Exterior

Reviews of Waterfront Retreat Center for Health & Wellness


Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 43 out of 49 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 49 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 49 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 49 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 49 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Terrific
Beautiful location and old, well-maintained house. Really perfect for our family group of 17
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Nov 2023
Hi Michael, Thank you so much for taking great care of our property and leaving it clean and in good order. We welcome your family back soon.

10/10 Excellent

BronxWitch H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Clean, Spacious and Professionally Run!
If you want to host a large group (10-15 people) and want to do so in a place that feels like home, this house is perfect! It has a wonderful worn and rustic feel while still being modern enough and well-maintained. It is definitely lived in but very clean with all of the necessary amenities and appliances like microwaves, blow dryers, coffee makers and things like that. We had a group of about 7 with some visiting workshop leaders throughout our 3-day stay and the home never felt crowded. There was plenty of space to spread out and if we did get crowded we could have easily held some of our workshops outside. The porch is pretty spacious and so is the lawn. I was provided with a very detailed welcome packet of house rules and instructions on how to access/use everything. The wifi does not extend to the 3rd floor, but that was communicated to us before we arrived, so we were prepared to work around that. If I could offer any advice to the next guests I would say 1) be mindful that finding the location will be tricky for folks like Uber drivers or visitors. So you might consider bringing an outdoor sign or banner to place at the mailbox at the beginning of the road that heads back to the house. 2) we had a minor inconvenience when booking due to the booking calendar not being correct. So I would reach out for assurance that your preferred dates are truly available before making any plans. But other than that, it was a 5 star experience for rustic house living!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Nov 2023
We were happy to host your group and thank you for taking good care of the property and leaving it clean. We like supporting local nonprofits and hope you can offer another retreat here soon.

8/10 Good

Debra D.

Great stay for a family wedding!
Beautiful property, gorgeous old home,
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Aug 2023
We are so glad that your group enjoyed their stay at the New Dawn. We are grateful when groups take good care of the house and welcome you to return again.

6/10 Okay

Bibi K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Some information not clear
The listing stated sleeps 20 however there was a charge of an additional $25 per guest over 15 guests. Somewhere on the listing should have mentioned additional guest fee
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 2 May 2023
Bibi I apologize for your difficulty understanding the pricing structure. As I explained prior to your arrival, the property is listed as accommodating 20 overnight guests in 14 beds. The per night rate is based on a maximum of 15 overnight guests. There is an additional per person per night charge for guests 16-20. We do not allow booking of more than 20 guests. So yes, the house can sleep 20, but the base price is for 1-15. We do this because we have learned that over time, the average size group we get is 10-20 and it makes sense to offer a price that is more attractive to that size group, rather than have a base price for 20. To avoid confusion with future guests, I have made a note on our property description. Once again, I am sorry for your confusion and hope that your extended family can continue to enjoy the adventure of renting a large rental home.

10/10 Excellent

Veronica M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Memorable
We had the most amazing time during our stay. We were able to really enjoy the home for it's characteristics and beautiful views. It was the perfect fall weekend with the trees starting to change, low tide and gorgeous sunset on the sound. The house is a lot to take in at first. There are lots of rooms, stairs and bathrooms, but after a while you find your place and get comfortable. It's close to several restaurants, fast food chains, so you shouldn't have an issue finding nice places to eat.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laurie M., cleveland ohio

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely place with warm ambiance
Charming, spacious beautiful setting.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Kathy G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Overview of New Dawn Foundation
My family stayed at New Dawn for 3 nights. Amazing location and very relaxing. The home is very big and is very relaxing. Some things to consider: the refrigerator is old and not very clean, there is not a dishwasher. There are no electrical outlets in most of the bathrooms and the wiring is not updated . I would not let that deter you from staying because the setting and character of the home outweigh the negatives,
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Angelica C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stays
Location, communication, safety, comfortable
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Linda D., Boston

Liked: Cleanliness
Long weekend family reunion
We had a wonderful time at this lovely retreat. The setting is magical. Understand that this is not a "hotel" - more like visiting someone's home.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sophia H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Experience
Staying at New Dawn was a great experience. Communication with Nancy was great and I was even able to view the property before staying there. We used the property and space for a family reunion and had 2 large family gatherings there. It was in a great location for our family that lives nearby and perfect for the large amount of people who travelled from further away. There was space to sit inside and outside which made hosting everyone easy. The 2 fridges helped with keeping the drinks cold and storing food for the family that stayed there. My family and I had a great experience and recommend this place to others.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Srivani Reddy A.

