On the beach.Your stay at this Annapolis vacation home places you within a 10-minute walk of Chesapeake Bay and Northern Chesapeake Bay. Maryland Quiet Waters Park and Bay Bridge Market Place Shopping Center are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Maryland Quiet Waters Park - 4 min drive - 1.8 miles
Annapolis City Dock - 9 min drive - 4.5 miles
Annapolis Maritime Museum - 9 min drive - 4.1 miles
U.S. Naval Academy - 10 min drive - 4.3 miles
Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium - 11 min drive - 6.0 miles
Getting around
Odenton Station - 26 min drive
Fort Meade, MD (FME-Tipton) - 30 min drive
Restaurants
Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits - 5 min drive
McDonald's - 5 min drive
Starbucks - 5 min drive
Main & Market - 4 min drive
Jack's Fortune - 4 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.
Private Waterfront Woods | Dock, Kayaks, Views
Welcome to The Compass Rose, a serene haven with backyard shoreline surrounded by 4+ acres of pristine woods. Enjoy exclusive water access and scenic waterfront views of the best-kept secret, Blackwalnut Creek, which can be only accessed by owners. Less than an hour from Baltimore and Washington D.C., this 3,600-sf home is the ideal retreat for relaxation, celebrations, and memorable gatherings.
• 430ft Waterfront Shoreline & 4.2 Acres of Private Woods • 10-min drive to Downtown, The USNA Stadium & US Naval Academy • Spectacular Wildlife • Private Floating Dock - Perfect for Fishing & Crabbing • 3 Paddleboards & 4 Kayaks Available for Guest Use (life jackets too) • Dedicated Workspace & 1GB FIOS Internet • Home Movie Theater with streaming services • Playhouse & Private Playground for Kids
Main Floor - Common Areas
• Living Area: breakfast nook, 2 double sofa beds, fireplace + half bath • Kitchen: fully equipped (including pro-level Keurig station) + dining room • Office: computer docking (USB C) with double monitors, color laser printer, mouse and keyboard. 1GB FIOS internet service
2nd Floor - Bedrooms
• Master Bedroom: King bed, daybed with full bed and twin trundle bed • Ensuite Bathroom: clawfoot tub, heated floors, walk-in closet + ensuite washer/dryer combo
• Bedroom 2: King bed + water view • Bedroom 3: Queen bed + woods view • Bedroom 4: Double bed + woods view • Bathroom: shower and tub
Below Grade Level
• 5th Bedroom: 2 twin bunk beds, one twin bed, two trundle twin beds • Bathroom: shower and tub
• Movie Theater: 100" Smart TV projector, Nintendo Switch docking station (Switch not provided), various gaming system connections, fireplace • Laundry Nook: washer, dryer, utility sink, freezer
Outdoors
• Patio: screened gazebo, uncovered decks, flagstone firepit sitting area • Private Floating Dock: fishing, crabbing, paddle boards, kayaks • Playground: 13' playhouse w/ loft, playground with swings, slide, climbing area • Alfresco Amenities: pellet BBQ, wood-burning firepits, camping spots, outdoor shower with both hot & cold water, furnished screened gazebo w/ magnificent lake views
The Compass Rose was named for the ancient symbol that navigators have used to describe our world since time immemorial. Its cardinal directions symbolize past, present, future, and endless possibilities. Let this symbol's legacy inspire you to navigate your next adventure with nature, serenity, and the unwavering belief that possibilities are as vast as the oceans themselves.
LOCAL FAVORITES
• Food & Drinks
In the heart of Annapolis, savor the ambiance of 49 West, an artisanal coffeehouse enriched with local art and jazz melodies. Relish timeless flavors at Galway Bay Irish Pub or O'Brien's Seafood & Tavern, a historic gem serving classic steaks and seafood. For a scenic treat, dine at Cantler's Riverside Inn, where fresh seafood and vintage charm meet breathtaking water views. Want something easy and as close as it gets? Jack’s Fortune is a must, or try Rocco ’s deep-dish Sicilian pizza. Grump’s Cafe serves diner-style food with great burgers and an all-day breakfast, and Dark Horse offers excellent pub food and delicious specials.
• Outdoor Activities
Love the water? Blackwalnut Creek is one of the best-kept secrets: no motorized boats are allowed, and only private access is possible, making this a safe and exclusive place to get out and enjoy the fresh air and 15+ acres of calm, coastal tide waters. Use the property's private pier to fish and catch crabs (traps provided), or take the property's kayaks and paddle boards out for an adventure, exploring the calm and protected waters of Blackwalnut Creek.
