What Our Guests Are Saying
Natalie saved us with a last minute booking. My original booking was cancelled the day before we were supposed to leave. Natalie made it very clear she had no plans on canceling and our family vacation would be great. The house was more than I expected, and I would book again if I have the opportunity.
— Raven Jones
Great stay. The house was so clean and really comfortable. We loved the pool and walking to the beach. So many restaurants close by as well as a great park for kids. We walked to the beach every day and love the quiet streets and walking trail. The bikes were a huge hit with our family and the fenced yard was perfect for our dog. Thanks for a wonderful stay!
— Nicki Rayl
We were evacuated from Avon and were lucky enough to find this place in Duck. The home has beautiful natural light and incredible sunsets. The ocean was not swimmable and the beach could not be accessed during the peak high tides from the hurricane, but the sound was calm as could be. The dock made for a great alternative to the beach and the crabbing is incredible! It is also a short walk to the beach and manageable walk/short drive to all the shops in Duck.
— Kevin Anthony
We had an idyllic family vacation at the Loophole. The host was incredibly responsive, helpful and accommodating. The location is just insanely perfect— it was honestly incredible in every way and I’m devastated to be home! Steps from the beach, hose for rinsing off from beach, outdoor shower, lovely neighbors…very convenient for the local YMCA with an amazing outdoor pool, great farmers market, bowling mini golf etc…felt so at home there immediately…can’t say enough good things and I miss it already.
— Sarah Beller
The house looked like it was out of a magazine – perfect details, decor, and amenities! It was even closer to the beach than we realized, making it an easy walk every day even with our toddler. Can’t thank Natalie enough for such a fantastic stay. Not to mention how close it was to a fantastic ice cream shop…
— Stephen Bailey
I highly, highly recommend this home! It’s absolutely beautiful, perfectly decorated, and in an ideal location. Natalie was a fantastic host—very responsive and helpful throughout our stay.
The beds were extremely comfortable, the space was clean and well-maintained, and there was ample parking. The backyard was perfect for our dog, and the neighborhood is a bustling little area with plenty to do nearby. We loved the screened-in porch with rocking chairs—it was the perfect spot for morning coffee.
We walked to the beach every day, which was so convenient.
I would stay here again and again, and the price is absolutely worth it!
— Mindy Greninger
Our family had such a wonderful stay! The house was absolutely beautiful, and spotless. It was the perfect home away from home. The pool was very relaxing and the location made getting to the beach super easy. Natalie was amazing to work with! She is very communicative, thoughtful, and responsive, which made the whole experience even better. We left feeling relaxed, happy, and grateful. We would gladly stay here again! Thank you Natalie!
— Kiersten St John
Absolutely loved our stay! The house was beautiful, clean, and offered plenty of space for our entire family to spread out and feel comfortable. We especially appreciated the fully stocked kitchen—it had everything we needed to cook meals and even bake some treats. The location couldn’t have been better—an easy walk or short drive to both the beach and Jockey Ridge State Park, making it super convenient for us to enjoy both the ocean and the sand dunes. Would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a relaxing getaway.
— Adrienne Moore
Our stay was perfect! The location is along the sound, walking distance to a dock and bike path. The rental is gorgeous! We felt spoiled with big fluffy towels, a gorgeous kitchen and luxurious bedroom. We felt well taken care of! The pool was fantastic. We’d love to return next summer!
— Jesse Pompei-Axt
We had a wonderful stay at the Mucky Duck! The pier was our absolute favorite place! From morning coffee, to post beach and evening sunsets, the pier was the highlight! Our walk to the beach was lovely, along Oyster Catcher Lane and Skimmer Way, the Live Oak Trees were beautiful! Our daughters loved their retreat in the upstairs bedrooms, so spacious, with their own bathroom and amazing view! We would definitely love to return for another visit to the Mucky Duck!🦆
— Maureen McDonough
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at JB by the Sea. The house was clean, well-stocked, in a great location, and Natalie was quick to respond to any questions. We were able to easily walk to the beach & several of our favorite places (Tortugas, Lucky 21, Nags Head Pier, Surfin’ Spoon, Dowdy Park Farmer’s Market, Front Porch Cafe). The house itself was just as shown in the pictures. The A/C worked really well despite temps in the 90s for several days, which we’ve found is not always the case in the OBX. The black-out curtains in the bedrooms were FANTASTIC. The jellyfish/sea lice were bad several days, so it was nice to come back to the pool/tiki bar and hang out. Overall, we had a great time & would 100% recommend this house to anyone.
— Tim Rice
Such a refreshing getaway—even though condtions kept us from enjoying the beach. This spot was very special where everything was thoughtfully arranged and easy to navigate. The pool and walking-distance activities kept the vibes high and the days full. Our host was very responsive and accommodating.
