Brought to you by the Heart of Cape Cod, The Velvet Crab is a serene, dog-friendly waterfront escape on Minister’s Pond, where every season brings its own beauty. Wake to golden light on the water, paddle through calm reflections, or gather around the firepit under the stars. With pond views, an outdoor shower, and cozy charm inside and out, this one-of-a-kind cottage invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and savor the magic of the Cape.
I respect the autonomy of my guests and can easily be reached by facetime, email, text, carrier pigeon, smoke signal, or yodeling. Communication with guests is important to us. Please be sure you have app notifications turned on for your phone as this will be our means of communicating with you before, during, and after your stay. Our digital guidebooks contain directions, instructions, and access information. It is your responsibility to review this information prior to arrival.
Very central to everything. Close to Cape Cod Rail Trail (bike trail), Arnolds, Coast Guard and Nauset Light beach, Salt Pond Visitors Center, Eastham Windmill, and First Encounter beach.
The cottage is located on the waterfront. You must read the directions in the guide provided or else you will go to the wrong place. Do not rely on GPS!!!
Brought to you by the Heart of Cape Cod, The Velvet Crab is a timeless waterfront cottage perched on peaceful Minister’s Pond—where every season unfolds its own magic. In spring, wildflowers hug the water’s edge; summer hums with sunlit swims and paddle days; autumn lights the trees in amber and gold; and winter’s hush wraps the pond in peaceful stillness. Whether you’re sipping morning coffee on the deck, drifting across mirrored water in a kayak, or unwinding beside the fire pit under a blanket of stars, this special retreat invites you to slow down and savor Cape Cod’s gentle rhythm.
Inside, sunlight pours through oversized windows framing serene pond views. The airy living space blends classic coastal charm with modern comfort, while the fully equipped kitchen makes meals — from casual breakfasts to relaxed dinners — feel effortless. The main bedroom overlooks the water, and the second bedroom offers two twin beds — perfect for friends or family. As evening falls, stroll to the shared pond beach to gather around the firepit, grill a feast on the deck, or rinse off in the open air shower under Cape Cod’s endless sky.
Sleeping Arrangements
• 1 Queen bed — bright, restful, and overlooking the pond
• 2 Twin beds — charming and comfortable for friends or family
Bathrooms
• 1 Full bathroom — thoughtfully appointed and convenient
• Classic outdoor shower — seasonal, refreshing, and quintessentially Cape Cod
Outdoor Highlights
• Gas grill & patio dining furniture — for leisurely meals with water views
• Fire pit on the shared pond beach — perfect for s’mores and starlit evenings
• Spacious deck overlooking the pond — sunrise coffees or sunset toasts
• Canoe and kayak provided — gentle paddles and quiet water exploration
Indoor Amenities
• Fully equipped kitchen — ready for relaxed, home cooked meals
• Coffee bar with drip coffee maker, French press, kettle, and a selection of teas and regular/decaf coffee — always complimentary
• Large streaming TV and strong WiFi throughout — easy streaming or cozy nights in
Comfort & Essentials
• Luxurious linens, duvets, and Turkish towel sets with charcoal infused bamboo washcloths for a serene stay
• Beach towels provided in the summer
• Eco friendly bath amenities — sulfate free shampoo, conditioner, and body wash with no phosphates or microbeads
• Heating and cooling throughout for year round comfort
• Award winning custom digital house manual with local recommendations
• Minimum booking age: 25
Location Perks
• Prime waterfront setting on Minister’s Pond — serenity and seasonal beauty
• Close to Salt Pond Visitors Center and scenic bike trails like the Cape Cod Rail Trail
• Minutes from the Cape Cod National Seashore beaches, Arnold’s, and local favorites
Dog Friendly
• One well behaved dog over 1 year old welcome ($100 fee). No cats, birds, ferrets, hamsters, or pet rocks — just a pup that says “woof”
Extras Available
• Optional add ons like Pack n Plays, Farm Fresh Eggs, Beach Gear, Romance Packages, Tours, and more — full details provided after booking
Booking Notes
Because plans can shift like the tides, we always recommend purchasing travel insurance for peace of mind during your Cape Cod getaway.
For Airbnb: We set only two charges — a fair nightly rate and a cleaning fee based on what our professional team charges to reset the home. Airbnb adds its own platform service fee and collects local/state taxes separately. These are not controlled or retained by us.
The property is very large so GPS down to the cottage is not reliable. Specific directions and instructions for arrival are given in the award-winning house manual and recommendations guide provided upon booking (and a provided again a few times thereafter).
