Hawk's Nest Beach History
In 1895, Charles Garvin purchased waterfront land and built a log cabin for his family, along with bungalows for friends from Hartford. Visitors arrived by steamer to Old Lyme or by train to Black Hall Station, then traveled by horse and wagon along a cart path—now Shore Road—to Hawk’s Nest Beach. The train station was later moved and converted into cottage S12.
In 1910, Garvin built a community store for summer residents, which remains a central hub today. The beach was named for seven large hawks’ nests once found in nearby woods. Today, fish hawks still soar over the marshes, diving for fish.
Despite hurricanes, including the devastating one in 1938, Hawk’s Nest Beach has grown into a cherished, family-run summer rental community—now managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Garvin family.
Our Story
In 2022, The Garvin Family Corporation, managed by the Board of Directors consisting of four Garvin Siblings, decided to reorganize. Now each of the siblings owns and manages their group of cottages individually.
The youngest of the four Garvin siblings, Julie Garvin-Riggs, started Salty Cottage Company to continue her family's 130 year old tradition of renting to generations of family and friends. We are thrilled to welcome folks back, year after year, to enjoy this bucolic and rare gem of a property located in Old Lyme, CT.
The Cottages
E4
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Waterfront cottage
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4 bedrooms – 3 upstairs/1 downstairs
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1 king bed, 1 queen bed & 4 twin beds – sleeps 8
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2 bathrooms – 1 full downstairs & 1 half upstairs
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Includes washer & dryer
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Includes dishwasher
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Electric baseboard heating downstairs
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Ceiling fan upstairs
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High speed wifi
E5
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Waterfront cottage
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4 bedrooms – 3 upstairs/1 downstairs
-
1 king bed, 1 queen bed & 4 twin beds – sleeps 8
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2 bathrooms – 1 full downstairs & 1 half upstairs
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Includes washer & dryer
-
Includes dishwasher
-
Electric baseboard heating downstairs
-
Ceiling fan upstairs
-
High speed wifi
G2
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Water view cottage
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4 bedrooms – 2 upstairs/2 downstairs
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2 queen beds & 4 twin beds – sleeps 8
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1 full bathroom downstairs
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Includes dishwasher
-
Electric baseboard heating downstairs
-
High speed wifi
G4
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Water view cottage
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4 bedrooms upstairs
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1 king bed, 1 queen bed & 4 twin beds – sleeps 8
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1 full bathroom downstairs
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Includes dishwasher
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Gas fireplace
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High speed wifi
S1
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Water view cottage
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4 bedrooms – 2 upstairs/2 downstairs
-
2 queen beds & 4 twin beds – sleeps 8
-
1 full bathroom downstairs
-
Includes dishwasher
-
Electric baseboard heating downstairs
-
High speed wifi
S3
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Garden view cottage
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4 bedrooms – 2 upstairs/2 downstairs
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2 queen beds & 4 twin beds – sleeps 8
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1 full bathroom downstairs
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Includes dishwasher
-
Electric baseboard heating downstairs
-
High speed wifi
S5
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Garden view cottage
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3 bedrooms – 2 upstairs/1 downstairs
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3 full beds & 2 twin beds – sleeps 6
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1 full bathroom downstairs
-
Electric baseboard heating downstairs
-
High speed wifi
Property & Amenities
There are two tennis courts on our property as well as a general store. We offer weekly activities programs for kids of all ages to participate in. In addition to the many organized activities available, families can enjoy swimming, beachcombing, crabbing, biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, playing basketball and tennis, meeting new friends, and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Every year for the 4th of July we host a parade, cookout, activities and fireworks for our renters.
The Garvin family has owned and operated our on-site general store for over 100 years. Garvin's is a staple in the Hawk's Nest Beach community and a favorite of kids and adults alike. We sell everything from Slush Puppies to sweatshirts. Stop in for a treat, some cool merch and a friendly smile.
