your own Private beach, adjacent nature preserve-Sunset Dunes Cape Charles, VA
WELCOME TO SUNSET DUNES!!
You arrive by driving through a half-mile stretch of old-growth forest—unchanged since the first settlers arrived here centuries ago. Towering trees filter the light, slow your pace, and quietly prepare you for the sea air just ahead.
As soon as you roll up the driveway, you’ll notice a striking Foo-Dog family flanking the home. Commissioned by the owner from China and hand carved from beautiful red marble. Together, they quietly guard the home—symbolizing protection, balance, and welcoming.
Once you enter the home you’re immersed into a blend of coastal comfort, history and luxury with stunning views of the Chesapeake through the enormous windows. You've arrived.
Sunset Dunes is part of a ten-thousand-acre parcel granted in the early 1600s to Ensign Thomas Savage - The nations "First Settler"....ever. —born in 1594 and gifted to the Powhatan Indians at just fourteen years old by the sea captain who brought him to Virginia. Savage later became instrumental in facilitating trade between the Indigenous people and the European ships arriving from across the Atlantic. Much of what surrounds you remains unchanged… and carefully protected.
From the house, you have direct access to your own private beach, along with more than four miles of connected, white-sand shoreline—entirely walkable and rarely shared.
Part of this stretch passes through the 298-acre Savage Neck Dunes Nature Preserve, fronting on the bay and offering miles of winding walking trails through pristine dunes. All perfect for Morning walks, quiet afternoons and sunsets that seem to pause time.
This is coastal living the way it once was—and rarely found anymore. This four-bedroom Cape Cod–style home blends elegant nautical design with a warm, rustic sensibility that is studded with original art and high end, elegant features throughout.
You'll notice handmade and commissioned wildlife sculptures and historic and pre-historic artifacts—many discovered right here along Virginia’s Eastern Shore. This is a home that tells stories—subtlety, beautifully and authentically.
At the heart of the home is a chef’s kitchen, anchored by a spectacularly long island with seating for six and multiple potential work stations for kitchen adventures or professional catch ups.
The kitchen features a Wolf induction cooktop and convection oven, and is fully equipped for preparing a complete holiday meal—right down to baking and pastry tools.
A five-stage reverse osmosis water system boasts 99%+ purified drinking water and ice, while those who appreciate the character of excellent well-water will still enjoy it throughout the home’s standard faucets.
The stunning kitchen backsplash is a work of art itself with one-of-a-kind, handmade Raku glass tiles that shift in color as light and perspective change.
The open-floor plan offers sweeping, unobstructed views through expansive panoramic windows. The 8 top dining table is custom made Cherry with Kosmos granite from when the earth was formed and has additional kitchen storage cabinetry underneath and at each end.
An easy on/off gas fireplace sits at the center of the living space, framed by a heavily carved mahogany mantle, and has a built-in fan that gently circulates warmth throughout the room.
In winter months, the tile floors are heated, adding quiet comfort underfoot. You’ll notice there are no carpets or rugs throughout the main living areas, making it easy to keep sand and outdoor elements in check. Only the staircase is carpeted, thoughtfully done for safety.
Fully updated bathrooms feature new vanities, medicine cabinets, vessel sinks and leathered Kosmos granite countertops.
The first-floor bath showcases something truly rare—a sink carved from a fossil-rich slab quarried in Morocco, displaying intricate marine life fossils from the Devonian Age, dating back 360 to 420 million years. At Sunset Dunes History here isn’t behind glass—it’s woven into your everyday experience.
Step onto the screened porch with skylights—perfect for enjoying summer rain, coastal breezes, and beautiful sunsets leading to a spectacular night sky.
The spacious patio invites grilling, outdoor dining, and sun-soaked afternoons. And when the beach calls, it’s just 50 yards away, down a gentle, serpentine path lined with conch shells, leading you straight to the sand.
Modern comforts are seamlessly integrated throughout the home. Each bedroom includes charging stations, and Alexa provides on-demand access to over 100 million songs, curated playlists, podcasts, games, and puzzles—entirely guest-controlled with a simple power-up.
Warp Speed Starlink internet, newly added for 2026, ensures reliable connectivity even in this secluded setting.
For those needing additional space, there is an apartment above the garage (available for a supplement) featuring a kitchenette, steam shower, personal sauna, and a private outdoor balcony—offering what many consider the best sunrise view on the property.
