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Mid-Century Modern on Private Beach, Designed by Award Winning Architect!

Beachfront holiday home with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Mid-Century Modern on Private Beach, Designed by Award Winning Architect!

Property grounds
Hammock on back patio
Property grounds
Front walk and entryway
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4148.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Pet-friendly
  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer

Explore the area

View map
Chesapeake Beach, MD
  • Place, Breezy Point Beach
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Rod n Reel Charter Fishing
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Chesapeake Beach Water Park
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Easton, MD (ESN-Easton - Newnam)
    ‪115 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bay Room

1 Queen Bed

Garden Room

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Mid-Century Modern on Private Beach, Designed by Award Winning Architect!

Come enjoy living in mid-century modern style, with sweeping views of the Chesapeake Bay, all within a short drive from the Washington, DC metropolitan area, Annapolis, Solomons Island, fishing charters and our many local historic sites. This property is also U.S. Army veteran (Afghanistan and Iraq) owned and operated, as well as LGBTQ safe and friendly.

Award winning local architect, James William Ritter III, of Ritter-Norton Architecture, located in Alexandria, Virginia, purchased, completely rebuilt and redesigned this home for his wife and himself, when they began their retirement. The architect's son, Mark Ritter, and his spouse, Nicholas Knowlton, now own the home and want to welcome you to enjoy this unique house and its magical setting. https://www.ritternorton.com/james

Here, you'll enjoy the true modern ideal of blurring the lines between interior and exterior spaces. Wake up in the morning to the sounds of seabirds calling and waves lapping on the beach. Start your day right, in our open, multi-head, shower stall, with heated floors and protected views of our perennial garden. A huge bank of windows and sliding glass doors makes the Bay the centerpiece of the entire living and kitchen areas. The house draws you outside to enjoy a morning cup of coffee on the veranda, head down the stairs for direct access to a day on the beach or simply enjoy a glass of wine, while relaxing with a book in the hammock.

Disclosure: We have hard water. Most of our renters had no complaints or issues, but it has bothered one or two. Therefore, we decided to be upfront about it, rather than have a renter find out upon arrival. Hard water is a problem you’ll unfortunately find in almost any home in this region. We do not provide refunds relating to this issue, given this upfront disclosure.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
Younger children = immediate cancelation/eviction
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
Do not allow urination on lawn terraces.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please do not allow dogs to urinate on the lawn terraces, only the side yards, or down by the path to the shore. Map also available in house guide
No dogs on furniture or beds, please. 🙂
Absolutely no spray tan application in or near the house. It stains paint and surfaces. Bad rating will go on your record. Lotion form is okay.

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

About the area

Chesapeake Beach

Located in Chesapeake Beach, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. Bruce Gabrielson's Surf Art Gallery and Museum and Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Chesapeake Beach Water Park and R&J's PlayPark. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Chesapeake Beach, MD

What's nearby

  • Breezy Point Beach - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Bruce Gabrielson's Surf Art Gallery and Museum - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Rod n Reel Charter Fishing - 11 min drive - 9.5 km
  • Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum - 11 min drive - 9.5 km
  • Chesapeake Beach Water Park - 11 min drive - 9.9 km

Getting around

  • Easton, MD (ESN-Easton - Newnam) - 94 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Traders Seafood Steak & Ale - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Abner's Crab House - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Thursdays - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Plaza Mexico - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Mid-Century Modern on Private Beach, Designed by Award Winning Architect! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

What time is check-in at Mid-Century Modern on Private Beach, Designed by Award Winning Architect!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Mid-Century Modern on Private Beach, Designed by Award Winning Architect!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Mid-Century Modern on Private Beach, Designed by Award Winning Architect! located?

Nestled on the beach, this Chesapeake Beach holiday home is just steps away from Northern Chesapeake Bay and Chesapeake Bay. Breezy Point Beach and Bruce Gabrielson's Surf Art Gallery and Museum 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 80 out of 84 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 84 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 84 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 84 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 84 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Aurelio P.

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

Stay by the beach

Nice mid - century modern house. We enjoyed the stay. The views from the porch to the ocean are stunning.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

kathy e.

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

Right. on the Bay

This is fantastic house in a quiet upscale neighborhood, with a private beach area. The house has great windows looking out on the bay. On of the bedrooms has a window looking out at the water. There is also a glassed in porch area for sitting and reading or just looking out a the view.Kitchen is well equipped and the shower is great, lots of water pressure. Had a great time.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

John M.

