Entire home

Traditional waterfront cottage on Horseneck Beach

Photo gallery for Traditional waterfront cottage on Horseneck Beach

Newly added Four-Seasons Sunroom brings the outdoor living inside
Overlooking salt marsh and "The Let" bay. Master bedroom
Overlooking bay The Let, nesting osprey and cruiser, June 2019
Nesting osprey. View from deck June 2019
House View from Driveway

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Westport, MA
  • Place, Horseneck Beach State Reservation
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Horseneck State Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Brown University
    ‪43 min drive‬
  • Airport, Providence, RI (PVD-T.F. Green)
    ‪53 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Single Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

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

About this property

Traditional waterfront cottage on Horseneck Beach

This cozy yet spectacular waterfront beach Cottage abuts and overlooks “the Let” – Bay of Westport River. The secluded house is built on a barrier beach and is surrounded by wooded preservation lands inside Horseneck Beach State Reservation, offering the freedom of roaming yet with maximum privacy. Wildlife is abundant. “Bay - The Let” is in the backyard and Horseneck Beach is across the street. Walking distance to Gooseberry Island and Massachusetts Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary “Allens Pond”.
The house is fully furnished with furniture and appliances. It has a glassed Sunroom overlooking the bay and yard, a screened porch, and a deck for family gatherings. The master bedroom has a patio overlooking the bay and ocean.
This is an excellent getaway for families of all ages pursuing summer’s fun on the beach and enjoying coastal serenity and natural beauty - Biking, surfing, swimming, fishing/shellfishing, boating, Kayaking/canoeing, and birding, or simply relaxing on the beach. A new bike path built by the state of Mass in 2020 in front of the street passes the beach, bay, and harbor leading to Gooseberry Island.
“The Let” offers activities such as kayaking, canoeing, shell fishing/fishing, or birding. Bring your own kayak or canoe and launch them at the Emma Tripp Landing on East Beach Road nearby. Our guests are welcome to use our kayaks and launch on the salt marsh in the backyard. Or simply walk in the backyard on the salt marsh or the shorelines for fishing crabs, mussels, oysters, scallops, and clams (locally called Quahog) (subject to state and local rules/licenses).
Ocean-going boats can be launched at two public boat launching sites/ramps nearby, at John Reed Road/Westport Bridge and at Gooseberry Island.
The 600-acre Horseneck beach reservation with a 2-mile beachfront offers one of the best surfing sites in the State of Massachusetts. Open to the public (fees).
The 611-acre wildlife sanctuary “Allens Pond” offers one of the most significant osprey breeding sites in North America with 100 nesting platforms and seven scenic mile nature trails that wind through beaches, ponds, marsh, coastal woodland, and meadows. Free to the public.
Gooseberry Island offers spectacular views of Buzzards Bay, Martha’s Vineyard, the Atlantic Ocean, and Rhode Island Sound. Free to the public.
The house is located at 97 (Old) John Reed Rd, Westport, MA.
In 2022 a four-season sunroom was added. Starting 2025
the house has its new water storage and supply system. Portable water is brought in from a neighboring town. In-house water is no longer from a private well on site which has high tannins.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
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

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number C0097743340
Property # 4145800
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 and a first aid kit

About the area

Westport

Located in Westport, this holiday home is on the beach. Dedee Shattuck Gallery and Four Corners Arts Center are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Acoaxet Club and Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery. Cornell Farm and Dartmouth Cultural Center are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and hiking.
Map
Westport, MA

What's nearby

  • Horseneck Beach State Reservation - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Horseneck State Beach - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Brown University - 43 min drive - 62.2 km
  • Rhode Island Convention Center - 44 min drive - 63.9 km
  • Roger Williams Park Zoo - 45 min drive - 65.7 km

Getting around

  • Newport Ferry Station - 46 min drive
  • Newport, RI (NPT-Newport State) - 42 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Art Cafe - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Cumberland Farms - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Bayside Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Village Pizza - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Back Eddy - ‬13 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Traditional waterfront cottage on Horseneck Beach pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Traditional waterfront cottage on Horseneck Beach?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Traditional waterfront cottage on Horseneck Beach?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Traditional waterfront cottage on Horseneck Beach?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Traditional waterfront cottage on Horseneck Beach located?

