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Charmingly renovated historic Canal House on C&O along Potomac close to Antietam

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Charmingly renovated historic Canal House on C&O along Potomac close to Antietam

Outdoor dining
Property grounds
Interior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Aerial view

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 41200 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

Map
Sharpsburg, MD
  • Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
    2 min walk
  • Antietam National Battlefield
    6 min drive
  • Antietam National Cemetery
    8 min drive
  • Hagerstown, MD (HGR-Hagerstown Regional)
    26 min drive

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About the neighborhood

Sharpsburg

When you a stay at this vacation home in Sharpsburg, you'll be on a river, just steps from Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park. .This vacation home is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Potomac River and 2.6 mi (4.2 km) from Antietam National Battlefield.
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What's nearby

  • Antietam National Battlefield - 6 min drive
  • Antietam National Cemetery - 8 min drive
  • Shepherd University - 14 min drive
  • Hagerstown Premium Outlets - 15 min drive
  • Harpers Ferry National Historical Park - 33 min drive

Getting around

  • Martinsburg Station - 29 min drive
  • Martinsburg, WV (MRB-Eastern West Virginia Regional) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Blue Moon Cafe - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Red Men Tribe 84 - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Lilah Restaurant - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Mecklenburg Inn - ‬14 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.

Charmingly renovated historic Canal House on C&O along Potomac close to Antietam

Welcome to our home on the C&O Canal and the Potomac river, an original 1790 log house expanded in 1857, retaining its historic charm while featuring many modern amenities. The perfect place to be physically active or mellow, staying inside or enjoying multiple areas outdoors, day or night (lit with festive night lights).

Reconnect with nature! The expansive grounds have old tall mature trees, native flowers and garden-favorites, bushes, and a fire pit. Bird lovers, bring your binoculars or just watch the bird feeder below the pergola! Many species of birds visit our feeders and baths. Star gazing, far from the city lights, is another Guest favorite.

We are striving to reduce our environmental impact by restoring an American meadow and increasing the number of native plants that can be admired on our grounds. This obviates the need for using chemicals, reducing Potomac pollution, and attracting pollinators and other wild life. You are likely to see and hear numerous types of birds, insects, frogs, and perhaps even some animals and reptiles indigenous to the Potomac area. They are harmless unless attacked.

The maximum capacity of our historic house is 4 guests, the maximum capacity of each bedroom is 2 guests. The use of one of the bedrooms is included in the base price listed, the use of the second bedroom requires an additional charge. The guests need to be able to climb stairs to the entrance door, to upstairs bedrooms, and into the antique clawfoot bath tub. Tall people need to bend a bit when taking a shower.

Secluded, yet not remote, our home is the perfect base for exploring nature on foot, by bike, or by boat. The property is on the C&O Canal and offers seasonal views of the Potomac (when trees on its banks lose their leaves!) across the towpath.

The house is also a great base to explore the many close-by sites important in American history, and quaint historic little towns with good restaurants. Premium Outlet shopping and dining is also within miles.

(Property on the canal but has limited water views)

Local Attractions and distances:

C&O Canal and Towpath, border the property

Potomac River, borders the Towpath

Antietam National Battlefield, 2 miles

Antietam Creek Vineyards, 2 miles

Dam 4 on the Potomac, 3.5 miles

Shepherdstown, WV, 7.5 miles

Hagerstown, MD, 9 mi

Hagerstown Premium Outlet Mall, 9 mi

Harpers Ferry, WV, 21 miles

Appalachian Trial Head Quarters, 11 miles

Charles Town Hollywood Casino and Horse Races, 19 miles

Washington Monument State Park (includes Appalachian Trail access), 12 miles

We are located within one hour of Washington DC and Baltimore, about 60 miles from three international airports: Dulles (IAD), Reagan (DCA), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), and within 15 miles of interstates 70 and 81.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, which features a fireplace. There's a private balcony. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and a DVD player is provided for your entertainment.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property manager

Vern Clifford Falby

Languages

English

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Spelunking nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks 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

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,200 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
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 not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: We allow children but are not "child proof".

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
Note from host: Pls, no extra guests or parties - historic house.
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

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

C O Canal House Charmingly Restored
C O Canal House Charmingly Renovated
Historic C&O Canal House Charmingly Renovated Sharpsburg

Charmingly renovated historic Canal House on C&O along Potomac close to Antietam Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 71 out of 74 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 74 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 74 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 74 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 74 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Chris M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Balance of history and convenience along the C&O
The Canal House is a wonderful home! The house itself is meticulously kept with its history intact while offering a modern kitchen and air conditioning. The grounds are filled with beautiful flowers and a small garden pond. The location was perfect to enjoy biking on the C&O towpath, plus a short drive to Antietam battlefield, tubing, rafting and hiking.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a special place! We so enjoyed the chance to stay in such a beautifully restored and impeccably decorated home. We especially enjoyed the porch—a place where our little family gathered for coffee and conversation in the morning and again in the evening. We loved the books on the garden and the antiques and beautiful vintage wood throughout. We are even thinking about how try to replicate some of the lovely gardens at home. Our main purpose here was to visit the Antietam Batlefield. That too was a memorable and meaningful experience! Wonderful hospitality!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matt M., Falmouth USA

Liked: Cleanliness
A True Gem
This historic home has been painstakingly restored. The modern amenities enhance the stay but in no way detract from the beauty of the structure. The grounds are amazing. We felt privileged to stay in this home as it allowed us to actually feel the history of Western Maryland and the enormity of the Civil War. Our host personalized our stay with facts that allowed us to enjoy every aspect of the Canal House and the canal itself.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

mwc 2.

