Notes from the host
Harmony Tides Cottage
Summary:
Set among the trees on 2 peaceful wooded acres, this cottage delights with gothic architecture, sun-filled rooms, and a bathroom for every bedroom. Relax in the hot tub under the stars, sip local wines, eat oysters. Take a sunset boat cruise or learn oystering and crabbing from a local waterman. Farm stands, markets, and sea-to-table local fare. Live life in an historic working water town with lots of personality. Close to Tides Inn, Kilmarnock, White Stone, Compass Entertainment.
The Space:
THE COTTAGE : This delightful cottage has plenty of room to spread out. As soon as you enter your eyes go to the light-filled sun room overlooking the headwaters of Carter's Creek. The living room’s comfortable and eclectic style makes you feel right at home. The fully stocked open kitchen has a great layout (everything within reach), while the living room with built-in tv and gas fireplace will welcome you home after a busy day out-and-about. The primary sleeping quarters and bathroom with double sink and soaking tub are up one level. You will love the bedroom doors that open to let in the breeze and the sounds of nature. The lower level has a queen room and a room with two twins, each with it's own ensuite bath; twin bathroom also accessible from the hallway. The queen room opens to the patio facing the trees and creek, with outdoor shower, hot tub, comfortable seating, and the welcome sounds of nature. The home is sited at the headwaters of Carter's Creek. In summer the view of the Creek is obscured by the trees, but you can hear it rushing at high tide and the frogs are always singing! The slope to the creek is steep and there is not a defined trail so we do ask folks not to venture down there. We do have a lovely kayak dock to which you can walk on a nature trail in the community to get a view, and there are of course many ways to visit the water in the area, including walking the beach at nearby Hughlett Point Nature Preserve, dining waterfront at the Tides Inn in Irvington, and renting kayaks through local kiosks run by PaddleOn.
Just a quick note to let you know that, for the comfort of all our guests, dogs are not allowed on the lower level. Thanks for understanding!
Be sure to ask about our private chef, and the great experiences with which we have partnered for discounts for our guests! Sailing cruises, power boat charters, in-home massage, sound baths, and aerial and mat yoga classes.
HOT TUB: The hot tub is private. There are very specific rules regarding its use; it is expensive to maintain and to fix. Failure to adhere to the posted rules and any other rules communicated here may result in a monetary claim to cover any related expenses, downtime, and inconvenience. Please do not use gray spa headrests as seating; it breaks the clamps inside.Thanks for your understanding and we hope you enjoy the hot tub.
POOL: The pool is a community pool. That said, it's a super small community. You may be the only folks using it some days. It also has a nice wisteria arbor with tables and chairs, and some bbq areas. Full rules will be at home with instructions. Please take all trash as there are no cans.
Dates of opening and closing vary according to calendar and circumstances but tend to be Memorial Day to Labor Day, sometimes beyond. Rules posted in cottage, please follow.
WHAT ARE THE TENTS?: Modeled after the Wharton Grove Campground, a Baptist tent camp revival site and steamboat stop established in the late 1800's in nearby Weems. Over time, those canvas tents evolved into proper frame cottages in a distinctive carpenter Gothic style of arched windows and Victorian gingerbread. As Steve Hendrix of the Washington Post described the tent community, "it's a splendid...setting for a rural retreat among the vines."
OYSTERS: Virginia is the largest producer of fresh-wild catch and farm-raised oysters in the country. Oysters are farmed year-round, and they actively filter the water they are grown in. Each region produces oysters with distinct flavors, from briny to sweet, and they all pair well with the native Virginia wines you can find at Northern Neck wineries. Want fresh local oysters in the shells delivered to the refrigerator? We partner with a Steamboat Wharf Oyster Company, a family-owned business dedicated to growing a damn good oyster. They take pride in offering high-quality, sustainably sourced Top Shelf oysters. More information on this special service in our Welcome Guide when you book!
HISTORY: George Washington was born and lived his first three years at a large farm along Pope’s Creek. The lovely site, along with a large Visitor Center, recreations of the homestead, natural trails and farmland, and beautiful views of the tidewater lands similar to what George would have experienced, are preserved for the public. It’s a wonderful place to learn about Washington’s upbringing and future as a Virginia gentleman farmer.
