Private First Floor of a Charming 1883 Victorian – Onancock, VA
Step back in time while enjoying every modern convenience at this beautifully renovated 1883 Victorian home, nestled in the heart of Onancock on Virginia's Eastern Shore. This private garden-level retreat gives you exclusive access to the entire first floor of Serenity Manor — a grand historic home thoughtfully restored to blend 19th-century character with contemporary comfort. Ideal for couples, solo travelers, or small groups of up to 4 guests.
Your Private King Suite
The spacious king bedroom is a retreat in itself — high ceilings, elegant crown molding, and original hardwood floors set the tone, while modern touches ensure a restful stay. You'll sleep soundly on a memory foam mattress, and the room features its own 55" 4K Roku Smart TV, a personal mini-split A/C and heating unit for perfect climate control year-round, and a cozy fireplace with a faux log heater for ambiance on cooler evenings. The en-suite full bathroom includes a tub/shower combination, and there's an additional half bath in the hallway for guests' convenience.
Multiple Living Areas — All Yours
One of the things that makes this space truly special is how much room you have to spread out. The entire first floor is yours, and it feels nothing like a typical one-bedroom rental.
Cozy up in the family room with its 65" 4K Roku TV — the perfect spot for movie nights, lazy mornings, or catching up on your favorite shows. Admire the antique decor in the historically styled formal living room, which has been carefully preserved and decorated to reflect the home's 1883 origins. Start your day in the bright morning room, a sunny and inviting space that's ideal for coffee and conversation.
A futon and sleeper sofa provide flexible additional sleeping for extra guests, so you have options if friends or family join you.
For those who need to stay connected or work remotely, a dedicated workspace is set up with a monitor, power outlets, and USB-A and USB-C charging ports — everything you need to be productive while enjoying a change of scenery.
A Full Kitchen for Real Cooking
This isn't a kitchenette — it's a full kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and all the dishes, silverware, and cooking basics you need to prepare meals just like home. Enjoy your meals at the main dining table or gather more casually at the kitchen seating area. Whether you're cooking a full dinner with local seafood from the market or just making morning coffee, you'll have everything at hand.
The Outdoor Spaces — A True Highlight
Step outside and discover one of the best parts of this property. The screened porch is the kind of space you'll find yourself returning to again and again — perfect for morning coffee, afternoon reading, or evening conversation without a single mosquito to interrupt. Beyond the porch, you have full access to the expansive backyard, a patio with seating, a charcoal grill for outdoor cooking, and a fire pit that's ideal for winding down under the stars on a quiet Eastern Shore evening.
The yard is spacious, open, and private — a rare find for a rental in a walkable downtown setting. It's great for kids to play, for pets to stretch their legs, or simply for enjoying the slower pace that makes this part of Virginia so special.
Pet-Friendly
We know your dog is part of the family. Pets are welcome at Serenity Manor, and the large backyard gives them plenty of room to enjoy the stay as much as you do. A vacuum with a pet hair attachment is provided for easy cleanup before checkout.
Keyless Entry & In-Unit Laundry
Arrival is simple — the front door features a smart lock with a keypad code, so there are no keys to worry about picking up, losing, or returning. The home also has side and rear entrances accessible from the inside. An in-unit washer and dryer adds everyday convenience, especially for longer stays or families with kids.
A Note on Privacy
Serenity Manor also has an attached apartment available for separate rental. The two spaces are connected by a hallway with double doors that are locked from both sides, ensuring complete privacy and sound insulation. The only shared space is the driveway — please avoid blocking the circular drive to keep things easy for everyone.
Exploring Onancock & Beyond
Location is one of this property's great strengths. From the front door, it's just a 10-minute walk along sidewalks to the heart of downtown Onancock — one of the oldest continuously occupied English settlements in North America, dating to 1680. You'll find locally owned restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries, and the scenic Onancock Wharf all within easy reach.
The Wharf is a favorite gathering spot for visitors and locals alike. Enjoy waterside dining, rent a kayak or bicycle, or catch the seasonal ferry to Tangier Island — a tiny, one-of-a-kind Chesapeake Bay community accessible only by boat or small plane. It's an experience that stays with you long after you leave. (Be sure to call ahead to see if it is running.)
For day trips, the Eastern Shore delivers in every direction. Head north about 45 minutes to Assateague Island National Seashore to catch a glimpse of the famous wild ponies roaming the beach. Drive south about 45 minutes to Cape Charles Beach for beautiful bay swimming, or explore Kiptopeke State Park for hiking and world-class birding. The entire Shore is ideal for cycling, fishing, and slowing down.
If you're a history buff, don't miss Kerr Place — a beautifully preserved Federal-style mansion from 1799 that serves as a local history museum, just a short walk from the house. Onancock's streets are full of well-preserved historic architecture, and simply walking the town is a pleasure.
Modern Comforts Throughout
To recap, here's what you'll enjoy throughout the first floor: high-speed Wi-Fi, 4K Roku Smart TVs in the bedroom and family room, individual climate control, a full kitchen, washer and dryer, dedicated workspace, screened porch, fire pit, charcoal grill, expansive yard, and keyless smart-lock entry.
Your Host
I'm Steve, and I purchased this home in 2023 and spent nearly two years bringing it back to life. I'm reachable by phone, text, or messaging through the booking platform and am happy to answer questions, share local recommendations, or help with anything during your stay. Whether you're here for a romantic getaway, a family visit, or simply a peaceful escape, my goal is to make your time here exceptional.
Welcome to Serenity Manor. Enjoy the screened in porch, the fire pit, the backyard — and the serenity.
