Entire home

Award Winning Ocean Front Architectural Gem [Home Share per VA Beach Zoning]

Photo gallery for Award Winning Ocean Front Architectural Gem [Home Share per VA Beach Zoning]

Exterior
Exterior
Living area
Entry
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 12278.7 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Virginia Beach, VA
  • First Landing State Park
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Neptune Statue
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Virginia Beach Boardwalk
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Norfolk, VA (ORF-Norfolk Intl.)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom on kitchen level 3

1 Queen Bed

Chameleon bedroom on Level 1

2 Single Beds, 1 Double Bed and 1 Crib

Primary bedroom on Level 2

1 Queen Bed

Seaside bedroom on Level 1

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

2 bathrooms, 3 half bathrooms

2 Outdoor showers

Soap · Shower only · Shampoo

Half bath on kitchen level

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Half bath on Level 2/ Primary bedroom and living rooms

Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet

Level 1 bath

Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Level 1 Half bath

Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet

Primary bath on Level 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Award Winning Ocean Front Architectural Gem [Home Share per VA Beach Zoning]

This luxurious oceanfront Smart Home has stunning views of the widest beach in north end of Virginia Beach. In a quiet residential neighborhood, this property feels like a private refuge from the moment you round the corner of the driveway—truly a place to get away from it all!

Inspired by the 1953 Norfolk residency of Frank Lloyd Wright, this family property was designed by local architect, Herbert Smith, and built in 1955. The home is registered on the Virginia Beach Historic Register. Mid-century aesthetics were retained when updating in 2006. The owners—the daughter and grandson of the original owners—continue to uphold the tradition of southern hospitality.

This home is tucked away in the middle of the block in a quiet residential neighborhood, off a cul de sac. Sandswept provides a perfect retreat for families. However, it is not suitable for noisy gatherings of unrelated adults. Residents on our street value the quiet serenity of this special area.

Awarded a Star Award by Virginia Green Travel, this eco friendly home was fully renovated in 2006 to comply with Energy Star and LEED ReGreen standards. By using non-toxic laundry and cleaning products and having no VOCs in the furniture and finishes, this is a wonderful home for anyone with chronic allergies or asthma.

The Home
• a split level mid-century home with 3,100 square feet on four levels, two patios and two decks. Ample space to gather together and to separate for moments of quiet reflection. Three flights of steps and no elevator make this inaccessible for the handicapped.
• a rooftop deck with “the best view in Virginia Beach” to view dolphins, sunrises, sunsets and full moons. The rooftop room and deck can only be accessed via a spiral staircase.
• Cook on the deck with the electric grill or prepare more complex meals in the kitchen and send food in the dumb waiter.
• 2 full spa-like bathrooms have luxurious jetted tubs that provide air massage and chromatherapy. Toilets are in “water closets” separated from bathing area.
• Smart Home with whole house audio, Lutron automatic shades and lighting, with dimmers to create mood lighting whenever and wherever you want
• High speed WiFi, two Smart TVs with Firesticks, and one DVD player
• Port-a-crib, Pack and Play, highchair, booster chair, infant seat for dining and outdoor swingset, diaper pail and training toilet are available for toddlers; please request in advance
• No smoking inside or within 20 feet of an open window
• Protect indoor air quality by leaving outside shoes at the door.

Copy and paste this link to a website with a slide show and 3D Virtual Tour to visualize the layout of this multi-level home.: https://spw.virtualtidewater.com/sites/bejjbmg/unbranded

The Beach
• Two beach carts make it easy to carry small children and chairs etc to the beach
• Two exterior showers with hot and cold water to easily clean off the sand from the beach
• 10' x10' shade canopy provides shade for 5-8 people – easy to assemble and weighs only 8#

The Grounds
• high-speed EV charger for guests with electric vehicles
• swing set for the kids protected from winter winds and summer sun
• four to six parking places depending on size of vehicles—an unusual luxury in this part of Virginia Beach
• certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat that attracts and feed birds, butterflies and other wildlife
• solar and wind powered clothes dryer to imbue your clothes with the fresh smell of the sea

Dogs
• Dogs permitted on a case-by-case basis, with an extra pet fee per dog
• A shaded, fenced dog yard can be shared with owner’s dogs
• Dogs are allowed on the beach before 10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. in the summer and anytime the rest of the year.