Nestled on the beach, this Westport holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Horseneck Beach State Reservation and Horseneck State Beach. Gooseberry Island is 1.8 mi (2.9 km) away.

Reviews

9.4

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. 22 out of 31 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 31 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 31 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 31 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 31 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place. Excellent communication from host. Would stay again for sure.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie P.

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

Great Stay

As always we had a wonderful time at this location!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard K.

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

Great Stay!

We loved our getaway - our second time back! Peaceful spot with a great view and plenty of birds & wildlife to enjoy.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 6 August 2023
Hi, Rich and Marla, We love to have you coming back this year! Tom and Cynthia
Verified

8/10 Good

Michael T.

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

Great place

Easy access, very private backyard.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 September 2022
Thanks for booking our beach cottage, and we're feeling bad that we did not earn your five-star review. Upon reviewing our conversations, it looks like you have booked our cottage for your relatives and you did not stay there. We felt sorry you did not have a chance to enjoy the beautiful place.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Perdita F.

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

Lovely Beach Retreat!

The views were exquisite and the screened in sun room a heavenly place to enjoy them and the many birds. The bed was very comfortable and the view again of marsh and sky! The beach is a minute away, beautiful walks are a minute away, a lively restaurant a minute away. A perfect get away week
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A very private and beautiful spot with lots of wildlife. Easy access to multiple beaches but a bit loud at times because of the campground across the street. Having no dryer was rough with a long stay. The sunroom was a favorite of ours with amazing views.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2025
Archival

8/10 Good

Mary K.

Wonderful week

Location close to Goodberry Neck and East Beach for swimming House comfortable and has everything you need. Furniture could be more comfortable.
Verified

8/10 Good

Doreen W.

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

Peaceful retreat

This is my second rental of the Westport cottage. It remains as beautiful and peaceful as ever. Secluded, but only a few minutes from the beach and local restaurants and town. Thomas is a gracious and caring host. I highly recommend this property.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

lynn d.

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

Perfect vacation

The house surpassed our hopes and expectations. Very clean and spacious. We spent a lot of time in the new sunroom where we always had a breeze. The grounds are beautiful and look like a well groomed park. We were within minutes of the beach and some good restaurants. We would return in a second and certainly recommend it to everyone.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 24 July 2022
Thanks for your kind words and very glad to hear you have enjoyed your stay. We're really appreciated you have kept our cottage in such good and clean order. Tom
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leslie W.

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

A Cottage in Paradise

This comfortable cottage was well-equipped and the hosts thought of everything to make for a great stay. The winner, though, is the four season porch (with air conditioning) added on recently. It was like being out in nature without the bugs! The views of the salt marsh, the wildlife and the woods were so enjoyable. We loved feeling secluded. My mattress in the smaller bedroom could have been more comfortable and I would have slept a lot better, but that's my only complaint. I would love to stay there again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 September 2022
Thanks for your stay and review. We're looking into the issue you have brought up.
Verified

8/10 Good

Mimi K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Good location in need of an AC in bedrooms

House is located near the beaches and town and is private. The problem for us was the lack of AC in the bedroom on the second floor--during the hot, humid summer days, it was difficult to sleep. In addition, the couch on the ground floor was in a poor shape and was uncomfortable. The house had a nice deck.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2020
Hi, Mimi, Sorry to hear you had trouble to sleep, and we're looking into stalling upstairs AC and replacing downstairs sofa. Thomas
Verified

8/10 Good

Karen S.

