What do I bring?
Besides all your personal effects, make sure to bring towels (don’t forget your beach towels!), washcloths, kitchen linens (towels, cloths, sponges, potholders) and tablecloths, sheets, pillows, and blankets. Some other items you may want to remember: sunscreen, beach blankets, radio/CD player, outdoor games (there are some grassy areas and a park next door), indoor games (in case it rains), laundry detergent and dish soap, and beach chairs.

Can I bring my pet?
Pets are welcome at several of our cottages: Caledonia, Somers, Scorpion, and Porcupine. There is an additional rental fee of $50 per pet, per week, plus a $100 deposit per pet. Deposits will be refunded within 10 days of checkout if no damage was caused by your loved one. We ask that you please be considerate of future guests and keep your pets out of the pet-free cottages which are Trippe, Tigress, Ariel, and Niagara. Please let us know in advance if you plan to bring your pet. For the benefit of other guests, we expect you to clean up the yard after your pet.

What is the reservation policy?
A deposit equal to 1/3rd the total rent (Reservation Deposit) plus a $50 Security Deposit is required to reserve each cottage. Cottages are not considered reserved until deposits are received. Balance is due on or before arrival. Make checks payable to Shipwatch Cottages.

Do you require a deposit / security deposit?
A Security Deposit of $50 will be required along with your initial Reservation Deposit of 1/3 the rental cost. The Security Deposit will be refunded within 10 days of checkout if the cottage is in clean condition and the inventory is present and in good condition.

What is the cancellation policy?
Rent is refundable if cancellation is received 30 days or more prior to reservation date, less a $50 processing fee. If cancellation is 29 days or fewer from your arrival date, the Reservation Deposit is non-refundable.

Do you rent for shorter/longer periods than one week?
From Memorial Day week through Labor Day week we only accept weekly rentals. Before and after these dates we have options for daily, weekend, weekly, and monthly rentals, depending on availability. We also offer discounts for rentals for more than one week or to larger groups requiring more than one unit. Please call 440-428-5542 for pricing on these options.

Do you offer special pricing for large groups?
Depending on availability, we offer discounts for rentals for more than one week or to larger groups requiring more than one unit. Please call 440-428-5542 for pricing on these options.

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Do you charter fishing trips?
No, but we can direct you and your party to charter captains. Geneva State Park Marina is home to many charters.

Can I bring a boat / jet skis?
Neighboring Madison Township Park and the Ohio Department of Resources’ Geneva State Park Marina have boat ramps to launch small crafts.

Can I dock a boat there?
Because Lake Erie is the shallowest of all the Great Lakes, winds can cause the lake to become very rough. Overnight docking is always done in a safe harbor. The Geneva State Park Marina offers overnight mooring for a fee.

What is Lake Erie like?
Lake Erie is the smallest of the Great Lakes in volume (119 cubic miles) and is exposed to the greatest effects from urbanization and agriculture. Measuring 241 miles across and 57 miles from north to south, the lake’s surface is just under 10,000 square miles, with 871 miles of shoreline. The average depth of Lake Erie is only about 62 feet (210 feet, maximum). It therefore warms rapidly in the spring and summer, and frequently freezes over in winter. The drainage basin covers parts of Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Ontario. Because of its fertile soils, the basin is intensively farmed and is the most densely populated of the five lake basins.

What is it like in the winter?
We invite you to come experience the other seasons besides summer on the lake. Fall is the perfect time for a quiet getaway to enjoy northeast Ohio’s brilliant color and nothing is like our pastel pink sunsets over the silent frozen blanket of Lake Erie’s winter sleep. (The perfect time to curl up with a good book.) Spring winds and rains can make Erie dance. Our waves reach heights of 8 to 10 feet! Erie looks like an ocean in the Springtime.
Our cottages provide you with the perfect view to witness these magical times on what we think is the greatest of the Great Lakes.

What are some ideas on how to use Shipwatch Cottages?
Naturally, Shipwatch Cottages are a great summer vacation destination, but they can be great for other events too.
Consider renting Shipwatch Cottages for family reunions, birthday parties, and Thanksgiving or other holiday get-togethers.
In-between homes? Shipwatch Cottages are perfect for quality living in that time before you new house is ready.
Are you a contractor, working at the Perry Power Plant or other nearby facility? Shipwatch can be a great home for the duration of your stay in the area.

I have rented before when it was called Beach Shore Rentals. What is different?
The former owner of Beach Shore Rentals / Owls Nest Cottages, Cameron Marcy and his wife Margery, have decided to retire. The properties have been purchased by Bob and Barbara Gardner and their family.
The first change you’ll notice is the name. It is now called Shipwatch Cottages. In addition, next summer each cottage will receive a plaque with its own name as described in this website. You will also notice changes as we make improvements to the interiors of the cottages.
Rest assured, we hope to continue the Marcy’s tradition of friendly, helpful service to make your stay enjoyable.

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