Nearby amenities
• the widest beach in Virginia Beach, accessible via a city maintained boardwalk
• two blocks away: entrance to walking paths in First Landing State Park
• 3 miles: The Resort is an easy bike ride along the access road
• 6 miles: The Virginia Aquarium, Auto World Bumper Cars and Ocean Breeze Water Park
• Day Trips: Busch Gardens, Water Country and historic Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown are an hour away

Non-toxic cleaning to preserve indoor air quality
• Eco friendly non-toxic cleaning products safe for people and pets
• Hypoallergenic laundry detergent strips free of paraben and phosphate to wash all pillow cases, shams and duvet covers between each set of guests
• Refillable hand and shower soap dispensers with hypoallergenic soaps
• Eco friendly tablets to clean dishwasher and toilets
• Natural pest control such as diatomaceous earth, borax, essential oils, and ultrasonic pest repellers instead of toxic pesticides

The upper four floors are dedicated to our guests. The ground floor is occupied by the owner who resides on the property whenever it is rented and shares common spaces such as laundry, Zoom Room and swing set. We offer round-the-clock assistance when needed but otherwise respect our guests’ privacy. Our guests often note appreciation for our sharing this unique family home.

Keywords: Oceanfront, Private, Quiet, exclusive Northend Virginia Beach, Award winning Green Vacation Rental, awesome views, Perfect for Family Vacations, quiet beach retreat, good for those with asthma or allergies

Property manager

Gayle
Premier Host

Languages

English, French, Turkish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 12:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Toddler swing seat, high chair, booster seat, crib
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Pets allowed on case by case basis with extra fee.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking allowed inside, or near an open window
Non-compliance to House Rules in Lease and Addendum 1 will result in removal from property with no refund. You MUST provide an accurate guest count.
This is a quiet residential neighborhood at all times so merry-making shall either get quiet or come inside after 10:00 p.m.
Shoes worn outside must not be worn inside.

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
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses solar and geothermal energy, plus a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products
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
Property Registration Number 514334

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Virginia Beach

Located on the beach, this holiday home is in Northeast Virginia Beach, a neighbourhood in Virginia Beach. Ocean Breeze Waterpark is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at First Landing State Park and Sandbridge Beach. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Virginia Beach Sportsplex or Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Virginia Beach, VA

What's nearby

  • First Landing State Park - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Cape Henry Lighthouse - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Neptune Statue - 6 min drive - 5.9 km
  • Virginia Beach Boardwalk - 6 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Virginia Beach Convention Center - 10 min drive - 8.8 km

Getting around

  • Virginia Beach Station - 8 min drive
  • Norfolk, VA (ORF-Norfolk Intl.) - 22 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Mellow Mushroom - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Ynot Italian - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Ray Ray's at the Mayflower - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Pocahontas Pancake House - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Award Winning Ocean Front Architectural Gem [Home Share per VA Beach Zoning] pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Award Winning Ocean Front Architectural Gem [Home Share per VA Beach Zoning]?

Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Award Winning Ocean Front Architectural Gem [Home Share per VA Beach Zoning]?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Award Winning Ocean Front Architectural Gem [Home Share per VA Beach Zoning] located?

Nestled on the beach, this Northeast Virginia Beach holiday home is within 2 mi (3 km) of First Landing State Park, Atlantic University and Edgar Cayce's Association for Research and Enlightenment. Cape Henry Memorial and Cape Henry Lighthouse are also within 2 miles (3 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. 184 out of 191 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 191 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 191 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 191 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 191 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Olivia T.

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

A Virginia Beach oasis!

The house was uniquely stunning and comfortable for our large group of friends! Gayle was responsive and accommodating. I can’t recommend the stay enough!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

bruce h.

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

Amazing Hostess with a fantastic property.

Week get together with old friends, lots of room, great parking, fantastic location. We will return.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

4/10 Poor

SHEENA S.

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

Nice location, very roomy and quick access to the beach but...

The property seemed clean and roomy upon checkin and was very close to the private beaches in the North End and within a 25-minute bike ride to the boardwalk area, offering the best of both private and public beach area access. This was ideal for our group and Gayle seemed very friendly. However, as the week went on our beach vacation took a turn for the worse. We began to find bugs in the house, which initially the owner told us they were just "water bugs" although they didn't seem to be any type of water bug we had ever seen (nor were they around water) but as the week went on we found more and more and it turned out they were in fact American cockroaches. This ultimately ended up ruining our stay as more popped up in bedrooms and living areas. While the Owner continued to not be concerned (told us to spray peppermint spray), when we caught and showed her the live bugs she did take responsibility eventually and agreed to give us a partial refund to make up for it since it was a known issue prior to our stay, although she said not to that level. She was to take measures to alleviate the issue and I hope she did! Overall, we enjoyed our vacation (until towards the end) and the house was beautiful. However; there were way too many rules for normal vacationers to follow and sharing laundry with the Owner wasn't great. It also became apparent that she does not wash her provided bedding - so make sure to bring all your own from fitted sheet to comforters to all pillowcases!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

David D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Virginia W.

