Check availability

Reviews of Lock Keepers Cottage on C&O Canal/Potomac River

Lock Keepers Cottage on C&O Canal/Potomac River
Sharpsburg, MD

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 40 out of 41 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 41 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 41 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 41 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 41 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Doug F., Loganville, Pennsylvania, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Springtime delight
Loved this property and location. Cozy, comfortable accommodations; all the necessities worked well.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shannon S., Annapolis

Liked: Cleanliness
Serene
Loved our stay…beautiful home, peaceful setting, lots of nature and historical sites/towns to explore.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ray T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Better than described!!
Excellent property, even better than described. Unique decorations and amenities make it feel like home. Highly reccomend.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
A relaxing getaway
We loved staying here. The cottage is charming and comfortable. While most of the the structure, and furnishings, are vintage, the kitchen is updated and thoughtfully stocked.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nancy T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy cottage!
A very cozy cottage! Host had nice amenities and great info on the area. Beautiful location along the Potomac River. Good for long walks, bike rides and enjoying the area. Some steep steps inside and out, so need to be nimble.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

cindy54 T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy, Quaint Cottage
Historical cozy and quaint cottage nestled among the woods and the rustle of the dam waters. Very peaceful yet fairly close to attractions. Splendid!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erik S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Enchanting
We had a wonderful time staying at this very comfortable and cozy cottage. Our stay was only 3 days so we didnt get to do everything we wanted to do in area. We would very much like to come back again, maybe next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just what we needed!
It was what we needed. It was quiet and it was peaceful and we really loved it. We didn't want to go! having morning coffee on the porch to sitting out on the patio in the Evening having a night cap. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect place to getaway too.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Alvin S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Rustic Seclusion
Nice stay. Was looking for a get-away yet not too far away. Rustic setting next to the C&O Canal and Potomac Dam #4. Great hiking, quiet setting, and good visits to Harpers Ferry and Shepherds Town, WV. Enjoyed our time at the cottage.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Don F., Schuylkill Haven, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful and Relaxing
Can't say enough good things about this place. The setting is superb- from the sights and sounds as you relax on the porch looking at and listening to the waterfall, to the wonderfully decorated and comfortable interior. Really enjoyed just relaxing here. Next time I'll be sure to bring my bike to explore the C&O trail.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Regina P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great escape
Overall great property and location. Rorke was incredible. She was incredibly friendly and communicative. This is a great place to veg out with your family and explore nature!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect fall getaway
Beautiful property and beautiful location. Owner has tended thoughtfully to all the details.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stacie L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect weekend trip
5 of us came down from outside of Philly for our son’s football game at nearby St James. This was the perfect place to stay and explore over the weekend. Because his football game took most of the day on Saturday, we did not get as much time to explore as would have liked. We will definitely be back for another weekend getaway as soon as possible. The cottage was beautifully decorated and Rorke was the best hostess who answered any questions we had almost instantaneously. Thank you for a wonderful trip.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

mark c.

Liked: Cleanliness
MRC
Loved the house, location and ease of process. Host was very accommodating and communative.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming and Cozy Getaway
This lovely cottage overlooking the C&O Canal/Potomac evokes the feel of simpler days gone by. From the charming and lovely decor/antiques to the pleasure of sipping coffee on the front porch while listening to the nearby waterfall, we didn’t even need to leave the cottage to have a wonderful vacation. Nonetheless, we toured nearby Harpers Ferry, rode bikes on the canal towpath, and attended a wedding in lovely Shepherdstown, WV. Rorke was such a thoughtful hostess, leaving on the lights for our late arrival, and providing all the necessary amenities for a wonderful stay. Hope to return someday.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