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

Enjoyed our stay

I really wanted to be close to the beach and Thomas' cottage is quite close. We enjoyed lovely walks and bike rides through the campground across the street onto the beach-side walking/biking trail which runs all along the beach for a couple of miles. The view of the river or the "let" from the master bedroom and the decks is lovely and relaxing. The week we stayed, it happened to be a VERY hot week in Boston, which is where we live. But, at Thomas' cottage, the temperature was perfect! Thomas was very responsive to my inquiries and internet worked well.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 July 2021
Dear Karen, Thanks for your stay in our beach cottage, and our goal is to strike 100% satisfactions from our guests. Our guests’ feedbacks are important to us, allowing us to address their concerns so that we can improve, and our future guests can enjoy their stays. When you sent me a text saying “We did enjoy our stay”, I was glad to hear your satisfaction. Your written review posted on VRBO looked like you were totally satisfied without any issue, yet your rating says something else, that leaves me puzzled, second guessing what might be the issue(s) and how shall we address them. We have had excellent communications. Nevertheless, upon reviewing them I can’t identify any issue you have raised relating to the cottage and what we have provided to our guests. However there might be something else that impacted your stay, here are my guesses: (1) Phone signal. When you failed to check out on time and our clean team could not enter the premise, I called and ended up I had to knock on the door. Later I learned from you that you had no phone signal. Without a phone can be extremely frustrating. Verizon and T-Mobile have good coverages in the area that are what we are using, and we know certain carriers do not, such as AT&T. We’d appreciate you for letting us and our future guests know who is your carrier; (2) Family dog. We have our pet policy, and you have informed us your family member(s) with dog to visit you. We wanted to and have accommodated your request. We will review our pet policy again for the coming season; (3) Canoe and Kayaks. A pair of Osprey nested on the backyard salt marsh just had their chicks hatched before your arrival and the parents were extremely protective. These birds may have harassed or interrupted anyone launching kayaks on the backyard salt marsh. These birds may have spoiled your plan of using our canoe and kayaks. Again I am not sure my guesses are right and you are welcome to comment on. But these can not be the issues prompting you to rate your stay. Without giving any issues you have encountered, your current rating looks arbitrary and unfair to the host who is eager to satisfy the guests and make further improvement. Thanks again, Thomas Tao
Verified

6/10 Okay

Thomas W.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Not what we expected…..

The location sells this place. As far as the property condition itself; it’s a it’s a slice of 1983 with a recent sunroom addition that was a saving grace. It has a washer that will stain your clothes from the orange well water- this is disclosed in the property description but there is foul odor that accompanies the orange look is not. The property description advertised a hot tub which we could not find. We would not return to this property.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 18 November 2024
It is painful to hear we did not meet your expectations. In the last four years, the majority of our summer weeks have been rented by our returning guests. We want our guests to be 100% satisfied. The issue you raised about the well water, as I suspected, may have something to do with the 20-year record of King Tides early this year that flooded the Northeast including this area. The flooding of the salt marsh in the backyard might have impacted groundwater quality temporarily. I will consult with experts again. However, we have disclosed fully in our property description and the welcome brochure as well, that not wash light-colored or white clothes, etc. Regarding the item of the Hot Tub/Sauna, I can assure you that we never listed it on VRBO. VRBO constantly modified its platform. It appears when their IT staff made expansions of items, they transferred or split our original selection of the single Item of Shower/Tub. In their new platform, it showed the property had a “Sauna” under the category of “Hot Tube, etc.” without our knowledge. We have found other items, for example, “Safe”, that we do not have. I also believe when you booked the rental one year ago, the property list may have one single item of “shower/tub”, not Today’s “Sauna”, “hot tub”, “jacuzzi”, etc. I can ask VRBO to provide a copy of our original selections. I found none of the issues are due to our fault. I am kindly asking you to withdraw your rating. Update 11/18/2024:: We're installing a 3000-gallon water storage tank on site and will truck in water from the neighbor town to replace the well water. It's an expensive solution for the water issue, however, we would like our guests 100% happy during their stay with us. Thomas
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard K.

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

Great Spot!

We loved the location and spent most of our time relaxing in the screened-in porch!
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Doreen W.

