Island Oasis
Escape to Bassett's Island and discover a breathtaking retreat. This stunning 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home boasts its own private sandy beach, providing the perfect setting for families and friends to unwind and create unforgettable memories.
We invite you to unwind at our lovely home, nestled among hundred year old red cedars and oak trees. Our home offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking tranquility and adventure. Whether you’re interested in beachcombing, beach running, or kayaking, tubing and sailing, your island getaway awaits.
The property spans ~3 1/2 acres and offers a private sandy beach, a quarter-mile long, brimming with shells for beachcombing. Lined with wild beach roses and grass, this beachfront paradise boasts a house directly on the water. The entire peninsula is yours to enjoy, making it an ideal getaway for families, friends, and guests.
Our Story
Originally from the Midwest, our family made it a tradition to vacation on the Cape in Pocasset, MA every summer with our extended family. Each year, we packed up the car and drove east ~20 hours (Pennsylvania went on FOREVER) to get to our two weeks of summer fun. In 1989, we purchased a 1960's A-frame property on Bassett's Island and in 1998, we collaborated with a renowned local craftsman builder to design and rebuild our summer getaway. We cherish our time on the island, away from the hustle and bustle of our jobs and city life.
It’s a wonderful and unique place to recharge, and we’re delighted to share our island home with you and
hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
We have been using third party vacation sites for more than a decade to connect with renters.
With life changes, we are increasingly finding time and need to be on the Cape ourselves.
We want to continue to share our home with others who appreciate the simplicity and privacy of island living,
but we are simplifying how we connect and getting back to making things more personal.
Escape & Relax
The closest mainland towns to this quiet part of the Cape are Sandwich, Falmouth, and Woods Hole. All offer a variety of good restaurants, museums, and activities the whole family can enjoy. The immediate villages of
Pocasset and Cataumet have plenty to offer as well, including arguably one of the best seafood restaurants on the Cape and a fabulous ice cream parlor! There's a fresh produce farmer's market (with local cheeses, meats and baked goods), two fish markets, and a well-stocked convenience store, with a great deli, within a few miles of the main dock at Kingman Yacht Center. The Shining Sea Bike Path and the Woods Hole Aquarium are nearby. The Bourne Bridge is a ten-minute drive away, and the city of Boston and Logan Airport are just an hour's drive from this peaceful location.
You would never know it!
Welcome to Bassett's Island
Spacious Accommodations
Enjoy our beautifully appointed home with water views from every room. The inviting clerestory living room and large wraparound porch create a perfect environment for relaxation and family gatherings. The bright and sunny house is beautifully designed and built by a local craftsman builder. The large porch, wraparound couch, outdoor dining table and comfortable chairs beckon you to sit and forget the clock.
Outdoor Adventures
The island is easily accessible by a 20-minute boat ride using two 12' and 14' Carolina Skiffs (provided) with 15 horsepower engines. Renters must be comfortable with the operation of small outboard engines, and those running the boats must be licensed to pilot boats in the State of Massachusetts starting in 2028. An off-island dock with parking at Kingman's Marina and two island outhauls are included with the rental. Well-behaved pets are considered, especially for multi-week rentals.
Breathtaking Surroundings
Take in the stunning sunrises and sunsets over the water, and enjoy the lush landscape filled with vibrant gardens and serene walking trails. You'll have a large, landscaped yard with red cedars, oaks, lily, Hosta and herb gardens. Pick fresh chives for your omelet in the morning or mint for your mojito in the evening. There are views of the bay and ocean in all directions, including from the grill!
Experience Island Living the Easy Way
Well-Stocked for all Necessities
The house is well-stocked with all the necessities, including toiletries in the bathrooms and loads of dried spices, cooking oils, baking basics etc. in the kitchen. You'll have WiFi, a washer and dryer, high-end Weber gas grill, fire pit, wood burning stove, smart television for streaming your personal entertainment subscriptions, and loads of puzzles, board games, and lawn games. Linens and towels, including beach towels, are provided and are abundant.
1/4 Mile of Private Beach
Explore the beauty of the island with your own private beach, four sea kayaks including a double kayak, a sailboat, two Carolina skiffs, and a variety of water toys and beach chairs for endless fun in the sun. Fish directly off the beach (fish are plentiful off Bassett's Island) or use the skiffs to access deeper waters in Buzzards Bay. Fishing requires a local license but is easy to attain.
Peace and Relaxation Await
Play bocce ball, stick ball, croquet and badminton in the spacious yard. Take a nap in the hammock. Sit and watch the water from an adirondack chair on the bluff. Enjoy a walk in the woods. Find that perfect shell on the beach. Unwind with an outdoor shower after your afternoon swim, or grab a good book from our small library and read on one of several comfortable couches or cozy chairs on the property. This is truly your time.
Get in Touch
Interested in experiencing Bassett's Island for yourself? Contact us for inquiries or to reserve your dream getaway. We're here to help you plan your perfect island escape.
A wonderful experience! We had an incredible stay at this property! The home was impeccably clean, cozy, and looked exactly like the photos provided.
The hosts were exceptionally responsive and accommodating.
The location provided breathtaking views and
direct beach/water access.
Our kids especially loved visiting the ice cream boat! We would love to stay here again and highly recommend it to others!
Teresa R. August 2026
This property is a summer vacation dream. Secluded, quiet with beautiful views and cool ocean breezes.
I especially enjoyed accessing the property via boat.
Shelling was great and the wildlife abundant.
Thank you for sharing this charming property.
Tammy A. July 2026
Beautiful home, great setting, total privacy, every possible amenity, pet friendly, beautiful views, very nice / helpful owners.
Jim B. June 2026
Thank you so very much for such an incredible place to take our vacation. The house has everything- and then some. The sunsets were amazing.
The check-in process with Alby and going out to the island for the first time was simple and informative.
Check-out was a breeze and Jenny met us at the dock to say goodbye. Rod made a phone call to us when we were in need of some information for the skiffs after a couple of VRBO messages back and forth.
No doubt, these hosts care a whole lot about their property and their guests- even our dogs.
Honestly, we've never had such a well thought out vacation venue by a host. Wow! There are so many great things to say, I can't even come close to naming them all. We'll be back!
Tori P.-C. August 2025
This was our fourth trip to Basset Island, and it was just as magical, relaxing, and *disconnected* as always.I’m sure this won’t be our last visit!
The house and the views are stunning, everything you need is provided, tons of outdoor games and activities.
The boats to get around are a fun adventure for all ages,we love it all!
Karina S.-M. August 2025
We had a wonderful stay! The house and property were even better than described.
The house was incredibly clean and stocked with
everything (and more) that was needed for the week.
Between the beach, boats, kayaks, outdoor games, board games, etc., there was always something fun to do.
It was a truly unique experience
to stay on the island but also not difficult to get to shore and explore some of the surrounding areas as well. Thank you for sharing this amazing property with us...we hope to be back in the future.
Matthew Q August 2025
There’s something magical about a Cape Cod island getaway—where salty breezes and ocean views become the backdrop for simple joys. We’ll always remember the sticky-sweet evenings of roasting endless s’mores, the laughter (and slight chaos) of attempting homemade ice cream, and the triumphant feeling of finishing that 20-mile bike ride together. These are the moments that turn a vacation into a treasure chest of memories.
Jennifer A. August 2025
This was truly a unique vacation.
Renting this property gave me the opportunity to show my children what it was like to grow up on Cape Cod.
The architecture along with the art in the house was as interesting as the natural surroundings. We were well taken care of by the property manager on our first introduction to the island then we were left enjoy the most serene and peaceful vacation we’ve had yet. Combine that with most adventurous and there you have it.
Joseph W. July 2023
TESTIMONIALS 2022-2026
*Previously on VRBO*
If you’re hesitating - BOOK IT NOW!
The pictures completely undersell this place.
It’s breathtaking.
The house is amazing and has all of the household items you could want (and more) so you don’t have to pack much extra. The woodwork and high ceiling in the living room are incredible. The skiff/boat ride was fun and quick. The private beach is unbeatable for daily walks and feeling like you have your own little slice of Heaven.
Alby (the property manager) and the hosts were wonderful with communication and answering any questions.
The outdoor space is unmatched - expansive patio,
outdoor shower, view overlooking the bay, comfortable seating,bird watching, a small trail to explore, and more!
I cannot recommend this place enough and WILL be returning!!
Samantha H. July 2025
We loved our vacation at Bassetts Island. We never wanted to leave. The house was perfect. We were 3 generations and we all had a blast
Deborah P. August 2024
This truly is a find, especially for those wanting something a little out of the ordinary with the seclusion of a private island that is only accessible by boat. We loved it! The house is so beautiful and comfortable and really is a well-loved family vacation home that the owners graciously share with those of us lucky enough to rent it.
And they have thought of everything needed to make your stay comfortable. We loved the beach and hunting for seashells, the hammock, the large, comfy porch and of course boating to and from the island. Bassetts Island is a memorable, special place!
