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Waterfront nature-lover's retreat on wildlife refuge in Prime Hook Beach

Waterfront holiday home with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Waterfront nature-lover's retreat on wildlife refuge in Prime Hook Beach

This house has a great layout to both have your privacy and gather together.
It's hard to beat the views out the back of the house. Sunsets galore.
Watch migratory birds in the refuge waters from the back porch.
Our backyard: view of the refuge from the porch.
Our single-story home sits on pilings with a large garage and driveway.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8185.8 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Milford, DE
  • Place, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Prime Hook Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Airport, Georgetown, DE (GED-Sussex County)
    ‪29 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1 / King Suite

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2 / King Suite

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3 / Bunk

1 Double Bed, 1 Single Bed and 1 Single Futon

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1 / King Suite

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2 / On Suite

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3 / Hall

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Dining area

About this property

Waterfront nature-lover's retreat on wildlife refuge in Prime Hook Beach

Fully renovated in 2023, our all-season home is single-story but elevated on pilings with a garage below. The house overlooks Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge and sits across the street from the quiet Delaware Bay beach. Our property backs up to 10,000 acres of protected land that is home to foxes, deer and more than 200 species of migratory birds--all of which change with the seasons and can be viewed out the back of the house.
We like a clean and organized house for your comfort. The open layout lends itself to extended families or friend groups with two spacious king bedrooms (each with their own attached bath) and a bunk room with a hall bath. The large kitchen is well-equipped to make your own drinks and meals and there's a gas grill on the deck. The walls are decorated with vintage book plates and lithographs and you'll find plenty of books, games, puzzles and a record player to spin some vinyl. The garage features both an air hockey and ping pong table, bikes for the family, a paddle board and kayak for the bay and plenty or items for the beach so you don't have to pack them (feel free to ask about specifics). We have a large yard for playing and a driveway for plenty of parking.

Prime Hook is a sleepy town--tucked away from traffic and crowds but close enough to the action. There are no stores or restaurants, just our small community of houses. The private beach is part of the refuge so it is a natural, uncombed shoreline with small waves and no lifeguards. Every day is different, but be prepared to find spawning horseshoe crabs (especially in May and June), seaweed, shells and beach stones. Watch the sun rise over the bay and the sun set over the water behind the house. Catch your own fish or blue crabs at the bridge into town or fish on the beach! We provide firewood for beach fires and enjoy our gas fireplace during cooler months. Visit the refuge's welcome center to explore its many walking and kayak trails, fishing areas and programs for the family.

We are less than 10 minutes off the coastal highway connecting to many restaurants, golf courses, shopping, movies, go-kart race tracks, antiquing, waterparks and the Tanger Outlets. Visit the historic town of Lewes, Cape Henlopen State Park and the Cape May-Lewes ferry. Close-by and quaint Milton is home to Dogfishhead Brewery, Lavender Fields and the Milton Theater.

We are happy to help make your stay peaceful and comfortable--and are readily available to communicate with our guests. Please inquire with any questions--we hope to share this peaceful spot of the planet with you!
-Julie & Donovan

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
It is unlawful to enter the Refuge for any reason. Please respect signs along roads, trails and our property. Watch for wildlife crossing roads.
Please DO NOT flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper in toilets or septic system could back up. No garbage disposal for this reason.
Because we are a migratory stop for birds, Prime Hook aims to stay as dark as possible. Please use outdoor lights sparingly and turn off before bed.

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 are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances 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

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Milford

Located in Milford, this holiday home is on the waterfront. South Rookery Golf Course and Rookery Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Midway Speedway and Lightship Overfalls. Travelling with kids? Consider Cannonball Museum, or check out an event or a game at Sports at the Beach. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Milford, DE

What's nearby

  • Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Prime Hook Beach - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Cape Henlopen State Park - 26 min drive - 32.9 km
  • Lewes Beach - 27 min drive - 35.5 km
  • Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk - 31 min drive - 40.1 km

Getting around

  • Georgetown, DE (GED-Sussex County) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald’s - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪China Wok - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Po' Boys Creole Restaurant - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪The Backyard, Milton - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterfront nature-lover's retreat on wildlife refuge in Prime Hook Beach pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Waterfront nature-lover's retreat on wildlife refuge in Prime Hook Beach?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Waterfront nature-lover's retreat on wildlife refuge in Prime Hook Beach?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Waterfront nature-lover's retreat on wildlife refuge in Prime Hook Beach?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Waterfront nature-lover's retreat on wildlife refuge in Prime Hook Beach located?

