From a historic Georgian-era farm to a tiny house made from a steamboat, here are seven sweet stays for a unique Baycation.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to reflect 2024 availability, but always check directly with the owners of these spots for updated information!
Lightkeeper’s House
Cove Point Light, Lusby, Md.
Lighthouses are beautiful from afar, but if you’ve ever been inside one, you know the interior is typically spartan, making a stay in one better in theory than in actuality. But a lighthouse keepers’ home—now that’s an entirely different story.
Cove Point Lighthouse has guarded the shoal off Lusby, Md. since 1828, making it Maryland’s oldest continuously operating lighthouse. The lighthouse is operated remotely by the Coast Guard (there’s no civilian access, except peeking through the door), but the four-acre site is managed by the Calvert Marine Museum. Every Wednesday and Sunday in season, the gate opens for tours. After the visitors leave, lucky guests can check in for a stay in the keeper’s house, a white clapboard beauty built in 1828.
The duplex-style house has been beautifully restored with modern furnishings and conveniences. Each side is a mirror of the other, with three bedrooms, two baths, a living room, full kitchen, and screened front porch. Rent one half and close the dividing wall to separate the living areas, or bring the gang and rent the entire house. In addition to the house and grounds, you also have access to Cove Point’s private beach. It’s too rough for swimming but great for sunning or combing for fossils and sharks’ teeth; we found two within 15 minutes, along with beach glass and some beautiful spiral shells.
Check-ins and check-outs are only allowed on Wednesdays and Sundays, meaning it’s a three-night stay minimum. But then you pretty much have the place to yourselves. The catch: It’s extremely popular, and often books a year in advance. But it’s not too early to start planning for next year.Â
Calvertmarinemuseum.com; each side from $325/night or the entire house for $650/night, available via Airbnb.
