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Experience the Best of Mathews Riverfront Living here at Mariner's Legacy!

Beachfront holiday home with water park and fitness centre

Photo gallery for Experience the Best of Mathews Riverfront Living here at Mariner's Legacy!

Plenty of room to spread out to play corn hole with water views everywhere!
No other rental home offers this much riverfront acreage in Mathews!
Waterfront view from the kayak. Wide open space for kids and dogs to play
Plenty of room to play tag, fly a kite or ride a bike!
Vintage farm table for everyone to gather for family meals and game nights!

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
6 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 12278.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View map
Bohannon, VA
  • Place, Chesapeake Bay
  • Place, Bacons Castle
  • Place, Busch Gardens Williamsburg
  • Airport, Newport News, VA (PHF-Newport News - Williamsburg Intl.)
    ‪72 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed and 1 Crib

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 6

2 Single Beds

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Bathroom 4

Toilet

Spaces

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

About this property

Experience the Best of Mathews Riverfront Living here at Mariner's Legacy!

Discover our stunning six-bedroom riverfront retreat in Mathews, where every sunrise and sunset can be enjoyed from different sides of the wraparound porch and interior rooms. Guests often say the views of the East River are even more breathtaking in person than in photos. Thoughtfully equipped with everything you need for a memorable stay, all that’s left to bring is your favorite food, drinks, and good company—we’ll take care of the rest.

Enjoy the completely remodeled chef's kitchen, fully stocked and ready for you. Large refrigerator plus extra fridge on enclosed back porch, double ovens with built-in air fryers, double dishwashers, 36” 5-burner cook-top, dedicated coffee bar, and favorite adult beverage area leaves plenty of room for all the cooks in your group.

The kitchen cabinets have been built with comfort in mind. Pull-out drawers have replaced shelves so you can easily find what you need. Quartz countertops make clean-up easy. Dedicated baking drawers with supplies. There is an entire cabinet from ceiling to floor of pull-out drawers for our guests supplies.

The large dining table has seating for 12 so everyone can gather for family meals. There is also an outdoor white Pottery Barn table on the wraparound porch to eat overlooking the river. If you are lucky, you might see the pods of dolphins that come up the river. Step outside from the back porch and fire up the grill for all your grilling needs and crab steaming. Propane tanks are provided for your use. And right beside the grill is a poly-wood picnic table for the crab feasts under the shade of an ancient oak tree.

When it's time to unwind, sink into the comfortable, large leather sectional sofa in the “Rivah” room or head out to the porch and take in the stunning water views. The children will enjoy playing on the play set while the parents can see them from the kitchen. At night, enjoy the fire pit with Adirondack chairs for 12 with firewood provided. The beach area is perfect for children to become comfortable in the water. Beach chairs, loungers are provided as well as plastic chairs you can literally sit in the river! You can challenge your loved ones to a game night with the selection of games provided.

Included is high-speed WiFi for 18 devices, a fully stocked laundry room with a large washer and dryer. Multiple kayaks, a pedal boat for four, life jackets in multiple sizes, bikes, volleyball, croquet, and corn hole are available for your use with no extra charge. Fish from the shore, walk out and cast into the river or use a kayak to get to deeper water. There are also crab pots with a crab steamer, large and small, to cook your catch.

What do we treasure most about our family’s home? The history woven into its walls, the laughter shared with loved ones on the wraparound porch, and the simple joy of cutting hydrangeas with my mother to brighten the dining table. We think of holidays filled with celebration, the aroma of something always baking in the kitchen, and long walks along the shoreline with my grandfather. But above all, it’s the happiness of being together—and that is our greatest wish for every guest, in whatever way it unfolds for you.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 27
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Includes full size crib, high chair & playground
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Please ask us prior to confirmation for pet rules
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights
Safe travels to all our guests! Thank you for the honor of selecting our family’s home for your vacation.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
We recommend each guest bring a pair of water shoes if they plan on accessing the water. Oyster shells can wash up with the tides
Do not open windows in the bedrooms. This is a house that is over 150 years old. We need to keep a low humidity environment and a constant temperature
We highly recommend each group purchase trip insurance at time of rental for unforeseen changes in your group, such as emergencies, pregnancy

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 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