Liked: Cleanliness
View is to die for!!
Had a wonderful vacation with friends! Serene and peaceful and place is filled with history!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

6/10 Okay

Sajid I.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gorgeous home but Mixed Feelings
Property was definitely memorable. A very historic home built in the 1800’s with a lot to discover and explore. The family would have been happy but the bathrooms and kitchen left us all very disappointed. Most of the bathrooms were tiny and uncomfortable. The not so great kitchen I was expecting as there was a picture, but the bathrooms not so much. Hot water ran out while showering which was painful and the power shorted. The good think is the manager was very responsive and helped quickly with issues. Overall, the beauty of the home and property is definitely memorable and made for some nice pictures but not with the hefty price tag in my humble opinion.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful spot for a retreat
Amazing property with plenty of space, located in a scenic location. Perfect for short retreats.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Feb 2022
We are so happy that your non-profit organization was able to meet at our property to support further goodwill in service to the greater community during these difficult pandemic times. Thanks for your support of the New Dawn Foundation and we would welcome your group to come back again.

10/10 Excellent

Michelle W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Winter family visit
The property was very cool! To stay in this amazing 1800’s mansion was a treat! Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Reunion for Thanksgiving
Lovely historical property full of charm.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Brian D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beauty
We had 8 people in town for some philanthropy events. The property is gilded age, Gatsby-esque, albeit has a couple wrinkles(like I do) so its not shiny new. It is very larhe, lots of shared spaces, a billion sleeping rooms, water front and water views to NYC to die for. All you need in terms of cokking, cleaning, towels, etc. Relaxing, envigorating and an enormous value. We will be back, might actually move in 😉 High marks for every facet of the experience
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ranjit C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing
Fabulous location on the Long Island Sound with lovely views; beautifully preserved and very well-maintained vintage property perfect for short but large gatherings
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Emily L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Celebration of Life
A total of 13 of us out of state guests stayed here for two nights. After the burial service for my beloved mother, we had a small outdoor reception (~30 guests). I don’t think there could have been a more perfect setting. On our first night there, I made a homemade four course meal which I served in the elegant dining room. The kitchen was stocked with plenty of dishes, cooking utensils, and pots and pans.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kanaka N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful heritage home with a view
This is a beautiful house with a beautiful view. The house is built in 1800s so it does not have all modern facilities like dishwasher etc and the bathrooms are all a little old and small. But the house was well maintained and we had a lot of fun staying there.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
A wonderful old home
We really enjoyed our stay at this wonderful old victorian home that is right on the water. The grounds were beautiful and the house well maintained (for something that was build in the 1880's). The kitchen was well stocked (although small) but the the dining room and living areas were all spacious and there were plenty of outdoor seating.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

jill r.

Liked: Cleanliness
Husband's 40th birthday
We had a really wonderful weekend celebrating my husband's 40th at the New Dawn Foundation. The property has so much character, and the grounds are lovely. There was plenty of space to accommodate our family. And everyone had the best time at the "hidden gem" of Westchester. Nancy was very responsive throughout the past several months of planning. The weekend was a great success.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

