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Sandcastles Beach House - Meadowside: On PEI's Best Beach!

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Master bedroom with en-suite deck overlooking pond and ocean.
Sandcastles Beach House with Meadowside on the right and Duneside on the left.
Directly over our dune you'll find this starting point for endless walks.
Spacious yet cozy living room has deck access, pull-out couch and ceiling fan.
Looking at the 'flower pot' through the keyhole, just down the beach!

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 7

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Queen Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Balcony
Number of living rooms
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Sandcastles Beach House - Meadowside: On PEI's Best Beach!

With Sandcastles Beach House a mere three minute walk along the path to the finest beach on the island and our beach's sandy, broad expanse and gentle slope it is perfect for relaxing and unwinding. You can walk for hours and never run out of beach. From your deck you can take in our spectacular dunes and you'll see the surf conditions so you'll know if it's a smooth swimming or a boogie board kind of day. In addition, we are in the enviable position of being the only rental having MacKay Pond border its lawn so you'll see eagles, herons, osprey and cormorants all day and end it all with blazing sunsets dancing off our waters. No neighbors separate you from your view of the dunes. Staying at Sandcastles is like having a series of natural works of art offered up to you all day long.

Sandcastles Beach House is a beautifully finished pine beach house with two independent units: Meadowside and Duneside. Each unit has two bedrooms, a full bath, washer & dryer and a fully-equipped kitchen, including dishwasher.

Sandcastles easily fills the needs of everyone from individual couples to groups of up to 14 celebrating reunions of families or groups of friends. We can customize in this way because we have two units which are adjoining and yet fully private and self-contained. So you can rent just one side and soak up all the beauty our location offers. Or, if you are with a larger group you can rent both sides, sharing meals and good times when you choose and yet still have the freedom to enjoy the privacy of dining and relaxing in your own unit. If you wish to book Meadowside, please do so here. If you wish to book both Meadowside and Duneside, please book Meadowside here and Duneside on our other listing: "Sandcastles Beach House - Duneside: Special Springtime Offer!" (also found under Darnley, PEI).

We supply all modern conveniences including Wi-fi, a 55" 4K UHD Smart TV with Chromecast and satelitte, and we have a convenient, fully private outdoor shower. Sandcastles Beach House is minutes from 8 golf courses, deep-sea fishing, fine dining and galleries. You'll be pleasantly surprised with our prices. Our rates are in Canadian dollars and include taxes. We do not charge extra for additional guests (up to 7 per side). So....be sure to check the final cost of other sites when comparing. Our guests tell us that Sandcastles is "enchanting" and our location is "breathtaking". We hope that you'll visit Sandcastles Beach House and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Ocean view

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Exterior
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  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 19
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
We are family friendly!
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Events

No events allowed
No large gatherings please.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Lock the doors
Close the windows.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Please empty the garbage before checking out. Carefully sort garbage, compost and returnables according to posted guidelines.
Please close windows before going out for the day if there is threat of rain.
Do not drive or park beyond the parking pads as this would damage the septic system.

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
Note from host: No large gatherings please.
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 and a deadlock
Property Registration Number 133379

About the area

Darnley

Located in Darnley, this cottage is in a rural area and on a lake. Malpeque Outer Range Lighthouse and Cape Tryon Lighthouse are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Cavendish Beach and Cabot Beach Provincial Park. Burlington Amusement Park and Burlington Amusement Park are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and cycling.
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Map
Kensington, PE

What's nearby

  • Burlington Amusement Park - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Anne of Green Gables Museum - 10 min drive - 10.9 km
  • Prince Edward Island National Park - 27 min drive - 36.8 km
  • Green Gables Heritage Place - 28 min drive - 36.8 km
  • Cavendish Beach - 28 min drive - 36.8 km

Getting around

  • Charlottetown, PE (YYG) - 58 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Malpeque Oyster Barn - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Ship to Shore Restaurant & Lounge - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Seashell Motel - ‬11 min drive
  • The Kitchen Witch Tea Room
  • ‪O'Neil Home Gallery - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Sandcastles Beach House - Meadowside: On PEI's Best Beach! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Sandcastles Beach House - Meadowside: On PEI's Best Beach!?

As of 3 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sandcastles Beach House - Meadowside: On PEI's Best Beach! on 24 June 2026 start from NZ$346, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Sandcastles Beach House - Meadowside: On PEI's Best Beach!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Sandcastles Beach House - Meadowside: On PEI's Best Beach!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sandcastles Beach House - Meadowside: On PEI's Best Beach!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Sandcastles Beach House - Meadowside: On PEI's Best Beach! located?

Situated by the sea, this cottage is 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Burlington Amusement Park and 2.6 mi (4.2 km) from Darnley Greens Golf Course. Malpeque Outer Range Lighthouse and Keir Memorial Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 18 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 18 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 18 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 18 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

raavi

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful location in a quiet neighborhood. Had an amazing time with friends and family.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Mysty D.

Centrally located comfortable place to stay

We had a wonderful vacation here. The beach house is just a short walk to the beautiful beach. Red rock cliffs on both ends of the long sandy beach. The beach house fit our family of 6 comfortably.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Great to hear you and your wonderful family enjoyed your vacation.
Verified

8/10 Good

Julia H.

Cozy, comfortable cottage

I chose Meadowside for a 4-day get-away in late September/early October. This cottage is cozy and comfortable and has fabulous views of the dunes with the ocean beyond. The beach is second to none. Overall a great trip and a very pleasant time of year to be in PEI.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
We've had many guests tell us we're fortunate to be situated on their favourite beach in the world. We couldn't agree more. Thanks!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie B.

perfect family getaway

Delighted to stay at Meadowside with our three teen/tween kids. The location was perfect - sunset and water views (including a hunting bald eagle!) right off the deck, a few minutes' walk to a beautiful uncrowded beach (go explore the sandstone formations!), easy driving to most of the popular sightseeing on the island. The cottage was well stocked for our needs and very clean with comfortable sleeping. Owner was very responsive. We'd return in a heartbeat!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you for the good advise and positive words. Glad you mentioned the sandstone formations. For those reading this...they are a 1 km walk down to the left on the beach and are the most photographed spot on the island right now...always changing and always fascinating. If you get the opportunity you are welcome back any time.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katharina W.

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

Exceeded our expectations

We arrived at Sandcastles on the recommendation of a good friend who had stayed there before. Right from the first evening, we were hooked. A very short walk to one of the most beautiful beaches I have eve seen, and the sunsets there were just out of this world. The next morning, I saw a bald eagle visiting the tidal pond as I sat on the porch with my coffee. We had a great time on PEI with activities such as the potato museum (fun and great food!), bicycling, deep sea fishing, and a lot of great food. The house itself is well run, and has everything one needs including beach towels, and even two older bikes. We heard our neighbors through the wall a little bit at night, but the kids slept well, they must have been tuckered out. As I had to work, I was glad for the wifi which worked flawlessly even through videoconferencing. I was a little concerned about the temperatures getting cooler in the end of August, and some of the days were cool, but the water temperatures were so pleasant in the ocean, the kids had a blast playing in the waves. Brian and Jane checked in with us during our stay to make sure we had everything we needed. We look forward to going back to PEI and when we do, we'll definitely book Sandcastles again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you so much Katharina. We're almost getting used to people saying it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is definitely our fav. so who are we to disagree? Glad you found everything you needed at Sandcastles and enjoyed the eagles etc. Looking forward to hearing from you again.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Lori L.

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

close to the beach

My mom and I stayed 3 nights in September 2019. We enjoyed being so close to the beach. There were people in the other half of this rental. The walls are very thin and we could hear their conversations and the TV. It would be a great place to stay if both halves of the rental were on a holiday together (eg. a family reunion) but a lack of insulation between each unit was an issue.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thanks very much for your feedback. We're so glad you enjoyed our amazing location and as you mention, many guests do like to book both units for reunions. Although we've been renting for 16 years and have lots of glowing reviews on various sites, we take your comment seriously and I'll attempt to address it here. We actually stayed in your unit for the last night of the neighboring guests stay and didn't actually hear anything. However, I don't question your experience. They were a somewhat older couple and it is possible they had the TV on unusually loud etc. and we are sorry that impacted on your stay. Just to clarify, our walls are built to code with thickness and materials and have several layers of soundproofing material filling them. However, it is a pine cottage and sound, resulting in a lower tone murmur, can be transmitted along the joists near the ceiling. It would be unusual to actually hear conversation but possible if the speaking is loud. In order to mitigate that, as a result of your concern, we are adding an additional layer of sound insulation and tongue and groove to both sides of the adjoining wall, coming down about 1 ft. from the ceiling. Hopefully this will help and again we do appreciate your feedback. Thanks again for coming and hope you have a nice autumn.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Denise M.

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

Awesome house and location

Very nice and comfortable house next to the ocean and a pond. Birdwatching and super long beach.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thanks Denise. Glad you enjoyed the beach house.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alisa B.

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

Great bird watching, Beautiful beach!

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in Darnley on the edge of a salt marsh w immediate access to a beautiful beach. Despite heat, the house cooled off with great ventilation and beach breezes. We watched cormorants holding out their wings to dry and a beautiful egret. Our neighbors were very nice, friendly and respectful of privacy. They even had a sweet dog who got along great with ours. There was an issue w loss of hot water after an area power loss that Brian took care of immediately. He was great at staying in touch and making sure everything went well. We definitely would return, and would also consider renting both sides.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thanks very much, Alisa. Watching the sea bird activity on McKay Pond is such tranquil and restorative escape from daily routine. It's good to hear the cottage cooled off quickly during the heat wave. We're hearing from our 'regulars' that the addition of the ceiling fans has even improved on the sea breeze cooling effect. So we are glad to hear that you were comfortable. You are more than welcome to come back whenever you get the chance.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather D.

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

Wonderful location and well equipped

The cottage was as advertised. I had not realized it was a duplex - missed that somehow- but it all worked out really well. The location was fantastic, just a short hop over the dune and you are on the beach. Host was quick to respond and made some great recommendations including the Anne and Gilbert production in Charlottetown. We felt very rested and relaxed after a few days there.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
We're really happy it worked out for you and that Sandcastles Beach House didn't disappoint. Also glad you loved the location and left rested...that's a big part of our hope. Hope you enjoy the rest of the summer.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer B.

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

PEI getaway

We stayed there for a girls trip and it was perfect! Great view of the pond and decks for lounging. We really appreciated the laundry facilities and Brian amd Jane's recommendations for activities were spot on. We had a wonderful trip and would definitely return.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thanks very much! Glad Sandcastles Beach House could be part of your 'grand adventure' and that you were able to capture some of the youthful fun of the land of Anne! It was great that you were able to pack in so much during your stay. Safe travels home.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dianne P.

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

Amazing!!!

Perfect home, location for your ladies getaway!! Loved the house, great location, very hospitable owners. Only problem - we needed to stay longer. Thank you Jane and Brian. Hope to enjoy your beautiful home again in the future
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thanks Dianne...Glad Sandcastles Beach House was able to host your get together. Hope you carry with you images of the sunset, from the deck, for years to come. We'd love to see you head down our way again. Thanks again, Brian
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Trevor M.

Great location!

Gear to watch the sunsets every night and so close to an amazing beach
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thanks so much. We love being able to run back and forth from the beach to the cottage so easily. And yes...those sunsets are exceptional over the pond that borders our lawn. Hope to have you back some time.
Verified

8/10 Good

Candace B.

Beautiful Cottage by the beach

The cottage was extremely clean and welcoming. It was just a short walk over the dunes to the beach which to me represented what I wanted to see of PEI. There was a lovely wrap around porch which offered a lovely view of the sunset. Full amenities included WiFi and TV, Dishwasher and laundry and lots of towels for our use. The week we were there, it was very warm and nights without a/c was not as comfortable as we had to leave the windows and doors open. However, it was very windy with a good breeze at all times. We golfed in the area and enjoyed Red Sands (a local 9 hole course) the best. From our perspective, it was not worth the drive to Crowbush. We had our dog with us and he loved the freedom of the side yard and was very comfortable in the house. I would highly recommend the location and this cottage. Thanks Brian.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thanks for your comments. We've added two ceiling fans since your visit and returning guests are saying they are happily surprised at the difference they make. We used to be fine just letting the ocean breezes cool us at night but it appears warmer summers are here to stay. I too was really pleased with the cooling effect of the new fans. I also agree with the Red Sands advise. I always recommend it. The patchwork rolling farmland views from the golf course are classic and the course itself is beautifully maintained and challenging. Thanks again for coming.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie G.

Wonderful cottage within walking distance of one of best beaches on PEI!

