About Bert’s Cottages

From one generation to the next, we strive to continue Bert’s legacy

Herbert W. Coburn and Georgia Birden were married in 1919 and as a wedding present received a gift of land on Howard’s Beach, now a part of White Sand Beach. In 1924 Coburn built his first cottage, and continued over the next 29 years to build 20 more. From their year-round cottage atop Coburn’s Store, “Bert” and Georgia ran a rental business, renting cottages, bath houses, and rowboats.

Candy, soda, charcoal, kerosene, glass, fishing tackle, and bait were among the varied items for sale in Coburn’s Store.

When the 1938 hurricane devastated the area, all of Coburn’s cottages, including his waterfront cottages remained standing. (You can see some of the damage done in the photo to the left.) Water lines from these hurricanes are still marked in pencil on the doors of the old store.

Today, the Uncle Bert’s Great Nephew continues to keep the cottages running in “Uncle Bert’s” name. Though his store no longer sells general wares, you can book your next vacation rental in the cottage situated above the old Coburn’s Store and stay in a little piece of White Sand history.

We are thrilled to have you stay with us for your perfect beach getaway. Feel free to contact us with any questions while you’re planning your trip.

Ready to stay in a little piece of White Sand history?

Book now

Bert’s Cottages Today

Today, Bert's Cottages are being preserved by the next generation. Uncle Bert didn't have any children - but his sister "Mabel" Barker did, two girls and a boy. Those children worked and played around the beach during summers - digging sand out from under cottages, painting, fixing, replacing - and payment for these chores would be a ride in Uncle Bert's station wagon to the ice cream shop. Upon Uncle Bert's passing he gave his two nieces and a nephew each a cottage at White Sand Beach. The two cottages we call 'The Little Cottage' and 'Uncle Bert's' were acquired by Janice, in an effort to keep them in the family, when her brother was ready to sell. From this, the "second" generation of care takers was born. It was typical of the family to do chores in the morning and play after lunch. Something that Todd strives to continue. And it was very important to Todd's Mom, Janice, to preserve the family's history and maintain the cottages in the same fashion that Uncle Bert had. She not only helped create family memories for her own children and family, but also for numerous other families through repeat rentals. With Janice's passing in 2018, the third generation of caretakers was born with Janice's children taking over daily tasks on the properties.

So if you see any of these generations out and about on the property, be sure to stop and say hello!

Cindy’s Rental

Make your visit as relaxing as possible, check out the details below for check in/out and what you’ll need to bring.

We can’t wait for you to visit with us next summer!

Cindy’s Rental is renting two or more consecutive weeks as well as monthly and entire summer beginning and ending on Fridays to allow for the full weekend experience. Guest check-in is anytime after 3:00 pm and check-out is 11:00 am.

You will need to bring:

Sheets/linens, towels and blankets
Beach chairs and sand umbrellas
Groceries
(Pre-order PeaPod with Stop & Shop in Old Saybrook or Big Y)

We provide:

Pillows and bath mats
Drip coffee maker, microwave, toaster, cookware, glassware, utensils, lobster pots
Picnic table, charcoal grill, gas grills on site
Internet access and Smart TV

We’d like our home to feel like your home so please call with any special requests or needs.

Washer and dryer on premise. A vacuum, mop, cleaning supplies are provided as well as a weekly cleaning service are all part of your rental agreement.

You are welcome to bring your non-motorized small water craft – kayaks, paddle boards, etc. and leave them on the beach in front of your cottage.