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The Queen of the Thimble Islands

Beachfront holiday home for sun and fun

Photo gallery for The Queen of the Thimble Islands

Exterior
Lake
Property grounds
Outdoor dining
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
8 bedrooms4+ bathroomsSleeps 15

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Branford, CT
  • Place, Stony Creek - Thimble Islands Historic District
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Yale University
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Place, Yale-New Haven Hospital
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Airport, New Haven, CT (HVN-Tweed - New Haven Regional)
    ‪18 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

8 bedrooms (sleeps 15)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 5

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 6

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 7

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 8

2 Single Beds

4 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Bathroom 3

Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 4

Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 5

Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden

About this property

The Queen of the Thimble Islands

Nestled on the captivating Wheeler Island, often hailed as the Queen of the Thimble Islands, this beloved residence was designed with the sole purpose of providing an oasis of joy and relaxation. This magnificent island home boasts eight spacious bedrooms and features enchanting wrap-around porches that offer breathtaking views of Long Island Sound. Positioned on a three-quarter-acre rock, Wheeler Island provides an idyllic escape, combining the tranquility of nature with the comforts of modern living.

Embrace the allure of this private retreat, which comes complete with its own, albeit petite, beach—a perfect spot for a refreshing dip or the launch of kayaks to explore the scenic Island chain. Following a day of basking in the sun, feeling the warm sand beneath your feet, and absorbing the invigorating sea breeze, rejuvenate in the outdoor shower that adds a touch of luxury to your island experience.

The interior of the house is thoughtfully designed to cater to your every need. Choose to dine indoors in the well-appointed kitchen, featuring modern appliances, a convenient dishwasher, a double sink, and a gas stove, or savor your meals outdoors amid the natural beauty of the island, with a barbecue area and a welcoming fireplace to enhance your dining ambiance. Moreover, the house is equipped with a reliable generator, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted retreat.

Access to Wheeler Island is facilitated either by your own private boat or through the easily accessible public ferry service, which embarks on a short, scenic journey from Stoney Creek Harbor. For detailed directions to Stoney Creek Harbor and comprehensive information regarding the ferry service, as well as parking arrangements, we invite you to explore the Thimble Islands Ferry website at thimbleislandsferry.com.

This exceptional island getaway offers a variety of rental options to suit your preferences. During the summer months, indulge in the luxury of week-long rentals, while other times of the year welcome you with a minimum three-night stay to experience the charm and serenity that Wheeler Island has to offer.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Ocean view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 30
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 and a first aid kit

About the area

Branford

Located in Branford, this holiday home is on the beach. Stony Creek - Thimble Islands Historic District and Bill Miller’s Castle are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Rose Vineyards and Foote Memorial Park Tennis Center. Polished and Shoreline Trolley Museum are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Branford, CT

What's nearby

  • Stony Creek - Thimble Islands Historic District - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Yale University - 18 min drive - 20.8 km
  • Yale-New Haven Hospital - 19 min drive - 21.2 km
  • Hammonasset Beach State Park - 19 min drive - 26.5 km
  • Quinnipiac University - 30 min drive - 32.6 km

Getting around

  • Guilford Station - 14 min drive
  • New Haven, CT (HVN-Tweed - New Haven Regional) - 19 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Parthenon Diner Restaurant - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Dockside Seafood & Grill - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Queen of the Thimble Islands pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Queen of the Thimble Islands?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Queen of the Thimble Islands?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Queen of the Thimble Islands located?

Nestled on the beach, this Branford holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Stony Creek - Thimble Islands Historic District and Stony Creek Museum. Branford Supply Pond and Guilford Town Green 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 28 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 28 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 28 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte H.

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

Amazing property!

Can't say enough good things. Absolutely incredible stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house and the setting are absolutely beautiful. Some of our family came for the day; others stayed a few nights. The ferry service was great. The interior decorating was stunning. House is exactly as shown on VRBO. We are looking forward to returning next year.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another great week at Wheeler Island! This is our third year in a row there and I think we officially now have a tradition. Close to home but when you are out there it feels like you are miles and miles away. Everything was great!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

david g.

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

Spectacular. Lovely island home.

We spent 3 days on Wheeler Island. for my Dad's birthday. Easy to get to (for an island). Beautiful grounds/beautiful views. House is lovely and sleeps plenty of people. All the bits and pieces you need to enjoy life "at sea" there. Will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carey s.

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

Island paradise

Great island home to get away from everything.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christine C.

