After Christman and before the warmth of Spring, my husband and I have found a way to make the dull drums truly enjoyable. We have discovered the charming village of St. Michaels. And if that wasn't a find in itself, we found an historically preserved cottage with a great location, the Washington Melson Cottage. We have been coming here for four years with our two dogs to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town, and the convenient location the cottage offers to the shops, restaurants, and the park that overlooks the water behind the backyard. We take long walks, go out to eat, do some shopping, visit museums, and retire to the cozy comfort of the cottage.

This charming cottage is historically preserved with antiques, handmade quilts, beautiful sconces and brassware, yet includes the creature comforts of modern life. Our favorite time is relaxing in front of a blazing fire in the family room. Needless to say, we plan to return for many years to come.

For the past three years we have visited St. Michaels several times a year. On our first visit we discovered three rental properties in the heart of town. On our return we first rented the Thomas Blades house next door to W. Melson. This past October, the Blades house was not available, but knowing the owner and the condition of Blades, we were confident, Melson house would also be a terrific property. We were not disappointed. W. Melson house is a restored and updated sailing captain’s home. The house is well-appointed with a full kitchen and fully furnished rooms. The house is well-maintained, comfortable, and clean. Everything you could possible want is there for your use. With two bedrooms each with a double bed, it is comfortable and convenient for a family of four or two couples.
There is a nice-sized living room, full kitchen, and another quaint sitting room/game room/dining room as well as the fully furnished large living room, and half bath on the first floor. With TV and wired or wireless Internet this home is the ideal vacation destination.
As we always do, we totally enjoyed the conveniences and the accommodations of these rentals; all the comforts of home in the amazing village of St. Michaels. We highly recommend any of the properties on Locust St and the hospitality and friendliness of the owner.
My only caution about Melson house is just to be aware that the one full bath is off the master bedroom and because it is an older home, the bathroom has a low, sloping ceiling. It is clean and convenient, but not the most comfortable for a taller man.
Whenever we vacation in St. Michaels, we will be happy to rent either of the two homes on Locust Street.

Tom's cottage is in the perfect location in historic St. Michaels. Just right for me, my husband and our two teenage daughters, 13 & 15. Bright! Cozy, comfortable . . . walk to everything! Remodeled & decorated in beautiful, practical quaintness. We will definitely want to return again, . . . and again! We highly recommend this cottage. St. Michaels is a really great place to visit all seasons and so easy to get to. We live in Frederick/Jefferson, so it's a 1.5 hour breeze-of-a-trip down. We've taken the Bellevue-Oxford ferry over the Oxford; eaten the most fantastic seafood, etc. in StMs and Tighlman's Island; historic Easton and even Berlin MD are great areas to visit, striking out from StMs. Shopping in StMs, Easton, outlets, etc. is so enjoyable, the folks who own and run their shops and restaurants in StMs are super kind. One can not forgo a visit to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, just down the street from Tom's place. It's wonderful for those of all ages! We've been vacationing/visiting StMs since 1993. Love it, loved our stay at Tom's cottage this New Years Eve holiday!
---Alyssa & Jim Young and family

Access to lots of restaurants - enjoyed the whole experience!
Excellent restaurants,within walking distance of where we were staying, We would
HIGHLY recommend this vacation spot. Not noisy!

The pictures of this house do not lie. It is that nice. We parked our car and didn't need again until we left. Close to everything. Walk to the water , sit on the bench and relax. Beautifully decorated. All appliances are there. Cable and great WIFI. Bed was so comfortable! Slept like a baby. Remember to take a hair dryer. Might have been one, but I didn't find it. Slanty ceilings and lots of built ins in master bedroom. I loved it. LOL. Tall husband had a tougher time.
Tons of outlets, great air conditioning, and lovely street. We would love to go again and would recommend it.

We fully enjoyed our relaxing stay in the sleepy little town of St. Michaels, and would definitely return when given the chance. The location is perfect - within a one block walk from town (restaurants, shops, etc) or the park (for a relaxing place to sit and watch boats, or people). No need to drive anywhere once you park in the driveway.

This historic cottage is actually two renovated hardwood floor houses connected by a new kitchen. The front cottage facing the street maintains its historic feel with antique furniture and dining room table. The upstairs is a bedroom with two twin beds, perfect for kids. The back cottage is the really the main living area with dining table, couch, chair, and cable TV (hidden away in an antique hutch), and the upstairs is another bedroom with queen bed and full bathroom (just remember the slanted ceilings in the middle of the night).

The two become one home by way of the kitchen in the middle that connects them, as well as a half bath. This new kitchen is fully equipped (pots, pans, plates, glassware, silverware) with an oven / stove top, full refrigerator, microwave, and even a dishwasher (had to be a woman who designed that!). There is also a stackable washer & dryer just in case you want to do any work before you leave or wash linens/towels.

There is a small patio right outside the kitchen french doors with a charcoal grill, so don't forget the charcoal & lighter fluid, not to mention the marshmallows (or you might have to do some shopping).

It is clean, well maintained, very comfortable. If you plan to cook like we did, just remember to bring spices (we remembered the condiments, just not the spices).

The owners were very pleasant and easy to work with prior to our arrival, making it easy to relax. ENJOY YOUR STAY, you will relax in the quiet!