Entire home

Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies

Riverside cottage with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies

Cottage and tidal pool with boardwalk to pier on Pomonkey Bay
Cottage and Pomonkey Creek 2 mile paddle to headwaters.
Cottage and Pomonkey Bay and Pier
Elevated walkway over tidal pool
Walkway over tidal pool to pier and Pomonkey Creek

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 5148.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, St. Charles Towne Center
  • Place, MGM National Harbor Casino
  • Place, George Washington's Mount Vernon
  • Airport, Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Lower living room

1 Single Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies

Only 35 minutes from DC yet a world away! Flat water Kayaker's Fisherman Nature lovers Heaven, Central air-conditioned 2 bedroom and 1.5 bath waterfront cottage, 2000 feet of waterfront with ten mile sunset view over the Potomac River, and sunrise view up Pomonkey Creek. Planet watcher's love it here. Gated compound complete with 200 foot pier, 24 foot tall observation tower, and 600 foot long elevated walkway along tidal pool. Spectacular eagle, osprey, butterflies, dragon flies water fowl. Kayaks, canoe all equipment provided. King size bed, Queen size bed and California Single all with thermopedic pads. Well-equipped kitchen for your eat-in pleasure. Internet service included is Verizon Fios Wireless which is usually reliable.
FENWICK COTTAGE SEASONS
Pack binoculars, magnifying glasses, flashlights, cameras, journals and art supplies.
Welcome to Intense Nature! AKA Weed Tourism! AKA Wildflower Magic! Guided wildflower walks available on request. Plus introduction to iNaturalist app!
Mother Nature follows her own schedule, sometimes early, sometimes late...but always great!
Compare sunsets and unsets.
JANUARY-FEBRUARY
*First Fingers of Ice on Pomonkey Creek.
Crack thin ice into sparkling shards with your kayak!
*River Ice Concerts if really cold-
*Extra-Special Eagle Watch: Sometimes the Potomac River freezes all the way across. Eagles mate on the ice.
*Full Moon: 1/28/21
*Full Moon: 2/27/21
JANUARY-MARCH
*Time of Most Dramatic Red Sunsets
*Time to Collect Dinosaur Pinecones-
Our meta-sequoia/dawn redwood was here in the time of dinosaurs.
MARCH
*Morel season (Knowledgable guests found dozens in area!)
*Full Moon 3/28/21
*Spring Equinox (03/22)
APRIL
*Return of the Turtles
You wouldn’t be the first to see snapping turtles mating in the pond!
*Super Full Moon: 4/26/21
APRIL-MAY
*Yellow Flags circle the pond! (Wild irises!)
Think “Monet”! Paint your own masterpiece.
*Super Full Moon: 5/26/21
APRIL-AUGUST
*Osprey Return and Nest
How many chicks will hatch this year?
*Full Moon: 7/23/21
APRIL-OCTOBER
*Endless Wildflowers
Note for purple lovers: Ironweed and Joe-Pye Weed (which collect giant bouquets of butterflies) bloom in August.
MAY
*Mulberries ripen.
Edible. Some people like to eat them. Used by colonists to dye wool.
*Baby Groundhugs and Raccoons emerge from burrows to vacuum up their beloved mulberries. Prepare to laugh. They also climb trees.
*Buttercups abound.
JUNE
*Summer Solstice (6/21)
How much can you do on the longest day?
*Full Moon: 6/24/21
JULY
*Marsh Mallow/hibiscus
Our biggest flowers! And yes, the colonists used them to make marshmallow. Ask for recipe.
*Full Moon: 7/23/21
JULY-SEPTEMBER
*Bubblegum Tree Blooms
Whenever she feels like it. There is a time when the cottage and the crepe myrtle (Tonto) are the same shade of pink!
*Great Egret Afternoons on the Pond-
Take fishing lessons from a bird. Learn to fish from/like a bird
AUGUST
*Dragonflies swarm! Learn to sex dragons. Meet Ketchup and Mustard.
*Green Heron Family visits pond
*Blue Moon: 8/22/21
SEPTEMBER
*Canada Geese Practice Flocking
Goose families gather to meet their cousins and practice group “V” formations.
*Eagle Pair Reclaim their Spot/Branch on/in Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata). Native.
*Full Moon: 9/20/21
*Autumn Equinox (9/21). Around equinox song bird migration N to S
*Groundhugs spend more time underground
OCTOBER
*Indian Summer
*Full Moon: 10/20/21
*Eagle Pairs can be seen flying together in mating patterns.
*Autumn Colors! Unique maple display at entrance to Marshall Hall on way to boat ramp.
*Monarch Migration
*Canada geese fly in ribbons across the sky.
NOVEMBER
*Special sunsets tinged with gold, yellow-gold and rose-gold. Lovely kayaking on the Potomac as the day ends.
*Watch the leaves fall off the trees.
*Micro Full Moon: 11/19/21
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
*Winter Waterfowl Return. Some pass through. Others gather. Ducks, geese, swans! (Eagles, of course.) Every so often you might see a gregarious coot...
DECEMBER - FEBRUARY
*Return of the mud flats- nature’s newspaper
*Micro Full Moon: 12/18/21
*Winter Solstice : 12/21
*Eagles Mate, easiest to observe on ice.
*Woods Welcome Wandering
After leaves fall, see the lay of the land and study the structure of trees.
ALL YEAR
* Great sunsets, sunrises, and insects. We have 240 degree view of horizon.
*Sparkles on the Water
*Vultures enjoy hanging around at the Beach
Learn to love and ID turkey and black vultures.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Cancellation less than 60 days - deposit and cleaning fee returned and rental amount pro-rated based on ability to book the days you reserved.