George P., New York, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Great time although it rained almost the entire time
My family and friends had amazing time at the property. It was our first real staycation with others after vaccines came out. The property had a wonderful charm. We stayed Memorial Day weekend 2021. Even though it rained most of time, We had so much space at the house that we did not feel confined at all. When it didn’t rain and the tide was low, we were able to explore the rocks and the water while carefully supervising our kids. The grocery store was very close and so were restaurant options. We were able to communicate with Nancy the manager, who is very sweet and kind. We would definitely recommend this property to family and friends
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Chris L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent location overlooking water
Secluded area of New Rochelle with a great view of the water. This was a great place for a small wedding. Although the weather must cooperate for this to be a success as there are no tents allowed due to city ordinance, per the property manager. The weather turned out great, the house was spacious with an antique feel. The many bedrooms were just what we needed for us to get ready for our special day. 5 stars!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Esha D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Incredible house with the most gorgeous water views!
We could not be happier with our decision to book this property for our family retreat. Leading up to our stay, Nancy was so responsive and helpful in answering our questions and provided us all the info we needed about the property to prepare us for our visit. The house itself is incredibly spacious and more than comfortably accommodated the 12 of us. We really loved that fact that there was enough space for all of us to sit and enjoy our meals together in the massive living room. But what we enjoyed most about the property was the outdoor space. Being just a few steps away from breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound was truly special. This was the perfect place for our family retreat and we will definitely be booking again in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

BETH H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Retreat
This was a perfect house for our family. It was warm and cozy even in 20 degree weather. The living room is very spacious and dining room could seat us all. The sunroom table handled board and card games with ease. Bedrooms and bedding all were very well appointed and the bathrooms, though vintage, suited us just fine. This property might not be for everyone... but we felt it opened its arms and provided just what we needed!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Lee Ann D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful historic home with gorgeous water views
The house is very large and would be great for groups and large family gatherings! The property manager is incredibly helpful and stays in touch to make sure your stay is smooth.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Dec 2020
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and would welcome you again. Thank you for taking such great care of the property and being respectful of the house and grounds.

10/10 Excellent

Sarah O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Such a unique and beautiful property
This place is seriously a gem - near the long island sound, beautiful views, close to the city, really well maintained, communication with the team was fast. It was meticulously cleaned before our event and the beds were comfortable. Definitely would recommend, 5 stars. My only constructive note (not going to take off stars for this because it was a small thing): it would have been nice to have some more prep time before our event, as it would have alleviated a lot of stress. Other than that, it's a great spot for small gatherings or for a family stay.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Justin S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing!
This historical place was phenomenal. Refreshing and truly one of a kind. Nancy, is incredible with information and easiest process I have experienced. In many things, frozen in time. But wow!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

john B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great house in the water. Beautiful
Good rental experience
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely Antique Stay
Beautiful setting with copious land and views to enjoy, plenty of space and amenities inside, very vintage house with interesting quirks, owner very responsive and easy to communicate with. Could do with better Aircon in the summer, especially in the kitchen when cooking. Thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Alexander O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best house ever
Everything is just right
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

JAEHO S., Flushing, Queens

Liked: Cleanliness
very enjoyed staying
All my guests taking pictures inside house because very beautiful view and inside house decoration is just like studio. We line up the chairs front of the Ocean, enjoyed view with beer. Totally relaxed.

10/10 Excellent

Jess S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Serene Escape
We had such a relaxing, nice time staying at the NDF. The kids loved watching boats, running around the large lawn, and dipping their toes in the water. The adults enjoyed endless views and lots of BBQing. If you’re looking to hang in one place but have full days, this is a great place to escape to. Our host, Nancy, was extremely communicative and accommodating. Thank you for everything!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kathy L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous!
This historic home was better than I could have hoped for. My extended family thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful home. Every room was a joy to be in. We would go back in a heart beat.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Esther L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gracious home. Accommodated 17 of us comfortably. Beautiful grounds.
Lovely stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Steve R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely property in a nice setting
My family and I stayed in New Rochelle for about a week and enjoyed our stay very much. The house is in a beautiful setting with great location in easy proximity to parks and other places to explore in the area. The property manager was easy to communicate with and certainly timely in responses. We very much appreciated the new outdoor furniture and bbq that were in place when we arrived. Bedrooms were nice and well-sized. Our only note is that we found the house a bit cluttered. There are a few too many of everything you need ,particularly in the kitchen and, with a large group of guests involved, the lack of organization felt at times overwhelming. Overall would definitely recommend this home and would rent again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Judith D., New York