Lisa F. July 2024
This was our third year at Bassett’s island and I hope it won’t be the last! It’s such a magical place, I hope we can keep coming back year after year to make new memories.
Karina S.-M. July 2024
It was our third time on Bassetts Island and we look forward to going back to this magical place again.
Jonas B. July 2024
If you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation and are comfortable driving a small outboard motorboat, look no further! The property manager referred to the place as special, and that is an understatement. It’s a gem!
The house sits on a small island, overlooking the water. The porch faces west and the sunsets are picturesque. The photos don’t fully capture how nicely appointed the house is, but the description is accurate.
The owners have put a lot of thought into furnishings and provided just about anything you could want.
The kitchen is a cooking dream to work in.
Great quality appliances and cookware. The hosts have provided kayaks and beach games for outside, and inside there’s a jigsaw puzzle table & many games & books. The beach is private & has beautiful seashells, including intact conch shells!
Outside, there’s also a hammock, couch seating, grill, fire pit & dinner table. There was a lovely breeze off the water that kept the house comfortably cool.
Finally, the owners are responsive, friendly & helpful.Thank you, Rod. I would return tomorrow if I could.
Carla B. August 2023
This was our second year at Bassetts Island, and we had a lovely time with family and friends. There is so much to do, between grilling, outdoor eating, roasting marshmallows in the fire pit, indoor cooking and eating in the most well-appointed kitchen I’ve ever been in, to boating in the skiffs (fishing; we caught a Flounder) , kayaking, swimming, playing bocce, croquet, finding interesting stones and shells, and strolling on the expansive beach! On the one rainy day that we had there were multiple games to play, choosing a book to read from the library and watching movies on the big screen we brought along with a projector.
The owner and the property manager are always available to talk to and help anytime you have a question. We love Bassetts Island and hope to return soon!
Lisa R. July 2022
We had the best time! The home and location were beautiful and the hosts had everything we needed. The caretaker who helped us get settled was so nice and helpful and we had the very best two weeks with our kids!
Colleen E. July 2023
It was our second time on Bassetts Island, and we enjoyed every bit of it. Magnificent location, fabulous house. We will go back next summer. Discerning Bostonian ;)
Jonas B. Jul 2023
This was our second visit to Bassett's Island, and our vacation was just as relaxing as our first vacation in 2021. The house is very comfortable and clean with good wi-fi and and all the cooking essentials.
It is perfectly positioned on Bassett's Island for lazy afternoons watching the sun pass overhead and seeing beautiful sunsets.
Don't miss the great seafood at the Lobster Trap (the best for fresh lobsters, steamers and fried clams). The owners were quick to respond to texts and emails and made check-in and check-out a breeze.
Thank you, Rod, Murphy and Jenny, for sharing your vacation home with us.
Joshua B. September 2022
Our two weeks stay on Bassett's Island was absolutely magical. The house and property were somehow even more perfect than the listing photos convey.
It was the best-appointed vacation house we have ever stayed at- the owners have made sure that absolutely everything you could need or want are available. From the gourmet kitchen stocked with spices/ baking goods/ everything you need to cook the perfect meal, to the fresh herb garden, the wide variety of water and beach equipment, a full library of books, puzzles and games, kid’s toys- I could go on.
The check in process was flawless although tiring due to the island nature of the home! The house was perfectly clean, and the mattresses and pillows were all incredibly comfortable- something we rarely see in rentals.
The beach is amazing- with warm water, fun little fish and crabs for the kids to catch with nets, and a lovely breeze. We enjoyed day trips to various places on cape cod and lovely evenings with dinner spent on the outdoor deck, followed by making s’mores around the fire pit.
The owners are wonderful- they have very thorough instructions on what to bring and the house as well as restaurants and things do in the area. They were very responsive when we had questions and were just in general lovely people.
An absolute gem of a vacation.
Sarah B. August 22, 2022
We had a wonderful time on Bassett's Island. Had all the adult kids and significant others (7 total) come stay with us, and also my parents came separately on different days.
Such a relaxing time there on the island. The house and deck/yard are great for relaxing or hanging out. The views of the water were fantastic and the sunsets were breathtaking. Once the sun has set and you think you've seen it all, just wait 15-20 minutes for the real magic to happen. Gorgeous!
Thank you so much, Rod and Murphy, for sharing your home with us and allowing us to create such wonderful memories!
Rob W. August 2022
I almost don't want to give Rod & Murphy's amazing home a great review, if only to leave it open for us to continue renting it!
