Historic cottage is steps from the beach on a glorious seaside estate!

The "Studio" is a rustic stone cottage, originally built in 1905 as an artist's studio and expanded in the 1950s with a kitchen, bathroom, and three bedrooms. It is located at the edge of a small cove with an expansive view of Ipswich Bay. At high tide, the house is just steps from the water; when the tide goes down, it reveals a broad silver mica-sand beach. A gorgeous white-sand beach is a 2-minute walk away.

This is all part of our family's private estate, one of the most beautiful hidden gems of the New England coast. The estate has been in our family since the 1860s, and is dotted with historic mansions and other houses (about 20 in total), all still belonging to descendants of the original owner, who was a state governor and Civil War general. It comprises fifty-five rolling acres of meadows, forest, marshgrass and rocky granite shoreline, with a white-sand crescent beach, the flat mica beach which the Studio overlooks, a granite swimming pier, a lily pond, and a wild peninsula where you can fish for striped bass or just contemplate the waves. It's excellent for kayaking (bring your own or rent in nearby Rockport), and also has two tennis courts and a playground, all overlooking the sea. It's a small paradise for nature lovers, from the tidal pools out on the rocks to the incredible variety of avian visitors, including snowy egrets, belted kingfishers, and occasional bald eagles.

The delights of the Studio include vintage and antique furnishings; making s'mores in the big stone fireplace; and the view from the master bedroom, where you can sit with a cup of coffee and watch gulls and sandpipers on the beach below. (The living room and kitchen have wonderful water views, as well.)

The spacious main living/dining area is illuminated by a large north-facing skylight. The dining table seats 6 (and extends to seat 8). The living room area, centered around the fireplace, comfortably seats 6. The far end of the space includes another table that's just right for a two-person game of cards, or for quiet work on a laptop computer.

The house sleeps 5. The bedrooms are very small, but pleasant. The master bedroom has one queen bed, a light and airy atmosphere, and a stunning view of the tranquil beach and cove. (At high tide, you almost feel as if you're looking out from a ship's cabin.) The front bedroom has two twin beds; the single bedroom tucked down the hall has one twin bed.

The kitchen, which is compact but charming and functional, includes a small breakfast table and a clothes washer & dryer.

The bathroom has a stall shower, and a private laundry area out back that is perfect for hanging bathing suits and towels.

The stone terrace is an idyllic spot to sit and enjoy the view at any time of day.

WiFi internet service is included. The house is available May through October. It is not heated (apart from the living room fireplace and a couple of space heaters), so please take the variable New England weather into account for rentals in spring & fall.

We love sharing this unique and beautiful place with guests. Please feel free to contact the owner/manager, Bonnie, with any questions.