cw, would the marsh area be full of mosquitos?

Chatham is beautiful. Keep in mind that the water there is ocean, not bay, so it will be colder and there will be a current. Also, the house looks a little run down, especially the kitchen. Since they're billing it as sleeps 10 it means they're willing to rent to large groups and it's reasonable to assume the house is not impeccably maintained.
The Wellfleet house is just beyond the town pier so not the most gorgeous beach. It won't be that buggy but it will be weedy. 3rd house is not what you're looking for, I think you should keep looking. Most "perfect" houses have regular renters from one summer to the next but this week is when people have to commit so your timing is perfect for getting lucky

The Chatham house is on Nantucket Sound, not on the ocean. The water in Nantucket Sound is calmer and warmer than the ocean beaches. The location on the water with a deck to watch sunrise and sunset sounds wonderful.

Maria, I'm not sure about the mosquitoes at that Wellfleet location. I stay near a more inland marsh and it is buggy at dusk--not during the day. There may be fewer bugs right near the water (and a better chance for a breeze).

I still think the Chatham house may be more what you're looking for, especially if you don't want to load everyone into the car to drive to the beach.

Forgot to add that my only other suggestion would be to look again at Truro. There are houses near the bay beaches--not N. Truro where your first house was, but a little south of that location.

Oh, hands down, the Chatham house on Nantucket Sound. No question.

One other suggestion: Would you consider skipping Providence all together and perhaps visit Boston for those days instead?

And the beach access at Wellfleet 19356 is limited during high tide! It might even be non-existent during high tide!

Thanks bowsprit. we've been to boston for weeks at a time. we want a beach vacation.

I see. Then Providence won't do at all.

oops! Meant: Then 'Boston' won't do at all.

Just throwing it out there: Have you considered going to the beaches of Rhode Island?

I think the lure of the cape has caught us in a tight grip.... :-) We will be in Providence for a night though. Any recommendations for where to stay or at least what area?

Well, I fully understand the lure of the Cape!

The only placed I've stayed in Providence is the Westin. It's got great views and is connected to an indoor mall through an enclosed pedestrian skybridge. Ask for a high floor and a new room. We were there for Water Fire a few Septembers ago and enjoyed ourselves.

I would go for #2 but I way prefer Wellfleet to Chatham.

I prefer Chatham when travelling with small children. You can visit the National Seashore or the Bay beaches easily from Chatham.

It's a done deal. Just sent the check and lease out for the Chatham house. sooooo excited!

now, anyone have recommendations for a good hotel with kids (1 yr old twins) in Providence? The waterfire looks great. I'm thinking the hampton in. and suites downtown? i have hilton honors and can add to reward points and they have the suites so hubby and i can unwind when the biys go to sleep. any other recommendations?

Westin.