On the beach.With a stay at this Northeast Virginia Beach vacation home, you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of First Landing State Park and 2 miles (3 km) of Atlantic University. Edgar Cayce's Association for Research and Enlightenment and Cape Henry Memorial are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Virginia Beach Boardwalk - 7 min drive - 3.3 miles
Neptune Statue - 8 min drive - 4.1 miles
Virginia Beach Convention Center - 10 min drive - 5.4 miles
Getting around
Virginia Beach Station - 8 min drive
Norfolk Intl. Airport (ORF) - 22 min drive
Restaurants
Mellow Mushroom - 7 min drive
Ynot Italian - 12 min drive
Ray Ray's at the Mayflower - 6 min drive
Wendy's - 11 min drive
Pocahontas Pancake House - 7 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Award Winning Ocean Front Architectural Gem
[Home Share per VA Beach Zoning]
This luxurious oceanfront Smart Home has stunning views of the widest beach in north end of Virginia Beach. In a quiet residential neighborhood, this property feels like a private refuge from the moment you round the corner of the driveway—truly a place to get away from it all!
Inspired by the 1953 Norfolk residency of Frank Lloyd Wright, this family property was designed by local architect, Herbert Smith, and built in 1955. The home is registered on the Virginia Beach Historic Register. Mid-century aesthetics were retained when updating in 2006. The owners—the daughter and grandson of the original owners—continue to uphold the tradition of southern hospitality.
This home is tucked away in the middle of the block in a quiet residential neighborhood, off a cul de sac. Sandswept provides a perfect retreat for families. However, it is not suitable for noisy gatherings of unrelated adults. Residents on our street value the quiet serenity of this special area.
Awarded a Star Award by Virginia Green Travel, this eco friendly home was fully renovated in 2006 to comply with Energy Star and LEED ReGreen standards. By using non-toxic laundry and cleaning products and having no VOCs in the furniture and finishes, this is a wonderful home for anyone with chronic allergies or asthma.
The Home • a split level mid-century home with 3,100 square feet on four levels, two patios and two decks. Ample space to gather together and to separate for moments of quiet reflection. Three flights of steps and no elevator make this inaccessible for the handicapped. • a rooftop deck with “the best view in Virginia Beach” to view dolphins, sunrises, sunsets and full moons. The rooftop room and deck can only be accessed via a spiral staircase. • Cook on the deck with the electric grill or prepare more complex meals in the kitchen and send food in the dumb waiter. • 2 full spa-like bathrooms have luxurious jetted tubs that provide air massage and chromatherapy. Toilets are in “water closets” separated from bathing area. • Smart Home with whole house audio, Lutron automatic shades and lighting, with dimmers to create mood lighting whenever and wherever you want • High speed WiFi, two Smart TVs with Firesticks, and one DVD player • Port-a-crib, Pack and Play, highchair, booster chair, infant seat for dining and outdoor swingset, diaper pail and training toilet are available for toddlers; please request in advance • No smoking inside or within 20 feet of an open window • Protect indoor air quality by leaving outside shoes at the door.
Copy and paste this link to a website with a slide show and 3D Virtual Tour to visualize the layout of this multi-level home.: https://spw.virtualtidewater.com/sites/bejjbmg/unbranded
The Beach • Two beach carts make it easy to carry small children and chairs etc to the beach • Two exterior showers with hot and cold water to easily clean off the sand from the beach • 10' x10' shade canopy provides shade for 5-8 people – easy to assemble and weighs only 8#
The Grounds • high-speed EV charger for guests with electric vehicles • swing set for the kids protected from winter winds and summer sun • four to six parking places depending on size of vehicles—an unusual luxury in this part of Virginia Beach • certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat that attracts and feed birds, butterflies and other wildlife • solar and wind powered clothes dryer to imbue your clothes with the fresh smell of the sea
Dogs • Dogs permitted on a case-by-case basis, with an extra pet fee per dog • A shaded, fenced dog yard can be shared with owner’s dogs • Dogs are allowed on the beach before 10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. in the summer and anytime the rest of the year.
Nearby amenities • the widest beach in Virginia Beach, accessible via a city maintained boardwalk • two blocks away: entrance to walking paths in First Landing State Park • 3 miles: The Resort is an easy bike ride along the access road • 6 miles: The Virginia Aquarium, Auto World Bumper Cars and Ocean Breeze Water Park • Day Trips: Busch Gardens, Water Country and historic Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown are an hour away
Non-toxic cleaning to preserve indoor air quality • Eco friendly non-toxic cleaning products safe for people and pets • Hypoallergenic laundry detergent strips free of paraben and phosphate to wash all pillow cases, shams and duvet covers between each set of guests • Refillable hand and shower soap dispensers with hypoallergenic soaps • Eco friendly tablets to clean dishwasher and toilets • Natural pest control such as diatomaceous earth, borax, essential oils, and ultrasonic pest repellers instead of toxic pesticides
The upper four floors are dedicated to our guests. The ground floor is occupied by the owner who resides on the property whenever it is rented and shares common spaces such as laundry, Zoom Room and swing set. We offer round-the-clock assistance when needed but otherwise respect our guests’ privacy. Our guests often note appreciation for our sharing this unique family home.
Keywords: Oceanfront, Private, Quiet, exclusive Northend Virginia Beach, Award winning Green Vacation Rental, awesome views, Perfect for Family Vacations, quiet beach retreat, good for those with asthma or allergies
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
10 steps to reach entrance
Hardwood flooring in public areas
Smooth flooring in public areas
Thin carpet in public areas
Tile flooring in public areas
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Well-lit path to entrance
Wheelchair accessibility
Smoke-free property
Note from host: No smoking allowed inside, or near an open window
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near a zoo
Near an outlet shopping mall
Near the bay
Near the marina
Near the ocean
On the waterfront
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Bicycle parking
Water park
Birdwatching nearby
Cycling nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Parasailing nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkeling nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Whale watching nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Bicycle parking
Bulk dispensers for toiletries
Composting
Comprehensive recycling policy
Double-glazed windows
Eco-friendly cleaning products used
Eco-friendly toiletries
Electric car charging station
Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
Garden
Geothermal energy
Grey water recycling system
Humane treatment of captive wild animals
Local artist showcase
Local culture and ecosystem education
No plastic coffee stirrers
No plastic drinking straws
No plastic soft drink bottles
No plastic water bottles
Reusable coffee/tea filters
Reusable cups
Reusable tableware
Solar energy
Unit size: 3,000 square feet
Water-efficient showers
Water-efficient toilets
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 12:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 30
Check-out
Check-out before 12:00 PM
Contactless check-out available
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 are allowed
Maximum 2 pets
Service animals are exempt from fees
Note from host: Pets allowed on case by case basis with extra fee.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Note from host: Toddler swing seat, high chair, booster seat, crib
Important information
You need to know
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses solar and geothermal energy, plus a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. This property uses solar and geothermal energy, plus a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products. Long-term renters welcome. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.
Property Registration Number 514334
Property is also known as
5-star Ocean Front Architectural Gem Green Travel Award Winner
5 star Ocean Front Architectural Gem Green Travel Award Winner
5-star Ocean Front Architectural Gem Green Travel Award Winner
House
Award Winning Architectural Gem on the Ocean Front
5 star Ocean Front Architectural Gem Green Travel Award Winner
5 star Ocean Front Architectural Gem Green Travel Award Winner
Frequently asked questions
How close is Award Winning Ocean Front Architectural Gem
[Home Share per VA Beach Zoning] to the airport?
This vacation home is 15.5 mi (22-min drive) away from the Norfolk Intl. Airport (ORF) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Does Award Winning Ocean Front Architectural Gem
[Home Share per VA Beach Zoning] have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.
How close is Award Winning Ocean Front Architectural Gem
[Home Share per VA Beach Zoning] to the beach?
This vacation home is on the beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!
Does Award Winning Ocean Front Architectural Gem
[Home Share per VA Beach Zoning] offer free breakfast?
This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at Award Winning Ocean Front Architectural Gem
[Home Share per VA Beach Zoning]?
No, there is no casino at this vacation home.
What time is check-in at Award Winning Ocean Front Architectural Gem
[Home Share per VA Beach Zoning]?
Check-in begins at 12:00 PM.
Is there free parking at Award Winning Ocean Front Architectural Gem
[Home Share per VA Beach Zoning]?
Free parking is not available at this vacation home.
Does Award Winning Ocean Front Architectural Gem
[Home Share per VA Beach Zoning] have a pool?
This vacation home does not have a pool.
Does Award Winning Ocean Front Architectural Gem
[Home Share per VA Beach Zoning] have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this vacation home.
How close is Award Winning Ocean Front Architectural Gem
[Home Share per VA Beach Zoning] to downtown Virginia Beach?
This vacation home is 3.9 mi away from Virginia Beach.
Award Winning Ocean Front Architectural Gem
[Home Share per VA Beach Zoning] Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 185 out of 192 reviews
10 - Excellent
185
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 192 reviews
8 - Good
6
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 192 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 192 reviews
4 - Poor
1
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 192 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
william r.
Jun 11, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Sandswept is the one!
The house has so much character. The design, the neighborhood, the spaces both indoor and outdoor, the views from the windows, patio and balcony, nestled against the dunes, all together create a wonderful venue for a beach getaway. We had a multigenerational family reunion, ages 4 to 98 and everyone loved Sandswept.
william r.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Olivia T.
