Kurtz Cottage
Kurtz Cottage: A Four-Bedroom Family Rental Steps from Short Sands Beach

Why Stay
Why Kurtz Cottage
Kurtz Cottage sits in York, a coastal town where the Nubble Light and weathered fishing docks draw visitors back year after year. This is a working vacation rental - the kind of place where families gather around a fireplace on chilly nights, and groups cook together in a properly equipped kitchen rather than hunt for a restaurant reservation. Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, full appliances, and a 3-minute walk to Short Sands Beach make it practical without pretense. The cottage trades hotel-style service for independence: you have what you need to settle in, and you're close enough to the water that your kids can be building sandcastles within the hour.
The property is smoke-free, climate-controlled, and stocked with the working amenities that rentals often overlook - a dishwasher, washer and dryer, quality linens, free WiFi. Parking is free and on-site, a luxury along Maine's Midcoast during summer. For families or small groups who want to cook some meals and have breathing room, Kurtz Cottage functions well. The trade-off: this is not a staffed property, so there's no front desk, no daily cleaning, and no on-site restaurant. You're renting a house, not staying at a hotel.
Steps to Short Sands Beach and the heart of York. The 3-minute walk puts you on one of the prettiest and most accessible stretches of sand in southern Maine. Families with young children appreciate the ease; the beach has lifeguards in summer, a bathhouse, and enough restaurant options nearby (Quinn's, The Goldenrod) that a beach day doesn't require planning ahead.
A full kitchen that actually works. Too many vacation rentals stock a kitchen with plastic spoons and a stove that heats unevenly. This one includes a dishwasher, electric kettle, full cookware, and a dining table - meaning you can cook real meals, accommodate dietary needs, and save on restaurant costs over a week-long stay.
Space to spread out. Four bedrooms and two bathrooms suit extended family visits or two couples splitting the rental. The TV, fireplace, and living area give everyone a place to settle on rainy afternoons - common in Maine spring and fall.
Free parking and WiFi. A small thing until you're parking on a York street at $3 an hour, or paying $15 a night for internet at a hotel.
Rooms
The rooms
The cottage contains four bedrooms distributed across the house, with linens and wardrobe space in each. Two full bathrooms, private to the bedrooms they serve. Room sizes and bed configurations aren't detailed in the rental listing, so confirm those specifics directly with the owner before booking - families often want to know whether the cottage can accommodate two queen beds or if one room has bunks for kids.
At a Glance
At a glance
Best for
Families, groups, couples seeking space and independence
Price tier
Mid-range (varies; request current rates)
Open
Year-round
Standout amenities
Full kitchen · free parking · 3-minute walk to Short Sands Beach
Details
Check-in / out
Amenities
On-site amenities
Kitchen & Dining: Full kitchen with oven, stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator · Dining table · Electric kettle · Tea/coffee maker · Cleaning products and kitchenware included
Comfort & Warmth: Air conditioning and heating · Fireplace · Linens and wardrobe space in every bedroom
Media & Entertainment: TV with cable channels · DVD player · Free WiFi
Laundry & Practical: Washing machine and dryer · Ironing facilities
Seasons
When to visit
Summer (June–August): Short Sands Beach is at its liveliest, lifeguards are on duty, and local restaurants operate at full capacity. This is peak season and the most expensive time to book; reserve early. The cottage's air conditioning and proximity to water make it comfortable even on hot days.
Shoulder Season (May & September–October): Fewer crowds, better rates, and excellent weather. The water is still cold, but the beaches are pleasant for walking. Fall foliage peaks in late September and early October; book 2–3 months ahead if you're coming for leaf-peeping.
Winter & Spring (November–April): Quiet, affordable, and good for couples or creative retreats. The cottage has heating and a fireplace. Many seasonal restaurants and attractions close; confirm hours ahead. Early May and late April can be rainy but uncrowded.
Location
Things to do nearby
- Short Sands Beach: 3-minute walk · Swimming, sunbathing, summer lifeguards, and concessions
- Long Sands Beach: 0.5 miles · Wider, more dramatic beach with kite flyers and surfer culture
- Nubble Light (Cape Neddick Lighthouse): 2 miles · Iconic photograph spot; best at sunset
- York Old Gaol and Hist. Museum: 0.8 miles · 1720 jail that's now a museum; quirky, brief visit
- Ogunquit Museum of American Art: 5 miles · Coastal art institution with changing exhibitions
- Ogunquit Playhouse: 5 miles · Summer-stock theater; Broadway productions and comedians
- Ogunquit Beach and Village: 5 miles · Wider selection of restaurants and bars than York
- Kittery Outlets: 10 miles · Tax-free shopping for those rainy afternoons
- Portsmouth, New Hampshire: 15 miles · Historic waterfront, streetside restaurants, USS Albacore submarine tour
FAQ
Good to know
Is Kurtz Cottage directly on the water? No. It's a 3-minute walk to Short Sands Beach, not oceanfront. The trade-off is more space and parking for a short walk.
Is breakfast included? No. This is a vacation rental, not a bed-and-breakfast. You're responsible for meals, though the equipped kitchen makes cooking easy.
Are there restaurants within walking distance? Yes. Quinn's Ice Cream, The Goldenrod, and several casual dining spots are a 5–10 minute walk. A few sit directly on the beach.
Is there air conditioning? Yes. The cottage has AC, which matters during July and August heat waves.
Can I bring pets? The listing doesn't specify. Contact the owner directly to confirm pet policies.
Is the cottage suitable for families with small children? Yes. The proximity to the beach, multiple bedrooms, fireplace, TV, and fully equipped kitchen make it practical for families. Confirm bedroom layouts and bed sizes when booking.
How close is Portsmouth International Airport? 15 miles away. Driving time is roughly 25–35 minutes depending on traffic.















