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Life is better at the RIVER!--Cozy waterfront cottage

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A wooden deck with outdoor seating, overlooking a lake with boats and a dock. - Life is better at the RIVER!--Cozy waterfront cottage (Galena)
A cozy living room with a sofa, two chairs, a coffee table with candles, a decorative wall piece, and a window with blinds. - Life is better at the RIVER!--Cozy waterfront cottage (Galena)
3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, travel crib, WiFi (free) - Life is better at the RIVER!--Cozy waterfront cottage (Galena)
Property grounds - Life is better at the RIVER!--Cozy waterfront cottage (Galena)
A kitchen with a stove, microwave, kettle, and a sign that says "enjoy the journey." - Life is better at the RIVER!--Cozy waterfront cottage (Galena)
Riverfront retreat Sassafras Cottage in Galena, MD offers a serene escape. Unwind on the patio or rooftop of the boat house, and enjoy scenic views of the Sassafras River. With kayaks and bikes available for use, this cozy cottage is perfect for families with kids or those seeking a peaceful getaway.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathrooms77 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

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About this property

Life is better at the RIVER!--Cozy waterfront cottage

  • Located in quiet community of Galena, MD, this charming cottage is a river front property a step away from beauty of the Sassafras River-- a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. Located adjacent to the owners' home, ‘Sassafras Cottage’, is a two-story 825 sq. ft. home including a combination living and dining rooms and a fully equipped kitchen. A gas grill outside provides additional options for meal preparation.

    The cozy cottage has three bedrooms sleeping a maximum of 5. It is perfect for a family with children, but not ideal for 5 adults. The first floor master bedroom is spacious and furnished with a queen bed and dresser. It adjoins a private bath including bathtub/shower combination. The second floor has two bedrooms, one with view of the river. One bedroom is furnished with queen bed and second small bedroom has a twin. They share a full bath with shower. All linens are provided for your convenience.

    Our cottage is cozy, comfortable, clean and welcoming. Our grounds are inviting and expansive with a glorious gift of the Sassafras. Take time to enjoy the patio, swing, boat house rooftop, fire pit, kayaks, and bikes. Pack your sneakers and take a walk in nature.
    At the water’s edge you will find furniture scattered for relaxation and a large fire pit for your enjoyment. We have a small meditation garden perfect for early morning, afternoon tea or for a private space at sunset. In addition, you will have access to the boat house for additional seating and further enjoyment overlooking the river.

    Kayaks and life vests for adults and children are available for use. Swimming and fishing are also welcomed at your own risk. Fishing requires local Kent County Maryland 7 Day Chesapeake Bay and Costal Sport license: $6 Resident of Maryland and $12 Non-resident. You may apply online at https:dnr.maryland.gov
    This location is perfect equally for an active family outing or meditative space for one by the water. For an extra fee of $2 a foot you are welcome to dock your boat for overnight.



Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

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

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Note from host: Smoking allowed outside the house

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near the marina
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 825 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

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

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking allowed outside the house

Important information

You need to know

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
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

About the neighborhood

Located in Galena, this cottage is on a river. Middletown Historic District and Betterton Historic District are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Chesapeake Bay and Old Bohemia Wildlife Management Area. With kayaking, motor boating, and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water. Visit our Galena travel guide
View more Cottages in Galena
Map
MD, Galena

What's nearby

  • Toal Park
    3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Galena Town Hall
    8 min drive - 6.2 km
  • Galena Town Park
    8 min drive - 6.6 km
  • Sassafras Harbor Marina
    11 min drive - 9.7 km
  • Skipjack Cove Yachting Resort
    12 min drive - 10.7 km

Getting around

  • Perryville Station
    57 min drive
  • Wilmington, DE (ILG-New Castle)
    41 min drive

Restaurants

  • Royal Farms
    16 min drive
  • Galena Pizzaria
    9 min drive
  • Kitty Knight Inn
    11 min drive
  • Fish Whistle at the Granary
    12 min drive
  • The Granary
    12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Life is better at the RIVER!--Cozy waterfront cottage pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Life is better at the RIVER!--Cozy waterfront cottage?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Life is better at the RIVER!--Cozy waterfront cottage?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Life is better at the RIVER!--Cozy waterfront cottage located?

Situated on a river, this cottage is within 6 mi (10 km) of Galena Town Hall, Galena Town Park, and Toal Park. Sassafras Harbor Marina and Granary Marina are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Life is better at the RIVER!--Cozy waterfront cottage Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 115 out of 117 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 117 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 117 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 117 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 117 reviews

10

Cleanliness

10

Location

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Weekend

The property and hosts were absolutely amazing! Everything we needed and wanted for a weekend peaceful escape.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jill M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute A-frame house on the river.

Comfortable stay with excellent hosts. Nice retreat for a weekend. Quick drive from Philadelphia, so a nice getaway from the city. Go relax on the river!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Setting!

Incredible warm fall weather coupled with an amazing location and amazing hosts! Gene and Suzanne were kind and considerate. We enjoyed our stay and look forward to future stays.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cori W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

End of summer getaway

The cottage was perfect for us to stay in & relax. It was clean with all the comforts of home. The area was nice for walking & the boathouse deck provided beautiful views of the river. It's a perfect spot to relax & unwind.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful views!