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

Perfect house for a big family vacation.

The house was wonderful and the location was perfect. It is a great house for a large group. There were 12 of us - 6 adults and 6 teenagers. We had room to spread out and the views were fantastic. It was so nice to be right by the beach. We came for a family vacation with our children and grandchildren to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. We would all like to come back again! Gayle was a wonderful host and available for any questions we had. We all enjoyed our stay. Thank you, Gayle!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie G.

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

ODU Graduation

The house was very large , lots of room for everyone to spread out. We loved the location, right on the beach great for walking.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie O.

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

85th Birthday Celebration

The property was perfect for our celebration of a family birthday. Rare location offering retreat feel with plenty of natural habitat for birds and other visitors while also overlooking the ocean. Plenty of room to spread out or gather to enjoy each others company. Thank you for sharing this property!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

John W.

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

Lovely Beach House

The house was very unique and comfortable, getting to know it was like slowly opening a beautiful puzzle box. Everything we needed was there, all well thought out and the host was close by with easy and pleasant help.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holli & Bryan R.

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

Our family and dogs loved our stay!

Wow - this house was so cool! We loved all the updated features, rain shower, heated floors, and heated towel rack. The Pelican Room was a favorite of ours, and the kids loved the playground. The walk to the beach was easy and the views were beautiful. We were so grateful for the extra time extended to our family, as well. When we come back to VA Beach, we know exactly where we are staying!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn B.

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

Relaxing

Great property with lots of space for a group to spread out. All details provided and the view is unbeatable. Loved listening to the waves from my bed. Thanks Gayle!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

David W.

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

Mid-century Beach

This is our favorite beach house for late Fall family gatherings.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wanda H.

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

It’s very nice

My group loved it
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dana P.

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

Best keep secret of VA beach!

In all my years coming to VA beach, I didn’t know this little area existed! This property is a dream, right on the water, so cool and unique. The owner is wonderful and helpful and kind. We came as a quick getaway with family, but I’m going to book again for a girlfriends trip. Can’t wait to go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

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

Beautiful Views

This property was very clean and accommodating. Plenty of room to enjoy friends and family. The upper deck had amazing views of the dolphins that were plentiful and playing daily. The owner was very accommodating and helpful while we were there. Excellent communication from beginning to end.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

David T.

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

Best place to stay oceanfront Virginia Beach

Hard to be brief, but I will try. Everything about our stay at Sandswept was wonderful. Unique home design. Oceanfront with magnificent views and a feeling of seclusion and privacy. During our trip, the tropical storm hit --> home was completely secure despite howling wind and rain. The home has everything you need to be comfortable. I've been to many rental homes. This home more than any place I have stayed felt like someone's personal home and not a rental. The host Gayle was incredibly accommodated. Our older dog is not doing well. Gayle let us borrow her beach fat-tire wagon so we could take him to enjoy the feeling and sounds of the ocean. If you are looking for an ultra modern-cookie cutter type home or condo this is not the place for you. If you are willing to try something special and appreciate the so many features of this home, then this is the place for you. There is even a playground area on the property for children! I will have fond memories of this trip and I have a new friend in Gayle.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

lisa d.

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

Fantastic home for a family celebration

We celebrated my daughter’s graduation over a long weekend in this amazing home. It’s a large home and accommodated us well. The views are magnificent and the beach is huge and uncrowded. We did some cooking there and rode bikes nearby when we weren’t enjoying the beach. We really loved the upper deck area and room with the views. The home was clean, the outdoor area was well maintained and we were impressed by all the “green” items and initiatives in the home. And the property’s history was fascinating and the mid century modern decor was very cool. The owner lives next door and was friendly and helpful. We appreciated that we could bring our dog and it was easy to walk him. Also parking was not a problem. There are quite a few rules to follow in order to maintain the “green” lifestyle, which we were happy to do. Our only complaint is that there is really no comfortable furniture for watching movies or tv as a group. Coincidentally my daughter became engaged that weekend so we look forward to returning in a year to celebrate her wedding!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Glenna S.

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

Amazing stay!

The house was great. Everything we needed. You can’t get a better location.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Davis J.

