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Reviews of Private, 7-acre waterfront retreat on Winter Harbor Haven

Private, 7-acre waterfront retreat on Winter Harbor Haven
Port Haywood, VA

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 106 out of 112 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 112 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 112 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 112 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 112 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Casi H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Well kept property with great view and pet friendly.
Pet friendly well kept property with more amenities than others we’ve stayed in when it comes to outdoor activities, kitchen supplies/gadgets to the outdoor dog bowl. Quiet and private location with nice views from porches and even inside. We enjoyed our stay and so did our pups. 1 day with bad weather and it didn’t matter we had movie marathon and a great view. Some hunting dogs would come visit and make our girls wonder further than normal but zero complaints otherwise. Premium beds and bedding. Would definitely stay again and hope to!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joshua D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Home - Well Equipped
Beautiful home. Very well equipped.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Vacation!
The house was extremely clean and well-supplied. The screened-in porch was wonderful for watching birds and sunrises over the water. We had a great time sitting on the private pier and kayaking through the peaceful waters. The house and property couldn’t have been more pleasant! We had a wonderful stay and would highly recommend this rental! Thank you so much!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2024
Thank you so much for the nice review! We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay! Bob & Mary Beth

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect quiet place!
Wonderful place to stay. Peace and relaxation!!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jenny C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Serene
Love Love Love it!!! Our 6th year staying there!! Absolutely hate to leave and can’t wait to come back!!! Everyone always has the most relaxing and peaceful time! First time taking a baby and it was great! I can’t say enough good things about it!! We will be back next year atleast once maybe twice!!! Thank you so much Bob!!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Nov 2023
We are SOOO happy you enjoyed your stay!!! Thanks for the very nice review!

10/10 Excellent

Linda R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Really pretty location
We had a wonderful time at this property. There is plenty of room for a large family. The kitchen was well stocked and we were easily able to cook several meals in the space. In addition, there are a number of restaurants in Mathews we were also able to try out during our stay. The dock area is beautiful. Our only recommendation is to remember to bring or use bug spray as there were many mosquitos, as you might expect, in the area. We greatly enjoyed the large screened deck.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tami C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tropical Storm
We are already making plans to revisit this property as a tropical storm prevented us from enjoying all it had to offer. Comfortable beds and gorgeous views. Privacy and wildlife galore!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Sept 2023
Thank you for the nice review! We are so sorry the weather didn't cooperate but hope it will next time! Bob & MB

10/10 Excellent

Ian S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place by the bay
Our idea vacation involves mostly crabbing, kayaking, maybe some fishing, and a day or two of visiting local attractions. This place offered it all. An unexpected highlight was the option to kayak to a nearby bay-beach where watercraft are the only access. It was like our own private beach and so relaxing. We averaged about 15 crabs / day and my tween daughter pulled in a 20" red drum from the pier. A bonus for us is that all of the need gear was already there, so no need to rent kayaks or a canoe. Or crabbing gear. Probably best to bring your own fishing gear since I think there is a lot of personal preference there. Bob was very responsive to questions and issues during the stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Sept 2023
So glad you all enjoyed your stay! You're welcome anytime!

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Property
Our family enjoyed a fabulous time staying at this beautiful property that provides a lot of serenity and lots of amenities for our entire family. Thank you Bob and Mary Beth for your hospitality!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2023
Thank you for the kind review! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay!

10/10 Excellent

M and G P.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Chesapeake Tidal Marsh Gem
Chessie's Cove is a Chesapeake Tidal Marsh gem. Our daughter recently graduated with an Environmental Science degree and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the wildlife and was so happy it literally brought her to tears. She also got a kick out of the outdoor (enclosed) shower. Our son and girlfriend enjoyed going to Bethel beach and Haven beach. We all enjoyed kayaking, crabbing, going to the restaurants, shops and farmers market in Mathews. We also enjoyed Corn Hole and croquet on the lawn, playing board games and just relaxing on the screened in porch. We had a wonderful time at Chessie's cove and would recommend the aerial view photo be deleted or updated to reflect the current state of the plant growth between the house and the dock. Thank-you! The Padden Family
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Aug 2023
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay! Bob & MB

10/10 Excellent

Meredith G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely home, beautiful setting, relaxing area.
I could live on that screened porch. Took a break from obx til kids are out of college and we’re not stuck in prime season. Such a great house, the area is so quiet and so much nature. The dogs were content to lay on the porch and watch wildlife. The town is cute, good restaurants nearby, two uncrowded beach areas to walk and swim. Only suggestion would be for a clothesline under the house to hang towels, suits, delicates you don’t want in the dryer. A lovely week!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Aug 2023
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay. And the clotheline is a good idea! Thank you! Bob & MB

8/10 Good

Margee D., Salineville,USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Very secluded in private.
The house was beautiful inside and out. extremely well Stocked, beds were comfortable. The water was absolutely beautiful and great for kayaking. However, it is not OK for swimming. The only complaint I had is we had a problem. Locking the front door and reached out to the property manager several times to find that he did not have voicemail set up. So there was no way to leave a message. This was very concerning.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tim M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful and relaxing
We have stayed here multiple times. It is our favorite in Matthews. The house is perfect, the fishing and crabbing is good. Lots of wildlife to see and some of the most beautiful sunrises. We will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl G.

Liked: Cleanliness
What a beautiful place!
My partner, sister, and friend all had a great time at this lovely house. The view is relaxing and phenomenal at the same time...birds, kayaking, fishing....what's more to say? We're already talking about returning. Thanks!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect oasis from the hustle and bussel!
Private, peaceful and quiet! Only sounds were birds, peepers and jumping fish. Handled all eight of us without issue, big enough we were never on top of one another- plenty of places to find an escape and privacy. Pier and dock is where we all spent a lot of time- fishing, crabbing and kayaking. Located only a few minutes from a quant village with all the amenities- far enough to not hear traffic, close enough for convenience. Perfect place to unwind and enjoy family.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Frederic W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Chesapeake Bay Cottage with Water Access
We enjoyed staying at Chessie Cove with fun times crabbing, kayaking, making seafood chowder, Coconut Shrimp Curry and just cooling out.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun 2023
Thank you for the nice review. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay! Wishing you all the best!

10/10 Excellent

Julia K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Relaxing Stay!
Had a great stay. Everything you need to have fun is there - kayaks, canoes, a grill, crabbing supplies. We caught enough crabs from the pier for dinner. Our German Shepherd really enjoyed playing in the yard and splashing around in the water. We had our morning coffee on the screened in porch (no pesky bugs!) and enjoyed relaxing on the large property with no neighbors close by. The house has plenty of room and has everything you might need. It’s an easy drive to Mathews to the grocery store or the Saturday Farmers Market. We had a great stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun 2023
Thank you for the great review! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay!

10/10 Excellent

Stephen L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful property!!!
Wow where to start…. Everything was super easy from communication with the owners to instructions of anything we needed with the house! There is a beautiful dock that over looks the water and everything is so peaceful and quiet no neighbors close so it’s like you have all of this land and water to yourself. Several days we went to explore and found the public beach. Another hidden treasure of Matthews. I don’t know who enjoyed the water more our kids with the kayaks or our pups who loved just swiming out to the end of the dock and back. We had a blast! Hope to get back again soon!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun 2023
Thank you for the nice comments! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay! We hope you come back again in the future!

10/10 Excellent

Nikki P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Birthday on the Bay!
Thanks so much for a great time. We enjoyed crabbing and fishing off the dock, daily visits from a Great Blue Heron, picking crabs, and thusly making delicious crab cakes, games on the screened in porch and just hanging with our dearest friends. Will be back!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

Carol E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful
The property was clean and quiet. The photos on VRBO show a clear view to water, but this is no longer the case. Trees and marsh grass now obscure the view.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun 2023
Thank you for your review and pointing out that we had one outdated photo on the site. We have corected that on the site.

10/10 Excellent

Jessica F.

Liked: Cleanliness
This was a great place to come and relax and it is very peaceful. Will be going back.
Peaceful and relaxing.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alice C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxation? Mission Accomplished!
We did not have to work too hard to enjoy ourselves. The house was wonderfully appointed. Kitchen had everything (except chopsticks!). Really loved this place!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Frederic W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful and Private
Chessie Cove is a beautiful Port Haywood cottage in a private setting with majestic water views from second floor screened in porch. We love it.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cyndy W., Westfield, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Vacation on Winter Harbor
The property was clean and comfortable and included all the amenities described. The WIFI is definitely slow and not able to get streaming services to work. After one load, did not use the washing machine since some of my clothes came out dirtier than when they went in. Also, the hunting dogs at the end of the road came on the property a couple of times and took one of my husband's flip flops back home but luckily were able to retrieve it.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Aug 2022
Hi Cyndy. Thank you for your review. We apologize about the washing machine. After your departure it was discovered that our water softener was not functioning properly. We had someone check it out and lo and behold it needs to be replaced. We are having that done tomorrow. That doesn’t help you, we realize, but wanted you to know what was causing the issue as we’ve never had a problem like that before. We are sorry you experienced that. We will also notify the owners of the dog that swiped the flip flop. Thank you again for your review. Bob & Mary Beth

10/10 Excellent

Lovonia K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing getaway
This was a beautiful place for our family vacation. It was secluded and the only thing we needed to go out for was groceries. The kitchen was fully stocked with anything you needed to cook. We enjoyed fishing,boating,and crabbing. There was much to explore in the bay. It was a great place to take some time off.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Taylor S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing
Thoroughly enjoyed our time here. Very secluded, caught some crabs and oysters were abundant! Owners have created their own mini-resort with water activities. Highly recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joseph R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family vacay in Port haywwod
Property was clean and comfortable. The back screened in porch was a great spot to have coffee and watch the sunrise. If your looking for a remote getaway this is your spot.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Phat N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fun weekend
The whole family enjoyed the stay for 3 nights . The property has everything you need for a fun get-away if you are the outdoors type. The place is remote, which is perfect. There is a small town nearby just in case you forget to bring something .
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rob B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Bay Retreat
We had an excellent stay in this secluded home. My moments of zen included paddling out to the isolated beach island every morning. Great for families.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kristen C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wish we were still there
Great location whether you just want to stay at the house and enjoy the deck and dock, or you want to venture out to Yorktown and beyond. Everything you need is there or very close by. Even the dog loves coming here!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Genia W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Secluded Tranquility
Great property for relaxation! Amazing view!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Wanda H.

Liked: Cleanliness
If I could rate this higher than 5 stars I would!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Chessie Cove! Absolute serenity and relaxation. Comfortable beds, great layout and fully stocked kitchen for those that want to cook. The sunrise and sunset each day was nothing short of phenomenal. Having coffee (or wine!) sitting on the screened in porch in a rocker is nothing short of sublime. Mathews is adorable as is Gwynn's Island. We did not have a bad meal anywhere. We will be back! #three sisters respite
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Jun 2022
Thank you for the great review! We are glad you had such a nice time and we look forward to having you back!

10/10 Excellent

William F., Chesterfield, VA

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Getaway
Beautiful views, secluded location, on the water! What more could you want! Great home for a family retreat and for nature lovers. A++
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

hillary w.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect rest
Relaxing with a beautiful view
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jenny C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Restful Serene
Great experience all around!!! Love it!! We will be back again real soon for our 5th time!!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

Liked: Cleanliness
A perfect quiet place!
Excellent place to stay. Remote, quiet, peaceful. Local restaurants and residents are quite flavorful! House was perfect and stocked well with all necessities. Perfect location for kayaking or fishing off the dock. About an hour drive to Williamsburg for an adventure out. Recommend this place for all who want a remote getaway!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 27 May 2022
Thank you for the nice review, Amy! We’re so happy you enjoyed your stay!

10/10 Excellent

Amy and Dave C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Bay Property
This home is amazing! We were looking for a place on the water for a long weekend getaway. We chose Chessie's Cove. The home is beautiful and well appointed!! There is everything that you could need or want. The kitchen cabinets are well marked to find anything you may need. It was just me, the hubby, and the dog so there was no need to go into the loft other than to see the view. We didn't spend time up there. The main bedroom was just wonderful with a beautiful view and access to the HUGE screened in porch with the most amazing view of the bay. The bathrooms were clean. The living room was nice as well with a huge fireplace (but we did not use it) and a tv (not that you need one with Nature right outside on the porch). The screened in porch was truly magnificent. The view is extraordinary and it was lovely to eat dinner on the porch and not be bothered by bugs. The dock was such a bonus and while it was too chilly to really be on the water...the dock was wonderful to enjoy. We birdwatched seeing all sorts of birds including eagles. The hubby tried his hand a crabbing (never done it before in his life) and was able to catch 2, that we released back into the water. Our pup loved the porch and being able to just sit and be outside. This home is quiet and remote. It is so peaceful and the sunrises from the dock were just phenomenal. We did have an issue with the alarm when we checked in but contacted the property managers Scott and Roger. They were there within 10 minutes of our call and had everything figured out quickly. The only other thing to mention the neighbor's dogs were running loose a few times and visited the yard. But didn't hang out long. They seemed friendly enough...but again didn't hang out long enough. :) We would love to visit when it is warmer, to enjoy the water activities and more dock time. Overall, beautiful home and property.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

susan n.

Liked: Cleanliness
We had a great time!
This house was great! Very clean and very well stocked with anything you may need. I love to cook and there was nothing lacking right down to the air fryer and crockpot! The only downside was we have Verizon and our cells phones didn't work there until we got to the main street. Which meant everyone had to actually talk to each other! LOL While it was still chilly the kids were determined to go kayaking so they did and caught lots of crabs (none big enough to eat, but had a blast catching and releasing). The sunrise every a.m. was just beautiful. Our pictures dont even come close to the true beauty! It was about an hr drive to Williamsburg and Bush Gardens each day but the kids' favorite memory was just the day we stayed home!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lynne E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful waterfront retreat!
We enjoyed our stay at this lovely, waterfront property! The views were beautiful and the expansive screened-in porch was perfect for reading, coffee, breakfast and wine in the evening. Everything you need for a fun, comfortable stay is provided. The owners were very accommodating, friendly and responsive!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 21 May 2022
Thanks, Lynne! So glad you enjoyed your stay! Bob & MB

10/10 Excellent

Kathy B., Virginia

Liked: Cleanliness
Rejuvenation
This is a fantastic house for relaxing! We were there in cold weather so we didn’t use any of the water sports stuff but there was a canoe and kayaks there for use. The view is gorgeous from all of the living space and the main bedroom-what gorgeous sunrises!. It is very quiet -perfect for watching wildlife. Fabulous screened in porch for enjoying coffee/tea or cocktails/wine. Thank you!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andrew G.

Liked: Cleanliness
The perfect winter family getaway!
We traveled with our three adult children and our two dogs to Port Haywood for a winter weekend, and we can't say enough wonderful things about this property! The home was spacious, accommodations incredibly warm and comfortable, and the surroundings beautiful. The home is set up perfectly for an abundance of family time, with it's open great room, inviting fireplace and beautiful porch. Our two pups couldn't get enough of exploring the expansive and beautiful property with its woods, lovely dock and spacious yard. the bedrooms were spacious and beds very comfortable, and the kitchen a joy to use! The property and home boasted something for everyone to enjoy. We can't wait to return!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marta M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful property
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Chessie's Cove. Beautiful views across the marsh and water with fantastic sunrises. The house was equipped with everything we needed (even a clever dog water bowl). Communication with the owners was prompt and very responsive. We will definitely be back. Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jane B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful View
Enjoyed everything about this rental. Would consider renting again.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kristen C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing waterfront retreat
Perfect spot for a long weekend or longer trip! Plenty to do right from the backyard. If you're looking to delve into history you're an easy drive to Yorktown, Williamsburg, Jamestown and more! Looking forward to a return trip when it's warm so we can put the kayaks to good use!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Betsy C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet Getaway
Great secluded and quiet location to escape the everyday stresses of life. Perfect setup for visiting with a small group of friends or family. Large back porch is screened in and perfect for lounging and sharing great conversation with a beautiful view.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jenny C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Bliss
Love this house!! So peaceful and pretty!! Crabbing and fishing was great!!! Restful place to be!!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Nov 2021
Thank you for your kind review! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay!

10/10 Excellent

Amelia S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing and Refreshing
We so enjoyed our stay at Chessie’s Cove. After days of walking in DC, touring Yorktown, Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg we needed a place to unwind and relax. This was it. We took our last day of vacation to watch the sunrise, lay in the hammock, rock on the porch, kayak, canoe and fish on the Bay. It was amazing! We also caught crabs, but had no idea what to do with them! Lol Definitely recommend!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Oct 2021
Hi Amelia. Thank you for the great review! We are delighted you all enjoyed your stay! We hope to see you again!

10/10 Excellent

Frederic W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Chessie Cove
Chessie Cove is such a beautiful private Chesapeake Bay cottage for relaxing and enjoyable respites. And, the little town of Mathews is both charming and accommodating.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Love it!
This is an amazing spot for everything I live- birding, kayaking, watching the the view and light, biking, listening to the quiet. Grateful to have the opportunities to return.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

charles p., Va. Beach

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Property
The picture doesn't do it justice. The house is gorgeous and located on the water with beautiful vistas. We were very pleased with the solitude and location to nearby Mathews. We will go back in the future. Great value.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Oct 2021
Thank you for the kind review, Charles! We greatly appreciate it!