Entire home

Very private riverfront, beach, nature for all to enjoy. High Speed Internet!!

Unwind by sunset over East River as you roast marshmallows at our fire pit. Experience maritime history blended with nautical-chic charm at this one-of-a-kind Chesapeake Bay retreat.

Photo gallery for Very private riverfront, beach, nature for all to enjoy. High Speed Internet!!

Exterior
Property grounds
On the beach, sun loungers
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Lake

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

6 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 12246 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet friendly
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

About this property

Entire place

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

Very private riverfront, beach, nature for all to enjoy. High Speed Internet!!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/virginia/most-unique-town-in-va/

Mariner's Legacy-circa 1867

You will be looking 1 1/2 mile up and 2 miles down the East River. The spectacular views will take your breath away as the river laps literally feet away from you. East River has been called 'Little Annapolis' by the 'Chesapeake Bay Magazine'. The uncongested waters provide for a cruising heaven for you to watch kayaks to yachts travel pass. If you want to experience what it is like to live on the water, you must come to Mariner's Legacy. There is nothing comparable to it in Mathews County on the rental market for maritime history, 22 acres of open space and privacy as well as wide, miles long river views and proximity to the Mobjack Bay and Chesapeake Bay,

The home and property have been passed down from great grandfather, Isaac Ward, a sea captain, to present day owner and husband. The oak wood flooring, molding, chair railing, wainscoting, 10 foot columns and ceilings, doors and door handles are original to the house. The home has been lovingly and completely remodeled and open for the first time on the rental market In July 2015.

The house was built by ships carpenters [ships wrights] after the Civil War for Captain Isaac Ward of Somerset County, MD. He had been a blockade runner in the Civil War and had used Williams Wharf to "drop off" goods bound for Richmond. He bought this property with his war profits from Mr. Williams' brother. Mathews County maritime history radiates throughout the house through decorative items and books describing the long and eventful history of the ancestors and the Chesapeake Bay region.

The porch is a perfect place to watch all that nature has to offer; ospreys' catching the evening meal as their mates call out to them, eagles as they soar over your head, dolphins chasing schools of fish and fiddle crabs scurrying across the sand.

The house is on a double peninsula that looks due north 1 1/2 miles up the East River, past Williams Wharf into Put-In Creek and southeast 2 miles down the river towards Mobjack Bay as well into Mill Creek and Raines Creek. This means you have the river in front of you and the creek behind you.

You will be able to launch your boat and moor it at a dock and boat ramp owned by the owners in the adjacent Raines Creek. Mariner's Legacy is perfect for the fisherman in your group. If you bring your boat, cruising the rivers of the Mobjack Bay is a favorite activity, as well tubing or running out to New Point Lighthouse.

Or if you prefer, you can anchor your boat just off shore the sandy beach and walk up to the house with your daily catch. The sandy area is perfect for launching kayaks and small sail boats. This area has a hundred foot or so gradual walk to deeper water, typical of Tidewater Virginia. The sandy river bottom has been a perfect area for generations of children to enjoy the water without fear of getting into deep water quickly. Four kayaks are provided with the house.

There is a 7 acre wide expansive grassy yard overlooking the rivah and is perfect for a pick-up game of soccer, crochette, volleyball & cornhole. The children will love playing tag & chasing lighting bugs as generations of children have done before them! The fire pit is on the western side of the house so you can sit and enjoy the sun setting over the East River as you roast your marshmallows.

The house is a three story classic Tidewater vernacular farm house. The theme is nautical-chic. The neutral walls are offset with fabrics in farmhouse colors (deep red, navy, khaki). The palette is echoed throughout the house-from the first floor "rivah" room and dinning room to the third floor gathering area.

The ground floor has an enclosed heated porch with washer, dryer and second refrigerator. This opens into the Back Foyer, which has storage for outdoor dining ware. Laundry products, paper towels, toilet paper, paper plates and napkins are provided. Dish and dishwasher detergent as well as any clean-up products are provided. You will also find the crab steamer, with wooden mallets and crab seasoning provided as well as the sturdy brown paper to put on the picnic table for you own crab picking while watching the sunset. One of our guests said "You know it has been a good meal when you can wrap it up, throw it away and hose down your table!"

