Summary:
Experience timeless elegance and modern luxury at Swan’s Rest, a beautifully restored 1920s home just steps from the Chesapeake Bay in the heart of Cape Charles. With designer finishes, a gourmet kitchen, and unbeatable access to beaches, shops, and dining, this historic gem is the perfect retreat for your next unforgettable getaway.
Please SEE: Other Things to Note
For Area Details, Please SEE: The Neighborhood & Getting Around
*Pet Friendly, fee applies per pet.
The Space:
Swan's Rest, Home Features:
• 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath - Available for up to 8 Guests!
• Historical Gem of a Home
• BBQ in Backyard with Ample Deck Seating
• Spacious and Open Floorplan
• Free WiFi & Smart TV
Welcome to Swan’s Rest, a historic gem in the heart of Cape Charles, VA, where timeless elegance meets modern luxury. Originally built in the 1920s, this delightful four-bedroom, three-bath home has been completely transformed with designer touches to offer a sophisticated retreat just steps from the Chesapeake Bay. The exterior showcases striking navy HardiPlank siding with crisp white trim and exposed rafter tails, a thoughtful nod to the home’s original architecture while embracing modern aesthetics. Filled with natural light, the home’s airy atmosphere perfectly complements its blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort, placing you just moments from the town’s beautiful beaches, parks, and vibrant downtown.
Inside, you’ll find a spacious king bedroom with a dedicated remote work space, as well as a beautiful teal tiled private ensuite bathroom and walk-in shower that brings a touch of spa-like luxury to your stay. The first floor queen ensuite bedroom is equally inviting that features a standing glass shower, offering both comfort and convenience. Tucked away in this bedroom's closet is a collapsible desk and office chair, which easily assembles to create another private work space. The remaining upstairs bedrooms are a spacious and sunlit queen bedroom and a cozy bunk room with a twin-over-full bunk-style bed, making this house ideal for up to eight guests (there’s even an optional twin trundle located under the bunk). The third bathroom, located on the second floor, features a convenient tub and shower combination—perfect for families or guests who prefer a relaxing soak or a quick rinse.
The open floor plan seamlessly connects the main living spaces, creating a warm and welcoming environment for relaxing or gathering together. The living room is designed for comfort, featuring a large, plush sofa and two rotating barrel chairs, each paired with a pillowed ottoman—perfect for lounging, reading, or enjoying movie nights on the large smart TV.
Adjacent to the kitchen, a long dining table with five chairs and a side bench comfortably seats up to eight guests for shared meals or game nights. For casual bites or morning coffee, the breakfast bar offers three bar stools, providing another great spot to sit and chat. The gourmet kitchen is a true highlight, featuring striking quartz countertops, all stainless steel appliances, and engineered hardwood floors that flow seamlessly throughout the home. Both Keurig and drip coffee machines are provided, making it easy to prepare everything from quick breakfasts to leisurely dinners and your favorite morning brew.
Step outside to enjoy peaceful mornings or relaxing evenings on the classic front porch, which features two Adirondack chairs—the perfect spot to sip coffee, unwind, and watch the neighborhood go by. Gather with loved ones on the back deck for a barbecue, complete with a propane grill and comfortable seating. The backyard is fully fenced, providing privacy and a safe space for your furry companions to play. A stone walking path leads from the private parking space accessed by the back alley up to the deck, so you can easily come and go without walking on the grass. Additional parking is available on the street in front of the house.
For beach days, guests are welcome to use the six beach chairs, one beach umbrella, life jackets, boogie boards, cooler, beach wagon, and sand toys provided with the home. Everything you need for fun and relaxation by the water is ready and waiting. Located just a few blocks from Cape Charles’ sandy beaches, locally owned shops, and vibrant dining scene, Swan’s Rest is perfectly situated for those looking to explore the charm of this lovely coastal town. Whether you’re strolling along the beach, biking through the historic district, or cruising on a golf cart, Cape Charles offers the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. Swan’s Rest is more than a home; it’s a retreat where history and luxury come together to create an unforgettable experience.
NOTE: This property is part of a duplex building, but retains its own private entrance and backyard. As a historic home, the original steep steps to the second floor remain. Due to the close proximity of homes in the historic district, we ask guests to be noise considerate of neighbors and other guests who may be occupying the adjacent duplex unit, especially before 8:00 am and after 10:00 pm.
