This is a special place. Most of the reviews before mine say the same thing, but to put my statement in perspective - My husband and I live in Abruzzo, Italy in the midst of a National Park and we live in the mountains and yet are only 45 minutes from the Adriatic; this year we came to Cape Cod and Mariellen's Gem for our vacation, and it was as perfect as anything back home. The house is lovely, artfully appointed with everything one might need. Its located in an area of historic cottages and has PRIVATE DIRECT BAYSIDE BEACH ACCESS! While there are many things to do and see (Provincetown is just down the road and the shuttle is right there) the cottage itself was a DESTINATION - sit on the beach in your Adirondack beach chairs and watch the sailboats. Walk, run, swim and use the fabulous outdoor shower to de-sand. We ate out, but more often brought fabulous take-out to eat at the cottage because nowhere did we find a better view nor sweeter atmosphere than the back porch with its bayside breeze. Also, the Gem is dog-friendly and our 5 pound Chihuahua was the belle of the beach. We very much hope to return - but we'll have to act fast - the Gem is mostly full for next year!