Blackwater Bend | Private Pool & Riverfront

A private waterfront wildlife retreat in Cambridge, near Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Look for bald eagles and sika deer, kayak from your dock, unwind by the pool, and gather by the fire pit after dinner in town. Five private-use acres on a 70-acre working farm, convenient to Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay.

4 bedrooms • 2.5 baths • Sleeps 10
Unheated pool (Apr–Oct) • Private dock • 3 kayaks • 6 bikes • Game room • Steam shower

Blackwater Bend brings together waterfront privacy, wildlife watching, and the comforts of a thoughtfully furnished home in Cambridge. Settle into five private-use acres on a 70-acre working farm beside the Little Blackwater River, with space for families and friends to spend time together.

Waterfront days, your way
Start with coffee on the private dock, paddle the river in one of three kayaks, or cast a line and watch the water. Paddles and life jackets are provided. Six bikes are available for exploring the surrounding area.

The large, unheated in-ground pool is open April through October and ranges from three to eight feet deep. Water temperature depends on the weather, especially in spring and fall. Relax on the poolside loungers, share a meal at the outdoor table for 10, and end the day around the wood-burning fire pit. A grill, decks, and five-acre lawn make it easy to enjoy the outdoors.

A home base for birding and photography
Look for bald eagles, great blue herons, and sika deer around the river and fields. Early mornings and evenings offer peaceful wildlife watching and changing light over the water. Nearby Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge adds opportunities for birding and photography, with fall and winter waterfowl giving you a reason to visit beyond pool season. Wildlife sightings vary naturally.

Four bedrooms, with a retreat of your own
The house sleeps up to 10, and all four bedrooms are upstairs: a king primary suite, two queen bedrooms, and a bunk room especially well suited to children. There are two full bathrooms upstairs and a half bath on the main floor. The primary suite has a private riverfront balcony, heated bathroom floors, a steam shower, and a two-person rain shower.

Gather indoors
The living room pairs vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and wide-plank pine floors with a wood-burning fireplace and a 70-inch TV with YouTube TV. The riverfront sunroom has a pool table, ping-pong table, and another large TV.

Cook and linger over dinner at the locally made walnut table, which seats eight, with two more seats at the kitchen counter. Coffee lovers will find a Moccamaster, Nespresso machine, and locally roasted Night Kitchen Coffee. Starlink Wi-Fi keeps you connected.

Nature and Cambridge in the same stay
Enjoy easy access to downtown Cambridge's restaurants and waterfront, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, and Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay. The house is a convenient base for families attending nearby weddings, refuge visitors, and Eastern Shore fishing or hunting trips. Hunting is not permitted on this property or farm; all hunting outings take place off site.

Guest access
Enjoy private use of the house, seasonal pool, dock, decks, outdoor dining areas, and five-acre lawn. Parking is available for up to six vehicles.

The surrounding acreage is a working farm and is not part of the guest-use grounds. Please stay out of planted fields and crop rows. The attached garage is not available for parking. The washer and dryer are available to guests staying at least a week.

Good to know before booking
Blackwater Bend is a rural waterfront home on a working farm. Expect the sights and sounds of the Eastern Shore, including insects, snakes, and other wildlife. We maintain regular pest control and keep the house clean and comfortable.

Please keep these details in mind before booking:
- All four bedrooms are on the second floor.
- The unheated pool is open April through October. It is not fenced and ranges from three to eight feet deep. Children and inexperienced swimmers must be supervised closely. Pool temperature varies with the weather.
- The driveway is approximately one-third of a mile long, with a dirt and gravel surface suitable for standard vehicles.
- There are no streetlights nearby, so the property becomes very dark at night.
- The surrounding acreage is an active farm. Please stay out of planted fields and crop rows.
- During waterfowl season, you may hear hunting on nearby state-owned land. Hunting is not permitted on the property or farm.
- Verizon and AT&T generally work well. Starlink internet provides coverage throughout the house; speeds and reception can vary.
- Events require prior approval and may be subject to an additional fee.

Getting around
A car is recommended for groceries, restaurants, the refuge, and other outings; everyday essentials are not within walking distance. Parking at the house accommodates up to six vehicles. Six bikes are available for exploring nearby roads. Choose routes suited to your group's experience and check current travel times before heading out.