We should mention

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

About the area

Bohannon

Located in Westville, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. Gloucester Museum of History and Deltaville Maritime Museum are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Main Street Center and Walter Reed Plaza. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Bohannon, VA

What's nearby

  • Gwynn's Island Musuem - 29 min drive - 28.5 km
  • Deltaville Marina - 42 min drive - 44.2 km
  • Yorktown Beach - 49 min drive - 54.5 km

Getting around

  • Newport News, VA (PHF-Newport News - Williamsburg Intl.) - 54 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Howard-Dooley Cafe - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Mi Casa Azteca Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Hardee's - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Seafood Shack - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Southwind Pizza - ‬18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Experience the Best of Mathews Riverfront Living here at Mariner's Legacy! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Experience the Best of Mathews Riverfront Living here at Mariner's Legacy!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Experience the Best of Mathews Riverfront Living here at Mariner's Legacy!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Experience the Best of Mathews Riverfront Living here at Mariner's Legacy! located?

Nestled on the beach, this Westville holiday home is within 16 mi (25 km) of Gwynn's Island Musuem, Brown Park and Ware Parish Church. Fairfield Foundation and Main Street Center are also within 16 miles (25 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. 188 out of 191 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 191 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 191 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 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

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lori S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely one of the best properties we have ever stayed on vacation. Danette and Rick were always prompt in responding to any questions we had during our stay. The home was beautiful and stocked just like your own home. The view from the porch was breathtaking. Loved the kayaks and paddleboat.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen W., Forest Hill, MD

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

Excellent Family Vacation!

Lovely location and well stocked historic house made for a magical week with family. The property is ver kid friendly and the views are breathtaking!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Emily H.

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

Amazing get away!

This is our second stay at this wonderful house on the East River. The home is fully equipped with all you need. You won’t regret staying here!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paula P.

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

Lovely place!

This was a very clean house that had plenty of space and things to do. The hosts were thoughtful in their decorations and overall supplies in this beautiful home. We had a great time and are very thankful that we chose this property.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ralph Y.

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

Family Reunion

Perfect for us, five children under ten could run around with minimum supervision, allowing the parents to reconnect. Interaction with landlord was excellent, accommodations were excellent, really didn't need to bring anything but food.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Catherine B.

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

Family Vacation

We had a wonderful family vacation at Mariner’s Legacy. Everything was even better than described! The house was extremely clean and well equipped. The beautiful river view can be enjoyed from the wrap around porch and almost every room in the house. We enjoyed the river with the many kayaks and peddle boat provided. Hosts are exemplary. We definitely recommend and hope to return for another stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenna S.

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

Beautiful!! Accurate description!

Met and exceeded expectations. Owners were very hospitable and the property was spacious and private. Little beach with small waves just right for our two year old to play in the water! House was clean and welcoming. Highly recommend. We will return!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeanne S.

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

Peaceful river stay

We had a long Easter weekend with family at this property. The house is beautiful and comfortable with room for everyone. The property is remote and serene. The weather didn't cooperate for the kayak or bicycle use, but it is such a nice amenity. There is an easy put in for the kayaks and, without the cold wind and chop, we would have used them a lot. It was a beautiful spot for bird watching and photography. The large fire pit was great for a group and the Adirondack style chairs were also perfect for star gazing. There were games for the rainy days and a big table for gathering. The beds were very comfortable. For an old house it was quiet and cosy. The kitchen was well appointed with anything we could have needed. The washer and dryer were new and industrial sized. We didn't need to do a lot of wash, but for a weeklong stay, it would be great. We had some gale force winds and rain, but it was warm and quiet inside. This was an amazing find and we would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The private location and waterfront vistas are a big plus. Families can fish, kayak and enjoy swimming from a sandy beach. We saw eagles, ospreys and a dolphin! The sunrises and sunsets are picture worthy!So restful-nature and amenities all in one!
Sunset
View from the porch
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

DW B.

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

Just Amazing!

This is our second year at Mariners Legacy for a family vacation with 4 generations! This is such an excellent location to relax and enjoy the river. We spend most of our time on the back porch just watching the boats, birds, and jumping fish. Great place for the kids and adults to catch crabs and fish. Lots of other activities, like corn hole, bikes, a canoe, and kayaks. We were out in the canoe and kayaks and had a blast.Inside the house, you have everything you need to cook meals, so you never have to leave the property. The owners are so nice and very helpful. We can't wait to visit again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard A.