Oct 2, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
A Virginia Beach oasis!
The house was uniquely stunning and comfortable for our large group of friends! Gayle was responsive and accommodating. I can’t recommend the stay enough!
Olivia T.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
bruce h.
Aug 17, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Hostess with a fantastic property.
Week get together with old friends, lots of room, great parking, fantastic location. We will return.
bruce h.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024
4/10 Poor
SHEENA S.
Aug 4, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice location, very roomy and quick access to the beach but...
The property seemed clean and roomy upon checkin and was very close to the private beaches in the North End and within a 25-minute bike ride to the boardwalk area, offering the best of both private and public beach area access. This was ideal for our group and Gayle seemed very friendly. However, as the week went on our beach vacation took a turn for the worse. We began to find bugs in the house, which initially the owner told us they were just "water bugs" although they didn't seem to be any type of water bug we had ever seen (nor were they around water) but as the week went on we found more and more and it turned out they were in fact American cockroaches. This ultimately ended up ruining our stay as more popped up in bedrooms and living areas. While the Owner continued to not be concerned
(told us to spray peppermint spray), when we caught and showed her the live bugs she did take responsibility eventually and agreed to give us a partial refund to make up for it since it was a known issue prior to our stay, although she said not to that level. She was to take measures to alleviate the issue and I hope she did! Overall, we enjoyed our vacation (until towards the end) and the house was beautiful. However; there were way too many rules for normal vacationers to follow and sharing laundry with the Owner wasn't great. It also became apparent that she does not wash her provided bedding - so make sure to bring all your own from fitted sheet to comforters to all pillowcases!!!
SHEENA S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
8/10 Good
David D.
Jul 31, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
David D.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Virginia W.
Jun 26, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect house for a big family vacation.
The house was wonderful and the location was perfect. It is a great house for a large group. There were 12 of us - 6 adults and 6 teenagers. We had room to spread out and the views were fantastic. It was so nice to be right by the beach. We came for a family vacation with our children and grandchildren to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. We would all like to come back again! Gayle was a wonderful host and available for any questions we had. We all enjoyed our stay. Thank you, Gayle!
Virginia W.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Julie G.
May 18, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
ODU Graduation
The house was very large , lots of room for everyone to spread out. We loved the location, right on the beach great for walking.
Julie G.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Stephanie O.
May 15, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
85th Birthday Celebration
The property was perfect for our celebration of a family birthday. Rare location offering retreat feel with plenty of natural habitat for birds and other visitors while also overlooking the ocean. Plenty of room to spread out or gather to enjoy each others company. Thank you for sharing this property!
Stephanie O.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
John W.
Apr 10, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely Beach House
The house was very unique and comfortable, getting to know it was like slowly opening a beautiful puzzle box. Everything we needed was there, all well thought out and the host was close by with easy and pleasant help.
John W.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Holli & Bryan R.
Mar 13, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Our family and dogs loved our stay!
Wow - this house was so cool! We loved all the updated features, rain shower, heated floors, and heated towel rack. The Pelican Room was a favorite of ours, and the kids loved the playground. The walk to the beach was easy and the views were beautiful. We were so grateful for the extra time extended to our family, as well. When we come back to VA Beach, we know exactly where we are staying!
Holli & Bryan R.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
10/10 Excellent
Marilyn B.
Nov 27, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing
Great property with lots of space for a group to spread out. All details provided and the view is unbeatable. Loved listening to the waves from my bed. Thanks Gayle!
Marilyn B.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
David W.
Nov 22, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Mid-century Beach
This is our favorite beach house for late Fall family gatherings.
David W.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Wanda H.
Nov 12, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
It’s very nice
My group loved it
Wanda H.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Dana P.
Oct 9, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Best keep secret of VA beach!
In all my years coming to VA beach, I didn’t know this little area existed! This property is a dream, right on the water, so cool and unique. The owner is wonderful and helpful and kind. We came as a quick getaway with family, but I’m going to book again for a girlfriends trip. Can’t wait to go back!
Dana P.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Lisa S.
Sep 28, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Views
This property was very clean and accommodating. Plenty of room to enjoy friends and family. The upper deck had amazing views of the dolphins that were plentiful and playing daily.
The owner was very accommodating and helpful while we were there. Excellent communication from beginning to end.
Lisa S.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
David T.
