Shelter Harbor Family Retreat
Westerly, Rhode Island

Bring your entire extended family together in this warm, sunny hideaway in one of the nicest little corners of New England. Perfect for large families, family reunions, or families vacationing together, this spacious cottage was recently renovated by loving grandparents with a design that is perfect for family gatherings of up to 24 people! "Most weeks during the summer you'll find our home teeming with our grown children, grandchildren, and a collection of friends," says Pat. "Each summer Austin and I head north for two weeks and make our home available for rental to another family. Available this summer 2007 only as a single two-week rental from July 7 to July 21, 2007. Price, $10,000 for 2 weeks The front porch facing east is a great spot for watching the early morning sun while enjoying that first cup of freshly brewed coffee. Later on, after a hard day at the beach building sandcastles, collecting shells and sunbathing, (or working on your handicap on one of the 28 public golf courses in the area), return home and enjoy the summer breezes on the front porch or on one of the two upper decks.

Take pleasure in the extensive flower gardens and the side patio with its hot tub, gas grill and tables for outdoor dining. The southern deck off the Master Suite is a lovely spot for the adults to meet for 5 o'clock cocktails while the kids splash in the hot tub on the porch below. Encompassing almost the entire first floor is a true "Great Room" designed specifically for family gatherings. Surrounded by extra-large windows & french doors, with a huge skylight, this bright, airy room is tastefully decorated, and adorned with many plants. With hardwood floors and area rugs throughout, the Great Room creates four distinct gathering areas with sofas & chairs, game tables, and spots for reading/ playing games or coloring. In the different areas of this family center you'll probably wind up with a perpetual jigsaw puzzle, a fierce monopoly tournament in another, the young kids playing "go fish," and a group watching TV or DVDs. Meanwhile the teens have escaped to the "dorm" to engage in a debate over who's the best body surfer or to listen to music. The Great Room also includes a stereo/cd player with a collection of classical music, Broadway show tunes and folk music.