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
Parties and events are allowed on site
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 required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Bryans Road

Located in Bryans Road, this cottage is on the waterfront. Port Tobacco Courthouse and Fort Washington Park are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Chapman State Park and Smallwood State Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Pirate's Cove Water Park and The Polka Dot Divas. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Bryans Road, MD

What's nearby

  • St. Charles Towne Center - 33 min drive - 27.2 km
  • MGM National Harbor Casino - 37 min drive - 33.2 km
  • Fort Washington Park - 42 min drive - 27.5 km
  • George Washington's Mount Vernon - 54 min drive - 50.6 km
  • Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House - 56 min drive - 52.4 km

Getting around

  • Alexandria Station - 37 min drive
  • Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Goodie's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬51 min drive
  • ‪Clarity Coffee House - ‬20 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies located?

Located on the waterfront, this family-friendly cottage is within 9 mi (15 km) of Charles County Public Library Potomac Branch, Accokeek Neighborhood Park and Piscataway Park. Chapman State Park and Accokeek Branch Library are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 149 out of 157 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 157 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 157 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 157 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 157 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Katie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed all the wildlife and kayaking. The cottage was clean and a great home base away from the hustle and bustle, but still accessible to DC.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Megan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
As always, loved our stay here! One of our favorite places for fishing!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

James B.

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

Relaxing

The cottage is great and very clean. The view from the dock is just spectacular. John and Carrie were great hosts. Highly recommend this home. Hope to visit again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alice M.

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

Beautiful as always!

We always love returning to this spectacular spot - so wild and still close to DC. Love the kayaking, the bird watching, the changing skies and loud frog chorus.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne H.

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

Peaceful

This was exactly what we were looking for. Relaxing and peaceful and we were still able to enjoy the sites around the area. Will need to come back when the weather is warmer to enjoy the water more.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

rob s.

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

Real life Jurassic Park.

You never know what wildlife experience you will have on the boardwalk. Amazing.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura L.

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

Hidden Nature Getaway Near the Big City

Just so unexpected that this peaceful, quiet,beautiful, natural, and preserved environment could exist at the end of a small semi-rural community less than half an hour away from Washington DC. A hidden treasure for those who enjoy being near nature and also having comfortable and safe lodging. Exceptionally clean and well stocked with lots of hospitality.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Margaret M. G.

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

The 'Sequel Visit' was even better than our 'Original Visit'

This was our second stay at this outstanding property. We were in awe during our first stay. Our second visit provided even more opportunity to discover hidden gems throughout this spectacular location. We love the outdoors of this property. We love the cozy cottage AND we appreciate the approachable, friendly demeanor of the superior hosts. We highly recommend this rental!!!!!!!!! Enjoy!!!!!!
Stayed 11 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah M.

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

DC getaway

We booked this house but planned time in DC. Very easy drive to get to the city. The house was very cozy and the owners provided a lot of information for things in the area. House was well stocked with kitchen supplies which was nice for cooking. The view is amazing. It would have been nice to spend more time on the property but we didn't have time.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cindy M.

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

beautiful and relaxing spot in nature

We loved our week at this property!!!!!! Clean, neat, super well stocked. Quiet with beautiful views of river, stream, marsh, woods. Birds of all variety, deer, fish, bullfrogs, tree frogs, lightening bugs. Local history to explore. Great breakfast and lunch at the local Lunch Box Diner. Easy trip to Alexandria in 35 minutes. John was the perfect host. Can't say enough good things about this property. We will be back!!! Thank you John!!!
Stayed 8 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jenny B., Harmony, USA

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

Beautiful cottage to relax in and enjoy within driving distance of DC.

This cottage was beautiful. The location was perfect for strolls and watching beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the water. The pier was amazing early in morning, watching and listening to the birds rustling and singing to each other. Even if the weather doesnt cooperate though, they've provided games and crafts for kids. Plus it's only 30 minutes from DC, so you can take in the museums and sights, without having to stay in the city. Its really the best of both types of vacation. Our hosts were very helpful and available if we needed anything. I'd absolutely recommend this cottage to anyone considering a trip to DC. Especially with children. You'll want to see the sights and museums, but none of that will match watching the sunrise through their eyes :)
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tyler C.

I loved it here!

