Entire home

Bell Buoy: Rare Coastal find with breathtaking Water Views from this Rockport Coastal Retreat!

Beachfront holiday home with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Bell Buoy: Rare Coastal find with breathtaking Water Views from this Rockport Coastal Retreat!

Dinner and a show - concert at Shalin Liu center
Let’s go Whale Watching – it’s amazing along Stellwagen!
Views of Front Beach from the Breakfast Deck
Let’s go shopping in Rockport – such a quaint downtown with Bear Skin Neck full of the great galleries and artisan shops.
Original Field Stone Fireplace (decorative now) - shall we head over to Thatcher Island and the twin Lighthouses today?

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 5120.8 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Shalin Liu Performance Center
  • Place, Front Beach
  • Place, Cape Ann
  • Airport, Boston, MA (BOS-Logan Intl.)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Landing

1 Single Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Waterview Bedroom

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Full Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Laundry Bath Combo

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Bell Buoy: Rare Coastal find with breathtaking Water Views from this Rockport Coastal Retreat!

Welcome to Bell Buoy, a charming cottage and stunning seaside located in the heart of Bearskin Neck. From the rooftop deck, you'll enjoy views of Rockport’s waterfront: Front Beach, Folly Cove, Motif 1, and Rockport Harbor. Watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean as first light illuminates Thatcher Island.



What a fabulous location! As you step out the front door, you are a 2 minute walk to the closest restaurants and shops – easy access to fishing spots & ice cream shops. All the delightful venues of Bearskin Neck are mere moments from your doorstep. Downtown Rockport is equally convenient. Just a stroll down Bear Skin Neck and you emerge in the heart of downtown Rockport.



Bell Buoy is a short stroll to Rockport’s downtown, the Shalin Liu Performance Center, the Art Galleries, Rockport Harbor, and Front Beach. All manner of treasures can be found in Rockport’s vibrant downtown. Take in a concert at Shalin Liu Performance Center – you’ll enjoy stunning views – the back wall of the concert hall is a full wall of glass overlooking Rockport harbor. Rockport famously attracts artists from around the globe to capture the unique lighting. So many art galleries celebrate the artist community and the beauty of Rockport.



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Sleeping Arrangements (Maximum Occupancy - 5)

Master Bedroom (Sleeping Capacity - 2)

- Queen bed

- 2 Bedside Tables with Lamps

- 3 Bureaus

- Armoire

- Closet

- Large Table with 2 Chairs – can be used as a desk

- Window AC



Guest Bedroom (Sleeping Capacity - 2)

- Full bed

- 2 Bedside Tables with Lamps

- 1 Bureau

- 1 Large Closet

- Window AC



Landing (Sleeping Capacity - 1)

- Twin Daybed

- Armoire



Bathroom Accommodations

- 1 full bath with shower/tub combination and grab bars for easier entry & exit

- 1 half Bath with Laundry: full size washer & dryer



_____

Bell Buoy Accommodation Highlights

As you enter through the front porch, you are welcomed by a spacious living room with nautical accents. Checkout the antique ship replicas, and ship instruments. At the center of the home, a floor to ceiling field stone fireplace connects the living room with the dining room. The dining room has a spacious table that comfortably seats 6 - 10 people. From the desk, one can gaze out the window and enjoy views of classic and colorful cottages. Through the dining room guests find a fully equipped kitchen with full sized appliances: dishwasher, new stainless-steel gas stove and new stainless-steel refrigerator.



As you ascend the stairs, guests will find a cozy reading nook on the over-sized landing. Stretch out on the day bed! The cottage has 2 bedrooms on this level – each at opposite ends of the home. In the center are the 2 bathrooms: 1 full bathroom with shower and tub combination, and 1 half bathroom with full sized laundry.



On the landing, you will find the access door to the Breakfast Deck on the second floor and stairs that lead to the huge roof deck. The Breakfast Deck has a table and comfortably seats 2. A delightful shady place to enjoy the sea breezes with your morning coffee or a great book. The Roof Deck easily accommodates all guests. Two tables and seating for you to dine Al Fresco with water views and lounge chairs to take in the sun and sea breezes.

_____

Amenities

- Roof deck with views of the ocean and downtown

- Breakfast deck with water views

- Decorative Fireplaces in both dining room and living room

- WiFi: High Speed & Private

- TV in living room

- Window AC units in living room, dining room, and both bedrooms.

- Full sized kitchen and laundry appliances

- Nautical accents

- Large living and dining room

- 2 work spaces: desk in dining room and large table in Master bedroom

- Sleeping accommodations for 5 people.

_____

Free Parking:

Advice: Please pull over on North Road to unload your car. Then proceed to one of the Free Parking options listed below.



Rockport offers many Free Parking Options:

The Lot off of Old Harbor Road is .1 mile from the cottage. Take North Street to the fork; turn right, and parking is at the end of this road. This parking becomes resident only during high season from May through October..

Free parking Lots at the Train Station and 2 Blue Lane Road on Rt 127. Free Shuttles will bring you back to downtown Rockport.

During the winter, meters and kiosk parking is free. All seasons, on-street parking outside of the meter and kiosk areas is free.

