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The Queen of the Thimble Islands

your current months are January, 2025 and February, 2025.
January 2025
February 2025

Photo gallery for The Queen of the Thimble Islands

Lake
Aerial view
Exterior
TV, fireplace
Outdoor dining

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

8 bedrooms5 bathroomsSleeps 15

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer

Room options

Terrace/patio

Grace Island. Private Island! Vacations, Getaways, Weddings & Special Events.

Kitchen
Outdoor space
Breakfast available
Barbecue grill
Grace Island. Private Island! Vacations, Getaways, Weddings & Special Events.
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About the area

Map
Branford, CT

What's nearby

  • Stony Creek - Thimble Islands Historic District - 1 min walk
  • Stony Creek Museum - 17 min walk
  • Connecticut Sportsplex - 16 min drive
  • Yale University - 20 min drive
  • Yale-New Haven Hospital - 21 min drive

Getting around

  • Guilford Station - 14 min drive
  • New Haven, CT (HVN-Tweed - New Haven Regional) - 19 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Stony Creek Brewery - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Hornets Nest Deli - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Parthenon Diner Restaurant - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Common Grounds - ‬12 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Queen of the Thimble Islands

Nestled on the captivating Wheeler Island, often hailed as the Queen of the Thimble Islands, this beloved residence was designed with the sole purpose of providing an oasis of joy and relaxation. This magnificent island home boasts eight spacious bedrooms and features enchanting wrap-around porches that offer breathtaking views of Long Island Sound. Positioned on a three-quarter-acre rock, Wheeler Island provides an idyllic escape, combining the tranquility of nature with the comforts of modern living.

Embrace the allure of this private retreat, which comes complete with its own, albeit petite, beach—a perfect spot for a refreshing dip or the launch of kayaks to explore the scenic Island chain. Following a day of basking in the sun, feeling the warm sand beneath your feet, and absorbing the invigorating sea breeze, rejuvenate in the outdoor shower that adds a touch of luxury to your island experience.

The interior of the house is thoughtfully designed to cater to your every need. Choose to dine indoors in the well-appointed kitchen, featuring modern appliances, a convenient dishwasher, a double sink, and a gas stove, or savor your meals outdoors amid the natural beauty of the island, with a barbecue area and a welcoming fireplace to enhance your dining ambiance. Moreover, the house is equipped with a reliable generator, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted retreat.

Access to Wheeler Island is facilitated either by your own private boat or through the easily accessible public ferry service, which embarks on a short, scenic journey from Stoney Creek Harbor. For detailed directions to Stoney Creek Harbor and comprehensive information regarding the ferry service, as well as parking arrangements, we invite you to explore the Thimble Islands Ferry website at thimbleislandsferry.com.

This exceptional island getaway offers a variety of rental options to suit your preferences. During the summer months, indulge in the luxury of week-long rentals, while other times of the year welcome you with a minimum three-night stay to experience the charm and serenity that Wheeler Island has to offer.

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 8 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 4.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • Near the ocean
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 30
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Frequently asked questions

Is The Queen of the Thimble Islands pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Queen of the Thimble Islands?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Queen of the Thimble Islands?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Queen of the Thimble Islands located?

Nestled on the beach, this Branford holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Stony Creek - Thimble Islands Historic District and Stony Creek Museum. Chaffinch Island State Park and Orchard Hill Plaza Shopping Center are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 22 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 22 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 22 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Trisha T., Glen Ridge, NJ