This family-friendly Milford holiday home is located on the waterfront, just steps away from Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge and Prime Hook Beach. Slaughter Beach and Milton Memorial Park are also within 9 miles (15 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. 47 out of 48 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 48 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 48 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 48 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 48 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Roberto B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect beach get away! Would 100% come back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barry S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything you could need and more was provided! The kitchen is equipped with everything needed and the coffee bar is to die for! Coffees and teas and all the accessories. The dishes, cookware, spice cabinet and more were completely provided. The bedrooms have everything needed and the beds are very comfortable. There are games, puzzles, books, bikes, kayaks and more to help you enjoy your time here. The sunsets are absolutely breathtaking. I can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

angela s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was beautiful and very well stocked. We really appreciated the kid toys and books that kept our toddlers entertained on a rainy day. The beach is easily accessed across the street. This was one of my family’s favorite rentals!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kirby L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We are frequenters of VRBOs and this is one of the very best we have experienced, and by far the best in terms of amenities provided, especially for children! Can’t think of anything that was missing. We loved the house and the views of the wildlife refuge. The beach was super convenient, and totally uncrowded. The only nightlife came from the animal kingdom. Julie was an excellent communicator. Can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pamela T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a beautiful home. Jill was wonderful and communicated all the details plus more. She thought of everything as the house is equipped with everything you need to feel completely at home. The beach is natural and the neighborhood is so quiet. We highly recommend staying at the Shorebird. We can’t wait to go back!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marie F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a restful stay, great communication from the host, amazing view of the marsh and wildlife. The kitchen was easily the best supplied we've ever experienced in a vacation rental. We appreciated all the family games and attention to creature comforts. The property is peaceful and close to nature, even while taking time indoors. I loved watching the wind through the marsh grasses with the diverse birds hunting and walking on the sandbars at low tide looking at the bay's creatures.
Sunset over the marsh from living room windows.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wow! What a beautiful property - both the location and the house itself. Julie and Donovan have thought of everything - there was nothing that wasn't immediately available to us. The views were stunning, especially the sunsets over the reeds behind the house. It was magical sitting in the screened porch listening to birdsong - we could have done that all day long. It was a magical getaway for us!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donald Y.

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

Fantastic House

Great place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christina R.

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

Great weekend

My husband and I had a wonderful, relaxing stay at this very comfortable and charming house. The views of the nature sanctuary are beautiful. Its a very short walk to the beach. Its a wonderfully untouched natural beach. The owners are very kind and went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable. We'll be back. warmwr.littlehaeveveverythiout
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jim K.

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

Our Stay on Delaware Bay

The house, the setting and the owners were special. Many good birding spots nearby. The owners recommendations as to restaurants all panned out.
Stayed 30 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christine C.

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

Beautiful location

The house and surroundings are incredible. We enjoyed sitting on the porch watching the birds and from the living room windows. The rooms are large and the owners provide everything you need and more. Very clean! This house borders the National Wildlife Refuge and the views are stunning. We were able to kayak in the Refuge area. The staff at the visitors center were very helpful. It is quiet and peaceful and a short drive to Dewey and Rehoboth. We highly recommend this location for a stay in the Delaware Bay area. Our rating would be a 10!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph H.

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

Amazing Rental

This property was way more than expected. Lots of room, lots of amenities, and a location that was across the street from the beach and backed up to a wildlife refuge with wonderful views.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michal K.

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

A great mini vacation

It was wonderful staying at the house. Everything you need, the homeowners provide. Stay at this home and you too will write fabulous comments!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ed D.

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

Scenic and a great escape!

Great location next to wildlife refuge and beach on the bay. Great seafood and pubs close by. Beach walking, good golf close by as well. House is a beauty, very comfortale with awsome kitchen, living room and bedrooms. Secluded and close (25 minutes) to Cape Henlopen state park and beach which we love.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas M.

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

Amazing getaway

We had a great visit! Host answered all our questions about the area before we arrived and we're responsive to questions when we arrived. Checkin was seamless and everything was as shown in the listing. Kitchen was well equipped and we were able to cook a full thanksgiving meal without issue! This area is beautiful and we enjoyed beach walks and the wildlife refuge. If you want a quiet getaway with no crowds but lots of nature and great house this is the place!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Orit O.

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

Perfect place

We had a lovely time here!! The home is perfect, clean, comfortable, great views, 2 min from the beach, quiet area, beautiful nature spot. A lot of attention given to every detail...kitchen has everything, interior design is wonderful, easy fireplace, record player extra perk....plenty of space!! Wpuld livw to come again 5 stars!!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sean W.

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

Delaware Beach

Mid century decor meets beachy simple chic in a home that sits, and feels, bigger than it is. Great music on the record player and fun games to pass the time between gazing at wildlife and sunsets. Close enough to Rehoboth touristy fun, but plenty distant to feel secluded, too. Was a perfect ending to a week in DC.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

david i.

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

Prime Hook Vacation

This is almoat a private island. The views alone are worth it. Close enough to markets and attractions but away from the bustle. The host was on top of her game. There was a lot of experience and thought put into this place. We had a memorable time.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tyler C.

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

Peaceful retreat

This house is perfect for a serene getaway. We came for a long weekend in November, so definitely the off season for a beach community. It was wonderful to sit on the back porch and not hear a single human sound, just the birds and the breeze rustling the marsh grasses. The house itself is sunny and clean and beautifully decorated. We especially loved the fireplace and the amazing kitchen. I'm already dreaming about coming back!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Waterfront Nature Lovers Retreat

We’re so happy to have found such a wonderful place to stay. So very impressed with all that Julie & Donovan had to offer. They were readily available to answer any question & help along the way. Their place far exceeded our expectations. They had all the amenities of home and so much more. Gorgeous views & sunset !! Hope to return in the future
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeanmarie M.