____

Window AC Units

This property is cooled with window air conditioning units. The units are installed in May and removed in September. Each window AC unit has both a cooling function and a fan function. Each room with a window AC unit; also has a fan.

__________

About iTrip North Shore Properties

- Smoking is strictly prohibited. Guests will be fined and immediately evicted for smoking or vaping in the home or on the property.

- NO PARTIES, EVENTS, PERFORMING ARTISTS OR BANDS ALLOWED AT ANY TIME.

These are cause for eviction with no refund. If any damage impacts our ability to offer the home for future guests, you will be held liable.

__________

Amenities:

- Each of property features a starter set of supplies for guests which includes toilet paper, paper towels, dish detergent, & hand soap.

- The beds are fully made & ready for your arrival with freshly laundered linens. A set of towels for each registered guest are included in the rental rate.

- For family friendly homes, a luxury Pack-n-Play or other children's furnishings are available for an additional charge (as availability permits).

__________

Visiting like a local means being neighborly. Please be respectful of the owner's home and considerate of the neighbors.

_____

About Cape Ann: a peninsula and island that host Gloucester, Rockport, Magnolia, and Manchester By The Sea.

- Beaches: Singing, Wingaersheek, Long, Good Harbor, Magnolia and Kettle Cove.

- Nature Parks: Magnolia Woods, Ravenswood, and Rafes Chasm Park provide short walks to gorgeous rocky shoreline and sea views.

- Boating: Cape Ann Harbor Tours, Sailing on Schooner Ardelle, Deep Sea Fishing Charters, or Whale Watch Cruises. From Rockport harbor, catch a ferry to Thacher's Island - wildlife sanctuary with Twin Light Houses.

- Walking Tours for centuries of seafaring history showcasing Gloucester's fishing past.

- Artist Tours where you visit the artists in their studios. Rockport hosts many galleries.

- Foodies will love the diversity of Cape Ann's food scene - amazing seafood ... lobster, clams, scallops, quahogs, cod or swordfish.

- Golfing: a beautiful mix of manicured greens along rocky shores or seaside marshes.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Ocean view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property Registration Number C0277122520

About the area

Rockport

Located in Rockport, this holiday home is in the city centre and on the beach. Motif No 1 and Paper House are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Halibut Point State Park and Thatcher Island National Wildlife Refuge. Schooner Adventure and Maritime Gloucester are also worth visiting.
Map
Rockport, MA

What's nearby

  • Motif No 1 - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Shalin Liu Performance Center - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Front Beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Cape Ann - 3 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Halibut Point State Park - 5 min drive - 5.3 km

Getting around

  • Rockport Station - 15 min walk
  • Beverly, MA (BVY-Beverly Municipal) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Surfside Subs - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Common Crow Natural Market - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Long Beach Dairy Maid - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Brothers Brew - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Roy Moore Lobster Company - ‬1 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Bell Buoy: Rare Coastal find with breathtaking Water Views from this Rockport Coastal Retreat! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Bell Buoy: Rare Coastal find with breathtaking Water Views from this Rockport Coastal Retreat!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Bell Buoy: Rare Coastal find with breathtaking Water Views from this Rockport Coastal Retreat!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Bell Buoy: Rare Coastal find with breathtaking Water Views from this Rockport Coastal Retreat! located?

Located in Rockport, this beachfront holiday home is in the city centre and within a 5-minute walk of Bradley Wharf, Rockport Art Association & Museum and Motif No 1. Shalin Liu Performance Center and T Wharf are also within 5 minutes. Rockport Station is 15 minutes by foot.

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.0/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 40 out of 56 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 56 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 56 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 56 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 56 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dustin C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great New England cottage by coast was an excellent view from the upper deck. Rustic and cozy with a small town feel. Will stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location! Love the rooftop deck.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tao P.

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

Great getaway weekend

Loved the house and the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ian O.

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

Beautiful Rockport!

This property is a quintessential Rockport/Bearskin Neck house.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Barb C., Concord, MA

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

Rockport Home

Cozy, comfortable and great for family.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

kadie r.

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

Amazing

Quaint, cozy
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Scott W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location

Great but NO PARKING AT PLACE

Good location, clean but lacks updates such as outlets in the bathroom. Top deck was really nice. There is NO PARKING at the place although the listing says free parking - you have to find it own your own after hours OR after a long walk up the street. But checking/out was easy, overall rental was good.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

4/10 Poor

susan t.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy

Beautiful location, property not guest ready

The location of this property is fantastic, and it could be an amazing rental. However, when we arrived there were not sheets on the bed, and dirty laundry in washing machine. Thankfully, property manager was quick to resolve this issue the next morning. Unfortunately, when we brought finding a GUN and an unlocked liquor cabinet with a dozen open bottles of booze on the premises to the property manager, she stopped responding. Neither of those should be in a rental. Ever. It has been 4 days since we texted and sent emails with no response. Also, we completely agree with the parking comments listed here. Parking is nonexistent at the property unless you have an extremely compact car. We were able to park for free 0.2 miles away but after April 15 parking fees are required. Also, when we arrived the property was insecure with the side door being open. That was rather unsettling after arriving in the dark. Again, this property COULD be amazing and has so much potential. However, I do not recommend staying here until some of the structural issues (floor in bathroom is unstable) and potential fire hazards (electrical and furnace rooms) are resolved.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2021
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Rob N.

So far very happy

Only one night in out of the three so far. Incredibly happy so far! Cute, very roomie home. Perfect location in town.

8/10 Good

Debbie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a wonderful little bungalow! We really enjoyed our stay. Apparently the original has is 130 yrs old and very charming. Remind me of my grandmothers house with so many antiques and overall feel. No overhead lights, just antique lamps. As far as cleanliness it was clean for a house of this age. The sea views were fantastic! Walk anywhere in the seaside village town!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Carol B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The location of this property was perfect! The rooftop was a spectacular view! The house could use some updating. The half bathroom needed a sink to wash your hands. Parking is a problem if you can't walk the distance. Very steep stairs leading to the bedrooms and bathrooms.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karla B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great time.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erin S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved the location and the roof deck was amazing! Maybe be clear in listing about parking. It worked out for us fortunately we were able to meet ten property owner and the property manager and they were wonderful and accommodating. Would love to have some lighting on the roof deck which is the key attribute to the home.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a cozy cabin at the beach! Bell Buoy was the perfect home away from home for our annual family vacation. The top deck has a great view of the water. It was great for watching the sunset and or sunrise each day. The house offers peace and quiet while also being so close to the shops on Bearskin Neck.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martha D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was everything they stated it woukd be. Very clean and inviting. The rooftop deck was an awesome place to view the sunrise and sunset. When an antique bed broke they brought a new bed by the end of the day. The y also left a surprise for us in the refrigerator. A nice treat!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Bell Buoy is a great cottage right in the heart of Rockport. Even though it is in the middle of the busiest tourist area, the house is quiet and calm. We rarely used our car because everything is in walking distance. Restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, lobster shacks, you name it and you can walk to it. The house had everything we needed for our stay, the kitchen was nice though we mostly ate out. We had breakfast every day at Delisi’s Red Skiff, the rest of the meals were all over the place. Parking isn’t the hassle I thought it would be. Once you unload your luggage, go find a parking spot and use the parking app. Once you set it up you don’t have to go back to it, just pay four hours at a time between 10:00 and 6:00. It’s all the same zone so you can move the car and come back without recharging. Super easy, wake up and pay from bed. I can’t recommend Bell Buoy enough, it feels like living history in a very historical town.
View from the roof deck looking out to sea
View from roof deck looking at the beaches of Rockport
Rockport Harbor with a fleet of Rhodes 19 sailboats
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a roomy, comfy, adorable space that one of my kids called a "Grandma house." There were artifacts there belonging to the family that had lived there (photos, a lamp with a placard on it commemorating years of service, etc.)It was a quick walk to the beach with the kids (one of whom has limited mobility and tired quickly, and who did fine).The shops and things Rockport offers are all right there.The rooftop deck is nice, roomy, with a view of the ocean.There was a bottle of wine in the fridge when I got there.I would stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian O.

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

Bearskin Neck

Charming and authentic! Amazing location.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristi S.

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

Great place to stay! Awesome location!

Th house is super cute and charming. It was so clean and the host even left us a bottle of wine in the refrigerator. There is plenty of space with a cozy living room a big dining room and let’s not forget about the amazing rooftop deck with amazing ocean views! Thanks for hosting us. We had a great time!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dana W.

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

Lovely home in a great location

My husband, daughter, and I thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing long weekend at Bell Bouy. The location is super charming and the view from the rooftop deck is amazing. Being able to just walk around Bearskin Neck is delightful. Several restaurants and shops within minutes of the house. We didn't have trouble parking in April, but I would imagine it could be tricky in the summer. The house had everything we needed for a long weekend. We would love to return.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Celia D.

Sea, sand & beach house

Beautiful & cozy home with everything We needed in perfect location.

10/10 Excellent

Dulayna M.

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

Adorable

The cottage is exactly as shown. Neighbors are friendly. Village was so sweet and the views were fantastic! I'd love to come back in rhe wimmer the beach looked
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dena T.

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

Superb!

I immediately felt as if I belonged here. Everything about this home was great, the decor, the beds, the rooftop deck could not be any more perfect. The shops were literally around a corner. I loved it so much I am already looking to return again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

John W.

Bell Buoy vacation

Wonderful location, steps from the coast as well as numerous restaurants and the relaxing vibe of the artists community. We will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Gloria F.

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

Mostly good

We had a good time despite a few inconveniences. The house was fine except not having a parking space and trying to unload and repack the car on a very narrow street. Having to find parking and walk to the house was a bit inconvenient. Then the daybed was very uncomfortable, like sleeping on a plank. The other beds were comfortable. And lastly, the check-in time could be earlier and check-out later so we have a little more time to enjoy. The rooftop deck was a plus and the scenery and shopping was great. For the money we probably won’t go back, but we made the best of it and had fun.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

About the host

Hosted by Liann DiMare

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