We bought this place during COVID in 2020 as an escape from the city & pandemic. As we fixed it up, it quickly became our sanctuary... where we wanted to be all the time. And at 1.5 to 3 hrs from the DC, Richmond, and Newport News areas, it's easy to get to for a weekend getaway or vacation re-charge.
The Property
The one-acre property is beautiful, quiet, and peaceful, and every season brings its own natural wonders. Seeing and hearing wildlife is a given here--bald eagles, falcons, herons, egrets, dolphins, cow nose rays, deer, wild turkeys, foxes, beavers, and lots and lots of butterflies, dragonflies, birds, and wildflowers. As it faces north, you get unimpeded sunrise and sunset views over the water.
We have a great outdoor fire pit area overlooking the water too and as much cured wood available as you could possibly want to burn--perfect for smores, stargazing, and just 'being'.
The Kozy Kottage lies right on the water, where the freshwater Potomac meets the saltwater Chesapeake Bay. Right across the water is Point Lookout State Park in Maryland, and to the east, you get views of the Chesapeake's Tangier, Bloodsworth and Smith Islands.
The property has its own private sand beach--the size of which ebbs and flows with currents, tides, and time of the year. The shoreline is shallow and is fantastic for little kids to frolic and play on. The water is shallow so it doesn't get too cold, and the currents are mild. It is a great place to hang out with your feet in the sand, enjoy the surf sounds, go kayaking, get some vitamin D, and stargaze.
(Please be aware, just as the size of the beach can change with the Chesapeake Bay tides, sometimes the tides can also bring in jellyfish--which can be annoying but, are also one of nature's great wonders.)
Also note that we do not use any kind of fertilizers or pesticides on this property. This is most apparent with the lawn--it is not golf course quality...intentionally so. We've also been supporting local ecological regeneration, by allowing the growth of natural meadow around the property, using native plant soil erosion control along the shoreline, the planting of polinator and habitat friendly native plants, and the (seemingly never ending) removal of invasive plant species.
The Kottage
The Kozy Kottage is from the 1930s and was one of the first built on this section of the Chesapeake Bay/ mouth of the Potomac River. While we've renovated the Kottage, we kept the knotty pine interior to maintain its historic, rustic feel. The wrap-around screened-in porch just completes the rural cottage vibe, while keeping out the bugs on summer evenings.
The Kottage has two bedrooms and a loft with overflow sleeping space--all with a variety of pillows and black out curtains. The bedrooms include: one BR with two twin XL single beds, and one BR with a king bed. The loft has a futon and covertible couch. The loft is where the TV is--intentionally out of "sight".
The living room has a comfy couch and armchairs, and a large (1m x 1m) coffee table from Guatemala that is great for board games, cards, drawing, or just putting your feet up.
The kitchen, dining room, and bathroom are completely renovated. The kitchen has lots of counter space and a dishwasher. The dining room has great views and a large table that seats up to six.
There is only one bathroom (with shower) but there is also an an outdoor hot-water shower (closed in for privacy) to rinse off the saltwater and sand after beach time.
We also offer a four burner gas grill, beach chairs, various floatation devices, and a variety of children's life jacket sizes. We also have a chest of beach and outdoor toys and games.
The cottage has central air con/heat, and fiber WiFi that is extremely reliable (generally speaking).
The parking lot can hold up to three cars.
The Location
While easily accessible, this Northern Neck property is a bit off the beaten path. It's about a 15-minute drive to the Heathsville Food Lion and between 15-45 minutes to local restaurants and wineries (many award-winning, by the way!).
The property has cottages on either side, but the lots are big, and the neighbors come and go quietly. They, too, come here to relax and enjoy nature.
There is no traffic in this area, and as it is mostly farmland, it's great for biking and taking long walks in the rural countryside.