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Cottage on Historic Estate with Private Beach & Majestic Long Island Sound View.

Waterfront cottage with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Cottage on Historic Estate with Private Beach & Majestic Long Island Sound View.

The view of the Sound & CT River mouth.
Udder Heaven is on the 2nd floor: 1st floor included - laundry & carport.
Typical sunset over looking the L. I. Sound and Connecticut River.
You will have the feeling of stepping back 100 years... Relax and enjoy!
A view from the walking, hiking & running trails towards beach

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 692.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Rocky Neck State Park
  • Place, Essex Steam Train
  • Place, Harvey's Beach
  • Airport, New Haven, CT (HVN-Tweed - New Haven Regional)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Living room

1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Cottage on Historic Estate with Private Beach & Majestic Long Island Sound View.

Udderly Spectacular By Nature!

*Note: If you are interested in our location but can't find availability for this property, check out our newest listing which is on the same estate: https://www.vrbo.com/3300112?dateless=true

If you are looking for a peaceful retreat with incredible water and natural landscapes, you have found it. This is the perfect location surrounded by nature.

This second floor farmhouse cottage is located on a private, historic family estate, and offers acres of open land with views of the Long Island Sound and the mouth of the Connecticut River. There is access to private beaches on the Long Island Sound where you will often be the only people you can see. There are plenty of things to do in the Old Lyme and surrounding area, with unique shops and art galleries.

Peaceful retreat: This secluded second floor cottage, located on a private lane, rests in a former barnyard with fantastic views of Long Island Sound, the mouth of the Conn. River, Saybrook lighthouses, marshes and coves teeming with birds (bird sanctuary). The space below (first floor) provides a laundry room, storage and carport. It is a short walk from Udder Heaven to a secluded beach on the Long Island Sound and another beach on a protected cove, open fields with walking, hiking and run paths are just the beginning of this quiet private retreat. This is a unique and special place to bird watch, especially osprey with many nest on the estate. If you enjoy photography, this is one of the best locations for unique photos and memories.

A huge deck for entertaining, a covered carport and laundry facility are included. It's name is 'Udder Heaven' because it once housed the dairy, when the farm was active.

Cottage details:

The cottage is on the second floor, requiring climbing stairs.

Dogs are welcome, $75 per week cleaning fee per dog is required. We ask smokers to use the deck just outside the living room. Pillows and blankets are supplied at no charge. Sheets and towels are provided for an additional $100 fee (select when booking). If you decide to bring your own linens (sheets) and towels, there are 2 twin beds and one queen bed, plus a convertible couch (double). The kitchen is fully equipped, and the cottage has ceiling fans and is air conditioned (quiet, ductless with compressor outside). Because there is no heat, the cottage is closed during winter. Utilities are part of the rent, and local phone service is provided. The following is also included with rental of Udder Heaven: Samsung flat screen 32' HDTV, DVD/VCR player, internet services. The normal rental period is from 4:00 PM on Saturday to 10:00 AM Saturday, so we can squeeze in a thorough cleaning.

Old Lyme environs: Old Lyme is a central location for many activities. Nearby are rivers and coves convenient for kayaking and sailing. The Mystic Seaport is a short distance away, as are Gillette's Castle, the Essex Steam Train (and boat ride), Devil's Hopyard Park, the Florence Griswold Art Museum, the Godspeed Opera House for summer shows, Chamard Vineyard, golf and fine dining (The Griswold Inn in Essex) and the best pizza, ice cream, and grinder shops in New England. Peace and quiet are the watchwords on this private lane. A complete visitors handbook is available in the cottage with directions to all the attractions and facilities nearby.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
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
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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 only
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smokers, please use the large deck.