Sep 27, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Best place to stay oceanfront Virginia Beach
Hard to be brief, but I will try. Everything about our stay at Sandswept was wonderful. Unique home design. Oceanfront with magnificent views and a feeling of seclusion and privacy. During our trip, the tropical storm hit --> home was completely secure despite howling wind and rain. The home has everything you need to be comfortable. I've been to many rental homes. This home more than any place I have stayed felt like someone's personal home and not a rental. The host Gayle was incredibly accommodated. Our older dog is not doing well. Gayle let us borrow her beach fat-tire wagon so we could take him to enjoy the feeling and sounds of the ocean. If you are looking for an ultra modern-cookie cutter type home or condo this is not the place for you. If you are willing to try something special and appreciate the so many features of this home, then this is the place for you. There is even a playground area on the property for children! I will have fond memories of this trip and I have a new friend in Gayle.
David T.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
lisa d.
Jun 21, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic home for a family celebration
We celebrated my daughter’s graduation over a long weekend in this amazing home. It’s a large home and accommodated us well. The views are magnificent and the beach is huge and uncrowded. We did some cooking there and rode bikes nearby when we weren’t enjoying the beach. We really loved the upper deck area and room with the views.
The home was clean, the outdoor area was well maintained and we were impressed by all the “green” items and initiatives in the home. And the property’s history was fascinating and the mid century modern decor was very cool. The owner lives next door and was friendly and helpful. We appreciated that we could bring our dog and it was easy to walk him. Also parking was not a problem.
There are quite a few rules to follow in order to maintain the “green” lifestyle, which we were happy to do. Our only complaint is that there is really no comfortable furniture for watching movies or tv as a group.
Coincidentally my daughter became engaged that weekend so we look forward to returning in a year to celebrate her wedding!
lisa d.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Glenna S.
Apr 16, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing stay!
The house was great. Everything we needed. You can’t get a better location.
Glenna S.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
10/10 Excellent
Davis J.
Dec 29, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderfully Unique Beach Home
This property wows you at every turn. The FLR styled house showcases the surrounding dunes, beach, and ocean at the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay from every room, and demands awareness of and attention to Nature and our interactions with it. Eco-friendly features and tips are abundant. Breathtaking is an overused word at times, but truly applies looking out the many huge windows on a clear day. The owner has obviously taken meticulous care to assemble and maintain this home for decades, preserving its classic styling ; every wall hanging and shelf tells a story and there are many to explore. (It also has heated bathroom floors, wonderful for winter stays such as ours!) The owner is a kind and gracious host. Definitely lives up to its billing!
Davis J.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Stenve L.
Dec 12, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Love the Beach
Great stay, our time there went well with no issues. Thanks
Stenve L.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Kathy S.
Nov 2, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
So perfect
Our family had saved up to celebrate the graduations of 3 of my children (1 hs and 2 college), and I was so happy that we chose Gayle’s place! I fell in love with the layout of the house. It is designed so that everyone can retire to separate locations, but we could also comfortably gather together when we wanted. It feels so private, tucked behind the dune, but the beach is just a short walk away. We had a lot of young people in the house, and they took advantage of being close to the action of Va Beach. Conversely, my husband and I relished our time in the peace and quiet of Gayle’s live oaks and the uncrowded beach, a short walk away. Gayle and her family are delightful and I felt like I had known her for many years. I dream of going back as soon as we are able! It was a wonderful memory for all of us.
Kathy S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
10/10 Excellent
Valerie S.
Oct 17, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
A relaxing weekend in a great house
We enjoyed our girlfriends weekend. We relaxed in this beautiful home that had everything you need . The items in the home are properly labelled how to use that light switches, sinks etc. Gayle the property owner was very helpful and friendly. The property is very close to the beach. Watching the sunrise and sunsets from the modern upgraded top deck was amazing. The house is on the national historic register which we liked. We wished the furnishing were more updated . would be nice if the house had an automatic fragrance dispenser to get rid of the old house smell.
Valerie S.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
Brett S., Sleepy Hollow, NY
Oct 13, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing views, architecture, and light switches!
We (a family of 6, ages 3-70) had an amazing stay at Sandswept. We (unintentionally) timed it perfectly around amazing blue skies and a full moon, which was incredible to see rise from both the living room and Pelican Room. The boats were super fun to watch too. As others have said, there’s plenty of room to spread out, but it also feels very communal. Gayle was a wonderful host and provided lots of helpful info during our stay about the timing of tides, sunsets, and moonrises, which was much appreciated. Highly recommended!
Brett S.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
Anna H.
Oct 6, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Feels like our family beach house
We love staying at Gayle's family home. It somehow has a magical way of making our family feel like it's ours. We will all have lifetime memories of it, and if we've often daydreamed if we ever won the lottery we'd love to try and buy it so we could enjoy it for generations to come! Then again, we'd understand if Gayle wouldn't sell...in that case, would you adopt us, Gayle?
Haha. Seriously though Gayle, thank you for sharing your special one of a kind property with our family.
Anna H.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
10/10 Excellent
Jordan F.
Oct 6, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Staycation
Gayle was lovely, as was her house. We enjoyed it so much that we will book again for next year!