Liked: Cleanliness
Canal House is Outstanding
This is our third trip to Canal house in a delight, as always, despite the rainy cold weather, “Friday was in the 70s and the 2.5-hours paddle on the river we had the whole river to ourselves, not a single other boat. Water clear as glass down to the bottom, wow! Swimming turtles, cormorants, herons on the bank. Met a few enthused cyclists at the ramp enjoying the day. “Bike ride was great, with really nice towpath condition. Loved this part of the river, and views from Dam #4. “Cozy, reading, nook in the kitchen and living room, visited Sunny Meadows nursery, Antietam, and Planck’s and Bonnie’s barbecue were all great. “Garden is stupendous, just amazing with perennials, annuals, and native trees and bushes. “Thank you, Vern. P.S. Love, LOVED back entry lock.”
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Diana R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect location to explore the Civil War sights.
“I can't imagine a better place to explore the history of this area, and to stay in a historical home was icing on the cake. Tall people should be aware of the quirks of an older home like the slanted ceiling and the height of the shower/tub, but I'm petite and loved the ambience! By being so close to Antietam, we were able to experience the battlefield in-depth. We splurged and hired a battlefield guide, who enhanced our understanding of the maneuvers and complications of this historic event. I gained an appreciation for the bravery and the horror of that one day. In addition to all that tramping around on the battlefield, we also managed light-hearted activities, such as sitting on the porch (thanks for the spectacular weather and superb temperatures!), walking along the canal, and wine tasting at Antietam Creek Vineyard (wait . . . that counts as battlefield studies! We took side trips to South Mountain, and Harpers Ferry and Martinsburg. To provide a little balance we visited the canal at Williamsport—super interesting to go through the Visitors’ Center, and then see the lock-keepers house, the lock, elevated railroad bridge and the aqueduct. Learning about the lives of the people on the canal was fascinating. Shepherdstown was our favorite location for restaurants (Alma Bea, and Lilah’s), but, honestly, everywhere we stopped for a meal was good. Plenty to do and not enough time!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brian G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing Labor Day Weekend
Enjoyed our stay over a long weekend. A really nice historic property with character. The gardens create a tranquil setting. It was great to sit on the porch in the morning with a cup of coffee and watch the hummingbirds (bring bug spray for mosquitoes). Enjoyed an 8 mile kayak ride from Taylor's Landing to Shepherdstown (Pedal and Paddle shop). Checked out Betty's restaurant for breakfast and Blue Moon for supper (both good). New Visitor Center at the Antietam Battlefield.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathy C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tranquil gem with perfect blend of new and old
Wow what a gem! This special home is a perfect blend of old world charm with all the modern conveniences. Being here makes you feel like you’re tucked away in your own world yet actually close to so much nearby. The owners have really done this property justice in the details both inside and out. Everything was so clean, and perfectly designed and decorated. All the little details just lead to perfect tranquility. It was exactly what we were looking for in a getaway. The house and the grounds are in beautiful harmony. It was great to enjoy aspects at different times of the day. Pictures don’t even do it justice because the sounds and smells of the gardens are so amazing. In the morning, we were pleasantly entertained by the hummingbirds and the busy bees doing their jobs. In the evening, we loved rocking in the chairs on the porch and listening to the crickets, frogs, and babbling water in the distance. We saw the most beautiful sunset down by the canal. Can’t wait for our next visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michele R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful retreat
We really enjoyed our visit. The house is immaculately maintained for it's age. The outdoor areas seem endless and are welcoming as you stroll the walkways to the home. The home is a cozy retreat from everyday life. As a huge plus, the kitchen is stocked with everything we were looking for, making cooking dinner a simple process. We look forward to coming back in the winter.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cindy S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Taylors Landing is idyllic nature getaway
This was our second stay at Taylors Landing, for our anniversary. What an idyllic location to enjoy nature -- we brought our bikes for the towpath, and the kayaks for the river, within walking distance of the house. Our first stay was in winter, and delightful. This time we saw the garden in all its splendor. The towpath was excellent for biking, and we enjoyed the fireflies at dusk during our ride. The river was incredibly clear -- I'd post a picture if we were able -- we could see the bottom and all the fish. Loved spotting the green herons and the bald eagle! Thank you, Vern, for sharing your lovely house and grounds, as well as for introducing us to Sunnyside Meadows, with its amazing ice cream and beautiful garden nursery. We especially loved the renovated lagoon and pond examples. From the warm welcome note and care to make sure we could access the house, to the obvious care of the house and garden, Vern is a great host. One of our favorite locations on the Potomac River. Our tip -- park in the back, unpack your stuff at the back door, then enter the front (shoes off) and carry it in. :)
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Trina C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Storybook Setting
This historic house is lovely and is the perfect marriage between old and modern convenience…the idyllic setting with beautiful gardens overlooking the B&O Canal is right out of a children’s fairytale.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Charlie and Joette M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Midnight Summers Eve
The historic home is very quaint and charming. The gardens were magical. We felt we were in our own magical cottage. This was our time to rest and rejuvenate and the have time to get grounded and reconnect with nature and each other. Thank you for letting us stay in your home. Much Love and Light C & J
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

michael n.

Liked: Cleanliness
2 days away.
The home was extremely clean. The air conditioning works very well, and there are window units upstairs if needed. The grounds are absolutely amazing and beautiful. We enjoyed the short walk down to the firepit, and sat around a nice fire for a few hours. The two things that stood out the most, which was very disappointing were the living room and shower. The living room furniture is not at all, comfortable so TV time is not something that could be enjoyed after a long day. The shower head is approximately 4 and a half feet off the tub bottom, so unfortunately, you have to bend over to take a shower. Last but least, my wife showered first, I showered second, and was left with no hot water. I respectively suggest that anyone who enjoys history, a clean home, beautiful property which includes so much lavish gardening, to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janet F., United States

Liked: Cleanliness
Idyllic destination property
My daughter and I had a very special two-night getaway at this incredibly charming property. We were in awe of the amazing beauty of the gardens and were delighted by the nooks and crannies of this historic home. The house is extremely clean (and I am picky about this!) with pretty bedroom linens, and lovely furniture. Communication with Vern, the accommodating and kind owner, was excellent. Nearby Shephardstown and Antietam Battlefield provided us with activities and restaurants. We were sad to leave - book your stay immediately!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property and house are wonderful. Very peaceful and beautiful. It’s the perfect place to get away and take in the nature.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bob B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Antietam Battlefield is less than two miles away
If you enjoy history then this is the place you want to be. First of all it, in itself, is historic. The interior of the cottage was immaculate and filled with antique treasures. The bathrooms were spotless and unique in that the wide hardwood floors were polished and squeaky. As they were in the rest of the house. The beds were quite comfortable. The stairs were manageable but if you are wearing just socks on your feet be careful because the floors can be slippery. We didn't use the stove but it looked to be Viking quality. The refrigerator worked great as did its ice maker. The grounds are gorgeous and well tended. But the pièce de résistance was its location. There are so many historical towns and sights close by that are easily reachable in a short time. Our stay was a happy one.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cindy S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic C&O Canal House
Charming, clean, well-stocked with thoughtful touches throughout the property. Fireplace in the kitchen was cozy and the host was very helpful with suggestions about kayaking in the winter. Able to bike, birdwatch, and wander the area from this wonderful historic home just above the Potomac River. Look forward to returning to see the garden in bloom!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Hated to leave the cozy kitchen!
This home is so charming and well cared for -- we got great pleasure from noticing all the small, thoughtful touches meant to ensure a pleasurable stay. The hosts were solicitous and responsive. We were delighted to take a "treasure hunt" throughout the property -- guide provided! -- to examine all the antique and vintage items that decorate the shelves and walls. We watched an astounding variety of birds attack the freshly-filled birdfeeders. We wrapped ourselves in flannel throws so we could drink our tea on the porch overlooking the canal. And the kitchen! I could retire in the rocking chair next to the fireplaces and be perfectly happy. The location worked great for us -- only 90 minutes from DC, and we took several hikes in the Sharpsburg/Shepherdstown in addition to plenty of laze around time on the couch with aforementioned cozy throw blankets. Thanks again for having us!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Linda W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful House
The Canal House is absolutely wonderful! My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed staying here for our anniversary get away. The house was so charming and very comfortable and the location was great! We enjoyed having our coffee on the porch and walking the C&O Canal Towpath, which is within walking distance from the house. We explored Shepherdstown and Antietam Battlefield, which both were short drives. Vern is such a wonderful and caring host. He even messaged me to see that we got back home safely. We would definitely recommend this house and would love to come back one day.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wow
My wife and I loved the house and gardens. The history in the house was so much fun to explore and the gardens were AMAZING. The convenience of walking to the towpath for the C&O Canal was fantastic. Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing house
My husband and I stayed here for a quick anniversary getaway and had a wonderful time in this home. The host provided great information about the check in process and made sure we had all we needed. We had a amazing day checking out the surrounding area including Harper's Ferry. Thank you for sharing your lovely home with us.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Karen B., Chambersburg, PA

Liked: Cleanliness
weekend get away
Clean, quaint , historical house with a backyard full of flowers. Everything we needed to escape the norm and plenty to do in the surrounding area.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joseph G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family getaway
Thanks to Vern for a stay that included everything we could have asked for--great location, nicely manicured property, a well-stocked kitchen, and great DVDs for the kids. Memorial Day in the shadow of Antietam was a special learning experience for kids and adults.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Diane E., Lansdowne

Liked: Cleanliness
Historical gem with a beautiful garden
We had a wonderful stay at the Canal House! We spent lots of time searching for a place to get away for a few days during spring break/Easter and could never find just the right fit. When I discovered this home one evening I knew it was exactly what we were looking for. The home was peaceful and comfortable. We enjoyed the western Maryland area, visiting Antietam, and also had a great time in Sheperdstown, WV. We would definitely return to this property again during another season.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amy P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Restful Place
I was worried because this is an older home but it was so well maintained, super clean, and the kitchen so modern, with everything you might need. Loved being so close (about one block's distance) to the canal for walks and a view of the Potomac from the rocking chairs on the porch. A lovely gas fireplace in the kitchen and a firepit made everything cozy. It was easy to feel relaxed here and the host was wonderful.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tanya E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Serenity
What a beautiful place to just relax, and we did just that. We were able to see the canal from the house. The house was nicely decorated, nice and roomy. Mr ,Vern was a very nice and caring host.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2022