pomonkey Creek. Planet watcher's love it here. Gated compound complete with 200 foot pier, 24 foot tall observation tower, and 600 foot long elevated walkway along tidal pool. Spectacular eagle, osprey, butterflies, dragon flies water fowl. Kayaks, canoe all equipment provided. King size bed, Queen size bed and California Single all with thermopedic pads. Well-equipped kitchen for your eat-in pleasure. Internet service included is Verizon Fios Wireless which is usually reliable.
FENWICK COTTAGE SEASONS
Pack binoculars, magnifying glasses, flashlights, cameras, journals and art supplies.
Welcome to Intense Nature! AKA Weed Tourism! AKA Wildflower Magic! Guided wildflower walks available on request. Plus introduction to iNaturalist app!
Mother Nature follows her own schedule, sometimes early, sometimes late...but always great!
Compare sunsets and unsets.
JANUARY-FEBRUARY
*First Fingers of Ice on Pomonkey Creek.
Crack thin ice into sparkling shards with your kayak!
*River Ice Concerts if really cold-
*Extra-Special Eagle Watch: Sometimes the Potomac River freezes all the way across. Eagles mate on the ice.
*Full Moon: 1/28/21
*Full Moon: 2/27/21
JANUARY-MARCH
*Time of Most Dramatic Red Sunsets
*Time to Collect Dinosaur Pinecones-
Our meta-sequoia/dawn redwood was here in the time of dinosaurs.
MARCH
*Morel season (Knowledgable guests found dozens in area!)
*Full Moon 3/28/21
*Spring Equinox (03/22)
APRIL
*Return of the Turtles
You wouldn’t be the first to see snapping turtles mating in the pond!
*Super Full Moon: 4/26/21
APRIL-MAY
*Yellow Flags circle the pond! (Wild irises!)
Think “Monet”! Paint your own masterpiece.
*Super Full Moon: 5/26/21
APRIL-AUGUST
*Osprey Return and Nest
How many chicks will hatch this year?
*Full Moon: 7/23/21
APRIL-OCTOBER
*Endless Wildflowers
Note for purple lovers: Ironweed and Joe-Pye Weed (which collect giant bouquets of butterflies) bloom in August.
MAY
*Mulberries ripen.
Edible. Some people like to eat them. Used by colonists to dye wool.
*Baby Groundhugs and Raccoons emerge from burrows to vacuum up their beloved mulberries. Prepare to laugh. They also climb trees.
*Buttercups abound.
JUNE
*Summer Solstice (6/21)
How much can you do on the longest day?
*Full Moon: 6/24/21
JULY
*Marsh Mallow/hibiscus
Our biggest flowers! And yes, the colonists used them to make marshmallow. Ask for recipe.
*Full Moon: 7/23/21
JULY-SEPTEMBER
*Bubblegum Tree Blooms
Whenever she feels like it. There is a time when the cottage and the crepe myrtle (Tonto) are the same shade of pink!
*Great Egret Afternoons on the Pond-
Take fishing lessons from a bird. Learn to fish from/like a bird
AUGUST
*Dragonflies swarm! Learn to sex dragons. Meet Ketchup and Mustard.
*Green Heron Family visits pond
*Blue Moon: 8/22/21
SEPTEMBER
*Canada Geese Practice Flocking
Goose families gather to meet their cousins and practice group “V” formations.
*Eagle Pair Reclaim their Spot/Branch on/in Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata). Native.
*Full Moon: 9/20/21
*Autumn Equinox (9/21). Around equinox song bird migration N to S
*Groundhugs spend more time underground
OCTOBER
*Indian Summer
*Full Moon: 10/20/21
*Eagle Pairs can be seen flying together in mating patterns.
*Autumn Colors! Unique maple display at entrance to Marshall Hall on way to boat ramp.
*Monarch Migration
*Canada geese fly in ribbons across the sky.
NOVEMBER
*Special sunsets tinged with gold, yellow-gold and rose-gold. Lovely kayaking on the Potomac as the day ends.
*Watch the leaves fall off the trees.
*Micro Full Moon: 11/19/21
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
*Winter Waterfowl Return. Some pass through. Others gather. Ducks, geese, swans! (Eagles, of course.) Every so often you might see a gregarious coot...
DECEMBER - FEBRUARY
*Return of the mud flats- nature’s newspaper
*Micro Full Moon: 12/18/21
*Winter Solstice : 12/21
*Eagles Mate, easiest to observe on ice.
*Woods Welcome Wandering
After leaves fall, see the lay of the land and study the structure of trees.
ALL YEAR
* Great sunsets, sunrises, and insects. We have 240 degree view of horizon.
*Sparkles on the Water
*Vultures enjoy hanging around at the Beach
Learn to love and ID turkey and black vultures.