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

Chesapeake getaway

Completely stocked home for large groups!A Kitchen which rivals a professional. Well equipped for outside activities on land and the river. A very comfortable home to stay in.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is among if not the best rentals we have ever stayed at. The location is superb. The house is astonishingly well stocked. The hosts have thought of everything.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dawn B.

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

Amazing Experience!!

Beautiful home! Plenty of space for 4 couples. Kitchen brand new and awesome. Love the private beach!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emily H.

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

Amazing getaway!

This was our 3rd stay and can’t wait to come back again. The house is fully equipped, clean and cozy. We love it here!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kerry D.

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

Spectacular Property, Terrific Hosts

Every Mother’s Day our extended family leaves town to explore a new part of Virginia for the weekend. Our stay in Bohannon could change all that. We want to go back! This is a lovely and spacious home with a million thoughtful touches. The property itself is spectacular and our gang enjoyed the kayaks, paddle boat and fire pit. We rate this as our top Mother’s Day getaway so far and we’ve been doing this for six years! Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mario D.

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

Texas Proud

Family came up to visit us from Texas. Everyone enjoyed the sights and new memories made. Plenty space and weather was fantastic.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michele F.

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

Family Wedding House/Evacuation Shelter

Little did we know that our plans would have to be modified due to a Hurricane! We contacted the gracious host and they scrambled to get the house ready in advance!! After we had rebooked our flights, due to Hurricane Milton, we arrived in the middle of the night one day early!! The hosts did everything in their power to seamlessly let us settle in. (including morning bagels and coffee) As we were travelling with two babies, they even let our local family members in early, to set up an additional crib ahead of our nocturnal arrival. The home was well (incredibly really) stocked with everything you could need for a fabulous week. The home is historic and incredibly maintained. Everything is spic and span clean and easy to navigate. The house is kid-friendly and I would say the child swing/playground was my personal favorite place to be with my grandbabies. The property was just gorgeous. Each morning we enjoyed the beautiful sunrises over the river while sipping coffee on the wrap-around porch. So serene! Butterflies, hummingbirds, Osprey and other wildlife can be found on every inch of the property. The town is quaint and the people in this area are very welcoming. We were really fortunate to be close to other family members, staying close by- and the wedding venue. I can not say enough about the hospitality shown to all of us. Now that we have new-family right down the street, we will be going back!!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marsha S.

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

Wonderful Stay

We were a group of ten older adults who travel together. We have stayed in many vacation rentals and Mariner's Legacy was one of the best, if not the best, places we have ever rented. The house was inviting and cozy. The kitchen was well appointed. The porch was incredible. We especially liked watching the sun come up. We highly recommend this beautiful home. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brent

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

Lovely Extended Weekend

We had a great time relaxing next to the water, kayaking, fishing and overall having a fabulous time. There is plenty of space for activities outside as well as enjoying a movie at night inside. Thanks again for a wonderful trip!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

DW B.

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

Peace and Quiet!

Such a beautiful property! The pictures do not do the actual house justice. The common rooms are large allowing your group/family to share time together, or find quiet time. The bedrooms are on the small side, but you won't spend any time there but to sleep. The beds are super comfortable, however, one person on each queen felt like they were falling out of the bed. I think the sides are just soft. But again, the bed and sheets were very comfortable. If you are used to a king bed, you may need to sleep in the singles like we did. The kitchen is 100% stocked with everything you will need. We brought a lot and wish we had not overpacked. If you do need something there is a very nice Food Lion within 15 minutes in a very cute town, Matthew's. Also, the pizza at the Salty Dog Pizza in Matthew's is amazing! Highly recommend!! There are games, and towels available (We brought games and they had the same games. and we didn't need to bring towels!) The air conditioning is split between levels, we were all very comfortable sleeping at night. There are bikes and kayaks as mentioned. But the bikes are old and rusty, The kayaks are difficult to adjust for a proper fit, however, for most people that will not be an issue. I would recommend bringing your own bike if you plan on going on bike rides. The listing also mentions a pier, but it is not on the property, and you have to drive to it. We were hoping to fish and crab from the pier but did not due to the inconvenience.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debbie F.

