About

Southern Vintage Beach Charm at its Best. The historic de Witt Cottage, located just steps away from the sands of the Atlantic Ocean, is the perfect location for any celebrated festivity from Proposals, Showers and Weddings; Reveal parties and Baby Showers; Reunions and Holiday Parties; Corporate Meetings and Retreats; Private Dining, Birthday and Graduation celebrations. The Cottage is the oldest remaining structure on the Virginia Beach oceanfront. It was constructed in 1895 as a wedding gift by Bernard Peabody Holland, the first mayor of Virginia Beach, for his bride, Emily. They lived in the home for several years and with their first child, Walton. They sold the cottage to Cornelius de Witt in 1909. In 1917, the cottage was expanded to twenty-two rooms and remained in the de Witt family until 1988. . The Cottage is listed on the City of Virginia Beach, Commonwealth of Virginia and National Registers of Historic Places because of its historic importance and lasting integrity. Today it is home to the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum. the Back Bay Wildfowl Guild, Inc. (a non-profit organization) and Shore Gallery Seaside Gifts.