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Take out the rubbish
Return the keys
As you check out, please leave the house key hanging on the hook by the door and leave the door unlocked.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Old Lyme

Located in Old Lyme, this cottage is on the waterfront. Ferry Landing State Park and Rocky Neck State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Saybrook Country Barn and The Book Barn. Stay and Play LLC and Childrens Museum of Southeastern Connecticut are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Old Lyme, CT

What's nearby

  • Rocky Neck State Park - 7 min drive - 7.1 km
  • Goose Island - 12 min drive - 9.8 km
  • Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center - 13 min drive - 13.4 km
  • Essex Steam Train - 15 min drive - 17.3 km
  • Harvey's Beach - 16 min drive - 16.5 km

Getting around

  • Old Saybrook Station - 9 min drive
  • New London, CT (GON-Groton - New London) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪James Farmacy Organic Cafe and Juice Bar - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Paperback Cafe - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Cocotte - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Saybrook Point Inn & Spa - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Teddy's Old Lyme Pizza Palace - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Cottage on Historic Estate with Private Beach & Majestic Long Island Sound View. pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at Cottage on Historic Estate with Private Beach & Majestic Long Island Sound View.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Cottage on Historic Estate with Private Beach & Majestic Long Island Sound View.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cottage on Historic Estate with Private Beach & Majestic Long Island Sound View.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Cottage on Historic Estate with Private Beach & Majestic Long Island Sound View. located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is 2 mi (3.3 km) from Lyme Academy of Fine Arts and 3 mi (4.9 km) from Old Lyme Historical Society. Florence Griswold Museum and Ferry Landing State Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 63 out of 65 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 65 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 65 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 65 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 65 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jean M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The perfect getaway run by the perfect host!
Stayed 28 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian T.

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

Beautiful setting

We had a great time in this incredible setting
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christina C.

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

OL Carriage House

Superb location on welcoming historic estate.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ray G., Wallingford

Perfect Week

Ths was our 4th time staying here and like the previous visits we thoroughly enjoyed our week.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa G.

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

Picture perfect!

We loved everything about this property. The views from the deck are stunning and serene. We enjoyed walking the paths, bird watching, star gazing at night on the deck and exploring the private beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Onna H.

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

A little slice of heaven

Amazing stay - so relaxing and quiet! Udder Heaven had everything we needed and it was tough to leave! We will definitely go back!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael B., Cheshire

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

Udder Heaven

The property is very beautiful and the view is spectacular. A very nice place to get away and have a quiet, relaxing vacation.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jadranka G.

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

Another great week!

Our second year and lovely relaxing time.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jean M.

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

Perfect Vacation Spot

Udder. Heaven is an absolutely amazing vacation place. Beautiful area, quiet, fabulous views and beach. I have been renting on the CT shore for 40 years. No place has come close to Udder Heaven.
Stayed 28 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

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

Favorite summer tradition

We love coming to Udder Heaven each summer and have many wonderful memories of family time together in this beautiful place.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

James S.

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

Udder Heaven is otherworldly and heavenly!

It does depend upon what you are looking for in a home away from home for your holiday experience. We wanted relaxed, quiet, beautiful views and a comfortable cottage. We were not looking for a luxurious home or a variety of amenities. You are in another world when you approach the entrance to Griswold Point--you are not on a paved road, there are no street lights, and you wind around other attractive homes until you reach the second floor cottage that is Udder Heaven. It has everything we could want for a comfortable home away from home, and the view from the deck is one we will always remember. There is so much to do within a day's drive of Old Lyme, and we visited art museums in New Haven, Hartford and the remarkable Florence Griswold Home and Museum in Old Lyme. We attended wonderful performances at Goodspeed Opera House and The Kate Arts center a short distance from our cottage. There is a wonderful supermarket--Big Y--that provides all that you need right in Old Lyme. The history of the Griswold family, going back ten generations to 1640, is amazing and something that you feel while you are walking around Griswold Point. This is a most unique place to stay and we felt honored to be able to share this most special experience with the Griswold family!
Stayed 9 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Coming here for 13 years and love every minute of our stay. It's a cherished family tradition.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage as adorable. Host was extremely accommodating. The property was breathtaking.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay J.

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

Beautiful spot!