LIsa C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely
It was just as it was pictured online! We loved it and the host was so thoughtful about what we might need, the way she labeled things and her decorating was very nicely done!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Denise A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Remote and relaxing
The cottage is cozy and has all the things you need for your stay and more. We biked the C&O and it was a little rough at spots (we are used to biking the Pine Creek Trail in PA which is very well maintained), but it was still a pleasant ride. Next time we may bike other sections of the trail that are less remote. The road past the cottage leads to a boat access to the river so beware of the trucks towing boats to the access. The area is a little off the beaten path and going out to get food was at least 20 minutes but there are many really great restaurants to choose from in Shepardstown, Williamsport and Sharpsburg. We did enjoy relaxing on the very large porch listening to the water going over the dam. You are not able to see the river due to leaves on the trees in the summer. We would recommend staying at the lock keepers house, it was lovely.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 3, 2022
Thanks for the review Denise. Hopefully if you return, the towpath will be in better shape, we had a major flood on Mother’s Day this year which washed out many portions of the freshly resurfaced Towpath. I have not heard of any plans yet of when the park service is going to fix the few areas that are washed out or deep with sand/silt. Thanks

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy and charming experience
The Lock house was very comfortable and charmingly decorated. We enjoyed riding our bikes on the towpath to different fun destinations
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

vicky c.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect respite
Lovely property, very comfortable inside and outside. Isolated yet close enough to Shepherdstown to attend the plays at CATF. Hope to return next year.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Doreen K.

Liked: Cleanliness
C&O getaway
Secluded 19th century charm, but super comfortable. Chock full of quirky antiques, the cottage is a slice of bygone times, from the front porch swing to the sounds of birdsong and the roaring waters of nearby Dam 4. Great amenities, comfy bed, well stocked kitchen, games, books, bath essentials, tempting candy dishes. Highly recommended!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dorothy S., Denville

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Stay in Adorable Place!
The Lock Keeper's Cottage was just as described and more. Very clean, and the host left us coffee pods, soap and shampoo. I was with my mother (87 years) and sister. The three of each loved our bedrooms - very cozy. The house is decorated with antiques, vintage plates and knick knacks - all of which were unique and quaint. We only stayed for 2 nights and ate dinner on the deck. Alot of birds everywhere for bird-lovers which we thought was fantastic. One day we went to the Crystal Grotto Caves which was fun, and then visited the battlefields at Antietam. We enjoyed Shepardstown the best - just a perfect small town. One word of caution, we were there over Memorial Day weekend and there were plenty of mosquitos. If you walk on the tow path, highly advised to use bug spray. I also found a tick, which isn't suprising given the tall grasses. Overall, we had a great time and hope to do this again soon!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jon C.

Liked: Cleanliness
family weekend
Location to trails and Dam were perfect. Nice quite area for a great weekend get away
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Diane K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Felt like a second home
The home was very peaceful and comfortable. The home was clean and had extra towels and bedding. It was well stocked with everything you would need to cook and serve in. Would come back to stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Lock Keepers Cottage
Rorke, the owner, has the most beautiful houses- she has the Springhouse near Antietam and she also has Lock Keepers Cottage, which is the one that we stayed at. We have now stayed in both of them— they’re just both so beautifully decorated and she has such a keen eye as far as decorating- she just understands what will interest people and the way that she puts her eclectic collection together is just outstanding. You can not go wrong choosing either. She celebrates history, and gives you a cozy, warm and inviting place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lauren W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Low-key New Years girls trip
We had such a great getaway here over New Years! The house had everything we needed, ample parking, and was super comfortable for our group of 5. We loved the decor, the porch, and enjoyed lots of meals and wine around the large dining table. Hearing the river was so refreshing, even during our gloomy weather. Beautiful location!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tracy S., King George

Liked: Cleanliness
C&O - perfect location
Second year in a row that we have stayed here. Quaint and the perfect weekend getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Brian O., Elkton

Liked: Cleanliness
A wonderful property we hope to return to enjoy
Our trip was cut short due to a family health issue so we were not able to take advantage of the house and surrounding attractions. The property owner is exceptional, highly responsive to questions and providing additional details regarding the property. The house is charming with all of the details you'd expect. If you're a runner or cyclist, the C&O canal toward is right across the street. We can't wait to return to enjoy this property to it's fullest!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming Cottage
Very clean , well equipped and maintained property. The owner thought of all the little touches that makes a stay here very easy and relaxing . Great location to explore many of the battlefields and historical locations in the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