Loved it here. The house may look a bit small and dated on the outside but is very nice and well kept inside and surprisingly spacious. The beds are very comfortable. Kitchen has everything you would need for a fish fry :). There's a nice place (bird tower?) to watch birds or sunsets just steps from the front door (this overlooks Pomonkey Creek). A wooden pathway leads from the property to the river (crosses over a small pond with tons of aquatic wildlife). Included with rental are an assortment of kayaks (5) and canoe (1). We enjoyed paddling these to Pomonkey creek (saw multiple bald eagles and herons). During our stay the river was high and discolored from the rain but we still had some good fishing (excellent opportunities for blue catfish right off the dock). The owner is very nice and available for anything you need. I can't wait to come back, thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Clint H., Nottingham, MD

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

Like living on a private nature preserve

Not only did the owners make sure we had a wealth of information about the property and all it's wonderful features, the cottage was clean and had the feel of a home more than just some place you rented. The grounds live up to the description, and if you didn't know better you'd think you were living on a nature preserve. The sounds and sights of the outdoors are just a sliding door away and I was able to see herons, geese, turtles, tree frogs, and a slew of other critters on my daily walks. Anglers will especially enjoy this property as the tide pool will tell you if the tide is coming in and out and how far along it is with just a glance, and the sea grass around the dock is like heaven for snakeheads, one of the greatest fighting fish in the mid atlantic. With thousands of feet of shoreline at your disposal, you'll be sure to find a spot that will feed the family (we sure did). One of the most understated features is the observation tower. Not only do the daytime views provide an overlook of the Pomonkey Creek and the Potomac, but at night the stargazing is incredible, We had a great stay and no matter what your family's interests, you're sure to find something here for everyone.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

sharen k.

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

Nature Lover's Paradise .. yet close to DC

We all were in AWE !! .. the moment we arrived !! My grandson (7) and my grown kids made a bee line to the lookout tower first thing !! All I could hear was " there's a bald eagle !! And another one !! And more !! Look at the Osprey nest !! If you're a nature lover .. this place is for you !! Right on the Potomac River on one side .. and Pomonkey creek on the other ! The kids loved the dock and kayaking !! Sunsets over the Potomac were serene and peaceful !! The pink "cottage " was more like an adorable house !! It's just that there's no carpets ..but there's great flooring ! Comfy assorted beds .. full fantastic kitchen .. great bathroom with amazing shower ... and SO MUCH MORE !! We ate our meals outside on the deck !! So cool ! The owner was amazing also .. he texted me with useful info when I told him we were going to DC to the Smithsonian.. Arlington .. and all !! We plan to return often !! This place is the best of both worlds ... great secluded nature setting .. yet only 30 min to DC .. we also went to Old Town Alexandria.. and to Fredericksburg to see the Civil War battlefields .. There's all kind of travel info in wonderful binders in the cottage .. can't say enough about this place !
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alane R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The location of this property is fantastic! We love a morning walk on the boardwalk through the marsh, coffee on the dock, sunset on the river, and all the special touches provided by the host. The birding is unbelievable! Nice and secluded with restaurants and groceries not too far away.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

JESSICA K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I cant rave enough about the location. If you are a biology nerd you are going to love this place. Ive never seen so many butterflies and we caught catfish off of the dock. Also if you are a fossil hunter there are some great sites within driving distance. This is the first rental property my friends and I have visited twice.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our 4th stay at this cottage. It is such a magical place! We celebrated my father's 91st birthday this visit. He loved the accessibility to tidal pond boardwalk.
Boardwalk looking towards dock in the river
Dock at sunset
Transition from boardwalk to dock
Dock supervisors
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
John and Carrie where amazing and the cottage was exactly what we were looking for right on the water there was a boat launch around the corner so I could just dock my boat right at the pier at the cottage absolutely loved it!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donna Sue D.

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

Beautiful location

This is our second time staying here. Such an amazing location. The house is very comfortable and private.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

ronna H.

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

Time away

Beautiful property. Lots of birds. Iv will go back.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alane R.

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

Great nature getaway

This property has a beautiful private outdoor set-up that we thoroughly enjoyed. A walk along the boardwalk through the marshy pond area was always rewarded with a great Blue Heron sighting. We spent hours each morning on the dock watching 2 pair of bald eagles in the trees across the river with the binoculars provided by the host. The river was quiet, the neighborhood is rural and deer filled. The house had everything we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Wildlife

Such a cute little house and the most beautiful property. We saw deer, turkeys, butterflies and birds of all kinds. We watched the most beautiful sunsets every evening. Plus we were close to DC to see all history.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gustin S.

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

21st Birthday

Spent a long weekend celebrating our daughter who turned 21 on the 4th of July. The Potomac was awwsome and the use of the kayaks greatly appreciated. The cottage was clean and spacious.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

JESSICA K.

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

Amazing location

My friend and I are biologists who geek out to wildlife, and there was no shortage of wildlife here. From insects to birds to reptiles we saw it all. We had a wonderful time!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas G.

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

Great Stay!

We enjoyed fishing on the dock and the house was clean/comfortable. Would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

About the host

Hosted by John Staples

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests