Oh, my chic adventurers and fellow travel-loving mamas! If you’ve been following our recent jaunt to the utterly charming Gloucester, MA, you’ll know we were on a delightful mission to uncover the best of this New England gem, all thanks to the wonderful folks at Discover Gloucester. And for our home-away-from-home? We were absolutely spoiled by the lovely team at Atlantic Vacation Homes who hosted us at the breathtaking Cape Hedge House Gloucester. Darling, if you’re searching for the ultimate family-friendly Gloucester rental, look no further – this place is pure magic!
Nestled with serene views overlooking Saratoga Creek, Long Beach, and the picturesque Cape Hedge Beach in Rockport, this haven was the perfect backdrop for our Discover Gloucester stay. Let me tell you, from the moment we stepped inside, we knew we were in for a treat.
A Peek Inside Paradise: Features of Cape Hedge House
First things first, darlings, in the sometimes-unpredictable New England climate, a fully air-conditioned home is a blessing, and Cape Hedge House delivered! As you enter, you’re greeted by a wonderfully comfortable living room, complete with a cozy gas fireplace (perfect for those cooler evenings, though we were blessed with sunshine!) and a wall-mounted TV for family movie nights.
Flowing seamlessly from the living area is a dining space that leads into a modern, well-appointed kitchen. And I mean well-appointed – it had everything a traveling family could need (more on amenities in a moment!). But the true pièce de résistance of the main floor? The spacious deck and that divine screened porch, both offering the most stunning water views.
The main floor also thoughtfully includes a Queen bedroom and a full bathroom equipped with a sleek walk-in shower – so convenient!
Upstairs, the charm continues with two more bedrooms. On one side, offering those same captivating water views, is a room with two full beds – which, was a dream for our little ones. This room is conveniently located next to a full bathroom. Then, there’s the primary suite – oh, the primary suite! A luxurious king bed, a spa-like ensuite bathroom with double sink, and a private balcony to greet the morning sun. Pure bliss!
And there’s more! The basement offers a cozy little hideaway with a comfortable seating area and a desk (perfect if you must catch up on a little work, though I highly recommend against it!). Sliding doors lead out to a small patio, again with those lovely views of the marsh and the ocean twinkling beyond. And for practicalities, parking for two cars is available right in front of the house.
Location, Location, Location!
One of the things we adored about Cape Hedge House was its idyllic location. It’s set in such a quiet, peaceful neighborhood – you truly feel like you’ve escaped the everyday hustle. Yet, you’re less than a 10-minute drive from the vibrant downtown areas of both Gloucester and Rockport, with all their charming shops, galleries, and, of course, divine restaurants (Tonno’s, I’m still dreaming of you!).
And the beach! Oh, the glorious Good Harbor Beach is so close – just a short drive down the road. The house itself overlooks Saratoga Creek, Long Beach, and Cape Hedge Beach – the soothing sounds of the sea were our constant, delightful companion.
Amenities Galore: Everything a Traveling Family Needs (and More!)
Atlantic Vacation Homes truly thought of everything at Cape Hedge House. Of course, all linens and bath towels were included – a huge plus when packing for a family. WiFi was speedy and reliable (essential for sharing all those chic travel snaps!).
The kitchen, as I mentioned, was a dream:
- Cookware, dishes, and utensils for every culinary whim
- Dishwasher (because who wants to do dishes on vacation?)
- Drip Coffee Maker AND a K-Cup/Pod Coffee Maker (options, darling, options!)
- Microwave (a lifesaver for reheating toddler meals!)
- Refrigerator/Freezer (ample space for snacks and essentials)
- Electric Stove/Range
- Basically, a full kitchen ready for anything!
Other thoughtful touches included a hair dryer, an iron and ironing board (for keeping those vacation outfits perfectly pressed!), and a washer and dryer – an absolute game-changer for any family trip. There was even a dedicated desk/work area, though we tried our best to ignore it!
For entertainment, the Smart TV was a huge hit, especially since it had Disney+ logged in – you can imagine the squeals of delight from our little princesses! Outside, the amenities continued to impress:
- Plenty of Outdoor Seating and an Outdoor Dining spot
- A lovely Deck
- Gas Grill (perfect for a summer BBQ)
- Patio
- That glorious Screened Porch
- A sweet Yard/Garden area
Why Cape Hedge House is a Dream for Families
Now, let me tell you why this Gloucester MA vacation home was particularly perfect for us as a family. That second-floor bedroom with the two full beds? Not only was it spacious, but it also had plenty of room for a travel playpen, which is always a concern. Plus, the closet space throughout the house was fantastic – no living out of suitcases here!
Having three full bathrooms was an absolute lifesaver, especially with little Aurora in the midst of potty training. Let’s just say she spent a lot of quality time exploring the facilities, and having an extra bathroom (or two!) meant no queues and no stress. The main bathroom upstairs even had a double sink – so chic and practical!
Cleanliness is paramount when you have little ones, especially a crawler like Aurora (or more accurately these days is her falling over and over as she is still learning to walk). I was so impressed with how impeccably clean Cape Hedge House was; I never once worried about her exploring on the floor. The quietness of the neighborhood also meant undisturbed nap times and peaceful evenings.
The Smart TV with Disney+ was, as mentioned, a massive win. And the full-sized fridge was perfect for keeping milk cold and snacks readily available. We even made good use of the microwave when Arielle decided she was still hungry well after our dinner out – kid appetites, you know!
That screened-in porch became Aurora’s little kingdom. It was such a relief to let her toddle around safely, enjoying the fresh air, without me having to hover constantly, worried she might wander off. We didn’t use the downstairs basement area much on this trip, but I can absolutely see it being a fantastic hangout spot for older kids or teenagers who need a little space to themselves.
Our Verdict? Pure Perfection!
Our stay at Cape Hedge House, thanks to Atlantic Vacation Homes and our collaboration with Discover Gloucester, was truly a highlight of our New England family vacation. It offered the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and family-friendly practicality, all wrapped up in a stunning coastal setting. If you’re planning a trip to Gloucester or Rockport MA and looking for a water view rental that feels like a home away from home, this is it, darlings. Book it – you won’t regret it!
And if you’re looking for ideas on what to wear during your Gloucester stay, make sure to check out what we packed for a fabulously sunny New England staycation!
Until our next adventure!
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