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Historic Waterfront Home with Chesapeake Bay View. Sleeps 9. Close to the Beach

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Betterton Beachhouse - historic Buena Vista, overlooking the Chesapeake Bay
Expansive front porch overlooking the Chesapeake Bay and Sassafras River!
Plenty of porch seating for your entire group.
View from the porch. Enjoy ospreys and eagles, sailboats and ships.
Watch for our resident eagle nearby!

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

5 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Betterton, MD
  • Betterton Beach
    7 min walk
  • Elk Neck State Park
    79 min drive
  • Ripken Stadium
    82 min drive
  • Aberdeen, MD (APG-Phillips Army Airfield)
    88 min drive

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Captain's Room - Upstairs Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Downstairs Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed

Upstairs Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Captain's Half-Bath

Toilet

Downstairs

Toilet · Shower only

Upstairs

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Historic Waterfront Home with Chesapeake Bay View. Sleeps 9. Close to the Beach

Stunning view overlooking the Chesapeake Bay, and a quick 5 minute stroll to scenic Betterton Beach! This historic waterfront home offers everything you need for a relaxing vacation or family reunion.

Sit on the expansive porch with a cup of coffee and wait for eagle and osprey sightings, or just watch the ever-changing play of light and clouds as ships make their way up the Bay.

Cook meals in the fully appointed kitchen and enjoy family time in the adjacent dining room. Start a ballgame, set up a wading pool, or have a BBQ in the spacious backyard. The house can easily accommodate up to 9 adults and is equipped with fiber-optic wireless internet.

With this lovely old house on Bayside Boulevard as your home base, you'll be at the heart of Betterton, the "Jewel of the Chesapeake." Swim and sun at the beach, with its new bathhouse and outdoor shower. Take the kayak into the water, or take the kids up Main Street to enjoy the recently installed playground, with a splash pad.

Nearby towns of Chestertown, Galena, and Rock Hall offer great dining options, coffee shops, antique shopping, art galleries, and coastal culture. From Rock Hall you can charter a fishing boat, explore the Bay by sailboat, or pick up some steamed crabs to bring back and tuck into!

In the early 1900’s Buena Vista was a boarding house, where passengers who arrived on the ferry from Baltimore could stay while they vacationed in Betterton. She’s an old and creaky girl - over 100 years old, after all - but she's still gracious and comfortable, and ready to welcome you home!

NOTE: Buena Vista is a work in progress. We've updated the electrical system, and installed new AC/heat pumps upstairs and down, as well as a new washer and dryer. Carpeting has been replaced on the stairs and upstairs foyer and hall. In May '22 we remodeled the upstairs bathroom, adding a shower. We also added a half-bath to the Captain's Room. May '23 we stripped wallpaper and freshly painted two more bedrooms upstairs as well as the stairwell and upstairs hall. April '24 we installed a new refrigerator and dishwasher.

There is still old wallpaper in most rooms downstairs, and in one of the upstairs bedrooms. Much of it will eventually come down, but all living areas and bedrooms are comfortable and ready for you to enjoy.

Buena Vista is a grand old home and will provide you with plenty of room, quick and easy access to the beach, and of course that incomparable view!



Property manager

Bob and Debbie

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Please note that our house overlooks the Bay.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
Owners must give prior approval. May allow 2 dogs.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has 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 first aid kit

About the area

Betterton

Located in Betterton, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Betterton Beach and Wilmer Park, while Historical Society of Kent County Maryland and Garfield Center for the Arts at the Prince Theater are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Betterton, MD

What's nearby

  • Betterton Beach - 7 min walk
  • Washington College - 20 min drive
  • Elk Neck State Park - 79 min drive
  • Ripken Stadium - 82 min drive
  • Cedar Lane Regional Park - 87 min drive

Getting around

  • Perryville Station - 64 min drive
  • Baltimore, MD (MTN-Martin State) - 107 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Marzellas by the Bay - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Barbara's on the Bay - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Molly Mason's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Stoltzfus Family Restaurant - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪K-B Market and Kitchen School - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic Waterfront Home with Chesapeake Bay View. Sleeps 9. Close to the Beach pet-friendly?

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

What time is check-in at Historic Waterfront Home with Chesapeake Bay View. Sleeps 9. Close to the Beach?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic Waterfront Home with Chesapeake Bay View. Sleeps 9. Close to the Beach?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Historic Waterfront Home with Chesapeake Bay View. Sleeps 9. Close to the Beach located?