John L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quaint and cozy
Charming old place close to the river and biking on the C&O canal path. Very nice stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Julie L., Springfield, VA

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful retreat
We had a lovely stay at the cottage! The porch is perfect for relaxing and listening to the water. We ate all our meals on the patio, surrounded by birds, butterflies, and flowers. We also took several walks along the canal path, which you can easily access just across the street. The house is clean and comfy, and the owner left some sweet treats. Definitely a great retreat from our usual routine.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Janet S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Historic home by the river
Sit on the porch and listen to the water going over the dam. Walk the tow path in either direction on a good path. Within an hours drive of several battlefields including Gettysburg. The kitchen was well stocked for cooking, if needed. Great small town restaraunts near by.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mary R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to relax
This place is awesome. It’s centrally located for places like Antietam and Harper’s Ferry but if you just want to sit on the porch, read a book or nap in the porch swing this place is great as well. You can listen to the birds and water coming over the dam. It’s hypnotic. We slept with our windows open every night so we could go to sleep listening to the water.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Diana P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great outdoor getaway
We loved everything about our stay from the cozy house to all the outdoor options. If you want a peaceful change of scenery this is the place.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Brian M., Boston, MA

Liked: Cleanliness
Solid pick
This home is loved. Everything has been thought of. Super clean. Great host.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jaime G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Getaway
My family and I stayed here for the week and had a great time. The location is fantastic and the house has a lot of character. The house has everything you need and communication with Rorke was easy. Our only issue was that our cell service was sketchy. Nonetheless, we would definitely come back.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Julie L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great pandemic getaway
My family and I had an awesome time. Cute house with lots of space for the 3 of us (myself, husband and our son). Very clean and had everything we needed. Wonderful location near the dam - great place to take a walk and learn about the C & O canal. House is also in a good location to drive to Antietam and Harper's Ferry. Rorke was very responsive to our questions. We would definitely visit again.

10/10 Excellent

Catherine W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for the JFK50 Miler race AND MORE
We booked this house to stay for two nights - the night before and the night after the JFK50 Miler race. It was so perfect! On the day before the race we arrived and got to meet the owner who gave us some lovely history and made some suggestions for our crew on the day of the race! We took a walk along the canal which is so peaceful and relaxed in the cutest house decorated with a perfect cabin elegance! The house was right on the route of the race - giving our crew another legal area to meet us and it was super easy to get to both the start and the finish. I will be staying in this adorable house again for the race next year! Thank you so much! Also - I should add - everything was clean, organized and so many available extras to make your stay easy peasy!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jill F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just as described... great, quiet getaway
Everything was cozy and clean. This was a great house that was perfect for a quiet trip to hike, bike, and fish. Everything perfectly matched the pictures and descriptions (sometimes this isn't the case!). Thanks to Rorke and family for hosting us!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Phil K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice location, nice lodging
Other reviewers stated that they had interaction with the property manager in person, while they stayed here. However, for us, we never saw him once. I would strongly suggest that you ask for his phone number in advance, just in case you need to communicate with him. Also, please beware that AT&T cell coverage is basically non-existent here, so don't expect to be able to send SMS text messages from your mobile phone. Other than that and the TV not working, everything went smoothly. We would consider re-renting the place again sometime in the future. Unfortunately it rained during our stay for much of the time which kept us from enjoying the C&O canal path. Make sure to bring bikes and visit Harper's Ferry while here.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy, peaceful getaway!
My husband & I really enjoyed our stay at the Lock Keepers Cottage. The house and grounds are beautiful and across the street from the C&O Canal tow path - great for biking and walks. The house is cozy and the kitchen is well equipped. With a huge front porch perfect for early morning coffee, afternoon naps and peaceful evenings! We look forward to staying here again!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie C., Adamstown, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Charming and tranquil! A slice of heaven!
Our host was amazing. Such a beautiful cottage. Very peaceful and Rourke made our stay so enjoyable. Every amenity you can think of was provided. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020