Property manager

John Staples
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Cancellation less than 60 days - deposit and cleaning fee returned and rental amount pro-rated based on ability to book the days you reserved.

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
Parties and events are allowed on site
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Bryans Road

Located in Bryans Road, this cottage is on the waterfront. George Washington's Mount Vernon is a notable landmark, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Potomac Mills and Springfield Town Center. Travelling with kids? Consider Fun Haven Golf and Pirate's Cove Water Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Bryans Road, MD

What's nearby

  • MGM National Harbor Casino - 32 min drive - 32.2 km
  • National Mall - 43 min drive - 44.6 km
  • George Washington's Mount Vernon - 46 min drive - 46.7 km
  • Arlington National Cemetery - 48 min drive - 48.4 km
  • Pohick Bay Regional Park - 58 min drive - 65.2 km

Getting around

  • Alexandria Station - 37 min drive
  • Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Goodies - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant - ‬46 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

Is Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies located?

Located on the waterfront, this family-friendly cottage is within 9 mi (15 km) of National Colonial Farm, Piscataway Park and Chapman State Park. Olde Forte Village Shopping Center and Mattawoman Natural Environment Area are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

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. 140 out of 148 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 148 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 148 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 148 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 148 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

ronna H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Time away
Beautiful property. Lots of birds. Iv will go back.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alane R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great nature getaway
This property has a beautiful private outdoor set-up that we thoroughly enjoyed. A walk along the boardwalk through the marshy pond area was always rewarded with a great Blue Heron sighting. We spent hours each morning on the dock watching 2 pair of bald eagles in the trees across the river with the binoculars provided by the host. The river was quiet, the neighborhood is rural and deer filled. The house had everything we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

James B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing
The cottage is great and very clean. The view from the dock is just spectacular. John and Carrie were great hosts. Highly recommend this home. Hope to visit again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wildlife
Such a cute little house and the most beautiful property. We saw deer, turkeys, butterflies and birds of all kinds. We watched the most beautiful sunsets every evening. Plus we were close to DC to see all history.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gustin S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
21st Birthday
Spent a long weekend celebrating our daughter who turned 21 on the 4th of July. The Potomac was awwsome and the use of the kayaks greatly appreciated. The cottage was clean and spacious.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

JESSICA K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing location
My friend and I are biologists who geek out to wildlife, and there was no shortage of wildlife here. From insects to birds to reptiles we saw it all. We had a wonderful time!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alice M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful as always!
We always love returning to this spectacular spot - so wild and still close to DC. Love the kayaking, the bird watching, the changing skies and loud frog chorus.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

rob s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Real life Jurassic Park.
You never know what wildlife experience you will have on the boardwalk. Amazing.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Stay!
We enjoyed fishing on the dock and the house was clean/comfortable. Would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Experience
Amazing location for nature lovers. Friendly property owners. We were there to see DC and the numerous historic sites around the area, but we spent one day just enjoying the property and the river. The house provides several Kayaks and a Canoe. This might not be the optimum location for those more comfortable in a modern downtown condo, but was absolutely perfect for us.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenny B., Harmony, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful cottage to relax in and enjoy within driving distance of DC.
This cottage was beautiful. The location was perfect for strolls and watching beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the water. The pier was amazing early in morning, watching and listening to the birds rustling and singing to each other. Even if the weather doesnt cooperate though, they've provided games and crafts for kids. Plus it's only 30 minutes from DC, so you can take in the museums and sights, without having to stay in the city. Its really the best of both types of vacation. Our hosts were very helpful and available if we needed anything. I'd absolutely recommend this cottage to anyone considering a trip to DC. Especially with children. You'll want to see the sights and museums, but none of that will match watching the sunrise through their eyes :)
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Beth B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise
There’s no place like Pink House! It’s full of serenity, adventure, and comfort.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Margaret M. G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The 'Sequel Visit' was even better than our 'Original Visit'
This was our second stay at this outstanding property. We were in awe during our first stay. Our second visit provided even more opportunity to discover hidden gems throughout this spectacular location. We love the outdoors of this property. We love the cozy cottage AND we appreciate the approachable, friendly demeanor of the superior hosts. We highly recommend this rental!!!!!!!!! Enjoy!!!!!!
Stayed 11 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte L., Braddock Heights