The updated kitchen has new stainless steel appliances. Cooking for 12 will be no problem in the top of the line well appointed kitchen. The dinning room has a farm table with seating for 12. Plenty of extra cozy seating on 2 additional leather sofas for reading or conversation are also in this room.

The 'rivah' room overlooks the expansive views of the East River, with lots of seating for watching the 55 inch flat screen HD TV, playing games or just enjoy relaxing. The full downstairs bathroom is on the west wall.

The second floor has four bedrooms with queen size beds with high thread count luxury linens and reading alcoves overlooking the river and creeks. There are two full bathrooms are on the second floor. Oversized luxurious Egyptian cotton bath linens are provided to each guest.

As you enter the third floor family area, there is a Pottery Barn sofa and 48 in flat screen HD TV with "take your breath away river views"! Plenty of additional seating is provided to read or lounge.

On this floor are two bedrooms, with two twin beds in each room. One of the bedrooms is decorated for your favorite pirate. Family lore has been passed down that Captain Ward's brother had a parrot and a peg leg! Capt. Ward inherited the parrot, which was know to say "Captain Ike, someone's at the mill!" The western window overlooks the remnants of this tidal mill. A half bath is on this floor.

The porch wraps around three sides of the house and all three sides overlook the East River. The proximity to the water provides panoramic views for your morning coffee right through evening cocktails! There are seating areas on each side of the porch beckoning you to come and sit awhile. A hammock with hooks on either side of the porch allows you to follow the ever present breeze that being on a peninsula gives you.
Follow the link https://visitmathews.com for more information on Mathews County!

Keywords: Chesapeake Bay, Waterfront, Riverfront, Beach, Swimming, Boating, Fishing, Kayaking, Crabbing, Dock, Boat Ramp, Family, Reunion, College Graduation, Kids, Biking, East River, Mobjack Bay, Mathews County, Historic, Victorian, Maritime, Civil War, Privacy, Weekend trips from Washington D.C.

Property manager

Danette Aldrich Machen

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach
  • Beach sun loungers

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Coffee grinder
  • Ice maker
  • Spices
  • Coffee/tea maker

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 6 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 3.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper

Living spaces

  • Living room
  • Dining room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • DVD player
  • Books
  • Video library
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
  • Welcoming dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Cobblestone flooring in public areas
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On the river
  • On the waterfront
  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • Near outlet shopping
  • Near the bay
  • In a village

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Water sports equipment
  • Golfing on site
  • Tennis on site
  • Bicycle on site
  • Kayak on site
  • Boat on site
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Power boating nearby

Safety features

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

General

  • Unit size: 2650 sq ft (246 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 27

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
Note from host: Please ask us prior to confirmation for pet rules

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Includes full size crib, high chair & playground

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 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

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Fabulous Home on River/bay Estate wrap around Porch Dogs
Fabulous Home on River/bay Estate wrap around Porch dog Friendly

About the neighborhood

Map
Bohannon, VA

What's nearby

  • Gwynn's Island Musuem - 22 min drive
  • Deltaville Marina - 36 min drive
  • Yorktown Beach - 41 min drive
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg - 57 min drive
  • Water Country USA - 59 min drive

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Shun Xing Restaurant - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Linda's Diner - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Hardee's - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Southwind Pizza - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Mi Casa Azteca Mexican Restaurant & Cantina - ‬17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Very private riverfront, beach, nature for all to enjoy. High Speed Internet!! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet.

What time is check-in at Very private riverfront, beach, nature for all to enjoy. High Speed Internet!!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Very private riverfront, beach, nature for all to enjoy. High Speed Internet!!?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Very private riverfront, beach, nature for all to enjoy. High Speed Internet!! located?

