FAQS

 Located inside the maroon garage door, commonly called “The Common Area,” it includes:

Life jackets, paddles, floaties

Fishing/crabbing gear

Toys, lawn games, baby equipment

Extra toiletries, K-cups, cleaning supplies

Yes! High-speed download speeds.
Note: Upload speeds may be slower, which could affect video conferencing or uploads. Wi-Fi credentials will be shared privately before arrival.

Chesapeake Paradise LITE is the main house minus the 2-room studio apartment called The Flat Plus. It includes:

4–5 bedrooms / 3 baths

Main kitchen and Sunrise Suite kitchenette

Screened porch, deck, and shared yard (left side)

Mermaid bath in hallway + washer/dryer

Shared access to pier, hot tub, and garage amenities

Yes. All units include:

Central HVAC or ductless mini-splits

Electric or gas fireplaces for ambiance

Ceiling fans in most rooms

Openable sliders/windows for fresh air

The Cottage also has a working wood stove insert for cozy winter nights

Yes! The 4–5 person hot tub is shared among guests.

Hours: 6am–10pm

Quiet enjoyment required (not a party tub)

Let us know if you plan to use it

Bubbles off during chats, especially after 8pm

No drugs, smoking, or drinking in/near tub

Yes! Guests may use crab pots, cookers, and tools available at the time.

Bring newspaper for tables

Double-bag shells before putting in trash (to avoid odor)

You can also have crabs steamed elsewhere—ask us for recommendations!
 

Yes—dog-friendly, except in The Flat Plus and Sunrise Suite (exceptions may be made for the Flat).

$18/night per dog

Puppies or cats? Let us know in advance

Dogs must be tied or on-leash unless under clicker or reliable voice control

Leash upon exit from vehicle—neighbor’s cats entice chasing

No dogs in neighbor’s open field

After swimming, shower and dry before entering

Note: Muddy bottom at our house, but sandy swim area nearby in Franklin Manor (often used by others, even though private).

Yes—free to use! We provide:

2 single kayaks

1 double ocean kayak

1 single open ocean kayak

1 canoe

Some paddles and life jackets (we do not guarantee the condition of life jackets; paddles may be in the process of being replaced)

Launch options:

From the pier using the ladder (carefully)

Shore launch available only when necessary (to prevent erosion)

Best routes:

Our peaceful split creek

A small creek across from us behind a rock outcropping (best at high tide)

Short kayak out to the Bay—windier, so plan accordingly

Text Shawn if you need help setting up or expect to be out for more than an hour.

Yes! Wash and dry them before reentering the house. Use the outdoor shower (hot water available after 1 min). Bay water can smell fishy—rinsing helps!
Alternative swim spots: neighborhood sandy launch, Beverly Triton dog beach.

Yes! Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are all guest favorites.
Water Safety Notes:

All at your own risk

Life jackets recommended (some provided)

Supervise kids closely

No diving or jumping from the pier

Water shoes advised (barnacles and slippery ladder)

Avoid swimming with open cuts or wounds (bacteria risk)

Depth varies with tide; bottom is muddy

Jellyfish may appear in July–August

There’s also a nearby neighborhood beach often used as a dog park with shallow water and firmer sand.

Annapolis (22 mins) – Historic, charming, waterfront shops and dining

Washington, D.C. (60 mins) – Free museums, monuments, and cultural sites

Baltimore (30–45 mins) – National Aquarium, Orioles Park, Inner Harbor

Chesapeake Beach – Water park, beaches, and boardwalks

Running Hare Vineyard – Live music, tastings, and beautiful views

Herrington on the Bay – Gorgeous wedding venue and gardens

Jug Bay Wetlands – Trails and nature preserves

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center – Hikes and science

Franklin Manor Park – Playground, basketball, and public fishing pier

Small daytime visits are most often welcomed and possible—just ask in advance with:

Number of people and cars

Date/time

Duration and reason for visit

Expectations regarding noise levels, music, alcohol, etc.

We’ll confirm if it’s possible and if any event policies apply.
Note: Extra overnight guests may require renting additional space (e.g., The Flat Plus or The Cottage).

Sometimes. We’ve had wonderful events here over the years—but only with pre-approval and planning with the owner.

We specialize in small, peaceful events like weddings, birthdays, retreats, and reunions. However, there are strict guidelines from Airbnb, VRBO, and our county for events involving people who aren’t registered guests.

All gatherings with outside visitors require advance host approval. A contract, event fee, and planning for parking, deliveries, and sound level restrictions may be needed.

We’ve hosted events for 20–50 people (and more with arrangements). Past events have included karaoke booths, tents, and dance floors. Guests love celebrating on the lawn or screened porch.

Yes and no. You may have the whole place to yourself, or there may be others at The Cottage, which is like having a next-door neighbor. You may share the pier, kayaks, a field for frisbee, and lawn games. Chesapeake Paradise includes 2 separate and private accommodations across 2 waterfront acres.
While each rental is private, it has worked for my 16 years as a host—with happy reviews—that there may be other guests here during your stay. Each house has its own yard, outdoor dining, BBQ grills, swings, and access to its own 100 feet of waterfront, but the two houses share access to:

The pier (bring chairs back inside—winds pick up!)

Kayaks

Hot tub (see quiet use & safety guidelines)

Guest Fun & Supply Center (equipment, toys, games, toiletries)

Guests have their own kitchens or kitchenettes, indoor areas, outdoor eating spaces, and accommodations, so it rarely feels crowded. Friendly interactions sometimes occur, creating a relaxed, retreat-like atmosphere.

NOTE: The larger Chesapeake Paradise House itself is offered in 4 different ways as a rental. If you have the whole Chesapeake Paradise House, you’ll be there alone. If you rent Chesapeake Paradise LITE or The Skylit Flat Plus, there may be someone (including the owner) in the other part of the house. Each is locked off and has its own private entrance, but it is one house—so please keep that in mind regarding hearing others and your own noise level.

When guests rent the Sunrise Suite on its own, they access it through the main house foyer, which is only shared with me, the owner.

PLEASE REACH OUT IF YOU NEED MORE CLARIFICATION or view the video or 3D tours.

There are some great local options, especially if you’re craving seafood or Latin flavor!
JesseJays Latin Kitchen – A cozy Latin-American spot serving up flavorful street food and creative Latin fusion. Known for tacos, pupusas, empanadas, and house-made sauces.

Skipper’s Pier – Closest and most casual. Great seafood, dock bar, and upper deck with a view.

Pirates Cove – More upscale than Skippers but still relaxed. Features a cozy indoor bar with fireplace, screened porch, and crab dishes.

The Dockside – Local and attached to a beautiful marina with pathways that go about a half mile past docks full of gorgeous boats and views. I eat there often!

Yellowfin – About 18 minutes away. Upscale seafood dining with South River sunset views. Happy hour seafood appetizers are a guest favorite.

Boatyard Bar & Grill – Pro tip! Worth the 30-minute trip to Annapolis for their phenomenal Maryland crab cakes and exceptional oysters. Yum!

Nearest grocery store: Christopher’s Fine Foods (3 mins). Also nearby: Giant, Safeway, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Aldi (within 12–25 mins). Two local liquor stores are also close by.

Yes! You can explore 3D tours, photos, and floorplans of Chesapeake Paradise House, The Cottage, and the grounds—including rooms, water views, and shared amenities.

👉 Click here to view our virtual tours and videos!