Canal Quarters

As a surprise for my boyfriend’s 25^th birthday, I rented out Lockhouse 6 on the C&O canal through the business Canal Quarters. They refurbished the old lockhouses which were once occupied by lock keepers who worked 24 hours around the clock to open the locks for boats and small barges. Three lockhouses are available to rent, lockhouse 6 is the only one with running water, electricity and heat (a necessity for MD winters). Bring food to cook, blankets, and linens– the rest is there for you to enjoy.
It was a wonderful experience. The house was immaculate, cozy and clean. It sleeps 8, with two bedrooms upstairs (two twin beds in each) and a comfy pull out sofa in the living room on the middle level. The bathroom (equipped with full shower/​tub) was in the basement– the stone walls provided little insulation and became uncomfortably cold during trips down there and before and after showers.
The Lockhouse provided all the amenities of home including coffee makers, pots, pans, dishes, cleaning supplies, refrigerator, stove, oven, etc. Maps, books, and photographs from the era decorated the house and the beautiful winter scenery of the Potomac River provided landscape.
The Lockhouses can be rented as pit stops for bikers and hikers making their way down the C&O canal from Pittsburg. They can be rented for romantic getaways or surprise birthdays and bachelorette parties. Lockhouse 6 is only a stones throw from Georgetown on Clara Barton Parkway, so it’s close to the city for a night (or two) out.