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

Wheeler Island

Simply amazing. Clean and beautiful location.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marjorie- Margie D.

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

Fabulous Location

Exquisite property. Well stocked. Bedrooms comfortable. Loved access to the water. Sunrise and sunsets were magical. We would 100 percent rent again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kerry H., Boston, MA

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

Unique and Beautiful Home

An incredible place for a memorable and relaxing family gathering. The house is very well designed and maintained, with extraordinary views in every direction. The kitchen is very well equipped and you will want to eat every meal in the porch by the outside. fireplace!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeannine R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We hosted a bachelorette party at the house, and it was a gorgeous setting. The landscaping was incredible, and having access to the kayaks was wonderful. The parking was easier and less strict than expected on the street. The ferry was relatively easy to contact through their website, sometimes requiring a wait of less than 30 minutes. At times the ferry made specific trips for us because the island is so close to shore. Only small things such as needing refills for handsoap in all the bathrooms, and bringing your own firewood for the gorgeous outdoor fireplace were cumbersome. The water is a little murky to swim but we utilized the kayaks a bunch. The house itself is magical. We would definitely stay here again and had little difficulty reaching the host.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Afroza B.

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

Just Perfect!

I don’t think think I have words to justify the beauty of this place. We had a great time. Our kids still can’t stop talking about it. The owner and property manager was on top of all our needs. The house was very clean and tidy. Waking up to the sound of water was heavenly!!! Looking forward to going back soon!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kitty S.

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

Wonderful relaxing time

Although the listing says there is WiFi there isn’t. We still had a very good time staying away from phone screen the whole time. Spent 3 nights at the property. There is no shortage of things to watch from the 360 degrees wrapped around porch. At night we made use of the outdoor grill and fireplace. The place is very well equipped with every amenities. You do have to bring your own firewood though.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian L.

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

Amazing stay and experience

The house was great, the views and grounds were better! We spent a wonderful 3 nights here with 14 friends and this house fit us all comfortably. The Ferry service wasn’t bad once we figured it out, and there was plenty of public parking on-street near Ferry so don’t worry about that like we did. Host was very responsive and very pleasant. The water was warm but very murky with a decent current around the rocks so we didn’t swim, but kayaking around the area was fantastic. Just a couple minute ferry ($6 one-way) and you were back to mainland to do any activities you might desire (we hit Thinble Islands Brewery which had good food!)
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Amazing Getaway!

We had such an amazing long weekend getaway on our own private island! The house had everything you could ever need (and more!). We traveled with 13 adults and it never felt crowded or cramped at all. The sunsets over the water on the deck were some of the most incredible ones we have ever seen, and coffee in the rocking chairs overlooking the water were some of the most peaceful mornings! The ferry rides are a little tough to figure out and schedule, but once you have it down, it’s not too bad. The promptness of the property manager was excellent when we had one question / needed help. five stars!! would return again without hesitation!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

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

Wheeler Island = Amazing

From the minute we arrived by boat we knew we arrived at some place special. The first impression was amazing. The house sits up on the rock and the grounds were amazing with flowers and fresh mulch. Wow. The wrap around porches were amazing, tons of bedrooms and so much to do. The little beach was a fan favorite as well. Zero complaints! Was an amazing week and the locals we met in town and on the water commented on how they loved all the activity at Wheeler…they enjoyed watching the kids fish, jump off the dock, jet ski and kayak. Owner was great and the property is better than advertised. The photos do not do it justice at all. Would highly highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Aimee B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Disliked: Location

Magical island home

We stayed at this home with 15 friends and family celebrating a graduation. The home is lovely and fun and the grounds are well-maintained. We played yard games, kayaked and watched gorgeous sunsets on the water. I would give it more than five stars if I could.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

cynthia l., south orange nj

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

The house was amazing!

Easy!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne K.

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

Paradise

I almost don't want to write a review because I don't want it to get all booked up! It is just so beautiful. Lush and comfy, the house is perfect. Central air, a view of the water on all sides, star gazing, gorgeous gardens, lots of pillows and good linens on the beds, an open great room, decks everywhere to see the sound. We were in heaven. The sweetest private beach, only a 3 minute boat ride to town. The owner was right there when we needed him. We are a group of women writers, we have done VRBO all over the world, and this was our favorite place yet. Just make sure you line up transport. The house is VERY close to shore and if you are coming during the summer, the water taxi comes and goes all the time, but they were a tiny bit tough to work with after labor day. You can always kayak out! ;) Definitely amazing. We want to book again right now!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Emily B.