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

Great Bayfront House

Great house. Had everything you need for a vacation rental. Had great views, watched ducks and eagles. Got sharks teeth from beach. Definitely recommend to ones seeking Bayfront getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Teresa C.

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

Fantastic property with breathtaking views!

This is our second stay at this fabulous home - and our favorite place to stay on the Bay! We had such a great time! The kitchen is well stocked, and the house is perfect for anyone who loves the water. We just can't say enough good things about it. Communication was great, the owner let us know about a party with fireworks that was happening in the neighborhood during our stay, which we very much appreciated! We brought our kayaks this time, and had a blast kayaking and watching the sunrise from the water, and checking out the cliffs and Breezy point beach at dawn. Having the steps going down to the private beach and seeing the breathtaking view from the house is just incredible. Can't wait to come back next year! Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful home, we WILL be back!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin E.

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

Awesome property

Enjoyed fireworks from the back yard!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth S.

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

Perfect Winter Weekend Getaway

We had a wonderful time at this spectacular home for a winter weekend getaway from the city. Everything was simply perfect, no detail missed. This was the best vacation rental we've ever experienced. We hope to return. Many thanks for such a wonderful visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leonard W.

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

Absolutely excellent

Nicest place we ever rented. We will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julianna B.

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

amazing stay on the bay

Everything about this place was wonderful -- the host was gracious and responsive, the place was beautiful (with the moon and sunrise over the water, my mother described it as magical), and there was really everything you could need. We particularly appreciated that the interior was accessible for a person with mobility issues, and that there were already instructions on how to access the beach with fewer steps -- though the newly installed stairs directly to the beach are also amazing!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rich M.

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

Perfect

Everything I expected and more. Quite beautiful.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Catherine W.

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

Chesapeake Bay Retreat

This was a lovely mid-century modern property with stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay from almost every window. The full kitchen was beautifully equipped. The bedrooms were comfortable. The bathroom incredible. A great property for rest and relation.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nadya G.

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

Exceptional house, one of the best we stayed at in the US

Wonderful setting, unrestricted views, beach down the path, we loved it there. Met sunrise on the beach with my daughter and a dog.. Dog was in absolute heaven there :) House is beautiful, stylish, very comfortable (heated floors!), was just perfect for our family (we had two small daughters with us and they had a blast). We certainly would like to come back if opportunity comes!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Asher B.

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

Relaxation on the Bay

The house is unique and inviting, with everything you need for relaxation. Nick and Mark were excellent hosts and made everything about the stay feel easy. Waking up every morning, watching the sunrise over the bay, was just what we needed to recharge. Thanks again Nick and Mark!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joe R.

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

Absolutely fabulous!

We are from Kansas, visiting a daughter in the D.C. area for ten days and wanted to slip away to relax on Chesapeake Bay. Wow! Beautiful home with stunning views, including sunrises and lovely beach strolls. We explored the region enjoying museums, antiques and nice dining options. Our hosts were great to work with and we will return!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steph W.

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

Exactly what I needed

This property is BEAUTIFUL! We could not believe the views, I practically lived in that hammock. The only downside was the bay was filled with Jellyfish, so we could not swim. That’s just nature I guess. I would LOVE to stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan S.

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

Weekend girls trip!!

The Ritter house was just what we needed! My friend & I thoroughly enjoyed the view, private beach, amenities, amazing architecture & relaxation it provided. Owners had great communication, welcome goodies & loved the extra towels. We're thinking of when we can come back again. Loved the C.B., history on the house & info/guest books available. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Scott S.

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

Amazing property and views

It really was the recharge refuge that me and my friend needed. Beautiful and unique spot. The tap water smells a bit of sulfur. The path down to the beach is a little rough after a rain. But those are small quibbles with an overall lovely place.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarka M., United States

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

Great place to relax with super friendly atmosphere

Absolutely relaxing atmosphere with breathtaking views. When we arrived a little welcoming note was just the cherry on the cake. The whole stay provided us with much more than we expected . I would greatly appreciate the property to any of my friends and if we will be heading in this direction. I am sure we will circle around to check on availability. Well done!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alison A.

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

Lovely!