We had a lovely relaxing, fun-filled, boat-filled, adventurous and UNPLUGGED vacation getting away from it all with our family of 4 and our close friends. Communication was A++, Location A+++++++, everything once again more than exceeded our expectations!
I hope we can keep coming back for many years to come!
Karina S. - M. July 2022
Rod and Murphy are wonderful hosts with an impeccable beach house. The house and location are outstanding, the views just breathtaking. Young and old had a fantastic time and we will for sure return.
Jonas B. July 2022
The house was perfect for us - our week on Bassett's Island passed all too quickly. We spent hours on the west facing lawn just reading and relaxing. The house is well-stocked for cooking (including all tools necessary for steamed lobsters), with a terrific gas grill on the patio.
The house is in a no wake zone, so there were no issues with loud motorboats or jet skis. Wi-fi was a little finicky at first but then seemed to settle in on our devices {WIFI has been since updated with a business router that can handle even the biggest streamers of entertainment}.
The location and privacy of the house cannot be beat. Some advance planning for groceries is necessary but well worth it.
Alby met us at the dock and
was very helpful in getting us to the house and settled in.
We had a great time and plan to return.
Joshua B. September 2021
Friends and family had a magical experience on this beautiful island getaway. We had a two week stay where every day was as wonderful as the one before. Well appointed, lovely home has just about everything you need. Mr. O’Flaherty was patient with calls and concerns before we began our adventure and very accommodating! This vacation was all that we had hoped for!
Lisa R. August 2021
A beautiful house and property with an amazing private beach. The boat ride to the island adds additional fun and adventure.
Mark A. August 2021
Much like the previous reviewers, my expectations were totally exceeded! The home and property are more beautiful than the pictures convey. It is truly an adventure! The owners are the kindest and finest of any rental home we've stayed at, and we do at least 2-3 every summer on the Cape alone.
You have to bring your sense of adventure -
we arrived on a VERY rainy day, and the boat ride over was hilariously wet. The house has tons of games,both indoor and out, and any cooking supply you could think of. They advise you to pack light for good reason!
The beds were so comfortable, they had more towels than you could ever need, and the outdoor shower is just perfect (and now enclosed, not open as in the photos).
We hope to return to Bassetts again soon!
Joanna J. July 2021
The property is incredible with the most beautiful views from every window. Nice breezes on the porch. Great paddle boarding and kayaking around the bay. Fun hike around the island at low tide. Lots of lawn games and board games. Bonfires on the patio with s'mores. We really loved our time.
Maureen F. July 2021
This property is just lovely. It’s so peaceful and stocked with everything imaginable for a week away from the world. The O’Flaherty’s are wonderful as well, extremely helpful and easy to get in touch with. We just got in the car to head home, and my family is already asking when we can head back!
Vernica C. September 2020
What a relaxing, beautiful home to stay at. Our second year here. Laying in the hammock, watching all the boats go by. Drinking a glass of wine each night watching the sun set across the harbor.
Fishing on the small skiffs and cooking In the gourmet kitchen.
The perfect place to literally get away from it all!
Rod and Murphy are the perfect hosts and have thought of every detail to make your stay memorable.
Kenneth and Kay F. August 2020
Traveled with my husband, three grown children and two of their spouses. Everyone rated this vacation very high! The privacy, the beach, the house, the view, and the most amazing sunsets are simply priceless.
I have already recommended this home to others and will continue to do so. Rod is a great person to work with! Enjoy!
Joanna R. August 2020
TESTIMONIALS
2018-2021
*Previously on VRBO*
We had a blast at this property. At booking, we were suspicious that it would be that good, but there was everything that was advertised at the VRBO site and more. We swam in our own private beach, fished both from shore and offshore, almost every day (and there are a lot of fish, lots of porgies), did tubing, kayaked every day, short walked around the beach, etc...
The house had a great location and layout as a vacation home. Everything you need and more were present in the kitchen. Spices, condiments, oils, and like they said, enough supply to make one or 2 dinners when you first come. Everything was well thought of.
Owners are very nice people, replied to our emails promptly. As I said at the beginning, we had a blast and we will definitely come back. Rod, Murphy; thanks a lot! Best,
Erkan B. August 2020
We had a fabulous time on the Island. The check-in process was smooth and lucky us - early check in!
The house was spotless and welcoming upon arrival. Perfect sunsets every night. We sailed, kayaked, splashed and gathered excellent shells! Bring your water shoes! (Gratefully there are extra pairs in the mud room closet to borrow as one in our party forgot their water shoes - thank you!)