This family-friendly Betterton holiday home is located on the waterfront, 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Betterton Beach, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Washington College and Crow Farm and Vineyard. Wilmer Park and Historical Society of Kent County Maryland are also within 16 miles (25 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. 31 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 35 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ann F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Betterton in September
The house was very comfortable and suited us perfectly. We loved sitting on the porch drinking our coffee in the morning watching the ever-changing water views and eagles flying overhead. The house was also very close to the beach and at this time of the year, we often had the beach to ourselves.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stacy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Weekend Get Away
Debbie was a great communicator and very generous with allowing us to check in early - such a treat! The kitchen is well appointed and we were all impressed with the great bath towels and bed linens. The one thing to point out is that while this is a water front property, I didn't realize from the pictures, that its on a cliff, so you couldn't fish from the front of the property like I was imagining prior to arriving; luckily the walk to the beach was a short one so our kiddos fished from there. Overall a wonderful, relaxing stay with lots of bald eagle sightings!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Helen J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location for family trip
This house has many bedrooms and is only a short distance from the beach. It has a great view of the bay from the front porch overlooking a bluff. The kitchen has lots of counter space and the carpeted laundry room can serve as a rec room. Many things are provided including games and beach supplies. We hope to stay her again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jill S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful destination
Buena Vista is a charming historic home with modern updates overlooking a beautiful river view. The house is comfortable and generously stocked. The hostess is quick to reply to inquiries. I enjoyed swimming and watching sunsets at the beach which is a 5 minute walk away.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing House in a Relaxing Spot
This is the perfect house - great spot right on the bay in Betterton, plenty of space, and everything you need for a relaxing vacation. We had a great time and can't wait to come back again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

J W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing view
Truly an unobstructed view of the bay. Property was very clean, and had plenty of space for 9 people (7 adults, 2 teens.) Excellent communication w/ host and well-stocked with kitchen supplies, linens, and outdoor equipment for your stay. The front porch was missing some screens and needed a little cleaning and sprucing up for the summer season. Overall, a wonderful stay, and our family made a lot of great memories at Buena Vista!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Pequea group
It was a great getaway for our church group!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

katie d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing weekend at Buena Vista
This was our second stay here. The property is well appointed for a relaxing stay with 5-star views! Lots of room for family to spread out and relax, and the kitchen has everything you need to make delicious meals. Betterton is extra relaxing with its beautiful views and quiet stillness. We'll be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Duane G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What an astonishingly property
I had rented this property with a friend for a long weekend a summer ago - and just decided to throw caution to the wind and try for a week away at Thanksgiving. The property was available and created an amazing memory. A few things - Betterton is pretty remote and small town - you do not go here for things to do. You go here for things to get away from. The nearest store is 15 minutes away and the nearest grocery story is 15 miles away. This was perfect. A friend and I planned it perfectly - and brought a turkey and enjoyed it completely. First the house is magnificent -right on the water and except for the wind - you don't hear a sound. It's not just well appointed - but INCREDIBLY well appointed - every kitchen utensil, appliance, spice, dish, or whatever is there. Except for you groceries you won't need a thing. They have books, games, puzzles, and even a TV - but nobody even turned it on. Generally - the morning started with coffee and evolved into a slow breakfast. Followed by working on last night's jigsaw puzzle - which led into a lunch of leftovers. And a nap and a book. Or a walk. About 4pm we'd figure out a dinner plan and by 6pm were yawning and went back to book time. By 8pm it was time for bed. Every single night. PERFECTLY quiet. I cannot compliment the communication and assistance of the owner - I had a few questions -and we didn't go more than a few minutes without a text reply. I will definitely be back! -
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Emily B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house with a great location!
We had a wonderful stay at Buena Vista! Debbie was so responsive with answering all my questions as we were getting ready. The house is so well stocked with every amenity. It has such charm! For being such an old house, everything was comfortable - the dual zone AC worked great! We absolutely loved the location. The views of the bay were beautiful, and we loved sitting on the porch to enjoy them. The walk to the beach was very easy, even for the little ones and our carts full of stuff. We had a great time!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pamela B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Beach House
This is a wonderful beach house for families! There were many bedroom options for our family including one on the first floor. There are beautiful views from the front porch and from many of the rooms in the house. The kitchen was well equipped with everything that we needed. It is an older house that the owners are updating and they have done a great job so far! They are also super responsive and very easy to work with! The beach is a short walk down a path and the neighborhood is pretty and quiet and the people in town seemed really friendly. There is not a lot to do in town, but there are some cute towns within a half hour ride. My family loved it and we can't wait to return!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gretchen H., Los Angeles, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Dog friendly rental on the east side of Chesapeake Bay
This is a beautiful well appointed old school and pet friendly 5 bedroom home with an exquisite view of the Chesapeake Bay and a short walk to a public beach. The owners are welcoming and stay discreetly in touch. It is a wonderful spot for a family reunion.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

katie d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Betterton Visit
Buena Vista was well equipped and super relaxing.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Judy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay at Betterton beach
We with our friends spent a few days at Betterton beach on the Buena Vista property, and everyone enjoyed our stay even though we had lots of rain! We took three couples along with us and they enjoyed their stay also! Very cozy and clean was the property ! Yes the property was what we expected, and we were very pleased! Judy
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michele D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Friends getaway
Home was a fantastic location for our friends Weekend getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

theresa p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome
Wonderful property.owners were very easy to work with.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rachel, Pikesville

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect spot for a getaway
We had a wonderful time at Buena Vista. The location was amazing and the house was even better than the photos. We had all the members of our family and there was plenty of space to be comfortable, but beautiful places to gather together for meals, games, and catching up. The house was sweet and charming and all the things a beach house should be. The little touches - from the decor to the well-appointed kitchen made it a great experience. The owners posted a disclaimer about the house being a "work in progress" but on the practical side, the amenities were great. The kitchen, bathrooms, and furnishings are all clean and comfortable. There were plenty of outlets for charging all the electronics and anything we could have wanted was there. Our family had a great time sitting on the porch watching birds and boats go by and the super short walk to the beach was perfect. Even on a holiday weekend, the beach wasn't overcrowded, and we had a great time.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kerri D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Better in Betterton!!!
This property provided EVERYTHING we needed for an amazing Girls Getaway Weekend! Our hosts were so helpful and gracious I cannot begin to describe all they did for us. This home is comfy, clean, and so full of charm with the most gorgeous views. We all agreed that everything is Better in Betterton!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent property
Everything was very clean!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

4/10 Poor

Stephen E.

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice place
As noted in listing, some updating still being done, but overall quiet location, clean property.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gail P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Slice of Heaven
The views from this property are breathtaking. The house is comfortable and charming. Debbie was responsive and very helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jenifer M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Transcending
If I were a novelist, I would write about this cottage. Located on a cliff overlooking a glistening bay, with an eagle soaring above, it inspires clarity and imagination. Lovely neighbors promenade their dogs each morning passed the porch, saying "hello" and sometimes engaging in talk about Bob's family and long history in Betterton. We walked the short distance along the path to the beach for a sunrise and sunset swim. During the afternoon, we held an engagement BBQ for a happy couple in the yard by the cliff, hosting a small group of friends and their children. It was the perfect setting for celebrating romance. Celebrating the couple was the purpose of our stay. They had traveled from Los Angeles to DC and were heading to NYC as part of their pre-wedding tour. The bridesmaids (and partners) wanted a retreat somewhere perfect, end-of-summer, as part of the tour. Debbie was an amazing hostess! She exceeded our expectations and provided so much information to help make the stay and BBQ perfect. As recommended, we visited Chestertown farmers market, bought fresh steamed crabs in Rock Hall, and frequented the Betterton beach each day of our trip. There were so many things we didn't do, we plan to come back! The cottage is itself a delight, with a screened-in porch for coffee or dining, and all of the amenities you could want in your own home. My daughter, 5, was absolutely delighted by the little closet doors upstairs. The kitchen had everything we needed and more! We're all cooks so this was a nice surprise. There are games for kids, comfortable rooms, and plenty of quaint corners to relax and read. The downstairs bedroom is adjacent to a bathroom and furnished sitting room. We closed the doors to this "engagement suite" and decorated it with flowers for the couple. And still had plenty of room for the rest of us (6 others) to spread out. I highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Linda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My husband was working out of town so we stayed with him at Buena Vista while he was working closew
We had the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets from the front of the house
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Frances R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Waterfront wonderful
This is an amazing place. Truly magical and the hosts were fantastic. Will definitely return!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

About the host

Hosted by Bob and Debbie

Host profile image
Hi! While Bob grew up in Maryland, and Debbie in California, we spend most of our time in Texas, where we raised our children. We love to travel, and our children caught that bug as well, with the seven of them living with their families in 5 different states. So Betterton is our eastern headquarters, a great place for family to rendezvous!

Why they chose this property

We bought our first house, Betterton Beachhouse, after years of bringing our kids to Betterton during summer visits to their grandparents. After offering it on VRBO for several years we had a chance to buy a larger house, Buena Vista, just across the alley, overlooking the Chesapeake Bay! Buena Vista is just as comfortable and as close to the beach as is Betterton Beachhouse, and also offers magnificent views! We hope you enjoy, as we do, the lovely beach, friendly neighbors and quiet pace of life. May you leave refreshed, with great memories of time well spent in Betterton.

What makes this property unique

Covered porch with views of the Chesapeake Bay and Sassafras River.

Languages:

English, Spanish
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