This place was absolutely stunning! My family and I spent Memorial Day weekend at Udder Heaven, and what a piece of heave it is! My son and I walked the area and explored, and my husband flew his drone over to the lighthouses for pictures. Absolutely beautiful! The house was well stocked. The beach was close and so quiet and private. will say carrying some tick repellent bug spray is a must!! We definitely found some on us, but it is the season for them. When we put on the tick repellent spray, there wasn’t an issue. Thank you again for a wonderful stay!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jordan E.

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

Perfect Home away from home

Udder Heaven was just that! We were traveling to family and this spot caught our eye. Absolutely impressed with what Caroline has done here. We had several questions leading up to the stay and she answered them promptly. Our first night the hot water seemed to not work and Caroline checked it out as soon as possible and realized it was a tripped breaker. The cottage and grounds gave us the comfort of home but offered an array of things we don’t get to do daily. Our girls loved the beach even in October. The neighbors are friendly and welcoming and we hope to stay again soon. Thanks!!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dan P.

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

Quiet week at the beach

Beautiful property with easy access to a private beach. We will be back again!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Beth C.

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

Gorgeous estate

Loved the view & walk to the beach. Apartment was quaint and well equipped. Enjoyed meeting with the owners & family. Accommodating & friendly. My lab loved meeting the other dogs in the area.
Stayed 14 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jean M.

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

Udder Heaven

Absolutely perfect place for a vacation!!!
Stayed 21 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mirga D.

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

Beauty

Beautiful location. Beautiful grounds. Lodging was just right...everything needed to have a wonderful vacation.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shirley (Missy) M.

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

Memorial Day weekend at Udder Heaven

Beautiful property in Old Lyme Family owned, well appointed Perfect location for us visiting family And mountain biking Stunning weather and views Love to come back
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy t.

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

Great trip for kids.

This was a charming farmhouse home on beautiful property. Close to the town of Mystic and the Mystic Aquarium. The owner was very easy to communicate with.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jadranka G.

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

Lovely relaxing spot!!

Super clean, had pretty much everything we needed (more teaspoons and a broiling pan would be nice :). Comfortable bed, nice views. I was itching for a pair of clippers to trim the giant bush but I suspect it belongs to the neighbors house, would expand the view. Our favorite was being able to just drive to the beach and have it essentially to ourselves and the occasional walkers. Lots of birds, Monarch butterflies were fun and so many of them. We'll be back for sure. It was so nice to just be some 90mins from home and feel so far away!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rob M.

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

Wedding party

We were here for a wedding on the Griswold point. The convenience was great and it was a very cute cottage. I am a big fan of older homes with a history, and this former farm site has that. It did not hurt that the weather was incredible, as were the views.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas G.

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

Udder Heaven

My daughter and her husband spent there wedding night (and week) at Udder Heaven and were, well, yes in utter heaven! A nature lover's paradise, this home is absolutely lovely and charming. It has great bones, and utter escape from the hustle and bustle of the world. Don't think twice!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Phyllis M., East Hampton, CT

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

udder heaven

totally relaxing. Just what I was looking for! I will say there is a step from the deck into the rental that is unusually high that could be risky for anyone uneasy on their feet or unwary as it opens right onto the stairway.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

About the host

Hosted by Caroline Griswold

Host profile image
The property has been in the family for literally centuries, and relatives own the surrounding land. Generations have lived or visited here, enjoyed the uniqueness, the beach, the marshes and the fields.

Why they chose this property

This dwelling once was part of a working farm, where the dairy functions were carried out. Thus the name Udder Heaven arose. It sits in the old barnyard, building mainly used for storage and equipment. Udder Heaven is a single unit on the second floor, storage, car port and laundry are on the first floor.

What makes this property unique

Access to the marshes, Long Island Sound, beach, river, hiking trails and fields are the primary attraction. Artists sometimes visit and paint landscapes, and children find the beaches fantastic for collecting shells and pebbles. Birds abound with a plover sanctuary on Griswold Point.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests