Entire home·Private host

Charming Waterfront Cottage with Private Boat Dock

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Property grounds
Outdoor dining
2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Outdoor dining
Hair dryer, towels, soap, shampoo

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroom

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

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North East, MD
  • Place, Upper Bay Museum
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, University of Delaware
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Place, Christiana Mall
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Airport, Wilmington, DE (ILG-New Castle)
    ‪34 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

About this property

Entire place

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

Charming Waterfront Cottage with Private Boat Dock

Welcome to The Dabbling Duck! Located on the beautiful North East River, this waterfront cottage is a little slice of Chesapeake paradise. Guests have access to a private dock for boating, fishing, paddle sports, or relaxing to picturesque surroundings. Hiking, biking, and wildlife enthusiasts love the close proximity to over 5,000 acres of pristine nature. For the traveler in search of antiques, delicious eastern shore fare, or live music, Main Street and Nauti Goose are only a short walk away.

The Dabbling Duck is a private two bedroom cottage, tastefully decorated with a mix of island and coastal design elements as well as mid century modern furnishings. The open living and dining room area is sun-filled and overlooks the back patio and water. The space is AC-cooled and inviting, perfect for relaxing both before and after a day of adventure. Lighting is ample, for reading and playing games, as well as dimmable, for creating a romantic setting.

For the guest who enjoys cooking and entertaining, the kitchen is fully equipped with everything needed to prepare a nice meal “at home.” There is a gas stove and oven, full-sized refrigerator, complete set of pots and pans, cooking utensils, and serve ware for both indoor and outdoor dining. If additional kitchen items or place settings are needed, please let the host know and she will make every effort to accommodate the request.

The cozy cottage bedrooms have everything necessary for a good night’s sleep. Both bedrooms are outfitted with comfortable sheets, extra pillows and blankets, and AC. The primary bedroom has a king size bed, tv, closet with hangers, and a small dresser. The second bedroom has two twin beds and a nightstand with drawers. If the twin beds need to be moved together, please let the host know prior to arrival, and she will accommodate the request.

Guests have access to the entire cottage, which includes a front porch, a back patio with tables and a grill, and a backyard with a pergola and fire pit area. There are two parking spaces directly in front of the cottage for guests. If you need additional parking, please let the host know. Guests also have access to a private dock. The dock spans the length of the cottage waterfront and the main house waterfront. Guest access will be marked. Guests are permitted to dock one boat up to 30 feet in front of the cottage at no additional cost. Additional boats must be approved by the host to ensure they can be accommodated. There will be a fee for each additional boat.
During your stay at this cottage, you're just a quick walk from Upper Bay Museum. Enjoy features like laundry facilities. Enjoy your stay with amenities like free WiFi and a kitchen in the cottage.
  • Air-conditioned cottage with kitchen, washing machine, and fireplace
  • Free WiFi
  • Amenities include laundry facilities
  • Steps from Upper Bay Museum and 12 minutes by car from Chesapeake Bay
As a guest of this cottage, you'll find barbecue grills, a garden, and laundry facilities. The front desk is open around the clock.

This North East cottage is smoke free.


Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

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

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 3 steps to reach entrance
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Gravel flooring in public areas
  • No lift
  • Single level property
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping on request
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Bicycle parking
  • Bicycle storage
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

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

General

  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Bicycle parking
  • Bicycle storage
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • Recycling
  • Towels (changed on request)
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

Smoking inside the home is strictly prohibited. No cigarettes, vapes, pipes, and/or bowls. If smoking outside, please keep doors and windows closed.
Dogs permitted w/approval. Will consider other pets w/approval. No animals permitted on the beds, couch, and/or other furniture.
For Instant booking guest must have a 4.8 star rating or higher. Any other rating please message for pre-approval

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Note from host: Approval required. Please see house rules.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Pls discuss baby/child-proofing needs with host.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Long-term renters welcome
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
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.

Charming Waterfront Cottage with Private Boat Dock Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 23 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 23 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 23 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 23 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 23 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

D S.

Liked: Cleanliness
"Charming" is an understatement! Everything about The Dabbling Duck and the town of North East is charming!! We stayed for a month during our son's college baseball season, and never wanted to leave. The house has been lovingly restored and furnished like a home rather than a beige and gray rental. Thoughtful touches were abundant, including a snack basket, cold drinks in the fridge, and even a supply of dog food. Everything was top-notch, from the cookware to the glassware to the bed and bath linens. We had everything we needed to enjoy a long stay, including a fully stocked laundry room, outdoor BBQ, and even firewood for the outdoor fireplace. We have stayed in many VRBOs and. have never found one with a bar cart and so many lovely serving platters and bowls for entertaining. Best of all, the house is perfectly situated with the North East Community Park steps from the front door, a peaceful dock out back, and enough ducks and geese to add an extra layer of charm. We walked 3 minutes to The Nauti Goose when we were in the mood for a sunset cocktail, and the charming downtown was an easy stroll away when we wanted to head to town for brunch or an ice cream. The owners were easy to communicate with and were very responsive to any request. They live on site but we never felt like our privacy was compromised -- we probably saw them for a quick chat 2 or 3 times the entire month. We will without hesitation look forward to many more stays at this charming cottage.
Stayed 30 nights in Mar 2026

8/10 Good

Howard H.