Nestled on the beach, this Westville vacation home is within 16 mi (25 km) of Gwynn's Island Musuem, Brown Park, and Fairfield Foundation. Main Street Center and Gloucester Public Library are also within 16 mi (25 km).

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Very private riverfront, beach, nature for all to enjoy. High Speed Internet!! Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 180 out of 183 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 183 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 183 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 183 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 183 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

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

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

victoria w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great host!
We had a very nice time!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joyce N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay
It was GREAT!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephen G., Port Saint Lucie, FL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wedding party
This was an excellent stay for our entire family and friends. It was very relaxing and had plenty of room for all of our needs. I highly recommend this VRBO and Danette was a wonderful host. We want to come back just to enjoy a relaxing time in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Theresa V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best time!
Truly one of the best vacations I have had. Meeting with friends is always fun but the house made it even more spectacular. I cannot say enough good things about it and the owners are just wonderful. Definitely will book this house again
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

DL J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Love the seclusion!!
If you're looking for a quiet secluded get away, this is your place. A short drive to Mathews for a great walk about town and Williamsburg within an hour. We loved the whole property and truly enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful home with exceptional views!
We have stayed at several VRBO properties and overall this home is one of the best. It was beautiful, clean, well stocked and had plenty of room! It was remote and private, yet close enough to drive to some of Virginia's best places to visit! Would visit again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Denise S., Akron

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful getaway
Our stay was everything we wanted it to be - relaxing and fun. It felt like the river was ours and ours alone- quiet. Our family loved the river- swimming, fishing, kayaking, having meals together, we had a seafood boil 2 times with fresh crabs right out of the water-deliciously fresh. The house was cozy, comfortable, clean and very well stocked and organized. Wonderful vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Maurine D., New Haven

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything the add said it would be.
Beautiful waterfront house with every amenity. Thank you for a great week.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Superlative
Our time at Mariners' Legacy could not have been better. Lovely water setting, kayaks, sandy beach. Lawn games, well equipped kitchen. Our group of siblings and spouses were delighted. Thank you so much. Great host and hostess!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

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

Joe C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mariners Legacy was ideal 'home' for a destination wedding, nearby. House & host are excellent.
Clean, wonderfully decorated, and maintained. Big enough for 30 at breakfast, cozy enough for 4 watching rain blow in or sun rise from the gorgeous porch. We hated to leave when our time ended. Thanks ever so much, Rick and Danette !!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Tim M.

Beautiful historic home set on a gorgeous multi-acre property
Danette and Rick could not have been more hospitable hosts. They both welcomed us to the property and showed us all of the amenities. Couldn't believe everything they provided for us for our stay. Extremely relaxing week. Highly recommend this property.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2016

10/10 Excellent

Mark F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Relaxing Place!
Incredibly peaceful, quiet location. We had a great visit with family as an post-Christmas getaway. Two dogs had a blast. Lots of open area around the house. Nice small beach in front. We couldn't take advantage of all of the ammenities due to the cold weather, but there are lots of kayaks, bikes, canoes and a paddle boat on the proerty. Really clean and very well appointed home.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sandra R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
NO NEED TO LEAVE THE PROPERTY FOR TREMENDOUS FUN!
What a wonderful property! For those who like to just unwind and relax during family vacations, this is a great spot! Lots of nature to see (both in and out of the water), tandem bikes, crab baskets, kayaks, paddleboat, beach area, beautiful porch, lovely neighborhood to walk (and kayak!) around. The house was equipped with everything we needed (large family) and the large washer/dryer were lifesavers. Everyone really enjoyed themselves and we hope to be back again one day! Thank you so much Danette and Rick!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cathy F., Titusville NJ

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A most amazing week.
This past week was incredible. The house was stunning, the property was beautiful and our hosts were wonderful. The house was probably the best equipped property we have ever visited. It was all there. We are looking forward to another visit in the future. Thank youi so much!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Vacation Spot Four Generations
All rooms were clean and well stocked with linens. From age 5 to 78, everyone truly enjoyed the beach, water and front porch. Kiddos caught crabs in the crab traps and played in water til they were exhausted. Private yet still only 20 minutes from restaurants and markets. We were 10 souls total and there was still a room empty, enough space so you’re not tripping over each other. Owners have done a great job in preserving this beautiful home. Get up every morning to watch the sunrise from your covered porch! Plenty of places to sit and relax by beach or on the porch. Thank you for a great week!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alyson W., Skillman, NJ

