The Cottage at Long Sands

Most families renting a beachfront house in York are looking for one thing above all: a clean, spacious base where they can walk straight to the sand with minimal fuss. The Cottage at Long Sands delivers exactly that. This four-bedroom, two-bathroom home sits steps from Long Sands Beach - literally a walk across the street - with a fully equipped kitchen, private entrance, and outdoor seating areas that face the water. The location alone explains why it consistently pulls families back: restaurants and shops are within easy reach, the beach is always there, and the house itself runs quiet and orderly.

Guests have given it high marks for cleanliness and comfort, with families and groups praising the spaciousness and the sheer convenience of being right on the sand. The 8.4-out-of-10 rating reflects a home that knows what it is and executes well - though, like any rental property, it has a few small quirks worth understanding before you book.

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Steps from Long Sands Beach. The entire point of this rental is proximity. You can be in the sand within a minute of walking out the front door. That matters more than you'd think when you're traveling with kids or just want to maximize beach time without fussing with a car.

Fully self-catering kitchen. The house includes a full suite of appliances - oven, stovetop, dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker. You can cook real meals, pack lunches, and skip restaurant markup during a week-long stay. A dining table means you can eat together as a group.

Built for group trips and multigenerational travel. Four bedrooms give you room for extended family or multiple families traveling together. Guests specifically mention how the spaciousness means everyone gets breathing room - a huge plus when you're sharing a vacation rental with adult siblings or grandparents.

Private entrance and patio. You're not walking through a common area or a main building. You have your own door, your own outdoor furniture, and your own barbecue setup. That independence is one reason guests describe the experience as quieter and more relaxed than a traditional hotel.

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The property contains one four-bedroom vacation home with two bathrooms. Bedrooms feature comfortable beds and fresh linens. All bathrooms are private (one per every two bedrooms), with free toiletries, hairdryers, and towels. The main living area includes a dining table, sofa, sitting area, and work desk. Guests consistently praise the cleanliness and comfort of the beds and furniture. One caveat: the property has limited parking - Sharon mentioned this as a drawback - so if you're arriving with multiple cars or planning frequent vehicle use, you may find the lot tight.

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Outdoor & Recreation: Barbecue · Patio with outdoor furniture · Playground (good for keeping kids occupied on rainy afternoons) · Golf course within 2 miles · Horseback riding and fishing nearby · Hiking trails accessible from the property · Cycling opportunities.

Kitchen & Dining: Full-size refrigerator · Stovetop and oven · Dishwasher · Microwave · Coffee machine and tea maker · Toaster · Complete kitchenware and dining utensils · Dining table.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms: Private bathrooms · Fresh linens · Flat-screen TV in bedrooms · Hairdryer and free toiletries.

Living Spaces: Sofa and sitting area · Work desk · Streaming services (Netflix and similar platforms).

Practical: Washing machine and dryer (full laundry facilities on-site) · Ironing board and iron · Private entrance · Smoke-free property · Fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detector.

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Since the cottage is fully self-catering, the kitchen becomes the social hub. The combination of a full stove, dishwasher, and dining table makes cooking and eating together seamless. The outdoor barbecue and patio furniture mean you can grill and dine on the property while still hearing the ocean. Jen noted being within walking distance to restaurants, so you're not trapped by your own cooking - you can walk to dinner if the mood strikes.

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Summer (June–August). Peak season. Long Sands Beach is busy with swimmers and families. Nearby restaurants are fully staffed and open daily. The Ogunquit Playhouse runs its full schedule. Expect crowds on weekends and potentially limited parking. Book well in advance.

Fall (September–October). Shoulder season with smaller crowds. Water is still swimmable through mid-September; by October it's bracing. Foliage peaks in late September and early October. Restaurants remain open; playhouse season winds down. Excellent time to visit if you prefer space and mild weather.

