Rockport Cottages, Then & Now
Years ago (in the 1600’s) our ancestors came to Rockport and settled in to fish, work in the quarries, own a tavern or two and harvest ice at The Mill Pon d just below Cottage on the Pond. Great grandfather Rueben Norwood operated an ice house on the bank of the pond which was destroyed by fire but in tribute to his chosen profession and supplying the townspeople with ice our cousin Sam Coulbourn petitioned for a granite cut out on the bank of the Mill Pond in memory of Rueben. Along the banks of the old Mill Pond and along picturesque Mill Lane artists congregate to color their canvases with some of the loveliest views in Rockport and capture the ever changing light over the historic pond. This bit of history is to introduce you to our family cottages that have remained in the Norwood family for several generations.
We are the current caregivers and have shared them with families, many of which have returned year after year, and then through the years their children have created memories.
Cottage on the Lane is a year round get away which has undergone two major renovations to its present charming status with today’s efficiencies while Cottage on the Pond and The Sound House are seasonal. They all enjoy working fireplaces; views to the sea; relaxing back yards and completely furnished with everything to make for a carefree vacation. The location of each takes advantage of the short two minute walk to Front Beach; a leisurely five minute walk to restaurants and shops and only a five minute drive to the fishing town of Gloucester.
We invite you to spend your Rockport vacation with us. Should a spring stay beckon, we still have availability for May and June.
Looking forward to hosting your family this season.
From our family to yours, happy summer!
Louise Norwood
Searching for a Peace of Mind
Cottage on the Lane
We invite you to enjoy a much deserved summer vacation in the iconic Town of Rockport, Massachusetts. As the pandemic wanes and thoughts turn to good times by the seashore, we are pleased to offer our safe, socially distant “Rockport Cottages” which will allow your family the distinct advantage of a self-contained home to enjoy your loved ones and family pet. Rockport is centrally located on the island of Cape Anne full of history, a two minute walk to Front Beach and plenty of space to walk your pooch. Our special homes offer an immaculate environment to settle in without the concern of sharing the premises with the public. We strive to have many comforts available on site to eliminate the need of air travel, public transport or multiple trips to the local grocery stores. Your own well equipped kitchen will give family members the opportunity to cook fresh seafood from Roy Moore Lobster better known as “Kenny’s” or grilling out in a secure, safe backyard. Soft summer evenings at Cottage on the Pond overlooking the Mill Pond or enjoying the oasis patio at Cottage on the Lane both offer memorable times with family all safely sequestered.
Sunny Days Ahead
Rockport Harbor
The world is rapidly changing with the onset of the global pandemic. While we are spending days and now perhaps weeks homebound much time will be spent surfing the web, watching Netflix and spending precious time with family. In these ensuing days and weeks thoughts will start to turn to the glorious days of summer rejoicing that the worst has passed. With travel to far off places having dwindled due to the regulatory policies imposed, stay vacation plans may be in order or a short week or two to one of the most iconic seaside villages in New England. Rockport, Massachusetts is home to a variety of fun outing opportunities, the freshest of seafood in the rough and soaking up the sun on Front Beach directly below our timeless, viewsome cottages.
We are suspending our current policy of two week stays to one week in light of lay offs and the extraordinary times we find ourselves in. And please bring your furry pet as we are and always have been “Pet Friendly”. The Meadow which is the local park enjoyed by dog walkers is situated just below our Mill Lane cottages better known as “Cottage on the Pond” and “Cottage on the Lane” and our sweet studio “The Sound House”.
This year we have updated Cottage on the Pond constructing a second bathroom, installing laundry facilities and improving our existing kitchen with a refreshed, remodel. All will be ready to accommodate you from mid May straight through the autumn season. As always, we strive to make our special idyllic cottages a respite for your families to enjoy their vacations making treasured memories.