This is a lovely property. The home is well-maintained and thoughtfully designed. The kitchen has all the tools and cookware you might want. The beds are comfortable with nice linens. If I were to own a 2nd home, I'd want it to be just like this! I know some reviews mention the steep walk to the beach. I want to add that it's an easy walk on the street just past 2 houses to the community's beach access. Thank you for an excellent stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donna G.

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

Chesapeake Bay Late Summer 2023

My husband and I (and our 1.5 YO pup) had a WONDERFUL time at this bay side retreat! Just the right size for two at a beautiful location right on the shore of the Chesapeake Bay. The beach is very close - we found the best access at the private Willows community beach a couple of houses to the north - very easy and walkable. We saw several nights in a row of the super moon rising over the bay - gorgeous. The house had everything you need - really well appointed, with very easy flow, open floor plan, great views and super comfortable. Love the mid-century modern style and decor. The house has great cross-ventilation, and the weather was nice so all we kept the windows open for almost our entire stay. Quiet private neighborhood great for walking - esp with a pup. Fabulous places to visit & eat up and down the coast from Annapolis (N) to end of Soloman’s Island (S) & beyond. We would DEFINITELY return. The owners are super responsive and friendly. :-)
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

C P.

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

Amazing!

My friend and I had a wonderful few days staying at this special home. The view is breathtaking from both outside and inside. The back of the house windows make you feel like you are outside. We spent a lot of time outside in the chairs or on the hammock. We did head down to the beach once- you do have to be careful working your way down the yard slope. Wear shows with traction and keep an eye out for metal posts that are part of the steps. It could use a bit of work to get it to be a bit safer but just go carefully. The bedrooms are very comfy and the bathroom is well stocked and has a very nice shower. The shower is in one room and the toilet is next to it in its own room which is handy when someone is showering.The kitchen is so easy to use for any cooking you plan on doing. Communication with the owner is excellent and he responds quickly. We were sad to go but made great memories there. Just an FYI that there is new construction happening next door. We did hear some of it going on when sitting but the yard but that side of the yard is surrounded by plants that makes it private so you don’t see the construction going on. We didn’t hear it when sitting in the living room area. You will truly love being able to stay in this lovely home!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best equipped rental I have ever stayed in.Wonderful location.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is our fourth stay at this gorgeous property and we can’t sing enough praises for the hosts. The check in is always easy, all questions are answered promptly , and you just cannot beat the views. We check in and never leave the property. The kitchen is well appointed, beds are comfy, and the view is incredible.We will return again and again!
No better spot for a breathtaking sunrise
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dominick G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I almost hate leaving a good review because it's already hard enough to book a stay. Nick was an amazing host, and the only thing I disliked about the place was leaving. Can't wait to go back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rich M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A perfect spot.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gina G.

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

Thoughtfully appointed home with breathtaking views

We throughly enjoyed our stay in this well- appointed and loved home. Owners have thought of everything — there are thoughtful how-to notes for maximizing your experience both in the home and throughout the area. The kitchen is a cooks dream, with all the things you need to create meals to enjoy while taking in the stunning natural landscape. The home offers the perfect mix of natural beauty with access to the technology needed for either remote work meetings (WiFi is fast) or streaming your favorite entertainment. Beds are comfy, shower is hot. Owners are so responsive and kind. We’ll be back!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

About the host

Hosted by Nick

Host profile image
We live full time in northern Virginia. We took over the Bay House from my father-in-law, after he re-married and they decided they wanted to live elsewhere.

I’ve always loved hosting parties and having house guests, as well as making everything perfect for them. Putting the house on vrbo, seemed a great way to extend that idea into a money making venture.

Why they chose this property

First, the view! Second, proximity to the Washington, DC area makes it an easy get-away for us. It’s also a friendly little neighborhood, and we love having the private beach (no crowds!).

What makes this property unique

Two words: great architecture.

The house was rebuilt and redesigned by an architect who is in the top one half of one percent of his profession in the entire country: my father-in-law, James William Ritter. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, which is a very rare level of distinction, one given to him by other architects, so when you stay here, you experience residential architecture at a level often reserved for only a few very lucky home owners.

We love sharing the Ritter Bay House with people and hope it provides a teaching moment, allowing guests to appreciate how great architecture can alter how you feel within a home and interact with the greater environment around it. Great architecture isn’t just about being pretty; it should affect one’s moods, how one moves and what one sees.

Languages:

English

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