Entire home

Enjoy the Great Wicomico River

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If you have a boat, there is plenty of room at the pier.
The property is surrounded by forest and water.
Not your normal property. Entrance is an immense garage. House overlooks river.
Here is a view from the 2nd floor deck facing the river.
A good spot to enjoy the afternoon.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 3241.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Heathsville, VA
  • Northern Neck Farm Museum
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Heathsville Farmers' Market
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Rice's Hotel / Hughlett's Tavern
    ‪13 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 3)

Guest bedroom

1 Single Bed

Master bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Downstairs bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Master bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Enjoy the Great Wicomico River

We are pet-friendly. Pets are free. We have been off VRBO for a couple years, and are starting up again.

We are way out in the country. Our entrance is on pine needles with overhanging trees. The property is on 8 acres of forested waterfront. It has a private 150 foot pier and a library with over 2000 books. At night, be sure to try out the 1000m Meade telescope. Far from the city lights, you can see the Milky Way.

Although the 60-foot descent down the wooded trail to the pier is easy, the return trip can give you some exercise. If you'd like more exercise, there is a nice YMCA a few miles away, in Heathsville. They offer temporary memberships for visitors.

If you have your own boat, Cooper's Landing boat ramp is a couple hundred yards down river. You can launch and then dock your boat at our pier. If you'd like to take the jon boat out, please do! It is parked on the landing at the pier. We also have some fishing rods and a tackle box if you want to try your luck. There is a bait shop at the Sunoco station just up the road in Claraville.

The living room is my favorite spot. Two sliding glass doors give you a 180 degree view of the Great Wicomico River, and just out front is the wraparound deck. The house faces east-west, so the sun lights up the room. With a nice breeze, the ripples of the river reflect off the ceiling in the late afternoon.

Unlike other places which handle many people, we opted for less. We are set up for 3 people. We do have a WW-2 army cot, so if you have a 4th person and are willing to rough-it, that's fine. No extra charge.

We have cell service (3 bars upstairs). We also have free fiber broadband WiFi, with unlimited data and no throttling. The ultrawide 34-inch computer monitor in the office has both HDMI-to-HDMI and HDMI-to-USB adapters if you want to plug in your laptop.

Property manager

Mark Gearhart

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Check-in/out times are 3 pm and 11 am.
No hunting, no chopping down trees, and no ATV's.

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
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

About the area

Heathsville

Located in Heathsville, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Bush Mill Stream Natural Area Preserve and Hughlett Point Natural Area, while Northern Neck Farm Museum and Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library are cultural highlights. Reedville Fishermen's Museum and Kinsale Museum are also worth visiting. With power boating and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
Map
Heathsville, VA

What's nearby

  • Northern Neck Farm Museum - 7 min drive - 5.7 km
  • Heathsville Farmers' Market - 13 min drive - 10.3 km
  • Rice's Hotel / Hughlett's Tavern - 13 min drive - 10.4 km
  • Reedville Fishermen's Museum - 19 min drive - 18.4 km
  • Buzzard's Point Marina - 19 min drive - 17.3 km

Getting around

  • Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) - 103 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Subway - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Newsome's Restaurant - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Little River Seafood - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Horn Harbor Restaurant - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Los Patrones - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Enjoy the Great Wicomico River pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Enjoy the Great Wicomico River?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Enjoy the Great Wicomico River?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Enjoy the Great Wicomico River located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 3.1 mi (5 km) from Bush Mill Stream Natural Area Preserve and within 9 miles (15 km) of Northern Neck Farm Museum and Heathsville Farmers' Market. Rice's Hotel / Hughlett's Tavern and Cordreys Beach are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 18 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 18 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 18 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Richard S.

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

Absolutely wonderful!

Beautiful and very peaceful property and house. Definitely would stay again 😊
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ryan M.

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

Excellent week on the river.

My family had an excellent time during our stay in Heathsville. The property was great and the owner was very helpful pointing out amenities in the area and pointing us to a great Charter boat captain. The check in was very easy and was an overall great stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Curtis S., Woodbridge

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication

Secluded getaway

Except for the lack of television and the steep incline to get fron the pier to the house the house was great
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Richard B.

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

We had a great time… we are already talking about going back next year.

The house was really nice and spacious… It had everything we needed… and it was really nice that we could take our dogs. We spent a lot of time on the dock fishing…. Sunsets were beautiful! Already talking about going back next year.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Brian F.

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

Beautiful home on the water

Gorgeous location. Meticulously clean. Belle Island State park a short drive away. The lager bedroom got very warm (to be fair we were there during a heatwave).
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Annette H., Lovettsville, VA

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

Good weekend getaway

Labor day weekend getaway for 2 couples. Mark was super helpful throughout the whole process and even let us check in and out early. Best probably for one couple and kids. Bedroom in the basement isn't great since the bathroom is on another floor. It is a steep walk to the dock but easily doable. We went down there for sunsets. Nice to just sit on the back deck and see the river. House full of history!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mary K.

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

Great long weekend on the water

We really enjoyed our long weekend before the start of school for the kids. There were 3 adults and 3 teenagers and the dogs. We placed a cot in the library to create an extra bedroom. The private pier provided us with all we needed to enjoy our days in the sun and on the water. The Godspeed was docked and the teens enjoyed exploring the boat. We took the canoe on a few trips. Our only wish would have been a ladder on the pier to help the adults out of the water after swimming. The path to and from the river gave us quite the work out! I definitely wouldn’t recommend if you have any physical limitations. Thank you for a wonderful stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Scott W., Charlottesvilles, VA

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

Water, wind, words on a page

I am a host for several properties and also use VRBO when we travel. This may be the nicest place we have stayed in. First is the quiet solitude. Then there is the water views from multiple windows, including the bedroom when you awaken.Next are the thousands of books, I had a hard time focusing, but finished two. Then the artifacts in bookcases. The house has been updated, immaculate, and the host has also put thought into guest experience, such as night-lights on both floors, etc.The weather did not allow us to use the multiple porches,,decks, boats, which would add. I want to live there.!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great secluded place

We had a great time at Marks place. The property was well stocked, and had great access to the river and bay. Mark was very helpful with logistics for launching our boat. The dock was great. We caught a 11lb blue catfish off the dock the first night. Great weekend!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lawren W.

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

Amazing!

Mark's family home was beyond unexpected. This incredibly loved home is ideal for bibliophiles, nature lovers and history buffs. The reverence with which Mark displays his family's history; the Gearhart knitting machine, his father's hydrographic and sailing passions, it's beautiful. I booked Mark's home for my husband and my 24th wedding anniversary. We wanted a quick weekend getaway, somewhere quiet and on the water. Every step of our stay at Mark's home was more than we expected. My husband and I both love to read, but life is hectic and when we get home we're too tired for anything, let alone reading. We disconnected from the world for a few days, read Sherlock Holmes and poetry to each other, had sunset cocktails aboard Godspeed, crabbed and swam off the dock with our dog. Mark's home afforded us with what we both sorely needed, a reminder of the important things in life; family, nature, books, undistracted time with each other. We put the world away for a minute. This stay is by far one of our favorites. Everything we needed was here, it was pristinely clean and thoughtfully set up. The huge upstairs soaker tub was a really nice surprise too adding to the romance of our weekend 😜 Thank you Mark for everything, this weekend was incredible. Thank you for the honor of allowing us to stay in your family home. It was really good for us in so many ways. Rob and Lawren 💚
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Matt H., Midlothian

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

Great retreat

This property was just what our family needed having not vacationed in 2 years and still having concerns about more populated tourist areas. We had a very private and relaxing time. We watched the Perseid meteor shower one night laying on the dock which a memorable experience. There are great little towns in the area to visit. As the listing shows, there are a ton of books and the collectibles that adorn the house were really interesting. Mark has a great collection of tools and a huge garage. I never used any, but could imagine spending a few months there building a boat or working on some other project. Others commented on the hill to/from the dock. We didn't find it too difficult, but I could see others being limited and not able to get to the dock and back. I was disappointed that the motors for the skiff were both out of service during our stay since that was one of the top amenities leading me to chose this property. Fishing from the dock was not very exciting. There is no way to stream anything directly from the TV's; however, you can connect a device with an HDMI port or USB port to stream on the TV's. We enjoyed our stay, but would suggest a ladder at the dock for swimming; even if it's removable. Lastly, I would suggest possibly purchasing replacemen mattresses with a bit more cushion. It is a wonderful property and the owner is prompt in replying to any questions you may have. There's a lot of equipment at your disposal during your stay for outdoor fun. Aside from just a getaway, this would also be a great home base for someone with their own boat wanting fish for the week. The family loved viewing the meteor shower and going thrifting in the many towns in the area, as well as a visit to ACME Antiques. Thank you for a relaxing and memorable stay, Mark.