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

Peaceful seaside retreat

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the cottage. The sunroom with the view of the bay is spectacular. We enjoyed our coffee every morning gazing at nature’s beauty with daily visits from deer, turkeys, rabbits, chipmunks and squirrels. The osprey’s occasional stop at the nest was an added bonus. Horseneck beach trips were refreshing. There are many nice restaurants and a grocery store nearby to pick up all the essentials needed for barbecuing on the provided gas grill. The cottage is set in a very private wooded lot. I would definitely rent again from Thomas who is a very gracious host.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janine M.

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

Relaxing getaway. Beautiful view of inlet! Plenty of restaurants nearby with good food.

Pleasantly enjoyed my stay!
Stayed 34 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike K.

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

Clean

Place was very clean upon arrival. Kids loved the yard the large deck. Thanks again Mike
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert B.

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

Great Escape

We had a great time with all the things to do there. This place knid of grows on you with more to keep you occupied. With the Kayak and conoe for starters, the trail was assume. The beach across the street was great. Fishing was good at the island. The local restaurants were also great. Time flew by and the week was over too fast. Got to go back
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carrie F.

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

Beach Vacation Fun

We had a great time enjoying the beach cottage and property. The location of the property was right accross the street from the beach and had access to the estuary behind the property. We enjoyed biking along the new bike path to the beach and biking to Goosebury Island. We enjoyed the views of the estuary from the decks and canoeing in the estuary. The cottage was clean and relaxing with a screened in porch, large deck and a small deck off the master bed room. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful Massachusetts coast.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane G.

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

Great stay

Property was great- beautiful and peaceful. Screened in porch was a favorite spot to hang out after the beach. Horseneck beach is in walking distance (- we walked Most days b/c of Covid the beach admittance for non-residents was doubled at this time FYI) Gooseberry island is a quick bike ride away and has the best sunsets! Canoe was a fun activity too :). We had a nice relaxing stay. Host provided perfect communication. Great spot to visit.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew A.

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

Quite getaway with lots of wildlife!

We had an amazing stay! The "let" being right behind the property really made it so easy to go kayaking! If you wanted a beach it was right across the street! Our kids had an amazing time! My only thing would be to try and get rid of the poison ivy I warned my kids about but unfortunately my daughter ended up getting covered at least it was at the end of the trip! I would definitely stay here again we had such a great time! Thanks!
Response from VrboOwner on 31 July 2020
Hi, Matt, Glad you and your family had enjoyed your stay. Thanks again, also for your feedback and suggestions on poison ivy. We're looking into this matter and have taken steps to address. regards, Thomas
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rick F.

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

Family visit during pandemic

Great property. Turned out perfect for us to visit nearby family without staying in a motel during pandemic. Private; great location for beach.
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie P.

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

It’s our favorite spot!

Location is everything! You’ve got beach, swimming, nature! The new deck is spectacular! Thanks again to Thomas and his family ( the owners) for another great week!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane S.

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

Great place!

The cottage was great, very accurately advertised. Would recommend this property to anyone. The owner communicated all necessary info, and recommended restaurants and other places in the area
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Laura T.

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

Lovely cottage and setting

everything was terrific with the exception of the water supply. Shower did not give more than a trickle of water so bathing was difficult. If we had brought kids it would have been a real problem. Property owner is addressing this and we would definitely stay again. Location was fantastic, deer in front yard yet across the street from Horseneck Beach.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 1 April 2020
A ten-stage shower head filter installed one month ago aggregated the low flow issue and now the flow has been increased. Sorry for the inconvenience.

About the host

Hosted by Thomas Tao

Host profile image
Dr. Tao is a Brown University graduate, and has lived in Rhode Island and Massachusetts for 40 years. Owners live in Hopkinton MA currently.

Why they chose this property

Located in busy summer beach resort area, yet secluded and surrounded by coastal woods and saltmarsh. Complete freedom of roaming on 600 acres Preservation.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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