Not just a getaway. A storybook escape in Ardentown, Delaware.

book your stay
your

Woodland Fairytale

escape

Welcome to The Cottages on Orchard — two historic Ardentown Delaware vacation rentals where charm, comfort, and nostalgia create a stay that feels like stepping into a fairytale.

Here, every morning begins with birdsong, evenings end with hooting owls in the trees, and every moment feels like a pause.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic woodland retreat, a dog friendly getaway in Delaware or simply a cozy space to restore your spirit, our cozy forest cottages invite you to wander, rest, and reconnect.

about us

dog-friendly

wonders of nature

authentic moments

rooted in history

storybook escape

seasonal magic

Every detail holds character: historic wood beams, antiques repurposed into timeless furniture, and a whimsical atmosphere you won’t find in cookie-cutter stays.


They’re Storybook Escapes. 


Here’s why travelers choose us over standard hotels or short-term rentals:

Our forest retreat in Delaware is alive with deer, foxes, birdsong, and the gentle sounds of the creek.


Nature is the Experience 


Here’s why travelers choose us over standard hotels or short-term rentals:

These are cottages where dogs are welcome, not just tolerated. With fenced yards, trails, and creeks to splash in, our cottages are among the best pet friendly vacation rentals in Wilmington DE.


Truly Dog-Welcoming


Here’s why travelers choose us over standard hotels or short-term rentals:

Cozy winter cottage rentals in Delaware, colorful fall foliage getaways, spring blossoms, and summer fireflies — each season brings its own wonder.


Seasonal Magic


Here’s why travelers choose us over standard hotels or short-term rentals:

Set in The Ardens, a historic artist community, our cottages are woven into the folklore of a village founded on creativity and connection.


Rooted in Arden’s History


Here’s why travelers choose us over standard hotels or short-term rentals:

At The Cottages on Orchard, you’re not just renting a space, you’re being welcomed into a story.

What makes this place different

the cottages

discover

next cottage 

FOX FIELD Cottage

  • Ideal for guests visiting family or attending local events

  • Light-filled and spacious, with cozy, modern comforts

A modern yet nostalgic retreat, perfect for quiet, comfortable stays.

  • Popular with couples and grandparents traveling to Wilmington

  • Dog-friendly (because pets are family too)

  • Great choice for those seeking Wilmington DE vacation cottages or furnished short term rentals in Delaware
book your cozy songbird stay

Woodland Hideaway

A rustic, romantic, and secluded escape surrounded by nature..

  • Fully fenced yard : ideal for guests with 1–3 dogs

  • Known as one of the most romantic woodland retreats and dog friendly cottages in Delaware

  • A favorite for those seeking a whimsical cottage getaway or creekside pet friendly rental in Delaware
  • Perfect for honeymooners, young couples, and LGBTQ travelers

  • Rustic charm with cozy interiors and forest views
Escape to Woodland Hideaway

Booking your stay is simple:

How to Book

Book directly

Enjoy the lowest rate with no-fee vacation rentals in Wilmington Delaware, plus our personal touches and best perks.

Airbnb

Perfect if you already love using the Airbnb platform. You’ll find us there with glowing reviews and Superhost status.

Vrbo

Another option if you prefer booking through Vrbo’s system for peace of mind and traveler protections.

save  15%

For the best rates and personal touch, we always recommend booking direct.

the experience

Imagine mornings with sunlight filtering through forested windows, afternoons wandering the creekside trails, and evenings by the firepit, wrapped in a blanket under the stars.


 A  nature getaway  in Delaware where you feel rooted, restored, and cherished.
A  woodland cabin  escape where your  dog plays  as freely as you do.
A  storybook cottage  rental where time slows and nostalgia lingers.

here every stay is:

orchard

cottages

It’s not just a vacation.

It’s a pause. A breath.

A story you’ll want to return to.


the
on

Private parking 

Fireplaces & outdoor firepit

Dog friendly 
(with fenced yard)

Private cottages for 2 guests

amenities

for comfort & connection

close to philadelphia & wilmington

local trails & hiking

High-speed Wi-Fi 

Fully equipped kitchens

Our Story & Values

We didn’t just renovate these cottages, we restored them. Preserving original 1920s wood, reimagining antiques, and blending them with modern comforts, we created spaces where history and present meet.

Treat dogs like family

03

Let nature lead the experience

02

Preserve history with soul

01

Our values are simple

Offer an enchanted, cozy, human alternative to cookie-cutter stays

04

This is why guests call us one of the most charming Arden Cottages and storybook escapes in Delaware.

See what others

have to say about us

Woodland hideaway

next review

Fox Field Cottage

next review

“Adorable cottage, beautiful yard with fire pit and wood available, and out the gate access to large area for hiking with a creek. East access to Wilmington, Jersey, Philly, and close to NYC. She had great recommendations on her guide. Flexible and communicated the whole time, but wasn’t in our space when we were at home. Great stay!”

“We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the cottage. The location was secluded and peaceful and the cottage was cozy, clean, and tidy. We enjoyed seeing foxes in the field across from the house! We love the area and would happily stay here again!”

Elizabeth

Alindsey

“Second time staying here and it was just as lovely as the first! Wonderful private space to decompress and enjoy some peace and quiet. Cozy environment with wonderful climate controls to beat the heat even on the hottest summer nights!”
Can’t recommend it enough!

“Just what we needed for our Christmas visit with the kids and grandkids. Dog friendly and the area was very walkable. Cozy place and Susan was super responsive to all needs and communicated regularly.”

Matt

Aiden

“What a gorgeous spot that is, and so very convenient to all of Wilmington and so easy to hop on and off the highway. Susan was extremely kind and thoughtful. We had our little Havanese with us and it was so convenient to have a fenced in back yard so that she could easily go in and out."

“Over the past several years we’ve stayed in the Wilmington area and this is by far our preferred place. This was our second stay here and no complaints at all. The house has everything we need, it’s clean, nicely furnished, and in a great, quiet location.”

Albert

Evie

"From the moment we arrived, the property felt like a private woodland retreat, surrounded by mature trees, ivy-covered paths, and the calming ambiance of nature. Each day brought simple joys-butterflies, dragonflies, and enchanting fireflies that lit up the night sky. 

“Susan’s cottage was a welcome oasis for a restorative weekend. The cottage was immaculate and cozy, and felt safe, as well as being in a quiet, well-established neighborhood. Susan was the friendliest and most interesting host I have met through Airbnb. I hope to return in the future.”

Holly

Ronda

The cottages are nestled in Ardentown, part of a historic community called The Ardens, known for its arts, culture, and storybook charm.

Explore the Neighborhood

the neighborhood
Woodland hiking paths & creekside pet friendly rentals Delaware trails

The Butterfly Garden, community greens, and bamboo grove

Local theaters, galleries, and museums (Wilmington Delaware nature retreat)

Charming cafés, historic taverns, and farm-to-table dining

Just minutes to Wilmington DE vacation cottages attractions, and 20 minutes to Philadelphia

From your doorstep you’ll find:

free travel guide

Sign up to get our local Arden Delaware

travel guide

in Arden Delaware

Filled with favorite restaurants, hidden woodland trails, art and theater gems, and insider tips for experiencing our whimsical community.


Because the story starts before you arrive. 


download now

email:

Name:

OFFER COMING SOON

Storybook Escapes | Whimsical Hikes | Cozy Atmosphere | Unforgettable Moments | Historical Details | Nature All Around | Fireside Evenings | Seasonal Magic | Soulful Getaways | Dog-Friendly Adventures | Forest Retreats | Nostalgic Charm | Romantic Hideaways | Creekside Peace | Artistic Heritage | Timeless Comforts | Fireside Evenings | Seasonal Magic 

Stay With Us

If you’re searching for Delaware cottage rentals or dreaming of a whimsical woodland getaway near Wilmington, you’ve found the right place.

We’d love to welcome you, and your pups, to our little storybook world.

Book Your Stay Direct

Submit 

Contact

We'd love to connect with you! If you have any questions or need more information that isn’t covered on our website, don’t hesitate to reach out. Simply fill out the form on this page, and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.


Warmly,

Susan