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

Best wedding weekend ever

We had the BEST time staying at The Queen of the Thimble Islands. We couldn’t ask for a better weekend to spend with our closest friends and family to celebrate our wedding. The property was beautiful for all of our pictures getting ready the morning of and the house was comfortable and homey. Thank you for the most amazing place to stay while we celebrated. Book your stay ASAP!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary K.

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

Absolutely Perfect! Incredible home and island for family and friends!

We stayed on Wheelers Island for a week in late August, and it was the perfect end to the summer. We were two families with young children (ages 2-10). The house was IMMACULATE, and the layout was great for our two families (four rooms upstairs; four rooms downstairs). The amenities are incredible, and the house is fully stocked with everything we needed. James and Lesli have thought of every last thing for their guests. We had wonderful meals on the porch; we swam everyday off the dock and beach; our children played in the yard; we played cards and read and relaxed. It was a perfect vacation and a perfect home. The proximity to land is a huge plus -- you have all the benefits and beauty of your own island, but the boat ride to land is only two minutes long. Very easy! We hope to return next year! Thank you, Jim and Lesli!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sheila S.

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

Queen of the Thimble Islands

Beautiful and Immaculate home inside with comfortably appointed design and furnishings. Sunlit bathrooms and bedrooms provided plenty of room and nice hot, good pressure showers. The decks became our breezy relaxation at dawn with coffee and at sunset with a family meal. We enjoyed the kayaks and the little beach was so much fun, especially at low tide searching for shells, sea glass and little hermit crabs. Bringing our own jet skis added tons more fun and we loved jumping off the dock and playing on the large lawn with our bocce set and after dark telling spookie stories. We did wish the wifi worked as we run several family businesses, but our hotspots were an acceptable solve. Overall, a Great vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Todd and Michelle K.

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

Highly recommended - with a few tweaks needed

We decided to go big for my father-in-law's 80th birthday and were pleased to find this place, newly purchased and newly listed. This is a great house-- in great shape, well-maintained and clean. We'd never done the private island thing before but found this an excellent spot for our fam to relax, confined to the island for several days. The house is only a 2 minute boat ride from the mainland dock (and visible from it), but we didn't need to be out in the deep sea to spend lots and lots of time on the house's wraparound porches and rooms with 360 degree water views. Our kids made good use of the beach (at low tide), the lawn on the (south)western side for wiffle ball, and we especially appreciated the kayaks (though one had a seat in need of repair and one of the 4 paddles had a broken side). There were plenty of dishes and household supplies (though we weren't clear on whether we'd need shampoo, etc.-- it helped that we brought some) and beds (12 little beds and 2 queens in 8 rooms). Our only complaints were the arrival of the cleaning crew 2 hours before our checkout time (they hid out in the basement, but it still felt rather inappropriate) and that there was NO HOT WATER to be had on our final (4th) morning at the house. That was not so fun for the morning shower crew! All in all, highly recommended with a few tweaks to be worked out....
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R.

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

Majestic Island Retreat

Everything about our stay was perfect. What a beautiful house with plenty of room for all. The small beach was more than enough space for my girls to build sand castles and search for shells during low tide. Everyone from the ferry crew to the property manager was friendly and welcoming. We only wished we packed lighter. There are a lot of stairs from the dock to the house but nothing a few trips couldn’t take care of. This was such a retreat and peaceful well built home to stay in. We absolutely loved it and enjoyed the 365 degree views and extensive outdoor seating options. We highly recommend this location!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ashley S.

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

Incredible

We had an absolutely incredible stay. Getting to and from the property was easier then expected. The house is gorgeous and the property itself immaculate. It exceeded our expectations from start to finish!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kari F.

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

wonderful vacation

We had a wonderful time. The place was beautiful and totally enjoyed it. Very spacious.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laura M.

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

I’m still day dreaming about our time on Wheeler Island!

Our family had such an amazing experience on Wheeler Island. The island provided us ample room to enjoy every breathtaking view of the water and the home’s beautiful gardens. The setting was perfect for truly connecting with one another which was the ultimate goal for our family that’s scattered across different states. The decks were indeed a favorite landing spot and the outdoor dining table was perfect for meals and a special birthday celebration. I also appreciate Jim’s timely responses to emails and the property manager’s friendly and professional demeanor. Thank you for providing such a memorable experience as your home was perfect for our family. We’ll look forward to an opportunity to return in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

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