Nature lover but want to stay on shore? Guests describe our pristine and private location as "simply magical." Listen to songbirds while taking in gorgeous water views, lush woods, and spectacular local wildlife, including elegant deer, majestic bald eagles, soothing songbirds, and graceful herons. Many local animals aren’t very shy, but bring your binoculars if you want to spot the more elusive local species.
• Places to Visit
Less than 10 minutes away from historic downtown Annapolis, the US Naval Academy, and the USNA Stadium, this is the only property that can boast its amenities and convenient location. And at less than an hour away, it's the perfect getaway from Washington D.C., and Baltimore. Wonderful, pet-friendly places like Great Fog Winery, Quiet Waters Park, and Thomas Point Park are only a few minutes away.
The dock is currently fully functional and can be used for all recreational purposes. However, please be aware that it has experienced some storm damage and is currently awaiting definitive repairs. Despite our best efforts to arrange for repair services, we have faced delays due to high demand in the area. While both sides of the dock remain stable and have been certified as safe by a professional, they are not currently connected, which may cause additional movement. At baseline, there is always some movement, as it is a floating dock. Additional caution should be used for children and those with limited mobility. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to address this issue.
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE: • Parking: the driveway can fit 10+ vehicles • Pets: $50/pet/night (list of all animals must be disclosed before arrival) • Smoke-Free Zone: strictly prohibited on the entire property to protect the fragile Bay environment. • All outdoor spaces are monitored for guest security and safety. • To enhance your experience, we've upgraded to a state-of-the-art geothermal heating and cooling system, providing reliable comfort year-round • Enhanced cleaning practices: for the well-being and peace of mind of our guests, we strictly adhere to the enhanced cleaning guidelines recommended by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) • Safety: please note that there is a Ring doorbell and outdoor security cameras are installed to help maintain a safe and welcoming environment. The house is also equipped with both a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector for your safety. • Daytime Gatherings & Noise Policy • Maximum of 30 people (including visitors). • Any gathering exceeding 20 people must be pre-approved—please message us in advance with details. • Noise monitoring: To ensure a peaceful environment for all guests and neighbors, we have installed DwellWell decibel meters in the common areas on the lower two levels. Unauthorized events or disturbances may result in a $500 fine.
• Notes: • The house is supplied with well water • The dock floats, which means there can be significant movement at times. We recommend that caution be taken, especially with children and those with mobility limitations. Use is at the guest’s risk and discretion, but perhaps no more than 2-3 using it at a time would be best. • EV charging available on-site with a ChargePoint® Home Flex (J1772 connector). Please note: this is not a Tesla charger, but it works with most other EVs. • Blackwalnut Creek is a protected Chesapeake Bay Preserve; motorized boats are prohibited • Be mindful of the diverse local wildlife during your stay, ensuring both your safety and the protection of these natural inhabitants. This includes too much noise or light that might disturb them or our neighbors • Roku is available on every TV throughout the home. Feel free to bring your own devices and cords to connect to the movie projector if desired. • Need a caterer? Wedding planner? Bounce house or outdoor furniture rental? Fresh crabs delivered? Just ask for recommendations
• Please note that to provide host and guest liability and damage protection, you will receive a secure link upon booking to complete a virtual check-in through a guest portal.
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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)
General
Garden
Unit size: 3,600 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
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 professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector in each accommodation.
Property Registration Number STR00789
Property is also known as
5945-15014
Frequently asked questions
How close is Private Waterfront Woods | Dock, Kayaks, Views to the airport?
This vacation home is 23 mi (30-min drive) away from the Fort Meade, MD (FME-Tipton) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Does Private Waterfront Woods | Dock, Kayaks, Views have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.
How close is Private Waterfront Woods | Dock, Kayaks, Views to the beach?
This vacation home is on a private beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!
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.
9.8/10
Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 29 reviews
10 - Excellent
20
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 29 reviews
8 - Good
5
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 29 reviews
6 - Okay
4
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
Reviews
6/10 Okay
Sanjay P.
Sep 23, 2025
Sanjay P.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kate B.
Sep 5, 2025
The house was so fun and cute and had enough beds for everyone!
Kate B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Diane S., Puxico, MO
Aug 16, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
The home was nice & comfortable. The kids did paddle boarding & kayaking. It is close to a lot of good places to eat. We drove to Washington D.C. everyday to see the sights. We had a wonderful stay. Check in was easy. Enough room for all eleven of us.
Diane S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
6/10 Okay
Cindy S.
