Frequently asked questions

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Where is Wellfleet?

Wellfleet is located on the eastern end of Cape Cod Island and is surrounded by Cape Cod Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.  It is about a 2-hour drive from Boston and a 1-hour drive from the entrance onto Cape Cod at the Sagamore Bridge.  

What is Wellfleet Like?

Wellfleet is a “classic” Cape Cod town in almost every sense.  Its the perfect setting for a casual, restful vacation.  Over 60% of the Town is protected by the National Seashore, where new construction is restricted.  Most of the businesses are locally owned and operated.  The Town has a rustic fishing port charm enhanced by its focus on the arts and natural beauty.  There are loads of art galleries and studios; some large and established and some that are incubators for tomorrow’s renowned craftsmen.  A striking aspect to Wellfleet is the contrast between the bayside tidal inlets, the pine and oak tree surrounded fresh water ponds and the sprawling Atlantic Ocean beaches.  Whatever your recreational preference, there’s something here for everyone.  

What are Popular Pastimes in Wellfleet?

There are plenty of things to do in and around Wellfleet.  Bike riding, exploring in the car, going to one or many of Wellfleet's renowned beaches, taking a fishing charter, playing miniature golf, renting a small powerboat, sailboat or canoe, hiking the trails at the Mass Audubon Sanctuary, exploring Great Island, shopping in the Village, eating fresh seafood from local waters, enjoying ice cream on Main Street, dancing at the weekly square dance on the pier, attending a live theatre production at W.H.A.T., biking on the Cape Cod Rail Trail, watching a drive-in movie, bargain-hunting at the flea market, exploring the National Seashore, walking to the top of a lighthouse, taking a whale watch excursion in Provincetown, dining at a waterfront restaurant or doing nothing at all. Guests at Sandpiper Hill Cottage are entitled to purchase a Town of Wellfleet Beach Pass (2016 Rate: $85/week) allowing access to Wellfleet's uncrowded Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod Bay and fresh water pond beaches. 

What’s So Special About Sandpiper Hill Cottage?

Based on the comments from our guests, it has to be the amazing location and the stunning Cottage.  The Cottage sits on a bluff overlooking Wellfleet Harbor and the Wellfleet Marina. The panoramic view is breathtaking including outstanding sunsets over the water.   Grassy dunes, tidal inlets, moored boats, sandy beach, wildlife activity, nautical harbor traffic, variable tides and spectacular sunsets will fill your visit.  Just when you think you have seen it all, time passes and the incoming tide has covered the swimming beach, previously grounded boats are now floating again and a sunfish swims by flopping its dorsal fin.  Guests also enjoy the proximity of Sandpiper Hill Cottage to Wellfleet Village; just a 15-minute shoreline stroll or a 5-minute drive.  Morning coffee and newspapers are just a 5-minute walk from the Cottage at a locally-owned Dunkin' Donuts.  The neighborhood is quiet (you are surrounded by private homes on a private, dead-end street) and relaxing.

How Do I Make A Reservation At Sandpiper Hill Cottage?

Our rental season begins in late-May and continues through the end of October.  We have a 7-night minimum stay. Many of our guests return and we welcome new guests each year. Returning guests receive priority for the same week they rented the previous year.  For the latest availability for new guests, please go to our Availability page.  If you find a week that will fit your schedule, please contact us promptly so we can reserve it for you.  Deposits and paid rent are not refundable unless we are able to rent your week to another party.  A $200 handling fee may apply for securing a replacement tenant. For reservations made before March 1, a $2,500 non-refundable deposit is due with your reservation.  The balance of your rent is due on March 1st. For reservations made after March 1, rent is due in full with your reservation. 

What Else Should I Know About Sandpiper Hill Cottage? 