Winter (November–February). Off-season. Most seasonal restaurants close or reduce hours. The beach is quiet and dramatic. Heating can be a consideration - one guest noted difficulty raising the thermostat above 67 degrees on very cold nights. The fireplace is non-functional. Best suited for hardy travelers or families who prioritize affordability and solitude.

Spring (March–May). Quiet season with unpredictable weather. Some restaurants and attractions are still ramping up operations. Easter week can draw families. Water remains cold. Good value if you're flexible on crowd size.

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"Location was excellent. Right on the beach, easy access to restaurants. Very quiet and clean!" - Virginia, Family · 8/10

"Very clean and up to date. Within walking distance to ocean and restaurant." - Jen, Family · 10/10

"Clean, comfortable." - Margaret, Solo traveler · 6/10 (noting that winter heating limits and parking access may affect some stays)

"Location was great, close to the beach and not too far from the venue where the wedding we attended was held." - Keith, Family · 8/10

"The house was very clean. Access was easy. The furniture and beds were comfy." - Margaret, Solo traveler · 6/10

"Amazing weekend getaway!" - Jen, Family · 10/10

What guests flagged as minor issues: A few operational hiccups have surfaced. Keith's microwave was non-functional during his stay (worth checking on arrival). Margaret encountered a door code that was tricky to use repeatedly and couldn't lock and re-enter using the smart lock system. Lynn noted she wasn't provided parking passes in advance, though the property manager resolved it gracefully. Sharon mentioned limited parking as a drawback. These are edge cases, but worth factoring if you're traveling with multiple vehicles or have accessibility concerns around door codes and locks.

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• Long Sands Beach: Steps away. Swimming, walking, paddleboarding, or just sitting with coffee and watching the surf.
• Downtown York: 0.3 miles. Gift shops, ice cream parlors, and casual lunch spots within a short walk.
• Nubble Light Lighthouse: 1.5 miles. One of Maine's most iconic photo spots; the lighthouse sits on a rocky point with public parking nearby.
• York Harbor: 2 miles. A quieter scenic harbor with walking trails along the shore.
• Ogunquit Playhouse: 7.5 miles. Tony Award–winning summer theater with live musicals and drama June through October.
• Ogunquit Museum of American Art: 7.5 miles. Permanent collection of 20th-century American art plus rotating exhibitions, set on beautiful grounds.
• Perkins Cove, Ogunquit: 8 miles. Picturesque working fishing village with galleries, restaurants, and a small public beach.
• Portsmouth, New Hampshire: 15 miles. Historic waterfront city with breweries, restaurants, and riverside walking trails.

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Is The Cottage at Long Sands directly on the beach? Yes. Long Sands Beach is steps away across a small access path. You can walk to sand in under a minute. This is the defining feature of the property and why location reviews are consistently positive.

Is breakfast included? No. The cottage is self-catering, so you'll use the full kitchen to prepare your own meals. This saves money on longer stays and works well for families with dietary preferences or picky eaters.

Can I use the fireplace in winter? No. The gas fireplace is non-functional. Heating relies on the home's central system, which one guest noted could not be raised above 67 degrees on very cold nights. Winter stays require comfort with cooler indoor temperatures.

Is there ample parking? No. Parking is limited, and one guest specifically called this out as a drawback. If you're traveling with multiple vehicles, confirm available spaces when booking. Don't assume you can leave multiple cars on-site for the duration.

What appliances are in the kitchen? Full suite: refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, coffee maker, toaster, and complete kitchenware. One caveat: test the microwave immediately upon arrival (one guest encountered a non-functional unit mid-stay).

How does the smart lock work? Entry uses a door code provided by the host. One guest found the code lengthy and noted it took several attempts to open. Watch the provided instructional video before arrival, or arrive early to troubleshoot with the property manager.

Can I bring kids? What's available for families? Yes. The property includes a playground, flat-screen TVs, streaming services, and four bedrooms with space for extended family. Fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and golf are all nearby. This rental is explicitly marketed toward families and group travel.

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