Jul 28, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We vacationed with our kids and grandkids here. While we enjoyed our time together, the place was not what pictures portrayed. Dock is not located directly out the back of the home, pictures are out of date as to condition of the home. Many plumbing repairs are needed - outdoor shower, two bathroom showers and kitchen faucet all in need of repair, Basement door does not stay closed, plus two bathrooms have reversed hot/cold in the showers. Lots of maintenance issues for the money we spent. Of course we made the best of it and still enjoyed our stay. Location is convenient to maritime museum and downtown Annapolis
Cindy S.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
8/10 Good
Rebecca F.
Jul 8, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful mornings
We enjoyed peaceful mornings at the house, including early morning kayaking on the creek. The creek is really beautiful, and you can see a lot of wildlife. The house was a good size for our large group, and we enjoyed the location. The kitchen was well stocked, and there were enough kayaks and paddle boards for our group.Check in was easy, but it took several months and three separate messages to get answers to some basic questions we had about the house’s amenities. As others have mentioned, we had issues with the lights and fans. The remotes interfere with each other, so we couldn’t use them without risking affecting a fan or light in a room with a sleeping child. And in the primary bedroom a normal ceiling light and a fan are on the same switch, so you can’t leave the fan on at night. We also noticed that the water pressure was low throughout the house. It was too hot to spend much time outside, but we were disappointed that the playhouse was way too dirty to use. We enjoyed exploring the area and got some good take out from local restaurants. The house is also well situated for quick trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, etc. There are also some good playgrounds within a 10-15 minute drive.
Rebecca F.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Tom Y.
Jun 28, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Family fun at Compass Rose
The home was lovely, well supplied and comfortably accomodated our family. With the screened porch, 1st floor living area and lower level viewing and game area we had plenty of space to gather or spend quiet time. Of course the water was the big draw with kayaking and paddle boarding. We had hoped the dock was repaired. That did make it difficult for entry and exit from the kayaks. Thanks for sharing your home with us. Mary and Tom
Tom Y.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
6/10 Okay
Sandy B.
Jun 26, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Disappointed
I chose this “waterfront” property to enjoy fishing, crabbing, easy access with a dock for paddle boarding and kayaking with my adult kids and grandkids. None of the above was accessible, cattails and debris block access from the yard and the so called “path” thru the woods is covered in poison ivy, fallen tree limbs and was a literal swamp, I’m talking 2 feet of water you had to walk thru for access. -the dock is in disrepair and not safe-no internet for first 24 hours-house advertised for 19 ppl but only enough warm water for 2 ppl to shower every couple of hours (17 of us stayed here)-lights in 2 of the bedrooms where families with toddlers or kids were sleeping would randomly turn on and off ALL DAY AND NIGHT-the water upon arrival was dark yellow/brown and had sediment, we had to use bottled water to even wash our dishes (maintenance did come out on day 2 to address this, it improved but was not completely resolved)-play house pictured is located in the woods, surrounded by poison ivy and wasp nests everywhere inside and outI contacted the rental company daily with all of the above issues, they sent out a maintenance man (who was lovely by the way) who did his best to help with issues but many of these are due to poor upkeep and would take days to correct. As lovely as Henry was, we didn’t want him there our entire stay! While the company was prompt in their responses, most of these issues were not resolved during our stay.
Sandy B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
8/10 Good
Larry G.
May 28, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Commissioning Week 2025
We enjoyed our stay. Wish we had more time to explore the property...never made it to the dock. Our week was busy and the weather wasn't the best, but the house was a good fit for our group. Basement was a good fit for a group of friends that arrived throughout the week.Special appreciation that there are no televisions on the main floor....the labels on lights was a help too.No real bedrooms/shower on the main floor.Grandmother couldn't use the indoor stairs, so that was a curve ball. She was able to use the couch in the living room and we went through the yard to the basement door for access to a shower.We did run out of hot water one morning...suspect that a group that left very early that morning enjoyed their showers a bit longer than normal.
Larry G.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Roman R.
Apr 29, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great place for a quiet get-away
This place was great for 10 us (5 adults and 5 kids). Plenty of fun activities for the kids, and it was clean and comfortable for the adults. Check-in and communication was easy. No complaints. Thank you for sharing your wonderful property!
Roman R.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Anneliese V.
Feb 24, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely stay - good for a big group!
We booked this house to gather friends for a 40th birthday celebration. The weather was absolutely awful all weekend, and we had a lovely time indoors, playing games, listening to music, and eating. House was big enough for all of us, and still cozy and comfortable! Easy enough drive to Annapolis, would probably be lovely during the summer.