Liked: Cleanliness
Reservation process is simple and seamless. I was greeted and welcomed upon my arrival. Enjoyed it!
If you’re looking for a getaway, retreat, or reunion, this is the perfect place with views of the Sound. Peaceful and quiet home away from home. Our group was 8 people and we were comfortable. Lots of space to dine together, lounge and relax. Full use of the kitchen to make meals if you’d like, stroll out to the water to view the sunset, relax on the patio outside. It’s worth the stay! Thanks Nancy and Rose for your hospitality. We’ll be back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

6/10 Okay

Patricia M.

Rustic Retreat
This property has a lot of character. It is old, though, and not updated. Beautiful view of the Sound. Lawn well manicured. Original listing said it was air-conditioned. Turns out there were a few window units in some of the bedrooms. Owner then changed listing in the middle of our stay after we complained. Owner did let us go to Lowe's and purchase a portable unit for the downstairs. Most of the windows were sealed shut so you couldn't get a breeze going. Lots of fans running which kicked the circuit breakers. Scary basement to flip them back on. The lawn furniture shown in the listing is totally trashed as is the BBQ pit. Access to the Tea House is not allowed, even though the listing shows pictures of it. The one time elegance of the home is evident and we did enjoy our stay once we cooled off.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Camille O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful, gracious home
We had a family gathering/party for both our children's graduations. We were so impressed with the place and the way we were able to flow inside and outside so no one felt crowded but they were still able to sit together and chat in groups. The kids played board games or hung out in the sun room, others walked the waterfront and sat outside taking in the gorgeous views. The kitchen was well equipped and we were able to feed our guests buffet style, no problem. Nancy was wonderful and accommodating and was able to fit us in on the heels of the previous guests. Amelia was very kind and gracious in showing us around and closing us out. Everyone is volunteering their time and effort and their love for the place really shows. We only rented for one evening, but next time we plan to stay overnight, I can only imagine the sunrises are as pretty as the sunsets.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Hidden gem on the sound
We had a wonderful family retreat at the New Dawn Foundation. The house offered charming, cozy rooms that made us feel right at home. The large dining and living room spaces were perfect as were the beautiful grounds and sea shore. The rental process was easy and friendly and the staff was professional and welcoming. We have so many beautiful photos from our stay! We’re looking forward to coming back.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
We were pleased to welcome the Davis family back again. They arrived when they said they would, took good care of the house and have well behaved children.

10/10 Excellent

Nora and Frank M.

Wonderful property
A fantastic time was had by all the volunteers from the foundation went above and beyond
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Armand K., New York, NY

A Charming Mansion on the Sound
12 of us slept comfortably at the New Dawn Foundation for three nights, we enjoyed the location and how close it was to both the city despite feeling like we were hours away. The ability to see the stars at night, enjoy the fresh air, and wake up to the sunrise, all made it worth it. Prior reviewers made us nervous before our stay, mentioning that the stove wasn't in working condition, that the house was cold, and that they spotted a mouse. I'm happy to report that the stove works perfectly fine, with all four burners being used each and every night we were there. The house is as cold as any house is in the winter, we were lucky that it was quite mild of New Years, but for anyone who lives in the north east, it's nothing that should be unexpected, simply wear socks and a long sleeve shirt indoors. Last but not least, we didn't see any mice or bugs in the property, and while the house is over 100 years old, it was as clean as a property of that age can be. Overall, we had a very positive experience, and I would recommend both the house and the proprietor, Nancy, who was very quick to reply to all of our questions and helpful throughout the stay. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
We enjoyed having Armand and his group stay at the New Dawn. He was a considerate and respectful guest who arrived when he said, and left the house in good order. He was easy to communicate with and that was a relief. We would welcome them back in a heartbeat.

2/10 Terrible

Anne B.