As night falls, the sky reveals itself. Spectacular sunsets give way to moonsets, and an extraordinarily dark night sky—packed with stars and a clear view to constellations and the edge of the Milky Way.
This is a place to slow down and reconnect—with nature, history, and with each other. Sunset Dunes will leave you with incredible memories for life.
S
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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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Eastville
Located in Eastville, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Chesapeake Bay and Cape Charles Beach. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and horse riding.
Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
Cape Charles Beach - 23 min drive - 26.7 km
Bay Creek Golf Club - 26 min drive - 27.4 km
Kiptopeke State Park - 31 min drive - 36.6 km
Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge - 33 min drive - 39.9 km
Getting around
Newport News, VA (PHF-Newport News - Williamsburg Intl.) - 90 min drive
Restaurants
Small’s Smokehouse - 15 min drive
Hardee's - 14 min drive
McDonald's - 15 min drive
Top China - 16 min drive
The Shanty - 20 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is your own Private beach, adjacent nature preserve-Sunset Dunes Cape Charles, VA pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at your own Private beach, adjacent nature preserve-Sunset Dunes Cape Charles, VA?
As of 9 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at your own Private beach, adjacent nature preserve-Sunset Dunes Cape Charles, VA on 19 October 2026 start from NZ$1,619, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at your own Private beach, adjacent nature preserve-Sunset Dunes Cape Charles, VA?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at your own Private beach, adjacent nature preserve-Sunset Dunes Cape Charles, VA?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at your own Private beach, adjacent nature preserve-Sunset Dunes Cape Charles, VA?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is your own Private beach, adjacent nature preserve-Sunset Dunes Cape Charles, VA located?
Nestled on the beach, this Eastville holiday home is just steps away from Chesapeake Bay and Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve. Tankards Beach and Wilkins Beach are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
What an awesome property!!!! Best experience I have had in 5 years! Host are wonderful to work with. Highly recommend this property for special occasions and exceptional quality and clean.
Michelle A.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 December 2022
Jing and I are delighted you and your guests enjoyed Sunset Dunes so much over the thanksgiving holiday. we strive to keep it in top shape and the location simply cannot be beat if one is looking for privacy. the 4 miles of secluded beach, rife with wildlife and treasures is just the bonus. we'd be happy to welcome you back any time.
thank you!
Great house on a private beach.
Beautiful view of the bay. House has everything you ed could want. Public beach open as well. Most restaurants in town were closed during the week.
Jim M.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 4 August 2021
Thank you Jim for the comments and for being a respectful guest and following the house rules. I'm sorry to hear that most of the restaurants were closed. what I've been finding this summer is most are open for at least 5 days but tend to be full quickly. going on off hours and making reservations in advance is what helps us to get in when visiting. there have been about 5 new restaurants added in the last 2 years on top of the 6 or 7 that already existed.
I'll see about updating the my list on the house manual to include all the options. right now it would be from south to north......Royal farms (world class chicken), Stingrays, cape charles brewing company, ambrogia, Hook at harvey, oyster farm, C-pier at the oyster farm marina, Shanty, Tims breakfast and lunch, the two bakeries, the hotel in town, Kellys pub. deadrise pizza, pizza place on rt. 13 just outside of Cape charles, Mc Donalds, Hardees and in eastville, there is Yuk and Joes right in town. and then a few places north in Exmore. some of those are open 7 days. Also, I heard the golf club is back open for lunch and dinner (was only for members for a bit). so that would be about 20. within prox 7-10 miles. I will say however, when we lived there......the food always seemed to be better at home. Thank you again Jim for visiting Sunset Dunes.
The location and property is beautiful! We enjoyed the house and fabulous kitchen, since we cooked most of our meals. Comfortable house, great views, private beach, abundant wildlife, extra kitchen amenities, big table for cards and games, lovely screened-in porch for sunset watching, a kayak for a little bay exercise--this place had everything we wanted for a peaceful and private vacation with family and friends! We would definitely recommend this to anyone!
Sarah C.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 6 August 2021
Thank you Sarah for your review. Jing and I are so glad you and yours had such a great time. we would welcome you folks back any time. thank you for your respectful treatment of the property and the house rules. next time you come back we'll have an outdoor shower stall where the wash station currently sits. that is on the agenda for September during Jing and my stay.
What a beautiful house and property! The views of the water from inside the house are unbelievable. The house was beautifully decorated. The beds were very comfortable. And the beach! We had so much fun playing on the sand bar during low tide. Highly recommend this property. Great host. Thanks for a memorable long weekend!!
Ryan F.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 June 2022
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Sunset Dunes in Cape Charles, VA. We're so glad you and your group enjoyed your stay. I loved your idea of playing bocce on the sand bars. As an FYI, I've already placed the contract on the door replacement and I thank you for sharing your thoughts on the matter.
we'd be happy to host you and your crew again anytime.
JB & Jing
We would like to thank JB and Jing for allowing us to stay at their property, it was absolutely stunning. We truly enjoyed every aspect this property has to offer but really enjoyed the wildlife we saw every day...From bald eagles, osprey, hummingbirds to a few snakes (they don't bother you) and of course all the deer. We also enjoyed walking on the beach and hanging out at the sand bar. Absolutely no complaints, we had a great time!!!
Greg C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 August 2022
Jing and I are grateful you seemed to enjoy the place for what it is.....a lovely property situated at the edge of a forest and fronting on the bay. The wildlife is up close and personal and just doesn't stop. Those sand bars are pretty cool too. would love to host your group again anytime.
We've had a truly wonderful vacation at Sunset Dunes! Unbelievable that we were also fortunate to have perfect autumn weather the entire stay, too, offering us many opportunities to walk on the beach and delight in gorgeous morning sunrises and stunning sunsets. Unforgettable. We were very much spoiled by the easy access to the beach and savored the shore breezes coming off the Chesapeake Bay as well as the expansiveness of your beautiful house!
Michael W.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 October 2022
Thank you Michael. Jing and I were honored to have been able to host you and your wife for your 50th and able to flex the dates to help you dodge Ian in doing so. we're both glad the weather cooperated perfectly for you and that you enjoyed the place for what we've tried to create. You folks were perfect guests and would be welcomed back any time!!
Sunset Dunes was an incredible property. Beautiful home with all of the amenities one could ask for. The property itself was even better. Acres and acres of dense woods on the back side and the Chesapeake Bay on the front side. Cape Charles was a quaint little town, but much of it was closing down as it was late September/October and it was behind the traditional tourist season. Would definitely visit again!
We really really liked the location, the private beach access. The house was totally clean, very nicely decorated. Ideal distance from grocery store and the town with restaurants and shopping. I was there with my several kids aged 8-18, and I would consider it maybe not the best place for kids under 16 just because kids are prone to have too much indoor energy to feel totally comfortable around nice but breakable decor. My communication with the owner suggests he would probably concur with that assessment. Overall we definitely enjoyed our time there. A favorite vacation for sure.
Where to even begin with Sunset Dunes? My wife and I chose this rental to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary and we couldnt be more happy with that choice. Its overwhelming to even begin describing how amazing this property is. Form the beautiful beach to the amazing forest and the incredible house that ties it all together. We've stayed at a lot of places all around Virginia and Sunset Dunes is by far the best we have ever stayed at before. Lots of places to explore or if you want you could just stay on the beach the whole time. Up to you! Special thanks to JB for the great communication before and during our trip. I also couldnt leave this review without mention how great the filtered water is. To the point that my wife is looking into adding the filtration system in our own home lol. So long story short if you are thinking about renting here do not hesitate. You will not be disappointed!
Photos do not do justice to the property inside or outside
This was one of the most amazing houses we ever stayed at. The house is a high quality construction. Great floors, furniture appliances and powerful and quiet ACsystem which is essential for a beach vacation.
The house sits in a beautiful Pineywood right next to the beach. The beach is literally hundred steps away. You enjoy a an amazing smell of pines and dunes and can see the bay right from the house in the back porch.
The kids spent all the time in the water. The adults took long walks along the beach in both directions. We also enjoyed our dinners on the back porch looking at the most incredible sunset and later at the stars and the fire flies.
The house was spotless and really appreciated the rules about keeping the scent out of the house. This made our stay very pleasant and comfortable.
Thank you very much! We hope to come back soon.
Vera O.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 8 July 2022
WOW!!! we're so glad you enjoyed your stay and obviously have an eye for detail and appreciate all our effort at making the Sunset Dunes experience a one of a kind in the world class setting that it is. we'd love to have you back any time and grateful for your feedback.
I chose this for a special family gathering and it more than lived up to expectations. The house is ideally situated for a group that enjoys outdoor exploration and provides the space and privacy for a wide age range. You can walk for miles along the beach in either direction or through the woods to the Savage Neck Preserve adjacent to the property. The sunsets are spectacular.We appreciated the single kayak provided - we'd also brought a canoe and kayak so spent a lot of time on the water. A beach umbrella would have been helpful. The house itself, along with the garage apartment which we rented, was perfect for our group. It is spacious and cool, immaculately clean and very well equipped. The kitchen layout is good and there is ample storage space for groceries there and in the pantry. We would have liked a couple of large serving bowls. We would have used the outside patio for dining, but the evenng sun is on it, so an umbrella for the table would be useful. We used the screened-in porch with its comfortable chairs a lot for reading and quiet time. The teens and young adults appreciated the large screen TV. The owners asks guests not to use outdoor shoes in the house and makes it very easy, providing baskets for shoes in the entry way - the lovely outdoor shower and hose also makes keeping the sand outside easy.
Communication with the owner was excellent, with any questions answered promptly. The house manual is very detailed - a couple of suggestions: we thought that it had probably been added to as needed over time and could do with an edit; also, include information about recycling (single-stream recycling at the very efficient Eastville transfer station).
Many thanks to JB and Jing for sharing their house, which they have equipped and furnished with great thoughtfulness.
Janet P.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 July 2022
Thank you Janet for the very nice review. On some of your preference items, I will say that perhaps with all the cabinetry in the peninsula, island, DR table drawers and cabinets and the large pantry that perhaps many of the serving containers may not have been properly located. whenever we stay there, we try to arrange the kitchen tools and such in the same logical fashion that we used it. I know we did thanksgiving for 8 people last year and we had 11 courses and there were ample platters, serving bowls, and such. And I do remember having to hunt for them because they had been put in other locations by the guests. Your suggestion for a large salad bowl is one that I will resolve in the very near future. there was one there previously. I will hunt for it and if missing, I'll replace it. I'm glad you were able to avail yourselves of both the outdoor shower and hot and cold wash hose adjacent to it. On the recycling, I provided the phone number in the manual for the solid waste disposal and recycling station in Eastville. On editing the house manual, I'm doing that constantly because the guests always find something else they feel should be included. tho I will say, 90% of the time, it's already in there.
Most people don't read it, but if they do, it will make house operation far easier and also reveal some great details about the area and places to consider. and I'd probably get fewer texts, calls and emails ;0)
Jing and I are so glad you and your group had a great time and you would be welcomed back any time. wishing you a great end to your summer.
The house was is very nice and well appointed. Downstairs space is very open with beach views. Enjoyed walking to state park right next door for daily walks. Drive to town about 15 min was no big deal. Host very helpful. The biggest negative -which really wasn’t a big deal -was the master bedroom shares bathroom with room next door, but doors can be locked. Overall, the entire family very much enjoyed their time in Cape Charles !!
Our family stayed at this home for an end of summer relaxing beach vacation. It was a beautiful home to stay in. We loved the woods surrounding the house and easy walk on the path to the private beach area.
JOSEPH L.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 August 2021
Thank you Kindly Joseph for the review. Jing and I love to share our home with those who appreciate the privacy, nature and natural beach it offers.
Hope to see you return.
The property was phenomenal views were awesome and the area is great. Highly recommend property.
Brett W.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 19 August 2021
Thank you for the review Brett. we're so glad you and your fishing buddies enjoyed the place. Thank you for respecting the house rules and our home and hope to see you back again.
JB & Jing
We rented the main house for 4 nights -- we had perfect weather and a great time on the awesome private beach. Upstairs the 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms have an odd Jack and Jill set up so there is no real master bedroom unless you rent the space above the garage. The 3rd bathroom is on the 1st floor and is very nice. Make sure you bring a few extra rolls of toilet paper and paper towels because you might run out. Overall, loved it and hope to rent it again next summer!
Renee S.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 16 August 2021
thank you for the review Renee. we're glad you and your guests loved the place. on the paper products, you make an interesting point and I'll most likely modify the house manual to include the word "sundries" along with being responsible for managing their own food and such. you probably noticed we supplied first round + one extra which is common practice for house or condo rentals. Even tho this is the first time we've received this comment I feel it warrants clarification so that at least people will know what to expect in the future. thank you for your input and hope to see you again in the future.
What a wonderful vacation. I have to say that this is truly not a typical rental house. From the moment you turn off the highway, through the fields, past the dozens of deer, and down the winding gravel road under a forest canopy - you know this will be special. The house sits on a rise in the woods. Wall-to-wall windows frame both views: the woods you just arrived through and then then the bay through the trees on the other.
The house was immaculate. I don't know how you do this in a beach house, but there wasn't one grain of sand ANYWHERE. The great room housed the high-end kitchen, giant marble dining room, and living room. It was perfect for our group. We cooked almost every night. All of the appliances, kitchen supplies, utensils, etc were perfect. You don't feel like you are in a rental house - you feel like you are in a home. Everything is organized, cleaned, & designed with care.
The crushed shell path through the trees and dunes is lined with large white conch shells. The beach itself is amazing. It is absolutely private. We got spoiled very quickly. I don't think we saw another person until the 4th day in - just small specks down the beach. The bay itself is beautiful. We waded out at low tide to at least 100 to 150 yards out - water was just up to our waists.
We fished every day out past the sandbar - but didn't get a nibble. (I'm sure there were fish, but, we are probably the worst fishermen on earth).
If you are looking for quiet, private (I should say remote), and unbelievably beautiful, this could be the place. We all miss it already.
Anthony T.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 11 August 2021
Thank you Anthony!! Jing and I are so glad that you and your guests seemed to enjoy all the details of the exact experience we are trying to share. Sunset Dunes is truly an amazing place for those that love adventure, privacy and wildlife. Sorry about the fishing....there are fish in there.....big fish. Stripers and such. they like live bait.....eels, bunker, etc. all available at the bait store south on 13 near kiptopeake. the Cape Charles bait store may have some but I'm not sure if they have the same variety of live selections. I've gone out and harvested oysters from the breakwalls at times. they are clustered and take a bit of work to break apart and clean appropriately but they are delicious. we are putting in an outdoor shower stall this september where the outdoor wash station is currently located so that will be there for you when you return. Thank you for your kind and creatively written review. We are so glad you folks had such a great time.
JB and Jing.
Property offers solitude and relaxation. Nice beach. Saw lots of wildlife.
Ruth H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 20 July 2021
Thank you for your review Ruth. Jing and I are so glad you and your group had a relaxing time in the privacy and convenience that Sunset Dunes has to offer. we lived there for 6 years and upgraded it to be our forever home with all the conveniences and tools for a remote life of quiet luxury and wild beauty. being only 10 minutes away from Cape Charles provides all the charm of that small town with some excellent food options too. you and your guests are welcomed back any time.
Wonderful property designed smartly, cared for meticulously and decorated with lovely fossils and art collections. We were able to easily have our much desired peace. If you have an elderly family member be aware that the beds are all on the second floor. My kids are very respectful of other people’s things and if you bring your children just make sure that they are as well, given the potential breakable items. The sunsets over the bay are spectacular.
Prakash B.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2021
About the host
Hosted by john barney (JB)
I bought this as my forever home and 6 years in the wife decides she wants to go back to living in a city. so it is now a rental that we enjoy when possible.
Why they chose this property
seclusion, private beach, sunsets over the water, abundant nature and wildlife all make this place suitable for total relaxation. Everyday is a treasure hunt because the place and the adjacent beaches are rife with artifacts, fossils, antiques + all the usual benefits of a beach except this one comes with super low....almost non-existent human traffic. Nicely appointed with custom furniture and original art.
What makes this property unique
private beach, private sunning area at the house. fully equipped gourmet kitchen with all the tools. newly renovated master bath and 4th bedroom added to use in the house. Suitable for cooking a full holiday meal. super privacy and adjacent right next to Savage Neck Dunes Nature preserve area with hundreds of acres of beachfront and wooded dunes with beautiful nature trails. outdoor dining area, screened porch only one other residence within a mile and then all nature preserve. Eagles, Ospreys, Owl's and other raptors abound. all the other usual wildlife that comes with being surrounded by hundreds of acres of woods. house is situated on 70 acres of owned wooded property. Custom high end touches and custom work throughout the house with unique nautical and wild life art.