Notes from the host
Waterfront at Velvet Crab
Nestled on the edge of Minister’s Pond, The Velvet Crab is a peaceful two-bedroom retreat made for every season. Enjoy coffee on the deck, paddle out in the canoe, or unwind by the fire pit under the stars. With pond views, a full kitchen, renovated bath, and classic outdoor shower, this cozy cottage blends comfort and Cape Cod charm. From golden autumn reflections to bright summer mornings, it’s a serene escape year-round.
I respect the autonomy of my guests and can easily be reached by facetime, email, text, carrier pigeon, smoke signal, or yodeling. Communication with guests is important to us. Please be sure you have app notifications turned on for your phone as this will be our means of communicating with you before, during, and after your stay. Our digital guidebooks contain directions, instructions, and access information. It is your responsibility to review this information prior to arrival.
Very central to everything. Close to Cape Cod Rail Trail (bike trail), Arnolds, Coast Guard and Nauset Light beach, Salt Pond Visitors Center, Eastham Windmill, and First Encounter beach.
The cottage is located on the waterfront. You must read the directions in the guide provided or else you will go to the wrong place. Do not rely on GPS!!!
Wake up to the gentle shimmer of Minister’s Pond at The Velvet Crab, where every season brings its own kind of Cape Cod magic. In spring, wildflowers line the water’s edge; in summer, the air hums with warmth and laughter; autumn paints the trees in amber reflections; and winter wraps the pond in peaceful stillness. Whether you’re sipping coffee on the deck or paddling out in the canoe, this cottage offers a timeless connection to nature.
Inside, sunlight pours through oversized windows framing serene pond views. The airy living space blends modern comfort with classic Cape charm, and the fully equipped kitchen makes dining in as easy as breathing out. The main bedroom features a queen bed overlooking the water, while the second offers two twin beds—perfect for friends or family. As evening settles, unwind by the fire pit, grill dinner on the deck, or rinse off in the open-air shower under Cape Cod’s endless sky.
The Velvet Crab is designed for slow mornings, spontaneous swims, and peaceful nights by the pond—no matter the season.
**Highlights:**
* An award-winning, custom digital house manual with local recommendations included with each stay (no apps or downloads required)
* 1 Queen bed, 2 Twin beds
* 1 fully renovated bathroom plus a classic outdoor shower
* Luxurious linens, duvets, Turkish towel sets with charcoal-infused bamboo washcloths provided
* Eco-friendly toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, and body wash free of sulfates, phosphates, and microbeads
* Full kitchen with everything you need for relaxed, home-cooked meals
* Coffee bar with drip coffee maker, French press, hot water kettle, regular and decaf coffee, and assorted teas
* Roku streaming TV and strong WiFi throughout
* Gas grill and patio furniture for outdoor dining
* Fire pit on the shared pond beach for evening gatherings under the stars
* 1 canoe and 1 kayak provided for guest use
* Dog-friendly ($100 fee, limit 1 dog over 1 year old). No cats, birds, ferrets, or pet rocks—just one well-behaved woof
* Heating and cooling throughout for year-round comfort
* Prime location on Minister’s Pond near Salt Pond Visitors Center, Cape Cod Rail Trail, Arnold’s, and the Cape Cod National Seashore
* Minimum booking age: 25 years
* Optional add-ons available such as Pack-n-Plays, Farm Fresh Eggs, Romance Packages, Tours, and more (details after booking)
* Professionally cleaned by a VRMA award-winning company using detailed checklists and EPA-approved sanitization products
Because plans can shift like the tides, we always recommend travel insurance for peace of mind during your Cape Cod getaway.
For Airbnb: A quick note on who you are paying for what, because lately everyone asks some version of who am I paying for what and to who. We set two things. One. The nightly rate for the home itself which we keep as fair as possible for this area. Two. The cleaning fee matches what our professional cleaning company charges to clean and reset a home this size. Those are the only amounts we control. Airbnb collects its own platform service fee for using the Airbnb site and support. Airbnb may include that platform fee in the total price you see here instead of showing it as a separate line which can make it look like it is part of what we charge. It is not. That amount goes to Airbnb. You will also see taxes as a separate line. Those taxes are required by state and local rules for this area. We do not set the tax rates, and we do not keep those funds. Airbnb calls this “fee transparency”.
The property is very large so GPS down to the cottage is not reliable. Specific directions and instructions for arrival are given in the award-winning house manual and recommendations guide provided upon booking (and a provided again a few times thereafter).