Liked: Cleanliness
The location is off the charts great! The outdoor amenities were fantastic! The interior of the rental would have been superb except their were no table lamps in the living room/dining room area, the skylights in the bedrooms are great during the day but make it very difficult to sleep once the sun comes up in the morning, and if it is raining the rain hitting the skylights sounds like pellets dropping on a tin roof. There was no information sheet when we checked in to tell us the WiFi network and password and how to operate the heating/AC system in the living room and the bedroom and the heating in the bathroom. Add lamps to the living room; remove the skylights in the bedrooms; and, provide an information sheet for the WiFi and the HVAC system and it would be the perfect rental!!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Debbie M.

Liked: Cleanliness
This is definitely a home away from home for us. The hosts were great to work with and the house was stocked with all the things we needed. Thus a definite home to revisit
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robyn H.

Liked: Cleanliness
The host was very responsive and friendly. The cottage was adorable and clean. There were lots of “little things” that made us feel special. It was probably the best VRBO experience I have ever had!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle H.

Liked: Cleanliness
It was a delightful stay, clean, safe and so comfortable. The kitchen was equipped to use, and included little extras you appreciate. The comfort this home offered was prefect:Comfortable beds, cleanliness and views for relaxing. I will stay here again on my next visit.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Declan C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic stay. Extremely clean and in a great location. We loved the ability to walk to the water and into town to experience the coffee shops and antique stores. Definitely try the candy shop! Tara and Chris were very responsive throughout our stay. Super accommodating and made our parents weekend at the University of Delaware extremely enjoyable. Would definitely recommend to our friends and family.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent, I’ll be back a few times a yeat
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pamela P.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Iisa K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Was an adorable little cottage with amazing views amazing property grounds everything you needed was there highly recommend it
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rick C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very well represented with pictures, small hiccup but it was taken care of totally! Very quickly by the owner and representative! 100# This place is EXCELLENT! PERIOD! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! WE WILL BE BACK!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

ROBERT W.

Liked: Cleanliness
We had a great four-day vacation at the cottage very comfortable very clean! Plenty of room to cook, bedrooms are very comfortable and clean. Sitting area is nice also.I brought my 18.5” boat down. It was great having the dock plenty of room to tie off on. Marina is very close by. I made a little fire every night very comfortable back patio! I would definitely stay there again!! Communication was excellent! everybody in that area was very nice!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristi H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Owners were very responsive and accommodating. Check out was REALLY easy.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ann B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely experience. Sat along shores of tidal stream and watched birds fly up and down river and fish jumping. Park across the street hosted a community picnic and wonderful restaurants nearby. Beautifully appointed quiet with comfy beds!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leann F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our stay was great. It was a nice ending to our vacation. We started our week out in Ocean City with 2 other families and stopped in North East on our way home. The house was clean, cozy, and very welcoming. It is the perfect location and right on the water. The host were absolutely amazing, there was a very bad thunderstorm the first night and we lost power and Chris was in contact the whole time with us making sure we were ok and accommodating to any of our needs. I highly recommend this property and these host. We will definitely be staying there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tina H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cute & Comfy!

Very comfortable cottage with adorable decor! Thank you Chris and Tara for a wonderful stay. Really enjoyed hanging out on the dock and fishing.North East Family restaurant for breakfast was great. Super friendly staff and great food!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joel W.

Liked: Cleanliness

great place

we will stay here again
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Becky G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful, quiet, and scenic

We had a lovely two night stay in this cottage. The area is quiet. Easy walk down town to shops and restaurants. The property is clean, well decorated, and comfortable. The highlight is the back yard. Right on the river with a great patio. Wonderful for birdwatchers! Highly recommend and if we are back in the area we would book again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris I.

Liked: Cleanliness

1220

Very enjoyable. Chris was a a terrific host.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

sara h.

Liked: Cleanliness

The Perfect Place

Was looking for a cute place to spend the weekend with my college roommates - we've gotten together annually for 25 years - and this place was perfect! Great location, great hosts, super cute decor, comfy beds, awesome outdoor seating areas, and to be able to walk everywhere was a bonus! Definitely hope to stay here again soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen C., New Market, MD

Liked: Cleanliness

Cozy Cottage with a Beautiful View

We loved our stay in North East. Location is fantastic - walking distance to town and close to Blue Elk Vineyard. The outdoor space is perfect to enjoy to calm and peace of the water view. The house is best used with close family as there is only one bathroom. Chris is so easy to work with and check-in/check-out procedure is effortless. We have already booked a return trip.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

carrie h.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful Visit!

Tara and Chris were incredibly helpful and responsive - we had a great time at their lovely cottage. So much to do in the area! Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie Z.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cozy and perfect

I loved everything about this place! The waterfront property and proximity to the boat ramp and the most charming little town was more than we could have asked for. Chris and Tara were so accommodating and even add so many thoughtful little touches throughout the house for us. Their communication and hospitality was amazing. The place was decorated beautifully and was so comfortable. It was perfect for our long weekend getaway with our dogs and boat. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patricia B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect Get Away

The property far exceeded our expectations. We had a wonderful weekend at this location thanks to a fantastic host. Outstanding accommodations, well designed, organized and clean. Looking forward to a return trip.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024