Sandcastles Beach House-Meadowside is a treasure! It's centrally located on the beautiful northern shore of Prince Edward Island. The setting is amazing with a pond filled with bird life right off the deck and then over a short dune walk, you find Thunder Cove Beach, one of the prettiest beaches on the island. The owners are wonderful. They are very accommodating, easy to work with, and anything you could need is provided. We rented both Duneside and Meadowside to have more space to spread out which is a really nice option. Renting both sides would be great for larger families, family reunions, or just to have more space. Just be aware that the cottages don't have an adjoining door inside. But each cottage is very spacious with a wonderful view. Very reasonably priced as well! Highly recommend!! We had a wonderful time here!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thanks very much Jamie. Watching the eagles and the sea birds is a favourite pastime. One of the most peaceful sounds in the world is that of the double crested cormorants flapping their wings in the water. I open the bedroom patio doors at night and am lulled to sleep by the sound. You're correct in mentioning there is no adjoining door from Meadowside to Duneside. For potential guests... note that you'll need to step out onto the deck and around a partition to enter the other unit. This provides a little more privacy between units. You'll see that pictured in the exterior shot of Sandcastles Beach House. It was a pleasure having you stay Jamie. Hope you get a chance to return soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark G.

Loved every minute of our stay!

The cottage was charming and had everything we needed. We loved the peace and beauty of Prince Edward Island and the absolutely stunning beaches. Also, this cottage is ideally situated in one of the most scenic parts of PEI, the middle section on the north coast. We were a three-minute walk from the beach and a close walk to some stunning rock formations. We've never seen such clear ocean water. You are even allowed to have a fire on the beach at night. From our cottage, we saw a bald eagle and even spotted a den of foxes. And it was never crowded. We are looking forward to coming back one day.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thanks Mark. We are fortunate to be located in the midst of such natural beauty. We'll look forward to having you back any time.
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Allyson E.

Comfortable accommodations with easy access to the beach in a quiet, relaxing setting.

My daughter and I came to Prince Edward Island to experience the natural beauty of the island and to visit the area that Lucy Maude Montgomery wrote about. Sandcastles beach house was very comfortable with all of the amenities of home. This cottage has views of the ocean from the upstairs balcony with views of the pond and wildlife from the living room and deck. Very relaxing. The beach is steps away from the cottage. Our host Brian was very helpful and welcoming, as well as responsive to any questions we had. I would definitely stay at Sandcastles again when I return to Prince Edward Island.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thank you for the kind words. There is a magic to the world that Lucy Maude created for Anne and so much of it is based on the reality of the beauty of this island. It was a pleasure to have you as guests and hopefully we'll cross paths again.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Greg F.

The Best Place to Stay in PEI!

We loved Sandcastles. The proximity to the beach the beautiful views were exactly what we were looking for. As a lover of Oysters being close to Malpeque Bay was super exciting. The tea cup just down the beach was amazing. Kitchen was well equipped. Brian was very helpful with any questions we had. We plan on coming back in the years to come and bringing friends.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thanks so much for your kind words. Interestingly, the sandstone teacup has become the most photographed feature on the island. We're pretty lucky to have not only it and it's surrounding sculptures on our beach...but also our amazing expanse of lofty dunes. It would be great if you can bring along some friends next time. The sand and surf will be waiting for you.
Archival

8/10 Good

Stephen & Rosemary M.

Meadowside

Lovely cottage in a spectacular location. Brian was very helpful in getting us started. The cottage has everything you need for a relaxing stay on the Island.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 5 March 2020
Thanks folks. Glad you enjoyed your time at Sandcastles.

About the host

Hosted by Brian Power-Grimm

Host profile image
As teachers, my wife Jane and I have had full careers in Nova Scotia, the mountains of BC and Massachusetts. As fitness and outdoor enthusiasts and parents to three sons we have learned the pleasures of recharging at the beach.

Why they chose this property

We did the vacation research for you in 1996 when we travelled Prince Edward Island far and wide looking for "the" cottage where we could happily return year after year. Sandcastles Beach House was everything we had hoped for, and MORE. So much more that we kept a standing reservation as renters ourselves as did many other delighted vacationers. In 2003 we were fortunate to have the opportunity to buy the Beach House, and now we welcome you to come share in the joyful experience of life on the beach.

What makes this property unique

Sandcastles allowed us to park our car at the beginning of the week and not feel the need to start it up again. Having the beach on site, the best views in the world at our doorstep, spacious rooms for our family and all amenities within arms reach made us come back year after year until we bought it ourselves. We are near entry points to section 15-16 of 'The Island Walk' hiking route as well as to the Confederation Trail, so Sandcastles provides us restorative respite after a day of walking our beautiful countryside.

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