NOT for overnight stays. Needs big renovation
If there was an option for zero stars..... We booked what looked like a beautiful historic home for our Thanksgiving trip to NYC and were disappointed to arrive at a poorly kept home in need of major renovations. They did a good job taking pictures that make it seem nicer than it is but all of the windows are about as old as the century old house, the kitchen stove only had one burner that worked which probably was just enough to warm up the mouse we saw run across the floor in there. I can imagine it could be a nice place to host an event but if you're looking to stay here overnight for a vacation LOOK ELSEWHERE! The bathrooms all had mold, the kitchen was a bit of a nightmare and we were freezing all night, even with a thermostat and room heaters in every room. The house was very drafty, a fact which the owners only told us about 2 days before our arrival. There was a rain and snow storm the night we arrived and by morning the pond had overflowed, flooding the road back out. If we hadn't been in an SUV we would have been stranded. We told the owners it was too cold and drafty to stay, not to mention the rodent and mold problems and we left first thing in the morning. Save yourself and find somewhere else with honest owners who dont try to trick you with pictures and emails disclosing problems after you've already booked.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
Anne B’s experience was a perfect storm. They arrived in the midst of a paralyzing blizzard. Prior to coming, I suggested they bring sweaters. Despite this advice, their children were not wearing socks. We keep the thermostat at 74 degrees and provide portable heaters for drafty areas. We are located on the waterfront where high tides and strong winds can result in water settling on the driveway. During the night the snow melted causing flooding throughout the area including The New Dawn. Although this looks daunting, the puddle is never deep and no one has been stranded. A brief call could have cleared this up. We are run entirely by volunteers except for a professional cleaning company that cleans all bathrooms, vacuums, makes beds, mops and dusts. They use EnviroShield®, a product that eliminates 99.99% of household germs, mold, bacteria & viruses. Note however, that the water supply is rusty at times causing stains that cannot be removed in some bathrooms. Regarding the windows – many are original leaded and stained glass from the Tiffany studio. We have restored some, others still need work. This past October we replaced 3 windows in the SV-II bedroom and soon custom storm windows will be installed on the grand staircase. Our kitchen stove is about 8 years old and all burners work. Perhaps the B’s were unfamiliar with turning the knob to the “lite” position and waiting for it to automatically ignite. In October we hosted an elegant 3 course dinner for 35 that was entirely prepared in our kitchen by a private chef. It was unfortunate that Anne B did not reach out with her concerns but chose instead to depart early and write a bad review. Our property description states we are a non-profit humanitarian foundation & retreat center. The interior photos were taken in 2018 and are current. Details about the property, heat & plumbing are included in the Rental Agreement; the terms were agreed to at the time of booking. In sum, we hope to clarify that we are not a boutique hotel offering 5-star services. We have a beautiful, expansive waterfront property nestled along a strip of prime real estate and exclusive beach clubs that is 30 minutes from Manhattan. We cannot provide all modern amenities of nearby hotels, but we do offer old world charm. We hope that guests appreciate the unique setting and convenient location, knowing that their patronage supports a foundation whose mission is “to serve those who serve others.”

10/10 Excellent

Jesse C.

Grand Locale for a Weekend Retreat
The New Dawn Foundation is situated on about two-plus acres of beautiful waterfront property. With its distinctive architecture, rustic charm and terrific location, it made for a fantastic home-base for a weekend retreat.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
We were pleased to host Jesse's creative art group at our property. They were considerate, respectful and left the house in good order. Their enthusiasm was refreshing and we'd welcome them back again.

10/10 Excellent

Zoe L.

Beautiful old-fashioned house, great for a weekend away!
We rented the New Dawn Foundation house for a work retreat. The scenery and wildlife were spectacular, and the house was incredibly charming. Isis came to show us around when we got there and was very helpful. Would definitely recommend this house to anyone looking for a relaxing stay for a larger group.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Wain W.

Great relaxing get away. Wonderful views.
I reserved New Dawn over Mother’s Day weekend to give a special treat to women in my family. All women reported that they had a great time. The space was big enough to hold 20 people in one room, but there were also cozy areas for intimate conversations. The outside property was beautiful with great views.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
We were pleased to have your family stay at our property and welcome your return.