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Home of the Terrapin King

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Home of the Terrapin King

Property grounds
Property grounds
Exterior
Interior
On the beach, sun-loungers

Reviews

9.4 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
Crisfield, MD
  • Somers Cove Marina
    3 min drive
  • J. Millard Tawes Museum
    4 min drive
  • McCready Health Pavilion
    6 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

Dining

Cottage near the Bay

Kitchen
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
4.4 out of 5, Excellent, (28)
The price is CHF 181
for 1 night
includes taxes & fees
3 Jan - 4 Jan
Cottage near the Bay

About this property

Home of the Terrapin King

HISTORIC, WATERFRONT HOME ON MARYLAND’S EASTERN SHORE (CRISFIELD, MD) – SECLUDED/QUAINT/PEACEFUL

The LaVallette House is where the Maryland terrapin originated! Albert Tallmadge LaVallette Jr. launched the terrapin soup industry from this very site. (You can still see the old terrapin pins beside the driveway.) In addition to the property’s historic charm, the location just can’t be beat. The five-bedroom house is completely private. Guests have to drive through wetlands to get to it, and the only neighbors in close proximity are the gulls and the fish in the Chesapeake Bay. The house is surrounded on three sides by water; you can see the Bay from all of its windows. Outside, you can sun yourself on the private beach, sit with a cool drink on the front porch, fish and crab from the bulkhead, or launch your boat or kayak from the dock. And the fishing’s great from the front yard! You hardly ever need to leave this place—but if do you want to get out, downtown Crisfield offers charming restaurants, shops, an ice cream parlor, and plenty of places to get fresh crabs. Crisfield is known as the “Crab Capital of the World.” This home is unlike any other. It’s a perfect spot for family vacations, friends’ getaways, or writing retreats. It’s been in our family for over 20 years. We love it dearly and know you will, too!

This Queen Anne Victorian was built in the late 1800's. The main floor features a large updated kitchen with seating for 8-10; a family room with a Visio TV, WiFi, Apple TV, Direct TV; a formal dining area; a sitting room with a futon that sleeps two; and a queen bedroom with panoramic views of the Bay. There is also a bedroom with two twin beds and another large bedroom with a king size bed.

Upstairs, the master bedroom features a widow's walk for two, a queen size bed, and furniture to lounge on. There is a full bath across the hall. The second upstairs bedroom features two double beds. The house is spacious with lots of room to spread out.

There is also two screened porches, and an outside shower! There are two kayaks for you to use, be sure to bring it to launch from the beach and explore the natural wonders that surround this local treasure.

Additionally, please do NOT use any fireplaces in the house except for the pellet stove. No weddings / large gatherings allowed on property. Please keep all cars within the parking area. All people accessing the house and PETS must be listed on the reservation.
During your stay at this farm stay, you'll be close to J. Millard Tawes Museum.
  • Free WiFi
  • Just a 3-minute drive from Somers Cove Marina and a few minutes from J. Millard Tawes Museum
Home of the Terrapin King offers its guests barbecue grills and a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

This Crisfield farm stay is smoke free.

Property manager

Dominic Liberatore

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Internet access

Things to do

  • Books
  • Games
  • Kayak
  • Music library
  • Optional golf privileges
  • Video library

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Beach loungers
  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • On the waterfront
  • Outdoor furniture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dining table
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Kitchen
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Separate dining area
  • Spices
  • Toaster

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Living room

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
Cashless transactions are available
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
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
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, which will enable you to manage your booking.

Property is also known as

Home Terrapin King House Crisfield
Home Terrapin King House
Home Terrapin King Crisfield
Home Terrapin King
Of The Terrapin King Crisfield
Home of the Terrapin King Crisfield
Home of the Terrapin King Agritourism property
Home of the Terrapin King Agritourism property Crisfield

Home of the Terrapin King Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 84 out of 111 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 24 out of 111 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 111 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 111 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 111 reviews" "

9.2/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

john c.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linnea L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing, private getaway
We had a lovely time! Communication from the owner was timely and helpful. We loved being right on the water while still being totally private with plenty of space for the dogs to romp around. The screened in porches were our favorite places to spend time and the house was incredibly spacious. We would love to enjoy it again in the future with more of our family and friends!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful location
Another great trip to this beautiful house! Peaceful spot, incredible views. Love the house - very comfortable and room to spread out. Will definitely return again!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andre D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing property
Loved the property. Very relaxing location and we were able to fish and crab from the dock and beach areas right next to the house. Spent the evenings by a fire staring at the stars and mornings on the porch watching the birds catch fish in the surrounding waters. Looking forward to staying here again next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amber L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Your Own Private Oasis
This beautiful historic house is perfect for families and friends to make memories. You are surrounded by nature and are close to anything you need in town. There are resident barn owls who live under the eves of the house. We also saw fox, fiddler crabs, terrapin, egrets, and so much more on the property. Cones with kayaks, crab nets, and so much more.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Property
Amazing home! 10/10
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect beach house
There are not enough words to describe how perfect this property is. The house is larger than it appeared from the listing (or even from the outside), beautifully decorated, with absolutely everything we could possibly need. The kitchen was better equipped than my own. So many beautiful paintings, antiques, furniture, wonderful interesting books, and wonderful outdoor screened porches. Now for the property. A private 80 acre tract of land, surrounded on 3 sides by water and the 4th by a wildlife management area. Total peace, quiet, privacy, and solitude. Yet, the town of Crisfield is but a 2 minute drive, 5 minute bike ride, or 10 minute walk away. With a Food Lion, dollar store, pharmacy, and restaurants, everything you need is right there. I learned how to kayak with the kayaks that the owner provides, and there are so many little inlets including a water trail in the wildlife management area. I rode my bike all over the area, there are bike trails on the main roads, and they're not needed on the quiet side roads. My husband fished off the dock and the bulkhead. We ate out at the different restaurant every night and all were good. Some are not fancy at all, but don't be fooled, all were delicious. Lump crab meat crab cakes and Smith Island cake were pretty much what I lived on all week. I highly recommend Experience Smith Island tours, the tour guide does a great job and makes it all so interesting and fun. House was clean and neat, and everything worked .
Stayed 8 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Anne M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great House to Get Away From It All
If you are looking for a home with history and charm that’s away from it all, the Home of the Terrapin King is it. Because the house is on a peninsula, you are away from the hustle and bustle of a typical town. There is plenty to enjoy some quality family/friend time. The house itself could use a little TLC as any rental would periodically need and considering it’s a 100+ year old house, but it is perfectly decorated in keeping with the Eastern Shore area. The views are incredible, especially sunrise and sunset. And if you have a dog, this place is like a dog heaven with the beach and water. We loved staying here and hope to be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Annette V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great sunsets
Very relaxing spot and the view is spectacular!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gerald Y.

Liked: Cleanliness
location, location, location
Mesmerizing views of the water and surrounding marshland. Quick and easy drive to town for groceries and take-out. The Wi-Fi was a little glitchy but cellular reception was good enough so it did not matter. I loved the rustic feel to it, with many antique and vintage furnishings. The amount of maintenance on the place must be enormous considering it is surrounded by brackish bay water and no wind breaks. But, the owner appears to handle that responsibility. There were some items that could use refreshing both inside and out, but in no way took away from our enjoyment. One of the charms of staying in a place like this is getting to relax in a unique environment and then go home and not worry about thing! Also, since everyone wonders, here is a note about cameras: there appeared to be two outdoor Ring cameras, one at the front door, and one on the front porch. The front door one might be able to see through a window into part of the kitchen only, the porch one sees only the front yard and parking area. It would be nice if all vrbo owners would disclose cameras, but I totally understand needing them especially considering this remote location.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lorraine S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great getaway for friends/extended family
This wonderful, isolated, 100-plus-year-old house was just the ticket for a group of four women who wanted to get away relax. It is literally on the Chesapeake Bay, minutes from Crisfield. The house has beautiful views of sunrise and sunset from its many windows, a nice screened porch and another side porch for sitting outside in milder weather, and so many interesting touches! Lots of lovely antique pieces and curios. Comfortable beds, very well appointed kitchen, tons of bottled water and basic supply needs. Could easily host a larger family gathering with still lots of room for people to have privacy. The large lawn, bordered by the bay, offers some opportunities for playing outdoor games (weather permitting; with lots of rain, the grounds can be soggy). Coming from the DC area, we had meals in St Michaels on the way to and Kent Island on the way back, and lunch at Dockside in Pocomoke City while there. Many local places were closed when we went off-season, so look forward to hitting these again when they're open. All in all just a delight, really relaxing and a fun location.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tim C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Unexpected trip
The house has a ton of character, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay there even if it was for one night. We got in right at sunset, which was beautiful. If you’ve ever watched the sun set in Crisfield you know they’re some of best. It was early enough to cook a pot of gumbo and all of us sat at the nice long table and enjoyed a hot meal after a long day of travel. Watched the sunrise the next day with some heavy weather that made our day interesting for sure. The host kept us posted on the weather and made sure we were aware of what to do. In the end we were glad we took their advice. Being born and raised in the area, the terapin house, with its panoramic view of Crisfield and Smith Island, was a great place to stay and talk about the “old days.”
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Josh K.