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

Wonderfully Unique Beach Home

This property wows you at every turn. The FLR styled house showcases the surrounding dunes, beach, and ocean at the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay from every room, and demands awareness of and attention to Nature and our interactions with it. Eco-friendly features and tips are abundant. Breathtaking is an overused word at times, but truly applies looking out the many huge windows on a clear day. The owner has obviously taken meticulous care to assemble and maintain this home for decades, preserving its classic styling ; every wall hanging and shelf tells a story and there are many to explore. (It also has heated bathroom floors, wonderful for winter stays such as ours!) The owner is a kind and gracious host. Definitely lives up to its billing!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stenve L.

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

Love the Beach

Great stay, our time there went well with no issues. Thanks
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kathy S.

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

So perfect

Our family had saved up to celebrate the graduations of 3 of my children (1 hs and 2 college), and I was so happy that we chose Gayle’s place! I fell in love with the layout of the house. It is designed so that everyone can retire to separate locations, but we could also comfortably gather together when we wanted. It feels so private, tucked behind the dune, but the beach is just a short walk away. We had a lot of young people in the house, and they took advantage of being close to the action of Va Beach. Conversely, my husband and I relished our time in the peace and quiet of Gayle’s live oaks and the uncrowded beach, a short walk away. Gayle and her family are delightful and I felt like I had known her for many years. I dream of going back as soon as we are able! It was a wonderful memory for all of us.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Valerie S.

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

A relaxing weekend in a great house

We enjoyed our girlfriends weekend. We relaxed in this beautiful home that had everything you need . The items in the home are properly labelled how to use that light switches, sinks etc. Gayle the property owner was very helpful and friendly. The property is very close to the beach. Watching the sunrise and sunsets from the modern upgraded top deck was amazing. The house is on the national historic register which we liked. We wished the furnishing were more updated . would be nice if the house had an automatic fragrance dispenser to get rid of the old house smell.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brett S., Sleepy Hollow, NY

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

Amazing views, architecture, and light switches!

We (a family of 6, ages 3-70) had an amazing stay at Sandswept. We (unintentionally) timed it perfectly around amazing blue skies and a full moon, which was incredible to see rise from both the living room and Pelican Room. The boats were super fun to watch too. As others have said, there’s plenty of room to spread out, but it also feels very communal. Gayle was a wonderful host and provided lots of helpful info during our stay about the timing of tides, sunsets, and moonrises, which was much appreciated. Highly recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Anna H.

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

Feels like our family beach house

We love staying at Gayle's family home. It somehow has a magical way of making our family feel like it's ours. We will all have lifetime memories of it, and if we've often daydreamed if we ever won the lottery we'd love to try and buy it so we could enjoy it for generations to come! Then again, we'd understand if Gayle wouldn't sell...in that case, would you adopt us, Gayle? Haha. Seriously though Gayle, thank you for sharing your special one of a kind property with our family.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jordan F.

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

Great Staycation

Gayle was lovely, as was her house. We enjoyed it so much that we will book again for next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sharon C.

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

Best Weekend Ever

As soon as I walked in the door, I was in awe of this beautiful mid-century house overlooking the dunes. Perfect size for my group of 10. Loved how well the kitchen had every supply/appliance we needed. Enjoyed have coffee up on the top deck looking out at the water.. So many pluses. Our hostess, Gayle, was always available to handle any question or issue we had. I will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

About the host

Hosted by Gayle

Host profile image
I have two Australian terriers and my favorite time of day is our sunrise and sunset walks on the beach.

For twenty-five years I performed as a harpsichordist and led an internationally acclaimed baroque music ensemble called Capriole. I stopped in order to homeschool my son. I then became an eco- builder, helping homeowners remodel high performance, energy efficient homes. In 2019 I ran for Delegate to represent the 82nd District in the Virginia legislature. I started 2020 with leukemia and COVID-19 and am now in remission and recovering from a bone marrow transplant done in August 2021.

Why they chose this property

This is my family home, built by my parents in 1955 to enjoy the summer with their summer guests. It has provided many happy summer memories for many people for over 69 years. It is on the historic register for the city of Virginia Beach. Our goal is to preserve this historic property and keep providing a restorative retreat for many people. The rooftop deck is often said to have the best view in Virginia Beach.

What makes this property unique

Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wrights' Residency in 1953, it is a stunning example of mid- 1950s forward looking architecture.

The top deck and rooftop room are a wonderful place to watch weather fronts move in, dolphins playing in the ocean out front, flocks of pelicans flying by, commercial shipping, and sailboats. On a clear day you can see the first two wind turbines 26 miles offshore.

Birders are amazed by the numerous types of birds. Butterflies, bunnies and other wildlife are frequent visitors. The garden is full of plants that provide food, pollen and cover and has been a certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat with the National Wildlife Federation for over 25 years.

Languages:

English, French, Turkish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests