Place, Northern Neck Historical Society Research Library
15 min drive
Room options
About the neighborhood
Montross
This vacation home places you within a 15-minute drive of Westmoreland State Park and Stratford Hall. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a balcony.
Montross Branch Central Rappahannock Regional Library - 15 min drive - 10.7 miles
Northern Neck Historical Society Research Library - 15 min drive - 10.9 miles
Westmoreland County Museum - 15 min drive - 10.9 miles
Getting around
Richmond Intl. Airport (RIC) - 87 min drive
Restaurants
Northern Neck BBQ - 15 min drive
The Art of Coffee - 15 min drive
The Barn - 15 min drive
Angelo's Pizza Restaurant - 15 min drive
Potomac Gardens - 83 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.
Lakefront/Private Cove, Hot Tub, Boats, Woods, & 3 Beaches
Welcome to the Butterfly Effect! Recharge at this tranquil getaway. 2.5 wooded acres with a private dock and cove, a short paddle away from the lake beach with a swimming dock and sandy beach! Fishing, swimming, and floating all on the protected freshwater lake. We have boats for your use and theater space & hot tub to wind down at night after dining on our deck. Picnic at our private Shark Tooth Beach, watch Osprey & Eagles fish the Potomac and collect 15-million-old fossilized shark teeth!
2026 Lake Update: Our lake is currently undergoing major dam improvements — an investment in the lake's long-term health that wraps up summer 2026. Water levels are temporarily lowered, but there's still plenty to love: Shark Tooth Beach, Hidden Beach, and the marina are all open, with personal house paddle boards available at the marina to explore. The hot tub is ready and waiting. The home is ready for memory-making. To thank you for your flexibility, we've already discounted a $100/night on spring, summer, and early fall bookings — no guesswork, no hassle.
When you arrive look for the butterfly-shaped roof and make yourselves at home at The Butterfly Effect!
As you pull into the circular driveway you will notice a small set of stairs going up to the game lawn. There is a fire pit and picnic table. Also, a pump and hose near the driveway to wash the sand off your feet after returning from a day at one of our beaches!
The top floor has two bedrooms and a full bath—the first sleeps two in a double and the second sleeps four with two single beds and a double bed. The main floor has another bedroom sleeping two and another full bath. We also have a pack-in-play for your little one if needed.
The hanging fireplace is the home's centerpiece, (please burn only duraflame logs) waiting for your memories to be made while playing games at the game table or taking a nap!
The sunroom has a dining table big enough for the entire group to gather around and a cozy reading room everyone's favorite spot! It also has a comfortable queen pullout sofa. Off the sun and game room is the dining deck-my favorite place at the lake! Seating for the entire group and grill area!
In the basement is the theater space! Bring your popcorn and enjoy the 120" screen! There is also a foosball table and laundry room.
You will find the laundry room also has life jackets for every size infant-adult.
Outside we have a hot tub (operated seasonally September-May) seating area and a hammock to relax in.
A private dock to enjoy your mornings. We are the only ones in the cove- enjoy fishing off the dock or paddling on one of our boats! We have a large canoe, an adult sit-on kayak, an adult sit-in kayak, a paddleboard as well as a children's kayak!
Lake Independence is a warm freshwater lake, it is tested regularly for safety and only allows electric boats. We swim April-October and do polar bear plunges in the winter! Bring your favorite floaties and enjoy the peace of our quiet gem of a neighborhood! You will see cranes, bald eagles, and osprey fishing in the lake and soaring overhead!
If you can bring yourselves to leave the home the neighborhood offers excellent amenities! Shark Tooth Beach is everyone's favorite- take your beach chairs, book, and umbrella and enjoy a day hunting for shark tooth teeth and many other millions of year-old fossils! There are picnic tables too and fishing is allowed in the river! The water is brackish and if you get lucky you can see dolphins coming up from the bay!! We crab there as well and occasionally there are jellyfish to be aware of. There is also Hidden Beach which is a bit of a hike and then a scramble down on boulders (only go at low tide!) and you can walk along the cliffs!
One of our favorites is Lake Beach. It also has picnic tables, grills, play sand, a pier, and a floating dock to play all day. This is a short paddle from our cove just across the lake! We paddle over and have a pirate breakfast with our kids!
Note: All neighborhood amenities if you drive and park your car need to have your guest pass displayed on your dash. The neighborhood is private, including all amenities, and is patrolled by security. Your passes will be waiting for you at the cottage!
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a balcony. There's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms and a dining area. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a sofa bed.
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Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Garden
Unit size: 1,400 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 25
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
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.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do around this vacation home?
This vacation home is located in Montross, close to Stratford Hall, Westmoreland State Park, and St. Clement's Island State Park. You'll also find Montross Branch Central Rappahannock Regional Library and Northern Neck Historical Society Research Library nearby.
Is parking available on site at Lakefront/Private Cove, Hot Tub, Boats, Woods, & 3 Beaches?
No, there isn't parking available at the vacation home.
Is this vacation home associated with a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, this vacation home doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.
What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Lakefront/Private Cove, Hot Tub, Boats, Woods, & 3 Beaches?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this lakeside vacation home include a fireplace, a smart TV, and a kitchen.
Are there hot tubs at Lakefront/Private Cove, Hot Tub, Boats, Woods, & 3 Beaches?
No, there isn't a spa tub at this vacation home.
Does this vacation home offer breakfast?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?
No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.
Are there connecting rooms at Lakefront/Private Cove, Hot Tub, Boats, Woods, & 3 Beaches?
No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this vacation home.
Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Lakefront/Private Cove, Hot Tub, Boats, Woods, & 3 Beaches?
Yes, every house at Lakefront/Private Cove, Hot Tub, Boats, Woods, & 3 Beaches comes with a balcony.
Lakefront/Private Cove, Hot Tub, Boats, Woods, & 3 Beaches Reviews
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 5 reviews
10 - Excellent
4
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 5 reviews
8 - Good
1
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 5 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 5 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 5 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.6/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Halie
May 8, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
10/10 would recommend! Very comfortable, cozy, and chill. Owners were very communicative and helpful!
My stay here was absolutely delightful. The owner sent the check-in information well in advance and was gracious enough to help me troubleshoot issues with the Amazon Fire Dongle. We loved the views, the access to water, and all of the interior space. And when it started to rain that weekend, we really appreciated having the projector system in the basement to watch some films. If I come back to Montross, I'll be sure to try and book here again. Thanks!
Our family (consisting of myself, husband, our 4 boys and 2 grandparents) had the best time at this charming property. The bedrooms were perfect- especially the room with 3 beds that all 4 boys stayed in! The home and property were immaculate and very well taken care of. There was plenty of space to sit and relax-especially the shaded deck where we ate breakfast under the trees and felt like we were in a magical treehouse! We loved walking along the path and paddling on the lake to the floating dock and beach. We had a campfire and spent evenings in the hot tub and watching movies on the big screen in the basement- which had the most cozy seating! There were games, books, and toys to use. The location was private and just a short drive to town. We had fun fossil-hunting as well. We would definitely go back!
Our extended family had a wonderful time at this lake house! Plenty of room for 6 people to spread out. The movie room, foosball table, and hot tub were big hits with everyone. The house is well equiped with everything you could need for the outdoors (camping chairs, smore sticks, hammock, etc) and indoors (well equipped kitchen, plenty of towels, washer/dryer, etc). It was a little too cold to take the kayaks out on the lake but would love to do that some other time when it is warmer. We visited Westmoreland State Park, Stratford Hall, and a few of the local beaches. Food lion was 15 minutes away and had everything we needed. The owner, Rebecca, was easy to communicate with and super helpful with all our questions. We'd come here again!
The house is located in a very tranquil circumstances. It is a very clean, spacious, and cozy house to escape from daily life. I would say that the stairs are a little steep amongst three floors for small kids and silver aged adults.