Anneliese V.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Danny M.
Jan 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Danny M.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Donnah N.
Jan 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great for families
This property worked well for our large family. Most houses that sleep larger numbers don't come with a kitchen stocked for corresponding large numbers. But this kitchen was very well stocked with plenty of dishes and larger pots/pans for larger groups.
Donnah N.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
8/10 Good
Veronica B.
Dec 27, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Veronica B.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
6/10 Okay
Susan W., Jonesborough, TN
Dec 10, 2024
So so
Area was great, space was great, but, the kurig station was out of order and there was a small kurig that only held one cup of water at a time. Housekeeping needs improvement, when we moved furniture to look for dog toys there was old food crumbs and other things I’ll not mention. Basement had holes cut in walls exposing some pipes and electrical wires. Maintenance and cleaning services need to be changed.
Susan W.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
8/10 Good
Calin L.
Dec 8, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Calin L.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
8/10 Good
norman c.
Oct 2, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
annapolis vacation
Enjoyed the location and proximity to the city. Water view and firepit enjoyable.
Disappointed that the dock and kayaks not easily accessible. House needs some tlc (we provided a list of easy repairs/maintenance needed.)
Love to know why the ceiling fans and lights go on and off randomly.
norman c.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Penny O.
Jul 29, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
our stay
very nice
Penny O.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sharon T.
Jul 12, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
House in the woods
Plenty of room for our family and pretty setting!
Sharon T.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Anita M.
Jun 22, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect location.
We had a group of 15 and we had plenty of room. We had an issue with one bed and communication was timely and they resolved it for our trip. The house was clean and had everything we needed. If we travel that way again we would stay there again.
Anita M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Rosanne H.
Apr 29, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great place for a family gathering
We enjoyed the house and particularly enjoyed hanging out on the screen porch with a view of the water.
The house managers responded quickly to inquiries and requests
Rosanne H.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jeremiah C.
Apr 5, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Spring Break with friends
This place worked perfect for our big group of 12. It was spacious and clean. We enjoyed the fireplace, and spacious first floor. The upstairs didn’t cool or heat as well as the main floor, and in one of the upstairs bedrooms the fan remote wouldn’t work and the last night the light and fan just randomly turned on in the middle of the night. The remote wouldn’t work for most of the time so there was no light in that bedroom. We were gone most of the time so I did not call the property manager to say anything, so I’m not sure it was anybody’s fault. The only negative I would say is after we checked out we got an email 90 minutes later stating that we were smoking in the house (we are all non smokers) and I called the property company to ask if they could tell me more about it since we had teenagers that stayed in the basement and we were told they got notified by a sensor at around noon the day we checked out and said that is when smoke had been detected by a sensor at that time. I let property company that we had been gone for nearly 2 hours when their sensor went off, so it couldn’t have been us. It was just upsetting that mid they looked at the cameras they could tel we already left, and also check out was at 11 and they said it happened an hour after check out (and we even left well before check out). The property company did apologize for the misunderstanding, but I thought it was still unprofessional.
We would stay here again.
Jeremiah C.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Robyn U.
Mar 18, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Traveling family
We had a wonderful time in Annapolis and this property! Far enough away to enjoy the outdoors and close enough to everything. We loved our time at the house and fit our group perfectly! The communication was quick when we had questions. Thank you for our stay!
Robyn U.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Hannah E.
Feb 14, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing place!
We had a wonderful stay! The property was amazing and I cant wait to come back when it gets warmer!!
Hannah E.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
10/10 Excellent
Pamela, OVIEDO, FL
Jan 27, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Compass Rose for Family's celebration
We came in from Florida, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Texas and California. Ages 4 - 70 and we all enjoyed ourselves! Loved that there was stocked bottled water and some coffee pods ready when we arrived. Leavetown Team was very responsive when we needed bedding for additional beds. Only beds for 14 were made and we needed a couple more. Prompt response and left extra towels too. Recommend this place
Pamela
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
Bill
Oct 15, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent and spacious!
We came in for the Annapolis Sailboat show and were extremely pleased by the Compass Rose home. The home was very spacious (could easily accommodate 10+ people), had ample parking, was minutes from downtown, had great outdoor spaces (porches, patio, fire pit, etc), had a serene view of the cove, was quiet and relaxing, and the beds were perfect after long days of walking the docks at the show. The owners were proactive in dealing with issues that could have easily been a detriment to our stay and made our time perfect. This home is on our short list of places to return to!