Guest Access:
We offer convenient door codes for self-check-in. Chesapeake Properties by Portoro uses convenient keyless entry for self check-in, details provided 2 weeks (or less) prior to arrival by email and text message.
• Early check-ins or late check-outs: If the property happens to be ready earlier than the standard 4 pm check-in time on the day of your arrival, in most cases an early arrival option may be available when confirmed with the main office. Late check-outs must be confirmed with main office staff prior to the date of departure.
The Neighborhood:
Noted on the National Register of Historic Places, Northampton County's Cape Charles offers one of the largest concentrations of turn-of-the-century buildings on the East Coast. The historic district and small-town atmosphere create a serene and inviting community. Enjoy the history and experience galleries, boutiques, bookshops, and beautiful beach! Cape Charles Town Beach is the only free public beach on the Easter Shore of Virginia.
Things to See:
• Local Experiences: Take a Boat Tour, Kiteboarding, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Explore the Beach, Fishing, Golf, Hiking, Biking, Birding & More!
• Local Restaurants & Shopping
- Restaurants: The Shanty, Oyster Farm Seafood Eatery, E&O (Elephant & Octopus), Pane e Vino, Ambrogia Caffe & Enoteca, Cravings, Beach Market, AJ's Bar & Grill, Deadrise Italian Kitchen, Cape Charles Coffee House
- Shops: The Boardwalk, Table and Tonic Cape Charles, Cape Charles Candy Company, Love Letters, Gull Hummock Gourmet Market, Chessie's Toys and Games & more!
Annual Festivals & Events:
• Crabby Blues Festival
• Annual Crab Slam
• LOVEFest
• Sounds of the Shore
• Festive Fridays, Cape Charles Winter Wonderland (Nov-Dec)
• Free Concert in the Park (Summer Season)
• Grand Illumination (Dec)
We provide a full list of Things to Do & See and local Restaurants & Shops to experience for our guests including in a personalized Guest Manual in your check-in details provided prior to your stay!
Northampton County Short-Term Rental Registration No. #
Getting Around:
Cape Charles is located near the southern tip of Virginia’s Eastern Shore right on the Chesapeake Bay. Cape Charles is a small town (the historic area is roughly a six block by six block square) that sits on the peninsula’s western coast… meaning you can sit on the beach in Cape Charles and watch the sunset right over the water. On the Chesapeake Bay, not the Atlantic Ocean, the water is calm and shallow. The picturesque town of Cape Charles is filled with Americana, all about family and beautiful surroundings, voted one of the Happiest Seaside Towns by Coastal Living. Let the beach be your playground! Check out the walkable retail district, tour Chatham Vineyards & Winery or take a water adventure for fishing and cruising.
Traveling to/around Cape Charles, Virginia:
• Taxi Cabs [i.e., Cape Charles Cab Cart and Carriage, Champion Cab, Rudy's Taxicab Services]
• STAR Transit, local fixed route and bus service
• Uber, Lyft
• Bike/Cycling [Rentals: Poseidon Watersports, Trek Bicycle Virginia Beach, Southeast Expeditions]
Airports:
• Norfolk International Airport (about 45 min by vehicle)
• Newport News Williamsburg International Airport (PHF)
• Accomack County Airport (MFV)
• Norfolk Ns (Chambers Fld) Airport (NGU)
• Langley Air Force Base (LFI)
Popular Landmarks:
• Cape Charles Museum and Welcome Center
• Kiptopeke State Park
• Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve
• Cape Charles Lighthouse
• Cape Charles Town Beach
• Cape Charles Brewing Company
Interaction with Guests:
Our goal is that your vacation exceed your expectations. Chesapeake Properties by Portoro communicates via email and phone. After a booking is confirmed, rental agreement will be emailed to the guest for e-signature. Check-in instructions are sent by email and text message 14 days (or less) prior to arrival date. We offer convenient keyless entry for self-check in. We do typically check in with guests by text 1-2 times during their stays to ensure a 5-star experience and remain available for any questions. We are available to guests 24/7 for any inquiries.
We follow the CDC Recommended Cleaning Guidelines. You can rest assured this property has been completely sanitized prior to check-in.
Strand von Cape Charles9 Gehminuten - 0.8 km