York Harbor Condo for Rent: Seaside Village Retreat Near Beach - 3 BR, 2-1/2 Bath, Sleeps 6 - Property 159411

Extra photos (see all photos)

Sea, Sun and Sand: We have a great beach a short walk down Fishermen's Path that becomes a wonderful expanse of hard sand at low tide. We play bocce ball on it, fly kites and generally run the grandchildren ragged. The water slopes out gently and there is rarely much surf. Since parking is very limited, there is never a great crowd either. For more adventurous souls, you can surf on a section of Long Beach, a short ride up Route 1A. This is the next beach up the coast in York and it is about 2 miles long. Sometimes we go there for a walk up and back, stopping at the Sea and Surf for breakfast. Although busy, it is a lovely strand of sand and salt water. A hop over the Nubble (where the famous lighthouse is) you will find York's third beach, Short Sands, complete with an arcade, salt water taffy and the York Wild Kingdom Park with its carnival rides and animal attractions.

Walking Around the Neighborhood: In addition to our fabulous Harbor Beach, there are great walks out the back door. By stepping down to the Fishermen's Path, you can go 'upriver or downriver.' Upriver takes you along the Harbor, up by the 'Wiggly Bridge,' a footbridge that connects to the Steedman's Woods, a wildlife reservation with beautiful paths. You can continue out the other side of the Steedman Woods to the George Marshall Store at the edge of the York River, next to John Hancock's Wharf. This historic location now houses a terrific gallery featuring regional artists in rotating collections, managed by the York Historical Society. To complete the walk, you can go by the golf course and back up to York Village for lunch and some tours of historic buildings before returning. If you walk downriver, you skirt the Harbor and can either cross to the beach or visit one of several great restaurants. There is a very pretty walk along the Cliff Path above the ocean if you need to build up your appetite.

A Few Other Things We Do: On the walk down to our beach, you can stop at Bill Coite's house and buy some lobsters or ask him to take you fishing for stripers on his boat. He runs small charters and can take you spin casting or fly fishing for striped bass in and around the York River, one of the best locations in the world for this sportfish. Across the street from us or in a number of other places nearby, you can have friends come to stay for a night or two at a bed and breakfast. Sometimes we play softball in the park next door to our neighbor, St. Georges Church. On the other side of the street from the park is the York Art Association building. There are lots of church suppers, clambakes and festivals nearby in the summer, plus a variety of music and professional theater. Reservations for golf, fishing, kayaking, clambakes, boating and other attractions can made easily. York Harbor has been a summer resort destination for over 150 years for good reason. You have plenty of options.

Guest Book: Park Cottage is a jewel. You feel like you have been transported back to 1900, but with all the modern comforts of today. We have taken long walks every time we have been there. The restaurants within walking distance are truly outstanding. It's a good idea to reserve in advance because they are justifiably popular. There are tons of things to do, but we find it hard to leave the breezy summer ambiance of the Cottage itself. Bob and Martha Valicenti, Hollis New Hampshire - RValicenti@aol.com The experience at Park Cottage is very hard to express. The air seems so clear and light and the colors are so intense. The gardens are truly beautiful and the setting couldn't be better -- an old Victorian neighborhood, restored to its days of glory. Herb and Robin Grant, Scottsdale, Arizona. - G10222@aol.com What a bargain! I loved the glass conservatory. Even with a roof of glass, the room was cool and full of breezes. Dick and Denise Kelley, Saddle River, NJ - RGK32@aol.com

Other Activities: Old fashion arcades, rides, salt water taffy, restaurants nearby.

• Extra photos