Beautiful home, Comfortable bed, Linens were clean and smelled amazing, The Water view was nice, and you could hear the faint sound of the drawbridge horns .Lots of wildlife, Sat on the dock every morning, drinking coffee., Watched amazing sunset from the dock.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great getaway

Hosts are very friendly, generous, and accommodating. All amenities listed were present and in working order, making for a very nice stay. We were able to take advantage of the activities we were hoping to do.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful spot on the river

Having the owners right next-door was so helpful. They were very friendly, but not intrusive. It was great to have kayaks to use to explore the river.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jane P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful cottage

Comfortable, immaculate, cute, had everything we needed. Lovely wooded neighborhood, great views of the Sassafras River with seating area on boathouse roof. Perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A piece of Heaven here on Earth!!!

What an incredible stay!!! After a hectic school year, this was the perfect getaway. Tranquil, in-touch with Nature, brings you back to earth again!!! Gene and Suzanne are awesome Hosts and do whatever they can to make your stay more comfortable!!! We look forward to going back, SOON!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

andrew s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful, tranquil and peaceful!

Lovely 3 BR 2 bath cottage steps from the river teeming with wildlife. We saw beavers, jumping catfish and various species of birds. Hosts live next door and are so nice and accommodating. Very nicely stocked kitchen. Could not recommend more!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steven H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very Comfortable Cottage

My wife and I spent 4 days at Sassy Cottage. We were in the area for a family wedding. Very clean, well stocked and supplied with nice linens and everything we needed to cook dinners Very efficient kitchen. We do not know when we will be back that way, but we would definitely book here again. Thanks to Gene and Suzanne.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfy & cozy again!

This was our 2nd time here, for an annual family event. Loved it once again! We love having breakfast on the deck by the water. Thanks for adding the small table in upstairs bath; very useful. We will most likely be back same time next year.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The perfect getaway

Could not have asked for a more perfect stay. We came up for a wedding and loved every minute of our time! The cottage was perfect in every way for us….the fishing, kayaking, crabbing, hanging out on the dock and talking to the owners. The location and scenery of the drive to the cottage were amazing, as well as the neighbors around being very kind making you feel part of the neighborhood! You don’t find that all the time!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thelma T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A relaxing get-away

The cottage is comfortable and nicely furnished. the owners answered questions promptly. Gene was extremely accommodating and helpful with the kayaks. There are several interesting and appealing places to visit nearby: Winterthur Gardens, the Massey Airplane Museum, Chestertown and a couple of lighthouses (limited open times). We feasted on oysters and crabcakes!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharon B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful retreat

The house was as described. It is not large, but there was plenty of room for the 4 of us. It was very clean, the beds were comfortable, and the kitchen was well stocked. Very peaceful setting with great view of the river. We enjoyed sitting on the riverfront deck in the evening. Having the propane grill available was perfect for dinner by the water. We will definitely consider this property the next time we are in the area.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jack R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

5 Stars Across the Board - A Truly Wonderful Cottage & Super Host!

My daughter and I were so very pleased with everything about this cozy, welcoming cottage on the River! It served as a very comfortable and convenient landing spot for our trip back to the Eastern Shore to spend the Christmas Holiday with family and friends spread out across northern Delaware, the Lower Shore, and the Baltimore County area. The Host/Owners and the Property Manager took great care in providing all of the helpful information and creature comforts that made our stay very relaxing and enjoyable. We will definitely be back!!
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laurie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ideal spot for rest and relaxation

Exceeded expectations and would stay there again! Check in process a breeze. Our hosts, Gene and Suzi, were on site and very welcoming. The cottage is cozy, as described, but well appointed, very comfortable for 4 adults and had everything we needed. The real draw is access to the Sassafras River by way of a deck overlooking the river, a dock, beach for swimming and kayaks at our disposal. Couldn't have been better! Laurie M.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy on the Sassafras River

This cottage is welcoming and accomdates well a small group of friends. Beds were very comfortable and the home was wonderfully cool when we arrived - much appreciated as outdoor temps were in the high 90s. The owners are friendly and always make sure we have everthing we need (we've stayed at this site before). Unique amenities include a shady site with grand trees, a deck overlooking the river with a grill and seating, a small beach and swimming, and a large firepit. A great accommodation while we attended the Diamond States Rowing Regatta, and I hope to be able to return in the future. Thank you, Gene and Suzanne!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deborah H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Thanksgiving Getaway

The cottage was well equipped with a first floor ensuite that suited our needs for this trip. The kitchen was clean and well-stocked with everything that we needed and more.At first, we thought the bed might be too firm for us, but it was much more comfortable than expected and we both slept well all four nights.Comfortable seating in the living room was much appreciated and the cottage has a very large TV, a happy surprise in a small cottage. Staying over Thanksgiving, we could not enjoy all the extras this property offers to their summer guests, but we can verify that the heating system is robust.We are happy to know that this property, that is so close to our relatives, is available for future visits.Thank you to our hosts!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Small retreat

Property as described. It fit our needs and we appreciated the beautiful scenery and rustic surroundings. Hosts were responsive. The cottage sits directly outside of the main house so it was not as private as other locations, but hosts respected our space. We enjoyed the amazing riverside deck. Pretty views. Great communication from the host. We had 5 adults (2 couples and a single) and the main space was a bit tight but that was clearly described in the posting. We were happy as a clam and everyone was comfortable. It did not impact our enjoyment of the space and we would stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

michael p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jen S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very kind and friendly hosts, everything is clean and beautiful and I would definitely recommend this place.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

mark A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The hosts were kind and attentive. The cottage is as described. Very comfortable experience. Only wish it was warmer and that I could have taken advantage of the river access.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ellis Lewis C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great, friendly, quiet, relaxing cottage.

Great experience, friendly host with tons of hospitality.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gert L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely river stay

A very nice stay, from the very kind and friendly hosts, to the cosy accomodation and facilities at the river, everything was quaint and serene.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022