8/10 Good

Amy S., Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

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

Relaxing

The house was clean and very well kept. We were slightly disappointed we didn’t get to see the sailboat but overall had a great relaxing vacation.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kirsten A.

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

This place is a gem!

We had a great stay at Mark's place with our two small kids and dog. The house is gorgeous - feels like you are in a tree house with so many beautiful views of the woods and river. We enjoyed a paddle on the river and several nights and mornings out on the deck watching the birds. The book collection is incredible if you're into history and sailing! The house is very clean, well organized, and comfortable. We would also recommend Land and Sea Farm Market down the road for produce and seafood :) Thanks again for a lovely stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lisa R.

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

Peaceful

Truthfully I wish I had been staying longer. Waking up early and sitting out on the back deck listening to the birds was perfect. Spent a couple hours out on the pier taking pictures of turtles and heron. Our first night we had rain and sat in the screened in porch. We really felt relaxed by the time our stay was over and this house is in our top 3 places to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mark H.

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

Great Get Away!

Four of us looked to get away for a few days. Mark’s house was perfect. For the most part, the only sounds we heard were us and the birds. With Godspeed away, we spent a lot of time sitting on the dock watching the birds and some of the neighbors boat by. The house was full of interesting artifacts with stories explaining their significance. Mark was a great host leading up to our visit with no problems at all throughout our visit. Even the weather cooperated.

10/10 Excellent

Wendy R.

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

A Wonderful Experience

The property and house were amazing! There were many interesting artifacts and history involved with the house and owners. Having that background information made the house even that more wonderful. The owner kept the house very clean for our arrival and we were all very impressed.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Heather S.

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

Wonderful get away!

My husband and I with our two teenagers and dogs spent an amazing weekend at Mark's house. The house is beautiful, clean and so well loved. The collection of books, historical items and the telescope were so engaging, especially for my science and history inclined son. The dogs loved the back yard to run, and the porches and breezeway were perfect for keeping them contained when we needed to. We used the canoe and Jon boat, and enjoyed the water! There is a grocery store nearby. The restaurants we tried were only average, so foodies may want to bring food to cook. The kitchen is well equipped. We enjoyed Bush Mill stream park for a hike, it is 10 minutes away. Westmoreland state park is about an hour away, but it's a nice palce to visit as well.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mark M., Virginia

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

Perfect and restful giveaway

We very much enjoyed our getaway to this property. The house was clean and neighborhood very quiet and private. The river views made us feel like we were perched in a treehouse! My husband and son enjoyed canoeing and my daughter and I were very happy sitting on the lovely deck reading and resting. We were looking for a peaceful place to spend a few days and this was perfect. We appreciated the good communication with the homeowner and how clean everything was!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

About the host

Hosted by Mark Gearhart

Host profile image
I am a Virginia native, and my heart is in this land like a train track. I am old and relaxed, and take life easier than my younger years. When the property isn't booked, I am sometimes here, so the place is very clean and organized. My actual home is Godspeed, an ocean-going sailing vessel. I will have cast off by the time you arrive for your stay.

Why they chose this property

There is a lot to enjoy about this property, especially the 150 foot pier. We had to get a county exception to build one this long. The fishing and crabbing can be good, and there is 8 feet of depth off the end of the pier. We see jet skiers in the water all the time, so it is safe for a swim.

I cleared the road and built the house over 40 years ago. It contains historical items that you might find in American History Museums. The main road is named after my late friend Eugene Lewis. It is a normal country road which dead-ends right into farm fields. After that, there is nothing but a gravel road leading into the forest. Most of the land is state-owned and quiet, with wildlife large and small and very few neighbors.

What makes this property unique

This property stands out because of it's surroundings. The land has not been cleared, so there is forest everywhere. The house is at the highest part of High Point Trail, so its like living in a tree house with the Great Wicomico River stretched out below you.

The house was built in an east-west direction, and has lots of windows to catch the rising sun in the morning and the setting sun in the evening. If you like sunlight, this is the place to be. In fact, the upstairs main room is even called "the sunroom."

Languages:

English