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical Wheeler Island
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marjorie- Margie D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous Location
Exquisite property. Well stocked. Bedrooms comfortable. Loved access to the water. Sunrise and sunsets were magical. We would 100 percent rent again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kitty S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful relaxing time
Although the listing says there is WiFi there isn’t. We still had a very good time staying away from phone screen the whole time. Spent 3 nights at the property. There is no shortage of things to watch from the 360 degrees wrapped around porch. At night we made use of the outdoor grill and fireplace. The place is very well equipped with every amenities. You do have to bring your own firewood though.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing stay and experience
The house was great, the views and grounds were better! We spent a wonderful 3 nights here with 14 friends and this house fit us all comfortably. The Ferry service wasn’t bad once we figured it out, and there was plenty of public parking on-street near Ferry so don’t worry about that like we did. Host was very responsive and very pleasant. The water was warm but very murky with a decent current around the rocks so we didn’t swim, but kayaking around the area was fantastic. Just a couple minute ferry ($6 one-way) and you were back to mainland to do any activities you might desire (we hit Thinble Islands Brewery which had good food!)
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christine C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wheeler Island
Simply amazing. Clean and beautiful location.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carey s.

Liked: Cleanliness
Island paradise
Great island home to get away from everything.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wheeler Island = Amazing
From the minute we arrived by boat we knew we arrived at some place special. The first impression was amazing. The house sits up on the rock and the grounds were amazing with flowers and fresh mulch. Wow. The wrap around porches were amazing, tons of bedrooms and so much to do. The little beach was a fan favorite as well. Zero complaints! Was an amazing week and the locals we met in town and on the water commented on how they loved all the activity at Wheeler…they enjoyed watching the kids fish, jump off the dock, jet ski and kayak. Owner was great and the property is better than advertised. The photos do not do it justice at all. Would highly highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Afroza B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just Perfect!
I don’t think think I have words to justify the beauty of this place. We had a great time. Our kids still can’t stop talking about it. The owner and property manager was on top of all our needs. The house was very clean and tidy. Waking up to the sound of water was heavenly!!! Looking forward to going back soon!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kerry H., Boston, MA

Liked: Cleanliness
Unique and Beautiful Home
An incredible place for a memorable and relaxing family gathering. The house is very well designed and maintained, with extraordinary views in every direction. The kitchen is very well equipped and you will want to eat every meal in the porch by the outside. fireplace!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

cynthia l., south orange nj

Liked: Cleanliness
The house was amazing!
Easy!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Paradise
I almost don't want to write a review because I don't want it to get all booked up! It is just so beautiful. Lush and comfy, the house is perfect. Central air, a view of the water on all sides, star gazing, gorgeous gardens, lots of pillows and good linens on the beds, an open great room, decks everywhere to see the sound. We were in heaven. The sweetest private beach, only a 3 minute boat ride to town. The owner was right there when we needed him. We are a group of women writers, we have done VRBO all over the world, and this was our favorite place yet. Just make sure you line up transport. The house is VERY close to shore and if you are coming during the summer, the water taxi comes and goes all the time, but they were a tiny bit tough to work with after labor day. You can always kayak out! ;) Definitely amazing. We want to book again right now!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Emily B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best wedding weekend ever
We had the BEST time staying at The Queen of the Thimble Islands. We couldn’t ask for a better weekend to spend with our closest friends and family to celebrate our wedding. The property was beautiful for all of our pictures getting ready the morning of and the house was comfortable and homey. Thank you for the most amazing place to stay while we celebrated. Book your stay ASAP!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely Perfect! Incredible home and island for family and friends!
We stayed on Wheelers Island for a week in late August, and it was the perfect end to the summer. We were two families with young children (ages 2-10). The house was IMMACULATE, and the layout was great for our two families (four rooms upstairs; four rooms downstairs). The amenities are incredible, and the house is fully stocked with everything we needed. James and Lesli have thought of every last thing for their guests. We had wonderful meals on the porch; we swam everyday off the dock and beach; our children played in the yard; we played cards and read and relaxed. It was a perfect vacation and a perfect home. The proximity to land is a huge plus -- you have all the benefits and beauty of your own island, but the boat ride to land is only two minutes long. Very easy! We hope to return next year! Thank you, Jim and Lesli!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sheila S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Queen of the Thimble Islands
Beautiful and Immaculate home inside with comfortably appointed design and furnishings. Sunlit bathrooms and bedrooms provided plenty of room and nice hot, good pressure showers. The decks became our breezy relaxation at dawn with coffee and at sunset with a family meal. We enjoyed the kayaks and the little beach was so much fun, especially at low tide searching for shells, sea glass and little hermit crabs. Bringing our own jet skis added tons more fun and we loved jumping off the dock and playing on the large lawn with our bocce set and after dark telling spookie stories. We did wish the wifi worked as we run several family businesses, but our hotspots were an acceptable solve. Overall, a Great vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Todd and Michelle K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Highly recommended - with a few tweaks needed
We decided to go big for my father-in-law's 80th birthday and were pleased to find this place, newly purchased and newly listed. This is a great house-- in great shape, well-maintained and clean. We'd never done the private island thing before but found this an excellent spot for our fam to relax, confined to the island for several days. The house is only a 2 minute boat ride from the mainland dock (and visible from it), but we didn't need to be out in the deep sea to spend lots and lots of time on the house's wraparound porches and rooms with 360 degree water views. Our kids made good use of the beach (at low tide), the lawn on the (south)western side for wiffle ball, and we especially appreciated the kayaks (though one had a seat in need of repair and one of the 4 paddles had a broken side). There were plenty of dishes and household supplies (though we weren't clear on whether we'd need shampoo, etc.-- it helped that we brought some) and beds (12 little beds and 2 queens in 8 rooms). Our only complaints were the arrival of the cleaning crew 2 hours before our checkout time (they hid out in the basement, but it still felt rather inappropriate) and that there was NO HOT WATER to be had on our final (4th) morning at the house. That was not so fun for the morning shower crew! All in all, highly recommended with a few tweaks to be worked out....
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Majestic Island Retreat
Everything about our stay was perfect. What a beautiful house with plenty of room for all. The small beach was more than enough space for my girls to build sand castles and search for shells during low tide. Everyone from the ferry crew to the property manager was friendly and welcoming. We only wished we packed lighter. There are a lot of stairs from the dock to the house but nothing a few trips couldn’t take care of. This was such a retreat and peaceful well built home to stay in. We absolutely loved it and enjoyed the 365 degree views and extensive outdoor seating options. We highly recommend this location!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ashley S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Incredible
We had an absolutely incredible stay. Getting to and from the property was easier then expected. The house is gorgeous and the property itself immaculate. It exceeded our expectations from start to finish!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kari F.

Liked: Cleanliness
wonderful vacation
We had a wonderful time. The place was beautiful and totally enjoyed it. Very spacious.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laura M.

Liked: Cleanliness
I’m still day dreaming about our time on Wheeler Island!
Our family had such an amazing experience on Wheeler Island. The island provided us ample room to enjoy every breathtaking view of the water and the home’s beautiful gardens. The setting was perfect for truly connecting with one another which was the ultimate goal for our family that’s scattered across different states. The decks were indeed a favorite landing spot and the outdoor dining table was perfect for meals and a special birthday celebration. I also appreciate Jim’s timely responses to emails and the property manager’s friendly and professional demeanor. Thank you for providing such a memorable experience as your home was perfect for our family. We’ll look forward to an opportunity to return in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Diana M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just beautiful!
The surroundings, the weather, the atmosphere were all wonderful. The house is beautiful and comfortable. The host is very responsive and so nice! Hope to be back next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ilirian B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing private spot
Absolute love this place, beautiful views, spacious, nice and clean, good response time from owner, thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Getaway!
We had such an amazing long weekend getaway on our own private island! The house had everything you could ever need (and more!). We traveled with 13 adults and it never felt crowded or cramped at all. The sunsets over the water on the deck were some of the most incredible ones we have ever seen, and coffee in the rocking chairs overlooking the water were some of the most peaceful mornings! The ferry rides are a little tough to figure out and schedule, but once you have it down, it’s not too bad. The promptness of the property manager was excellent when we had one question / needed help. five stars!! would return again without hesitation!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022