Standing among the most cherished vacation rentals Harbour Island has to offer, Cotton Tree represents a captivating blend of historical elegance and modern island living in the heart of Dunmore Town. Originally built in 1846 by a British sea captain, this historic cottage has become one of the island's most beloved properties, offering three inviting bedrooms and two full bathrooms to accommodate up to five guests.
Like the renowned Third Reef house Harbour Island, Cotton Tree exemplifies the distinctive charm of vacation rentals Harbour Island is known for, while maintaining its own unique character as a harbourside treasure. Similar to Third Reef house Harbour Island and other premium properties, this cottage features handcrafted furnishings, modern conveniences including high-speed WiFi and flat-screen HD television, and a prime location on Murray Street, one of the most photographed streets in all the Bahamas.
Cotton Tree sits in the heart of historic Dunmore Town within walking distance of restaurants, shops, grocery stores, two bakeries, and the harbour, while remaining just a five-minute walk or two-minute golf cart ride from the world-famous Pink Sand Beach, offering guests the perfect combination of village convenience and beach access.
Cotton Tree House is located on Murray Street in the heart of historic Dunmore Town on Harbour Island, Bahamas. Murray Street is recognized as one of the most beloved and photographed streets in the entire Bahamas, renowned for its colonial charm and vibrant pastel buildings. The cottage is positioned on the bayside of Harbour Island, providing stunning harbour views and convenient access to waterfront activities.
The property sits just a two-minute walk from the main arrival and departure dock, making it exceptionally convenient for guests arriving by water taxi from North Eleuthera. Cotton Tree is within easy walking distance of Harbour Island's best restaurants, quaint shops and boutiques, the grocery store, Dunmore Deli, the island's two bakeries, marinas, and the harbour front.
he famous Pink Sand Beach is located only a five-minute walk or two-minute golf cart ride away. Harbour Island is situated off the coast of North Eleuthera, making Cotton Tree part of the North Eleuthera region of the Bahamas.
Cottage
Not specified in exact square feet
3 bedrooms
2 full bathrooms plus 1 outdoor shower
5-6 guests
Not specified in detail, but accommodates 5-6 people across three bedrooms
Not specified
Standalone historic cottage
The nightly rental rate during the Christmas and New Year's period is $750 per night with a weekly rate of $5,000 for that peak season. Standard season rates vary and guests are encouraged to contact the rental agency for specific pricing based on travel dates. Rates do not include the 10% VAT and 5.5% booking fee that apply to all Harbour Island rental bookings.
4 nights minimum stay required, with 7-night minimum during the Christmas and New Year's holiday period from December 20 through January 2.
Cotton Tree House exemplifies classic Bahamian cottage architecture with its historic two-story design dating back to 1846. The cottage was originally constructed by a British sea captain and retains much of its original colonial charm and character. The architecture features traditional island cottage elements including a long covered front porch that wraps around the front of the house, providing an ideal vantage point for viewing harbour sunsets.
The structure is characterized by its vertical layout with two floors, allowing one full bathroom on each level for convenience. The home showcases the traditional Bahamian aesthetic with its pastel exterior typical of Murray Street's famous streetscape. Inside, the floor plan includes spacious rooms with a large family area that flows into the dining space, which accommodates up to eight people.
The full kitchen is functional and connected to the main living areas, creating an open feel conducive to gathering and socializing. Windows throughout the cottage are strategically positioned to capture cooling island breezes and natural light. The property includes both indoor and outdoor living spaces, with the outdoor shower adding a quintessential tropical element to the architecture.
The cottage design emphasizes the traditional Caribbean concept of indoor-outdoor living with easy access between interior spaces and the landscaped backyard.
Yes, Cotton Tree has been renovated and refurbished while carefully preserving its historic character. The bathrooms have been recently updated with clean, modern fixtures and fresh design elements. The kitchen has been modernized and fully equipped with contemporary conveniences while maintaining the cottage aesthetic.
The property has been thoughtfully maintained and updated to include modern technology such as high-speed internet, WiFi access, HD television, and DVD player, all seamlessly integrated into the historic structure. Two bedrooms have been equipped with air conditioning units.
The renovations have successfully blended old-world charm with the modern conveniences expected in a top-rate hotel, creating a comfortable and functional space without sacrificing the cottage's authentic historical character. The outdoor areas including the porch and landscaped backyard have been maintained in excellent condition. Guest reviews consistently note that the house appears very clean and well-maintained, indicating ongoing care and upkeep.
Cotton Tree features a cozy and welcoming decor that celebrates its heritage as an 1846 island cottage while incorporating modern comfort. The interior is described as full of charm with reminders of traditional island cottage living throughout. The home is adorned with handcrafted furniture that adds authentic Bahamian character and artisanal quality to each room.
The decor successfully achieves a delicate balance between old-world elegance and contemporary comfort, creating spaces that feel both historically significant and livable. The living room is appointed with comfortable seating arranged for relaxation and conversation, complemented by modern entertainment technology.
The spacious dining area accommodates up to eight people, furnished to facilitate family meals and gatherings around the table where guests have made memories playing card games and assembling puzzles together. The kitchen, though compact, is fully functional and equipped with everything needed for meal preparation.
The bedrooms are graciously decorated with attention to guest comfort, featuring quality bedding and thoughtful touches. The bathrooms showcase clean, fresh design following their renovation while maintaining consistency with the cottage aesthetic. Throughout the house, the color palette and design choices reflect the bright pastels and Caribbean atmosphere that characterize Harbour Island architecture.
The overall decor philosophy emphasizes creating a home-like atmosphere where guests feel welcomed and comfortable, rather than a formal or overly styled vacation rental. The tropical landscaping visible from windows and the outdoor spaces extends the decorative aesthetic beyond the interior walls.
Cotton Tree offers stunning harbour views and garden surroundings:
Based on review compilation:
Guest reviews consistently highlight exceptional service quality at Cotton Tree, with the maid and houseman service receiving particular praise. Multiple reviews specifically mention that the maid and houseman "couldn't have been better," demonstrating attentive care and professionalism throughout guests' stays.
Island Real Estate, which manages the property, receives recognition for responsive service and making the reservation process easy. Guests report that the property is maintained in very clean condition, with one review noting "the entire house was very clean and comfortable." The management ensures the house is well-stocked and equipped with everything guests need for a comfortable stay.
Reviews mention that the property has been "taken care of with such love," indicating both quality maintenance and genuine care from ownership. Communication with management is described as smooth, with inquiries answered promptly. The service extends beyond the property itself, with management facilitating golf cart rentals and providing local guidance when needed.
Guest testimonials reveal a high rate of repeat visitors, with families returning year after year, which speaks strongly to the consistent quality of service provided. One family specifically noted they "look forward to returning to this same house next year," while another stated "we will definitely stay here again."
Cotton Tree delivers outstanding value for guests seeking an authentic Harbour Island experience in a historic setting with modern conveniences. The location is repeatedly described as "excellent" and "unbeatable," offering the rare combination of being in the heart of town within walking distance of all amenities while remaining close to Pink Sand Beach.
Guests consistently report that the cottage was "more than sufficient" for their groups, with four women comfortably sharing the space and families creating lasting memories together. The property successfully provides the ambiance and charm of staying in an 1846 historic cottage without sacrificing modern comforts, offering guests "the conveniences you would expect in a top rate hotel" alongside authentic island character.
The prime Murray Street location means guests can easily walk to Dunmore Deli for breakfast and lunch, grocery stores for provisions, shops for browsing, and the harbourfront for evening strolls and water activities. The tropically landscaped backyard is described as "fabulous," providing a private outdoor retreat for relaxation.
The value proposition extends to the emotional experience, with guests making cherished family memories like playing card games and assembling puzzles around the dining table with their children. The property accommodates celebrations effectively, as evidenced by guests hosting 40th birthday parties and anniversary trips.
At the listed rates, including the Christmas/New Year rate of $750 per night, Cotton Tree represents strong value considering the historic significance, prime location, full house rental with three bedrooms, harbour views, and the authentic Harbour Island cottage experience. The high rate of return guests and enthusiastic testimonials like "excellent time as always, we'll be back" demonstrate that visitors feel they receive exceptional value that justifies return trips year after year.
The cottage appeals particularly to guests seeking a genuine island experience rather than generic resort accommodations, offering immersion in Harbour Island's colonial heritage and laid-back Bahamian lifestyle.