Liked: Cleanliness
What a property! Terrapin King for the win!
We had a wonderful stay at this property on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The house was situated on a private peninsula, surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and beautiful marshlands. We enjoyed the views of the town of Crisfield in the distance and the privacy of the location. The house was spacious and cozy, and it felt like we were on a boat. We loved exploring the trails around the property and learning about the history of the terrapin king who used to live there. This was a perfect getaway for us and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing and scenic vacation.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful house on the water
Thank you for sharing your house with us. It was beautiful and the rooms were very big. We enjoyed exploring outside and listening to the animals at night while we sat around the fire. It was a perfect Christmas with my family.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Margaret R., Washington, DC

Liked: Cleanliness
Simply Breathtaking
We had the most wonderful experience/vacation from start to finish. The historic home is welcoming and warm with all the comforts of a home away from home. The ambiance is relaxing and private. We enjoyed kayaking, fishing, oyster shell hunting and playing with our dogs on the little stretch of beach/bank. The hosts are hospitable and easy to get in touch with—very accommodating! We went to Linton’s Seafood and grabbed a bushel of crabs to bring home. Best crabs we’ve ever had (even as Marylanders)! We walked downtown to the gift shops, harbor, and the art galleries, even when to a local history talk at the Corbin Gallery one evening! The Crisfield folks are kind and welcoming. We can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Girls trip
We had an amazing time. The views are beautiful. We would love to return in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Annette V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Home
Wow what a view! We saw porpoises on our last day!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

april w.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful
I absolutely enjoyed this stay. Everything was very clean. We had everything needed to cook meals. Beds were comfortable. Only complaint was water pressure in shower wasn't that great.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Renee P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Heaven on Earth
Home of the Terrapin King was exactly what we were looking for! The peace and tranquility truly soothed my soul. I cannot recommend this place highly enough. Check in was simple, communication with the owner was seamless, and let me just say that the views are spectacular! Thank you so much for allowing us to stay in your beautiful home. We will definitely be back! Respectfully, Renee and Miguel
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carrie D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very Peaceful Property
Beautiful property to relax and enjoy peace and quite! Worked perfect for our elderly family member to sit on screened porch and enjoy waterviews.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Alton C.

Cleaning
Need a good cleaning dead mouse on porch lovely view
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

gloria d.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect spot
Great location and getaway spot
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melissa D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical retreat in Crisfield!
We had a group of 9 adults and 3 children. The house slept everyone comfortably. The property kept everyone busy from morning until dark. Exploring the sandy beaches and marshes, waiting for sunsets to paint the sky, listening and watching the wildlife( Turkey, deer, fox,owls, turtles), fishing, crabbing, and kayaking. The owner was quick to respond with some questions which was very helpful. The town and marina are right down the road which was so convenient. The history of the home is very interesting. Everyone was sad to go home, hopefully we can visit again soon! Thank you for sharing your magical retreat with us!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erik L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peace on the Point
We just loved our time here. The kids loved running around the property and porches. The adults loved the peace and quiet in the evenings listening to the bay. The history of the home was so interesting to learn and we enjoyed crabbing and fishing every day.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Truly unique experience
What an incredible property! You truly feel like you’re on a deserted island and yet still have the comforts of civilization. The property is exactly as shown. It’s obviously well cared for. It’s easy for older houses out on the water like this to get a musty sort of smell but not this one! Perfectly Clean and fresh. We all thought the beds were the most comfortable we’ve had at a rental. The owner is generous enough to share beach chairs, kayaks, and more so you can enjoy everything the place has to offer without dragging all that equipment along with you. The one downside is the water having the sulfur smell due to being well water on the bay. The owner is great with communication and warned about this ahead of time. They provided large bottles of drinking water for this reason. There’s nothing else you can really do about it except be prepared to deal With a stink when washing dishes or taking a shower. It wasn’t anything that would stop us from coming back, but it was good to know ahead of time so I wanted to mention it for others. This is a place you go to get away from it all. So if you’re looking for a trip with shopping, big restaurants, or other public activities nearby you’d be disappointed. But for us it was perfect. We’ve stayed on the water many times but this really was a unique experience the kids and us will never forget. We hope to make it back someday.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023