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

Peaceful and beautiful

The house is everything you could want! Very clean and impeccably kept. The owner is on the same property, so they keep the lawn and property beautiful. It was a very hot and humid week, but the AC kept the house very comfortable. The wrap around porch is absolutely spectacular. The dining room table was perfect for both meals and family games in the evening. About the only thing that would make this place any better would be a dock right at the property to fish, crab and tie your boat to. The house is absolutely a 10!!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Donald B.

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

Better than the pictures

If you want a hastle free vacation then this is it! The views couldn't be better. Playground and sandy beach for kids to play. Plenty of relaxing seating in the house and the 3 sided wrap around porch. Everything is just as described. Bring your food and enjoy
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tom L.

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

Amazing family vacation

We just spent a week at this beautiful home with our adult children. It was amazing time celebrated my wife’s 60th birthday and we had a baby reveal with the newest member of our family Little baby Jayde will arrive sometime in November overall very relaxing. The accommodations were perfect. Couldn’t ask for anything better. The owners were very helpful and friendly. Thanks for a wonderful time.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dawn B.

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

Beautiful!

Mariner's Legacy was even more than we expected. The house is amazing. We brought a john boat and went crabbing, boat riding and fishing. We enjoyed sitting on the beach and floating in the river. Danette and Rick were so friendly, attentive to our needs and questions, and full of fascinating history they gladly shared with us. Will definitely be going back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barbara C., Rochester, NY USA

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

Family Birthday

4 of us from Rochester, NY met 2 of us from Orlando, FL here at this lovely farmhouse. Once again we enjoyed the wrap around porch for coffee, kayaking off the beach, letting the dogs run, cooking for all of us plus 2 local guests a few times. The fire pit is a treasure. Beautiful fall scenery, visiting the nearby historic sites. Charming hosts, relaxing, fun and a wonderful time at this fully equipped home.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

About the host

Hosted by Danette Aldrich Machen

Host profile image
Mariner’s Legacy has been in my family since around 1867. I grew up here while my father farmed the land and learned early the importance of caring for this special place. After nursing school in Richmond, I married my Mathews High School sweetheart, Rick, and spent my career as an RN at our local hospital. Together, while raising two daughters, we’ve volunteered in the community and devoted countless hours to preserving and nurturing this home—just as my family has for generations.

Why they chose this property

Mariner’s Legacy has been my family’s home for generations, and it holds a special place in my heart. The area around the East River is truly one of a kind. Its peaceful atmosphere, natural beauty, and rich history make it a magical place to live and share with others. You will not find another home away from like this one.

What I love most is the incredible connection to the water. The views from every room are breathtaking, and life here revolves around the river. I grew up sitting in cozy nooks with a good book, and now I enjoy sipping coffee on the wrap-around porch, watching ospreys soar overhead and search the waters below.

The sense of community here is remarkable. You can watch the local water men and women dock their boats in the adjacent creek with their fresh catch or see neighbors paddling along the river’s many creeks. There’s always an adventure waiting—whether it’s wading the shoreline to find Indian arrowheads or kayaking along this Blue Water Riverway.

This neighborhood isn’t just scenic—it’s deeply meaningful. It’s a place where my family has made memories for generations, hosting countless gatherings and celebrations. It’s where I’ve raised my children and watched my grandchildren play.

Our family's home has everything you need for a truly memorable stay. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the riverfront location and create lasting memories with your family and friends.

What makes this property unique

Mariner’s Legacy offers an experience unlike any other. In addition to the charming waterfront home, guests have access to a nearby property with a commercial-sized dock, boat ramp, and a protected cove with one slip to moor your own boat that we also own. Whether you’re boating, fishing, or crabbing with string and chicken necks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

What truly sets this property apart is the natural beauty and wildlife all around you. From the wrap-around porch, you can watch osprey couples hunt for fish each evening while you relax with your favorite drink. Herons and egrets gracefully comb the shoreline as the tide changes, creating a serene and picturesque scene.

For fishing enthusiasts, a public fishing pier is located directly across the river, making it easy to enjoy the area’s plentiful waters. The combination of water access, wildlife, and breathtaking views ensures a one-of-a-kind stay for our guests.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

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