The circa 1960 Cottage was completely renovated in early 2011.  The Cottage was reconstructed down to the wall studs and a new master bedroom and bath addition were added.  Care was taken to preserve the "cottage" feel and to take full advantage of the extraordinary location and views. The "new" Cottage has three bedrooms and can accomodate up to 6 guests. This occupancy limit applies to overnight guests and day visitors.  The spacious Master Bedroom has a king-size bed and ensuite private bath. A sliding glass door in the bedroom provides direct access to an outside deck and patio.  Bedroom 2 has one queen size bed, and Bedroom 3 has two twin beds. A second bath with shower serves Bedrooms 2 & 3. A full-size portable crib is available.  The Cottage is approximately 1,500 square feet plus decks, porches and patios.  Bedding, furnishings and accessories are replaced each year as necessary to provide a fresh and updated appearance.  The cathedral ceilings, painted wooden interior and many windows add a sense of spaciousness. A popular after-beach shower is located outside.  The screened porch or awning-covered deck are perfect places to enjoy the view and avoid the direct sun.  As a courtesy to future guests, we do not allow pets or inside smoking.  The Cottage capacity is six persons, regardless of age.  The property owners live next to the Cottage and they are available for tenant assistance and property emergencies. This property is not appropriate if you expect to entertain numerous day guests during your stay. Our occupancy limit of 6 persons (regardless of age) applies to day visitors as well as overnight guests.  The Cottage is fully equipped with refrigerator, icemaker, stove/oven, 3 televisions, premium cable TV, land-line telephones, ceiling fans, microwave oven, coffee maker, dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, clothes washer and dryer.  Wireless High Speed Internet is available for you to connect your WiFi enabled device.  When you arrive, you will find the Cottage completely provisioned with blankets, quilts, pillows, paper products, detergents, basic condiments and cleaning supplies.  High-quality linens (bed sheets and bath towels) are included, or you may bring you own.  The Cottage rents on a Saturday-to-Saturday week. (7 nights).  Check-in time is after 2 PM Saturday and checkout time is before 10 AM the following Saturday.  A refundable $500 Security Deposit is required for fir-year guests.  Full refund of the Security Deposit can be expected if the Cottage is returned in the condition it was received.  Cancellation of your reservation may result in the loss of your Rent Deposit, Rent or both.

Is Sandpiper Hill Cottage Suitable For Children?

Yes! Over 90% of our guests bring children ages infant through teens.  Parents have commented that the Cottage works very well with kids.  The furnishings, while of high quality, are durable enough to allow parents to relax when kids are around.  The beachfront playground is just outside and down the beach stairs.  This natural area offers kids a place to explore for fiddler crabs, minnows, prehistoric horseshoe crabs, blue herons and an occasional undersea "monster."   When the tide is in, the beach provides a convenient, warm water swimming area for kids to try ocean swimming without the big waves. The quiet, private road leading to the Cottage has become a favorite area for kids to ride bikes, toss balls or throw a Frisbee.  During quiet time, kids can be entertained by the game and book libraries or cable television favorites such as PBS Kids, Discovery, Nickelodeon and Disney.  At the end of the day, parents have found the salt air is the perfect prescription for kids to have a long and restful sleep.

May We Bring Our Dog?

As dog lovers, it is difficult for us to not allow dogs, or other pets, at Sandpiper Hill Cottage.  However, we do not allow dogs because we want all our guests to know that they will enjoy a pet-allergy free vacation home.  Even the smallest and best behaved dogs leave evidence of their visit behind.  In addition, we wish to maintain the peacefulness of the neighborhood for Sandpiper Hill’s residents who cherish the location.  You will not be allowed to take your dog on all your Cape Cod day excursions (dogs are prohibited from Wellfleet beaches) and dogs left alone in the unfamiliar home have a tendency to express their unease through barking.  If your dog insists on joining your on your vacation, we recommend you consider other properties.   

What Internet Connection Options Are Available?

Free high-speed WiFi is available to our guests.           

Do You Have Air Conditioning?

Yes, central air-conditioning was added in 2012.  In addition, the Cottage is naturally air-conditioned by the sea breeze and cooler temperatures found on the outer Cape.  To insure your comfort, each room has operating windows and ceiling fans.

What Happens If I Have to Cancel My Reservation?

Despite good planning we know that the unexpected can happen to your vacation plans.  We are regrettably unable to offer refunds for cancellations. However, we will work hard to mitigate your financial loss through some or all of the following options.  1.) We will offer you another week during the same season, subject to availability.  You will be responsible for the difference in rent if the replacement week has a higher advertised price.  If the price is lower, we will refund the difference to you.  2.) We will re-advertise your week on our regular Internet advertising.  The amount of rent paid by a substitute guest will be refunded to you less a $200 rebooking fee. In this case, it may be necessary for you to accept less rent than you originally paid as an incentive to attract a substitute guest.  Our ability to find substitute guests decreases as we approach the rental date.  Therefore, it is important that you let us know as soon as possible about cancellations.  Our goal in instances of cancellations is for you and the substitute tenant to feel that you were treated fairly by us.  We are fortunate to only have had a couple of cancellations over the years.  In those cases, the canceling guests incurred only small financial losses because we were able to promptly find substitute guests.

Is The Cottage Handicap Accessible? 

The Cottage is not wheelchair accessible but it may be suitable for some people with minor mobility limitations.  From the crushed seashell parking area there is a one step down to the entrance walkway and 2 steps up to the entry door. From the garden walkway, there are two steps up to the Cottage entrance.  The Cottage interior is all on one level, including the screened porch. Laundry facilities are located in the Cottage basement accessed from an interior stairway. Beach access is down a stairway located adjacent to the property. 

Who Do I Contact For Further Information?

Your best source for information is this website.  If you have additional questions or you wish to make a reservation, please contact David Lockwood at info@sandpiperhill.com or 603-647-6577.