Visit Reedville, where Maine sea captain Elijah Reed purchased the land in 1874 and began the menhaden fishing industry. Its location on a peninsula, jutting into Cockrell’s Creek, with a deep harbor and quick access to the Chesapeake Bay, made Reedville an ideal fishing port. The menhaden industry was so lucrative the town, with only 500 inhabitants, was once known as the wealthiest town in the United States.
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER: To keep the kids happy, the Cottage is close to the new "Compass" Center, with 6 screen movie theater, go-carts, mini-golf, and rock climbing. Drive 10 min. to the larger town of Kilmarnock for shopping and more dining options.
STATE PARKS:There are also 3 lovely Virginia State Parks along the shoreline of the Northern Neck—Caledon and Westmoreland border the Potomac River, and Belle Isle hugs the Rappahannock River to the south. All of that shoreline offers beautiful views, boating, and birding.
ON THE WATER: Virginia’s Northern Neck is a peninsula surrounded by unique and beautiful marshes, creeks, the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay, so water views are all around you. When the weather is fair, you’ll find lots of opportunities to get out on the water. Bring a boat and explore the Lancaster and Westmoreland Water Trails. Rent a canoe or kayak at one of the state parks to explore smaller marshes and creeks. Arrange a fishing charter or a scenic river cruise on the Rappahannock, or cruise across the bay to remote Tangier Island for fresh blue crabs and a look at the watermen’s life. Or rent kayaks or paddleboards at the iconic Tide's Inn on Carter's Creek (call ahead to reserve) and relax afterward at their casual creekside restaurant. Or book a fancy meal at their upscale restaurant, and kick back with a cocktail overlooking Carter's Creek.
IMPORTANT:
Please note that this is a residential community that has some vacation rentals, it is not a vacation community and the cottage is a home, not an investment property. Please be respectful of the neighbors. People buy here for the peace and quiet. This is a vacation best suited to those who seek the same.
The possibilities are endless. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a slower pace in the Northern Neck. You will be booking for next year before you leave! Book now and anticipate an amazing vacation. Or add to your Wish List!
Irvington STR Registration #508.
Add to your wish list or book it right now!
Seasonal Availability Notice
Outdoor Shower: The outdoor shower is turned off during colder months for safety and maintenance.
We hope you enjoy your stay!
Guest Access:
Smart lock, code provided prior to arrival. Parking for three cars only. Unfortunately there is no parking on the street.
The Neighborhood:
Irvington: Described as "Tiny but Tony", and "Manhattan meets Mayberry", this upscale yet low-key town has great restaurants, friendly people, and a wide array of community events. Experience small town living at its best: on the water. 1.6 miles from Harmony Tides to The Tides Inn.
Vineyard Grove: Community of 19 charming and private "tent" houses in popular Irvington. Friendly neighbors, hot tub, community pool, nature trail, kayak launch (byok), walk to town, bike to Tide's Inn, 5 minutes by car to the charming town of White Stone, with lovely waterfront restaurants, 7 minutes by car to Kilmarnock, with an assortment of shops, restaurants, and community events. Check The Rivah Visitor's Guide (at house or available around town) for a complete list of all there is to do and see.
**Be sure to ask about our private chef, and the great experiences with which we have partnered for discounts for our guests! Sailing cruises, power boat charters, yoga classes.
Irvington also boasts several unique shops, an impressive art gallery, and its very own Steamboat Era Museum. Explore Carter’s Creek by water. Enjoy the private charters and fishing guides also available. Use our complimentary bicycles to cruise around the village.
Getting Around:
You need a car. We provide 4 bikes, but bring more if you like! It's very flat here and a great way to see the area! We also have a local bike rental company called Rappahannock Bicycle Company and we can help arrange drop off. And find Northern Neck Bike Club online for group cycles. And don't forget to see the area by water! Book a sailing or power boat charter or fishing charter. We have one kayak but more can be rented through local company Paddle On.
Hosted byMaria Getoff, Harmonized Getaways