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

Beautiful home and location

Highly recommend this property! It’s a beautiful house, just as pictured, and the location is amazing! Perfect for a quiet, relaxing vacation but close enough to local attractions. If you’re a nature lover this is the place for you. Plenty of wildlife to enjoy and beautiful sunsets in the evening that you can view right from the living room or back porch. The owners provide nearly everything you might need and plenty of special touches that didn’t go unnoticed.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda H.

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

Absolutely wonderful property!

This home is beautiful! The place was so peaceful. If you love nature as much as me, this is the place you want to be. The owners provided many needed amenities. It was wonderful being that close to nature, and close to beach. Also, there were many supplies for the beach which was great because there was no need to pack those items.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie B.

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

Amazing!

Can’t say enough about this wonderful vacation home. The house is incredibly clean, comfortable, and beautifully decorated, the location is amazing. House is very well stocked with everything a family might need, bedding is fresh and new and comfy. Views of the nature preserve are stunning, and the calm and quiet private beach is only steps from the door. We were over there multiple times a day, for beachcombing and walks (April weather was lovely but too chilly for swimming). A quiet location and easy to get to the busier beaches and towns nearby, we did lots of exploring around the area. It was a perfect fit for our family of five. Julie the host was fantastic - very communicative, shared lots of details about the house and nearby amenities that helped make our stay even more enjoyable. Highly recommend. We hope to be back soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Branda S.

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

Weekend getaway

We absolutely loved our stay. The place was exactly as advertised. They have really thought out what people would need; nothing was missing. It even had binoculars for the great bird watching from the living room. It was the perfect place to relax, catch up with friends, read and bird watch. Julie was amazing with communicating information and making sure all was good. We definitely would love to plan another trip.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sam S.

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

Kitchen was stocked!

The communication with the host was easy and fast. The toys and pack and play made packing easier with 3 kids. The layout of the house and views all around were great. We love to cook and this kitchen was a dream and well stocked. The house was clean and plenty of room for a family of 5.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

About the host

Hosted by Julie and Donovan

Host profile image
As a little girl, my grandmother called me her shorebird. I fiercely loved exploring the beach from the time I was a small child, collecting shells, rocks and starfish in the early morning hours. She instilled a curiosity of nature in me, always eager to celebrate its abundant beauty and make friends with all creatures. She would have loved Prime Hook--it's is the perfect place to quietly beach-comb for treasures, observe the ever-changing migratory birds and drink in a colorful sky. Come settle in and explore at The Shorebird! ~Julie

Why they chose this property

Our property backs up to Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, over 10,000 acres of protected land that is home to foxes, deer, rabbits and more than 200 species of migratory birds--all of which can be viewed while drinking your coffee. We created this home as a sanctuary of peace, welcoming all those who wish to create, explore and connect with themselves and each other.

Prime Hook Beach is a sleepy town--there are no stores or restaurants--meant for shore fishing, crabbing, trail walking, water sports and riding bikes. It is a private bay beach for homeowners and their guests (this includes renters), which is what makes it so quiet. The beach is maintained by residents, so it is a natural, uncombed shoreline. Every day is different, but be prepared to find spawning horseshoe crabs, seaweed, welks and driftwood. Watch the sun rise over the bay, go for a moonlit walk and make a bonfire on the beach to roast marshmallows. Visit the refuge's welcome center and explore their many trails--bring your own binoculars and canoe to launch. If staying put is more your speed, enjoy our kayak and paddle board in the Delaware Bay across the street or surf fish. Bring your own fishing/crabbing gear or visit Ted's tackle and bait shop only 10 minutes away. Catch your own crabs at the bridge into town--Old Bay and a crab pot await you in the kitchen!

Those interesting in larger, ocean waves and bike & kayak trails can head south to Cape Henlopen State Park. We are less than 10 minutes off the coastal highway connecting to many restaurants, golf courses, movies, go-kart race tracks, antiquing, waterparks, Tanger Outlets, Dogfishhead Brewery, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and Delaware's Atlantic beaches such as Rehoboth where you'll find the boardwalk with rides.

What makes this property unique

We renovated the house in 2023, filling it with comfortable furnishings--nothing fancy or precious, but collected and cared for. We like comfy linens and a clean house (consider leaving the sand outside by leaving your shoes on the deck or by the door). A new washer and dryer were installed off the kitchen for your convenience. We like to cook and make coffee, so the kitchen well-equipped for you to make your own meals. The walls are decorated with vintage book plates and lithographs, bookshelves stocked and a record player with some fun vinyl finds! The garage features an arcade-size air hockey table, adult and kid bikes, a paddle board and kayak for the bay and beach toys/chairs (feel free to ask about specifics). Leave the bulky baby gear at home--we have a pack-n-play and a double stroller for use. Bring your own gear for fishing/crabbing/canoeing/water sports and store it in our large garage.

Languages:

English

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