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exceptional stay
This place was everything we’d hoped it could be. The pictures and prior reviews sold a fantastic vision.....and it was real! The location on the river is beautiful on calm days and quite exciting in a storm. Rick is a warm and welcoming host and helped us feel at home. We sailed our own sunfish from the small beach; we swam and kayaked from the beach as well. The bikes were appreciated for exploring the area. Can’t say enough about the comfort and cleanliness of the house. Everything we needed for dining, recreating and comfort was here. Excellent stay! Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

lisa b.

Storm, rainbows, fishing, crabs, dolphins, meteor shower, love and laughter...
We came for a four day stay with our boys 22, 17 and 15. Everyone was thrilled with the house, the property and our hosts. We brought our boat, which we kept tied near the house on the perfect sandy bottom of the river. Our days were spent fishing in the Mobjack, kayaking near the house, lounging in the water. We wanted for nothing, the house is well furnished and beautifully decorated, a renovation that kept the integrity of the historic home. We also did some sightseeing around Mathews, beautiful area full of history. We can't wait to come back.

10/10 Excellent

Rick T., The Villages FL

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Heaven on Mobjack Bay
Mariner's Legacy is the most wonderful property we have visited. Being Disney World Annual Passholders, we are at Disney 5 to 10 times a year. Mariner's Legacy is better than Disney World. We had 7 adults who stayed all week. 7 kids 3 to 17 who visited during the day. Amenities are top notch, clean, and well stocked. This house is furnished very well and comfortable. We saw dolphins in the bay, the guys fished, two large tables for card games. Extra fridge is a sweet extra. We went to the store on day one and then relaxed and enjoyed family time the rest of the week. Thank you from all of us. God's beauty is always at work when you enjoy the water. Amazing rainbows and sunrises. Seriously considering making reservation again next year.
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
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Janet M., Philadelphia

This must be the place.
We just returned from Mariner's Legacy and had an incredible time at this truly beautiful place. Our days consisted of sitting on the wrap around porch enjoying the view of the waters edge, kayaking the river, wading and catching fish and crabs along the shoreline, biking down the dirt road through beautiful soy bean fields along the water, evening bonfires, steamed crabs, swimming, searching for driftwood and lounging on the perfectly placed hammock. It's the kind of place you want to keep a secret. It's private and tucked away. The home itself is the perfect mix of old and new - with good bones of a older home but completely renovated with amenities to spoil you. The owners Danette and Rick were gracious hosts and provided all that we needed for a wonderful vacation. We traveled with all ages from grandparents to young children and everyone enjoyed their time there. It's cool to imagine the past history of this home of Captain Isaac Ward - all the generations that have enjoyed the very same things we did during the few days we visited. You forget about stress for just a little bit and that makes it a perfect getaway. We all hope to return again.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Marsha P.

Wonderful owners, beautiful property!!
We reserved this for a family get together with ages from 8 to 85. The home is warm with a breathtaking view of the East River. The front porch with ceiling fans was the nightly sight for recalling old family memories, and making new memories for the youngsters. Crabbing and fishing from shore, paddle boat & kayaks. Easy bike rides to nearby sites of interest. The home and grounds are meticulously maintained. Now, the best part of all of this are the owners, Rick and Dannette. Kind, warm, and available at a minute's notice. Never intrusive, but always available. Our older family members had some minor ailments to deal with, and Dannette (retired nurse) was attentive to their needs. One of the kids had a minor cut on her foot from oyster shells in the water and Dannette was right there to take care of her. If you are looking for the perfect spot for a family gathering with a true down home feeling, then Mariner's Legacy is perfection. We are looking forward to returning next year!!