The wrap around porch is amazing. Comfy chairs and a seat for all. We played games, puzzles and read books too. The Kitchen is well-stocked with the essentials and then some. Cooking was easy. Plenty of dishes and indoor/outdoor glassware/plates to make entertaining easy with a group.
The Light in the house is absolutely sparkling. We often found ourselves sitting on the porch in the golden afternoon hours watching the boats sail by...slice of heaven. Perfect escape.
Thank you!
Kelly B. August 2020
We stayed at this house for our very first time at the end of August. We normally go to Martha’s Vineyard. This was an unbelievable vacation! No hoards of people, ferry rides, expensive restaurants. Nope, just quiet and serenity.
We went with a few couples. We had the two little skiff boats that are equipped with the house, and we tooled around the island and even went fishing. We had fresh fish almost every day. There is no one around where the house is situated. So, you truly have privacy.
My advice to people who would like to stay here in the future? Make sure you bring enough food and drinks, because once you get there, you never want to go off island to go to a store! At night we made s’mores in the fire pit, cooked dinner on the grill, ate outside, watched the birds at the bird feeder, read books on the hammock, drank wine in the Adirondack chairs watching the boats come in. OH! And went to the beach at 5:45 am with coffee to watch the incredible sunrise every day.
Kenneth and Kay F. September 2019
My wife and I along with our 3 kids (22,21,&10) and another couple spent a fantastic week on Bassett Island.
The location was peaceful with awesome accommodations and was well-stocked. The boats were a lot of fun and very useful for fishing and exploring Buzzards Bay.
Lots of activities available at the property - badminton family tourney and tons of games for evening fun. Firepit s’mores. Awesome birdwatching.
We caught literally hundreds of fish (stripers, bluefish, seabass, scup, fluke, weakfish) which made grilling fresh seafood dinner multiple nights.
We clammed for quahogs with success on beachy side of island.
From main marina, short 25 min drive to Falmouth Ferry to Martha's Vineyard - fun day trip. Restaurants and groceries close by as well. This place was awesome for active family bonding away from crowds and hustle and bustle of busier parts of Cape. I couldn't give a higher recommendation!
Thaddeus S. August 2019
We have stayed at many places on the Cape with each year trying to find a better spot… Let me tell you this is the best spot we have stayed in on the Cape. So long as you’re open to adventure, looking to do something a little different, enjoy relaxation, and really want to spend quality time with your family…This checks all those boxes!
We look forward to coming back to the property and were amazed with everything it had to offer including the owners...
Paul D. August 2019
This is a special, unique property
for travelers with a little extra sense of adventure.
Truly private house and gorgeous lawn, and your own beach. A center of calm inside of a relatively busy area. I doubt there is anything else quite like it in the Cape Cod area. You do have to take a 25-minute boat ride, in a small open boat, to reach the island. This is a nuisance, but without this nuisance it would be impossible to get such a private little paradise.
This destination is best for those travelers who can just settle in and relax, and who are not planning too many outings to the mainland.
Ivyl B. July 2019
An absolute idyll. Well-stocked, serene, an easy boat ride and views galore. So much to do—and not do, depending on your mood and requirements!
We visited over the fourth and watched fireworks both from the boat and the porch; both views were marvelous.
The owners are beyond accommodating and were entirely flexible when we were hoping for a few more days in paradise. We will be back!
Kim S. July 2019
My family of 6 (4 college aged and young adult) and 2 significant others shared a memorable 4th of july week on bassett's island.
The setting is spectacular, the home very tastefully designed and extremely well equipped, and so many available activities. We all enjoyed the old-fashioned swing and hammock, the plentiful birds chirping, the lapping ocean sounds at night, games of corn hole and croquet, sing along's, sea kayak and sunfish adventures, s’mores at the fire pit and of course our own private beach.
Definitely the best home we've ever rented!
rebecca k. july 2018
I really dont know where to start. From the moment we got there till the moment we left the experience was amazing. Rod and murphy were extremely helpful and helped us get to the island from the dock. I had never piloted a boat and they showed me the ropes.
The house on the island has everything you can hope for. So much to do but a week was not enough time. We had a great time hanging out on the beach, visiting local shops on the shore, hanging out in the back yard (there is a swing, hammock, patio with chairs).
The view is absolutely gorgeous especially the sunsets. Everyone needs to experience this magical getaway at least once. The appliances are brand new. We had fun cooking on the induction cooktop!
Remember to pack light. The house has everything! You will not be disappointed!
We hope to be back next year!
Shan H. June 2018