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Escape!
This was our third stay at Fenwick Cottage. Even though is was short we were able to relax and unwind. We continue to enjoy identifying new flora and fauna on the property, and witnessing the seasonal changes. John and Carrie are wonderful hosts, we always have fun, animated conversations with them.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anya H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Birder's & Boater's Paradise
Secluded, well maintained home surrounded by nature, tidal marshes, and the Potomac River offering endless wildlife viewing opportunities. We canoed and kayaked to a new spot every day. Property is just as gorgeous as in the pictures. Amazing biodiversity of plants, birds, animals, butterflies and more! Our second visit was even better than our first. Super hosts make sure you have all you need to enjoy the great outdoors.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gustavo N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
DC family trip
The place was immaculately clean. John was great at answering any questions. Very easy drive to DC. We used the kayaks one afternoon to see the sunset and check out the wildlife. We had a great time.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pam V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Dreamy stay
I love this property! House is immaculate and wildlife amazing!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Cheryl D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely spot on the water
The cottage was lovely. It is on the river and provides kaayaks. We spent every morning kayaking up the creek that comes in the Potomac just beyond the house. The only issue was that on our third night, the power went out for about 2 hours, which also meant that we had no water. The next night, the power was out due to a thunderstorm from before 6pm until about 4 am. Again, not only no electricity (for lights, fans, or a/c) or water during this time.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte L., Braddock Heights

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful Park-like Setting
This was our second stay at Fenwick Cottage. Once we discovered how magical the property was we needed to come back again for a longer stay. We had a rainy spell while we were here that seemed to bring out more of the wildlife than we saw previously. This time we saw a muskrat and a beaver daily sharing a lodge along the boardwalk. Plus raccoons along the beach. Our hearts broke for the osprey couple near the dock who lost their nest and fledgling, but felt hopeful as we saw them start rebuilding the nest before leaving. Sadness again as we saw that the raccoon had most likely dug up all the eggs that we watched the turtle patiently lay the day before. We roamed the paths and paddled in Pomonkey Creek and its marshes identifying plants. The cottage lacks for nothing. It is a relaxing space even during the rain. You have everything you need here. There's no reason to leave.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kory D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great spot for a small group for a bass tourney
Was a great stay at John's very convenient lots of birds and wildlife around and a nice dock on the river.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ashlee H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Love this place
We stayed with our 11, 9 and 3 year old and had a blast. The kids never wanted to come in. From exploring, collecting shells, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, jumping in water ! All was provided, even life jackets! Amazing time; my man satyed out on water until 3am every night; said it felt like he was living in a real life bass pro! Fish and animals all over! Absolutely beautiful!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jasmynn M., Tower City

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Truly Magical
Great host and location! I can only imagine how beautiful it must be over the changing seasons. Highly recommend. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
DC getaway
We booked this house but planned time in DC. Very easy drive to get to the city. The house was very cozy and the owners provided a lot of information for things in the area. House was well stocked with kitchen supplies which was nice for cooking. The view is amazing. It would have been nice to spend more time on the property but we didn't have time.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely delightful
Such a serene setting and a wonderful variety of wildlife. John and Carrie were wonderful hosts and I hope to visit again!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

sharen k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nature Lover's Paradise .. yet close to DC
We all were in AWE !! .. the moment we arrived !! My grandson (7) and my grown kids made a bee line to the lookout tower first thing !! All I could hear was " there's a bald eagle !! And another one !! And more !! Look at the Osprey nest !! If you're a nature lover .. this place is for you !! Right on the Potomac River on one side .. and Pomonkey creek on the other ! The kids loved the dock and kayaking !! Sunsets over the Potomac were serene and peaceful !! The pink "cottage " was more like an adorable house !! It's just that there's no carpets ..but there's great flooring ! Comfy assorted beds .. full fantastic kitchen .. great bathroom with amazing shower ... and SO MUCH MORE !! We ate our meals outside on the deck !! So cool ! The owner was amazing also .. he texted me with useful info when I told him we were going to DC to the Smithsonian.. Arlington .. and all !! We plan to return often !! This place is the best of both worlds ... great secluded nature setting .. yet only 30 min to DC .. we also went to Old Town Alexandria.. and to Fredericksburg to see the Civil War battlefields .. There's all kind of travel info in wonderful binders in the cottage .. can't say enough about this place !
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

About the host

Hosted by John Staples

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests