House boat

A Cozy And Classic Hatteras 43' Yacht In One Of The Best James River Locations

Photo gallery for A Cozy And Classic Hatteras 43' Yacht In One Of The Best James River Locations

The Cookie B. at rest in a beautiful oxbow of the historic James River
Cleaning and fogging as reccommended by cdc to kill both sars and covid viruses
Safely berthed
Easy boarding
Your host, Captain Ron

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 437.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

Map
Richmond, VA
  • Richmond National Battlefield Park
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Dorey Park
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Broad Street
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.)
    ‪20 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

A Cozy And Classic Hatteras 43' Yacht In One Of The Best James River Locations

Note: If chosen nights not available check out my other very similar boat the GiaMaria.

The "Cookie B" is a 43' Hatteras yacht sporting a 12' x16' main salon with designer carpets, a sound system, a 40" TV, an antique Coca Cola table and chair set and a new sleeper sofa, installed july 2024. Her galley/kitchen is outfitted with a state of the art induction cook-top, cookware and red retro appliances, including a 3/4 sized fridge, coffee pot and toaster,. The master stateroom sports 10" memory foamed mattresses and pillows that have been topped with quality linens and coverlets. The re-decorated master bathroom has been equipped with a silent flush Jabsco electric toilet, light fixtures, floor coverings and paint. Outside, the "Cookie B" has a covered stern deck that is just the ticket for morning coffee or evening drinks. There is a large bow deck for enjoying a sunny day or starry evenings, and there is not a more beautiful view of the James to be had whether looking east or west. It can be beyond peaceful on nights when hoot owls call to one another from across the narrow channel on Hatcher's island. And because we are moored in a shallow oxbow of the original James River (the part where Chief Powhatan, Pocahontas, Captain John Smith, President Lincoln, the Marquis de Lafayette, Benedict Arnold, and so many other notables passed within a few feet of your bow, it is easy to visualize those folks, those times, and those events that have shaped our country right here where you will be sitting. But there is another bonus to where the "Cookie B" is docked, and that is, there is never any commercial traffic, or rough water because we are protected on all four sides from heavy winds and storms.
To get here is also a treat because you will enter the property by way of Hoke Brady, a National Park Service road, then continue on through a coded gate and travel for a short time past some beautiful farmland. Then as you descend the hill to the marina, you will pass a sign that says 4 1/2 MPH where you will get your first long glimpse of the beautiful James River. But be careful in the park because wildlife is everywhere, and so might be a park police radar. There is so much here to explore and enjoy in our little "piece of heaven" that it is difficult to know what to describe. Our ice is free as is our lighted parking lot which is videoed 24/7 and in view of the "Cookie B". So come and enjoy, you will not be disappointed.


Property manager

Captain Ron Blaha or Gianna Blaha de Leon
Premier Host

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: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Nearby children's playground and parks and trails.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Pets must be approved
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Outside on deck
Children 12 and under must wear life vest at all times when on the dock. No smoking inside of the vessel. More than 4 guest must be approved by owner.

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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Richmond

Located in Richmond, this houseboat is in the city centre and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Presquile National Wildlife Refuge and Pocahontas State Park, while Virginia Aviation Museum and Edgar Allan Poe Museum are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Richmond Coliseum, or consider a night out at Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Richmond, VA

What's nearby

  • Richmond National Battlefield Park - 12 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Dorey Park - 14 min drive - 9.7 km
  • Broad Street - 23 min drive - 19.5 km
  • Virginia Commonwealth University - 25 min drive - 22.5 km
  • Greater Richmond Convention Center - 26 min drive - 22.5 km

Getting around

  • Richmond Main Street Station - 23 min drive
  • Richmond, VA (RIC-Richmond Intl.) - 20 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Taphouse at Rivers Bend - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬24 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A Cozy And Classic Hatteras 43' Yacht In One Of The Best James River Locations pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at A Cozy And Classic Hatteras 43' Yacht In One Of The Best James River Locations?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A Cozy And Classic Hatteras 43' Yacht In One Of The Best James River Locations?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is A Cozy And Classic Hatteras 43' Yacht In One Of The Best James River Locations located?

Located in the heart of Richmond, this houseboat is steps from James River and within 6 mi (10 km) of Richmond National Battlefield Park and Dorey Park. Malvern Hill Battlefield Park and White Oak Village are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 89 out of 101 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 101 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 101 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 101 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 101 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Stephen F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Beth C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sawyer B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun to try something different
Wife and I were in town for a wedding. We decided to try something different and it did not disappoint!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kirsten D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful and Peaceful
So relaxing and peaceful-just as advertised. I checked in late and Captain Ron was there to greet me and was so helpful and friendly. Keep in mind, this is an old boat on the water so don’t expect resort accommodations which was perfectly fine by me. My little dogs loved exploring the docks and woods nearby. I plan to return soon and try out Captain Ron’s other boat.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chad C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful quiet spot
Beautiful property on the James river. One of our favorites spots to go for privacy and to catch some nice catfish. My son loves that we are staying on a an actual boat and that all we have to do is wake up and walk upstairs to go fishing. The boat has had some very nice recent upgrades and is always very clean. Captain Ron is always a pleasure to work with and speak to. Can't wait until this time next year!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dawnette G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Little Piece of Heaven
If you are looking for peace, quiet and beauty...this is your stay. The only sounds come from the water or the sky. It is a secure location that provides just one more level of separation of the "real world". There are plenty of places for those who want to go out int he world. Within 5 minutes there is food, within 10 minutes there are restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, the life of Richmond is within 30 minutes. I will stay again if we are ever here again! Captain Ron is a delight and more than hospitable.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Colleen P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful Adventure
We had a lovely time . The houseboat was exactly as advertised. We had everything we needed to have a great time and Captain Dan was wonderful and very helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Most Awesome Vacation of my life!
This was the most fun vacation we have ever taken. "Captain" Ron became a great friend. His life story is amazing. The "Ship Copy" of the book he authored was very amazing and my husband, especially, seemed to identify with him in many ways. We met some of his family, who we just fell in love with. We fished, watched beautiful sunsets, took hundreds of pictures, and enjoyed the beauty of the Yacht. My husband is a retired U.S. Navy Chief, and he relived his time as sea with his own stories relayed to Captain Ron. We were so thrilled to finally find a place that did not charge for pets. We have four long hair chihuahuas who don't appreciate us leaving them behind. Thank you, Ron, for allowing us to bring our 4 pets. We look forward to many, many trips back to this yacht and to reconnect with the Captain!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judy D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quaint home on a vintage boat!
Cozy and Classic! We enjoyed cat fishing off the boat. AC worked great, bed was very comfortable! Cute little galley kitchen. We would definitely come back. Captain Ron was very accommodating
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susanna B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Boat on the James River
Really cool boat stay with an excellent host!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jill P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Even better than I imagined
Captain Ron went well out of his way to meet us personally and walk us through the boat, show us how everything worked and to make sure we were comfortable and felt at home. I can't express how welcome he made us feel. Neither of us had been on that type of boat before, but everything was very easy. The living room was larger than we had thought; I think it's even larger than ours at home. The large, comfortable couch and armchair were much appreciated. The bed was very comfortable and no motion of the water could be felt (but it would have been comforting if it had). There were several ways to heat the boat, even in the unexpected chilly weather we had one night. Although the shower was a little tight for my wide shouldered husband, there was a building nearby with good sized, heated, private showers at the yacht basin. The area is gated, private and we felt very safe. Captain Ron is very knowledgeable about the area and was able tell us some of the history of the area. I only wish we had time to hear his tales of his time at sea and up & down the James River. If we ever return to the area again, I hope we can stay on the Cookie B again and have more time to explore the area's rich history and to visit with Ron. I would feel safe there, even as a woman traveling alone.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dawn P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Rare Find
The property was as advertised and much more. All modern conveniences including excellent WiFi. The scenery around the boat is both beautiful and historic, close to all tourist attractions in and around Richmond. The rarest find, however, is the property owner, Captain Ron. Not only is he well versed in the history of the James River, but he is actually a part of the history itself. Captain Ron is engaging and entertaining regarding not only the the lore of the area, but also of life generally. We are thankful for the opportunity to lodge on his boat, but especially for the opportunity to meet this extraordinary man. The Cookie B and Captain Ron receive our highest recommendation.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christina A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Private getaway
Highly recommend. Very relaxing with national parks surrounding. Awesome Italian restaurant down the street to enjoy back on the deck. Clean and dog friendly. Wish we could have stayed longer.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
First time on a boat!
First time experience on a boat - not sure what to have expected. Capt. Ron greeted us upon arrival and gave us a brief overview including some history of James River. The part that we enjoyed the most was sitting out reading one of Capt Ron’s own personal books while the sun was setting continuing onto into the evening! I wished we had more time to read all of it!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Colleen B., Charlotte, NC

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unique stay
My friend and I spent one night on Captain Ron's yacht. It was a cozy, lovely experience. Captain Ron met us at the dock and gave us an introductory tour, pointing out any little quirks we needed to know about for the best possible experience. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ahmed H H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice, peaceful experience
Per our notation in the guest book — the relaxed, gentle sway of the Cookie B was exactly what our souls needed. Captain Ron was a wonderful, gracious, interresting, and flexible host. My husband picked up Captain Ron’s book and could not put it down. 💕
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Paul B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Richmond Stay
Captain Ron is a top notch host!
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paula H., Virginia Beach, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a wonderful experience!
We had a wonderful time on the river! Captain Ron was very accommodating and pleasant to talk to. He genuinely wants his guests to have an enjoyable experience. And a huge thank you to Maria, Ron’s daughter, for being so helpful. We had everything we needed on the boat and cooked most of our meals in the galley. We ate out once, at Portabella's Italian Restaurant and they make a great pie. We caught blue gill and catfish from the boat and were lucky enough to see bald eagles over the tree tops. This was a very fun trip and we plan on going back again in the fall.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Kira J.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
It was a good place for the one night I was there
Unfortunately I was in the hospital for part of my stay so I do not have much to say about the check-in process the person who was also on the trip said that there were no paper towels and a few other things missing at check-in and that the second bathroom was locked but not noted in the description as well as the no paper towels being not noted in the description. I believe Captain Ron told her he was going to amend the description to include those details. Other than that, it was a good overnight break. Unfortunately my friend who came to visit us did not have a car to drive around places to pick up paper towels and such due to me being in the hospital. I know that she requested paper towels.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Becky C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A night aboard ship
An amazing adventure spent aboard ship. The beds were very comfortable. The kitchen was small but had all we needed to cook our meals. Sitting on deck as the sun went down was beautiful while we were there the water was looked like glass and very still. Nice get away to relax and recharge. The owners are great folks to work with excellent communication with guests.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely quiet stay
I have a mobility problem and wear a brace. I love boats but hadn’t stayed on one since my most recent injury and found the boat challenging. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. Internet and tv connections were not perfect but Maria did her best to hook me up. All was well until the rainstorm knocked everything out.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ricky S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
One of our favorite places
We just had our third visit to the boat and loved it as much as the first time. The weather has been a little different for each trip but we still enjoyed it just the same. Hoping to get a few more nights in before the end if the year. Ron was a delight as always.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gene H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Captain alone is enough for another visit! A very interesting and kind man.
The views were amazing, near by food delicious and the drive was simple as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Patricia A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great quiet place to relax
Capt. Ron was amazing. Clearly communicated and assisted with check in and details of the marina and surrounding area. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

2/10 Terrible

Gary B.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, listing accuracy
Sad and misleading / Request REFUND
Please REFUND. Not 400 SQ ' of usable space-maybe half. Only stayed 4 hours. Sound System is boom box, Front half of boat is locked off storage, Unhealthy mold on inside of cabin windows, Poorly cleaned, blinds gummy and dirty, Front bathroom not usable, back bathroom toilet requires getting water from sink to flush, Covered stern deck unfinished and used for storage, cushions to set on bow in bad shape. Gangplank and stairs to galley both unsafe and barely attached. Captain Ron tried to smooze past all of the discrepancies. We left after 4 hours. Regrets but misleading and uncomfortable. PLEASE REFUND!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

About the host

Hosted by Captain Ron Blaha or Gianna Blaha de Leon

Host profile image
Photo: Captain Ron with daughter Gianna... I am a retired tugboat owner-skipper/ builder/published author/history buff, reorganizer/Colonel in the Virginia State Guard with many years of living along the James and Appomattox Rivers, a former sailor who lived aboard my 41' Formosa ketch in the Bahama Islands. And I also enjoy fishing both salt and fresh water, but not as a regular diet, the same goes for relic hunting, most sports, and watching TV However, I am definitely a get in my old car and go anywhere kinda guy. I prefer burgers and fries to steaks, and the only bad deserts have been made when someone forgot to load them up with sugar! But most of all, I love my family and friends, even the friends who I have not met yet. And I refuse to be afraid of anything, unless of course it is my wife.

Why they chose this property

This Hatteras Corporation built this classic yacht which became one of the smartest looking and safest designed boats in the entire world which and feel from the first moment you step on her deck or go inside of the vessel which has been built from floor to ceiling with mahogany walls and trim, a feature found only in the most expensive vessels.
Outside on the bow there is a huge sun deck, while the stern deck is smaller, but covered. But one of the best perks of all, is that the Cookie B is located on a private dock in a private marina, with only four other vessels , and one of them is my houseboat the GiaMaria who like the Cookie B carries a 4.9 star rating.

What makes this property unique

And if you like history, then you will love staying on the historic homeplace of Pocahontas, her father Chief Powhatan and America's first English settlements in the new world (Jamestown and Henricus). The Indian massacre of 1622 took place here as did battles during the revolutionary war and also the civil war. In fact, the marina's property is located on the site of the battle of New Market Heights. Bird life is everywhere, including Bald Eagles, Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Little Green Herons, Hawks, Song Birds, Humming Birds, Prothonotary Warblers and Hoot Owls. So, if you enjoy such creatures, then you have come to the right place. And if you like four legged creatures, you are also in luck, because our forest are full of them., But if you prefer the two legged kind that inhabits our nightlife scene, you will find them at the nearby and brand new, LILY PAD CAFE, or in Shockoe Bottom, Scott's Addition or Carytown. Like sports? We have the new COLONIAL CAPIOLTRAIL. It is a paved bike/walk/running trail that goes all the way from Richmond to Williamsburg/Jamestown, a total of 52 miles. Or, you can canoe, fish, sail, and so on right here in the beautiful James River. And when it is time to go out for dinner, the LILY PAD CAFE IS ONLY TWO MILES AWY AND IT IS ALL OUT DOOR SEATING UNDER A CIRCUS LIKE TENT WITH AMPLE HEATERS. And if craft brewski is your thing, then you are in luck, Richmond was recently named the #3 craft brewery city in the country, with Legends Brewery receiving the #1 national award for its light beer!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests