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Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies

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Aerial view
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Property grounds
Exterior
2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 51600 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Pool

Explore the area

Map
Bryans Road, MD
  • Pohick Bay Regional Park
  • Potomac Mills
  • George Washington's Mount Vernon
    ‪54 min drive‬
  • Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)
    ‪49 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Bryans Road

This cottage places you 6.4 mi (10.3 km) from National Colonial Farm and 6.6 mi (10.7 km) from Accokeek Neighborhood Park. The cottage includes a kitchen, a balcony, and a refrigerator.
View more Cottages in Bryans RoadOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • MGM National Harbor Casino - 37 min drive - 20.6 miles
  • National Mall - 49 min drive - 29.8 miles
  • Springfield Town Center - 51 min drive - 32.1 miles
  • George Washington's Mount Vernon - 54 min drive - 31.5 miles
  • Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House - 56 min drive - 32.6 miles

Getting around

  • Alexandria Station - 37 min drive
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Goodies - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant - ‬46 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies

Only 35 minutes from DC yet a world away! Flat water Kayaker's Fisherman Nature lovers Heaven, Central air-conditioned 2 bedroom and 1.5 bath waterfront cottage, 2000 feet of waterfront with ten mile sunset view over the Potomac River, and sunrise view up Pomonkey Creek. Planet watcher's love it here. Gated compound complete with 200 foot pier, 24 foot tall observation tower, and 600 foot long elevated walkway along tidal pool. Spectacular eagle, osprey, butterflies, dragon flies water fowl. Kayaks, canoe all equipment provided. King size bed, Queen size bed and California Single all with thermopedic pads. Well-equipped kitchen for your eat-in pleasure. Internet service included is Verizon Fios Wireless which is usually reliable.
FENWICK COTTAGE SEASONS
Pack binoculars, magnifying glasses, flashlights, cameras, journals and art supplies.
Welcome to Intense Nature! AKA Weed Tourism! AKA Wildflower Magic! Guided wildflower walks available on request. Plus introduction to iNaturalist app!
Mother Nature follows her own schedule, sometimes early, sometimes late...but always great!
Compare sunsets and unsets.
JANUARY-FEBRUARY
*First Fingers of Ice on Pomonkey Creek.
Crack thin ice into sparkling shards with your kayak!
*River Ice Concerts if really cold-
*Extra-Special Eagle Watch: Sometimes the Potomac River freezes all the way across. Eagles mate on the ice.
*Full Moon: 1/28/21
*Full Moon: 2/27/21
JANUARY-MARCH
*Time of Most Dramatic Red Sunsets
*Time to Collect Dinosaur Pinecones-
Our meta-sequoia/dawn redwood was here in the time of dinosaurs.
MARCH
*Morel season (Knowledgable guests found dozens in area!)
*Full Moon 3/28/21
*Spring Equinox (03/22)
APRIL
*Return of the Turtles
You wouldn’t be the first to see snapping turtles mating in the pond!
*Super Full Moon: 4/26/21
APRIL-MAY
*Yellow Flags circle the pond! (Wild irises!)
Think “Monet”! Paint your own masterpiece.
*Super Full Moon: 5/26/21
APRIL-AUGUST
*Osprey Return and Nest
How many chicks will hatch this year?
*Full Moon: 7/23/21
APRIL-OCTOBER
*Endless Wildflowers
Note for purple lovers: Ironweed and Joe-Pye Weed (which collect giant bouquets of butterflies) bloom in August.
MAY
*Mulberries ripen.
Edible. Some people like to eat them. Used by colonists to dye wool.
*Baby Groundhugs and Raccoons emerge from burrows to vacuum up their beloved mulberries. Prepare to laugh. They also climb trees.
*Buttercups abound.
JUNE
*Summer Solstice (6/21)
How much can you do on the longest day?
*Full Moon: 6/24/21
JULY
*Marsh Mallow/hibiscus
Our biggest flowers! And yes, the colonists used them to make marshmallow. Ask for recipe.
*Full Moon: 7/23/21
JULY-SEPTEMBER
*Bubblegum Tree Blooms
Whenever she feels like it. There is a time when the cottage and the crepe myrtle (Tonto) are the same shade of pink!
*Great Egret Afternoons on the Pond-
Take fishing lessons from a bird. Learn to fish from/like a bird
AUGUST
*Dragonflies swarm! Learn to sex dragons. Meet Ketchup and Mustard.
*Green Heron Family visits pond
*Blue Moon: 8/22/21
SEPTEMBER
*Canada Geese Practice Flocking
Goose families gather to meet their cousins and practice group “V” formations.
*Eagle Pair Reclaim their Spot/Branch on/in Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata). Native.
*Full Moon: 9/20/21
*Autumn Equinox (9/21). Around equinox song bird migration N to S
*Groundhugs spend more time underground
OCTOBER
*Indian Summer
*Full Moon: 10/20/21
*Eagle Pairs can be seen flying together in mating patterns.
*Autumn Colors! Unique maple display at entrance to Marshall Hall on way to boat ramp.
*Monarch Migration
*Canada geese fly in ribbons across the sky.
NOVEMBER
*Special sunsets tinged with gold, yellow-gold and rose-gold. Lovely kayaking on the Potomac as the day ends.
*Watch the leaves fall off the trees.
*Micro Full Moon: 11/19/21
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
*Winter Waterfowl Return. Some pass through. Others gather. Ducks, geese, swans! (Eagles, of course.) Every so often you might see a gregarious coot...
DECEMBER - FEBRUARY
*Return of the mud flats- nature’s newspaper
*Micro Full Moon: 12/18/21
*Winter Solstice : 12/21
*Eagles Mate, easiest to observe on ice.
*Woods Welcome Wandering
After leaves fall, see the lay of the land and study the structure of trees.
ALL YEAR
* Great sunsets, sunrises, and insects. We have 240 degree view of horizon.
*Sparkles on the Water
*Vultures enjoy hanging around at the Beach
Learn to love and ID turkey and black vultures.

The cottage is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 1.5 bathrooms, and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a Smart TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and an ironing board.

Property manager

John Staples

Languages

English

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers

Pool/Spa

  • Pool

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Limo/town car service
  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • Near the marina
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Boat
  • Kayak
  • Optional golf privileges
  • Water park
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,600 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

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
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Parties and events are allowed on site.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do within easy reach of this cottage?

This cottage is located in Bryans Road, close to George Washington's Mount Vernon, Pohick Bay Regional Park, and Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House. You'll also find Gunston Hall and Mason Neck State Park nearby.

Is parking available on site at this cottage?

No, there isn't parking at this cottage.

Is this cottage associated with a casino?

No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this cottage?

No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.

Is Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies good for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this historic cottage include a kitchen and a smart TV along with a car service.

Does Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this cottage.

Does this cottage offer breakfast?

No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this cottage allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at this cottage.

Are there connecting rooms at this cottage?

No, there aren't connecting rooms at this cottage.

How close is the airport from this cottage?

The closest major airport to this cottage is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which is 27.4 mi away (45 minutes by car). Another top airport is Manassas, VA (MNZ-Manassas Regional), which is around 22.6 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies ?

Yes, every accommodation at Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies comes with a balcony with some featuring water views.

Waterfront Sunset Nature Reserve Kayak Eagle Osprey Snakehead Butterflies Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 141 out of 149 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 149 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 149 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 149 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 149 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Donna Sue D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful location

This is our second time staying here. Such an amazing location. The house is very comfortable and private.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

ronna H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Time away

Beautiful property. Lots of birds. Iv will go back.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alane R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great nature getaway

This property has a beautiful private outdoor set-up that we thoroughly enjoyed. A walk along the boardwalk through the marshy pond area was always rewarded with a great Blue Heron sighting. We spent hours each morning on the dock watching 2 pair of bald eagles in the trees across the river with the binoculars provided by the host. The river was quiet, the neighborhood is rural and deer filled. The house had everything we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

James B., USA

Liked: Cleanliness

Relaxing

The cottage is great and very clean. The view from the dock is just spectacular. John and Carrie were great hosts. Highly recommend this home. Hope to visit again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness

Wildlife

Such a cute little house and the most beautiful property. We saw deer, turkeys, butterflies and birds of all kinds. We watched the most beautiful sunsets every evening. Plus we were close to DC to see all history.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gustin S., Temperance

Liked: Cleanliness

21st Birthday

Spent a long weekend celebrating our daughter who turned 21 on the 4th of July. The Potomac was awwsome and the use of the kayaks greatly appreciated. The cottage was clean and spacious.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

JESSICA K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing location

My friend and I are biologists who geek out to wildlife, and there was no shortage of wildlife here. From insects to birds to reptiles we saw it all. We had a wonderful time!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alice M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful as always!

We always love returning to this spectacular spot - so wild and still close to DC. Love the kayaking, the bird watching, the changing skies and loud frog chorus.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

rob s.

Liked: Cleanliness

Real life Jurassic Park.

You never know what wildlife experience you will have on the boardwalk. Amazing.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas G., Arlington, VA

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Stay!

We enjoyed fishing on the dock and the house was clean/comfortable. Would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Experience

Amazing location for nature lovers. Friendly property owners. We were there to see DC and the numerous historic sites around the area, but we spent one day just enjoying the property and the river. The house provides several Kayaks and a Canoe. This might not be the optimum location for those more comfortable in a modern downtown condo, but was absolutely perfect for us.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenny B., Harmony, USA

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful cottage to relax in and enjoy within driving distance of DC.

This cottage was beautiful. The location was perfect for strolls and watching beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the water. The pier was amazing early in morning, watching and listening to the birds rustling and singing to each other. Even if the weather doesnt cooperate though, they've provided games and crafts for kids. Plus it's only 30 minutes from DC, so you can take in the museums and sights, without having to stay in the city. Its really the best of both types of vacation. Our hosts were very helpful and available if we needed anything. I'd absolutely recommend this cottage to anyone considering a trip to DC. Especially with children. You'll want to see the sights and museums, but none of that will match watching the sunrise through their eyes :)
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Beth B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Paradise

There’s no place like Pink House! It’s full of serenity, adventure, and comfort.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Margaret M. G.

Liked: Cleanliness

The 'Sequel Visit' was even better than our 'Original Visit'

This was our second stay at this outstanding property. We were in awe during our first stay. Our second visit provided even more opportunity to discover hidden gems throughout this spectacular location. We love the outdoors of this property. We love the cozy cottage AND we appreciate the approachable, friendly demeanor of the superior hosts. We highly recommend this rental!!!!!!!!! Enjoy!!!!!!
Stayed 11 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte L., Braddock Heights

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect Escape!

This was our third stay at Fenwick Cottage. Even though is was short we were able to relax and unwind. We continue to enjoy identifying new flora and fauna on the property, and witnessing the seasonal changes. John and Carrie are wonderful hosts, we always have fun, animated conversations with them.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anya H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Birder's & Boater's Paradise

Secluded, well maintained home surrounded by nature, tidal marshes, and the Potomac River offering endless wildlife viewing opportunities. We canoed and kayaked to a new spot every day. Property is just as gorgeous as in the pictures. Amazing biodiversity of plants, birds, animals, butterflies and more! Our second visit was even better than our first. Super hosts make sure you have all you need to enjoy the great outdoors.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gustavo N.

Liked: Cleanliness

DC family trip

The place was immaculately clean. John was great at answering any questions. Very easy drive to DC. We used the kayaks one afternoon to see the sunset and check out the wildlife. We had a great time.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pam V.

Liked: Cleanliness

Dreamy stay

I love this property! House is immaculate and wildlife amazing!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Cheryl D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely spot on the water

The cottage was lovely. It is on the river and provides kaayaks. We spent every morning kayaking up the creek that comes in the Potomac just beyond the house. The only issue was that on our third night, the power went out for about 2 hours, which also meant that we had no water. The next night, the power was out due to a thunderstorm from before 6pm until about 4 am. Again, not only no electricity (for lights, fans, or a/c) or water during this time.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte L., Braddock Heights

Liked: Cleanliness

Peaceful Park-like Setting

This was our second stay at Fenwick Cottage. Once we discovered how magical the property was we needed to come back again for a longer stay. We had a rainy spell while we were here that seemed to bring out more of the wildlife than we saw previously. This time we saw a muskrat and a beaver daily sharing a lodge along the boardwalk. Plus raccoons along the beach. Our hearts broke for the osprey couple near the dock who lost their nest and fledgling, but felt hopeful as we saw them start rebuilding the nest before leaving. Sadness again as we saw that the raccoon had most likely dug up all the eggs that we watched the turtle patiently lay the day before. We roamed the paths and paddled in Pomonkey Creek and its marshes identifying plants. The cottage lacks for nothing. It is a relaxing space even during the rain. You have everything you need here. There's no reason to leave.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kory D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great spot for a small group for a bass tourney

Was a great stay at John's very convenient lots of birds and wildlife around and a nice dock on the river.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ashlee H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Love this place

We stayed with our 11, 9 and 3 year old and had a blast. The kids never wanted to come in. From exploring, collecting shells, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, jumping in water ! All was provided, even life jackets! Amazing time; my man satyed out on water until 3am every night; said it felt like he was living in a real life bass pro! Fish and animals all over! Absolutely beautiful!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jasmynn M., Tower City

Liked: Cleanliness

Truly Magical

Great host and location! I can only imagine how beautiful it must be over the changing seasons. Highly recommend. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah M.

Liked: Cleanliness

DC getaway

We booked this house but planned time in DC. Very easy drive to get to the city. The house was very cozy and the owners provided a lot of information for things in the area. House was well stocked with kitchen supplies which was nice for cooking. The view is amazing. It would have been nice to spend more time on the property but we didn't have time.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Absolutely delightful

Such a serene setting and a wonderful variety of wildlife. John and Carrie were wonderful hosts and I hope to visit again!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023