— Jessica Sullivan
House was very nicely decorated. Appreciated the fenced backyard for the dog, baby gates, and hot tub. Bicycles were available all though we did not need them. Loved the beach access: very close and great walkway to get on to the beach. Beach towels were a plus and the outdoor shower was Amazing. Loved the house, the location, and Travis and Scott were the perfect hosts.
— Jan Henderson
Our stay at this beautiful home was exactly as advertised and described: stunning view, private beach access, and everything we could possibly want. We were a party of nine and never felt cramped or in need of anything. I would definitely recommend this home to anyone with a large party that wishes a great experience in the Outer Banks of NC. 10 out of 10!
— Dean Miranda
We had a wonderful stay! The cottage was beautiful inside and very clean. The kitchen had everything you needed and the beds were incredibly comfortable. The hot tub was immaculate. The property is just one block away from the beach, the outdoor shower was so useful! Travis was responsive and so flexible with check-in. He made it to where my family could enjoy a few extra hours together and beat traffic. Would definitely come back!
— Lisa Mullins
Throughly enjoyed our stay at Mucky Duck! The house is beautifully decorated and the furniture is perfect for relaxing and taking in the fantastic view. We loved the view from the upstairs king bedroom, almost felt like being in a treehouse overlooking the water. We found the house to be extremely clean, which we very much appreciated! While Duck is a high traffic area ,the landscaping at Mucky Duck makes it feel secluded. The location was perfect for our family, just north of Duck (past the heaviest traffic) with an easy trip to grocery stores in Corolla or a quick trip into Duck for the delicious restaurants and shopping. We highly recommend Cravings and Donutz On a Stick (delicious for those with Gluten allergies too) both were repeat stops for us. We loved Mucky Duck so much we’re looking at Fall dates for a quick getaway. Thanks for being a great host Natalie!
— Carrie Price
Natalie was an amazing host and was very responsive and accommodating to our needs. It was a beautiful space and was very neat and clean. It had all the kitchen needs one would need on a visit and many more amenities that anyone would need. The provided bikes were a great bonus and helped us get around to the local beaches and restaurants as well. All around we had a great stay and enjoyed the Fourth of July with our family here.
— Param Preet Kaur
5/5, for sure!
Great location, house was spotless and the hosts provided towels, bedding, toiletries and beach stuff!
Travis was great to deal with from the start. Easy to get in touch with and very friendly.
A short walk to the beach, restaurants and activities for the kids. The fenced in yard with a firepit, hot tub and 2 deck was enjoyed all day, every day.
Our entire group LOVED this house from parents, to the kids and even our dog!
We travel often and hope to be back soon.
— Patrick Clarke
We had a wonderful stay and really didn’t want to leave.
The house is exactly as described and shown in the photos.
Extremely comfortable, clean and well equipped and in a great location with just a few minutes walk to a beautiful quiet beach with a fantastic coffee shop along the way.
Plenty to do in the local area with some wonderful wildlife too.
We would definitely love to go back and highly recommend!
Thank you Natalie for the lovely stay😊
— Claire Keywood
Write Off the Beach is conveniently located on a beach access street, with close proximity to grocery stores, shops, and restaurants. The house had enough space for several adults to park and stay comfortably!
Some things that would make the stay even better is if there was a clear list of what to expect and not expect in the house. For example, Natalie was very clear we would not get personal toiletries. However, we were unclear on what kitchen supplies were included as some items were missing (dish sponge, counter cleaner) and others were simply not included (ziplock bags). We communicated with Natalie and she remediated the missing items, but it was frustrating to not have aligned expectations.
Additionally, I think this space is rented week-to-week with very little time to turnover. That means if something breaks or a previous renter is not mindful, you may have to manage that on your vacation. This only manifested in minor issues for us.
All around would recommend and enjoyed!
— Katelyn DeBakey
Park and Paddle is a wonderful home and Natalie is a fantastic host. She is easily accessible and promptly returns messages. The home is beautifully decorated, immaculately clean, and had everything we needed for our stay. We especially enjoyed the pool! Highly recommend it for your next stay.
— Scott Jefferies
Natalie’s place was wonderful! The house was spotless and just as described. The screened in deck is perfection. We spent all of our free time out there! There were lots of thoughtful little touches that especially made our kids feel right at home! We did end up driving to the beach since you have to cross the main roads to get there. We didn’t have any issues finding parking and new beach areas to explore! I’d absolutely recommend this house to anyone!
— Molly Wasik-Arnold
What a perfect stay! The home couldn’t be more beautiful with adorable bedrooms that feel like luxury hotel bedrooms. There is a cute breakfast nook with a view of the ocean, and an incredible top level deck overlooking the pool and ocean. You couldn’t be closer to everything in Nags Head while also having a little oasis. Beautiful stay and would definitely recommend!
— Stephanie Shifflett
We had a great 7-day vacation/business retreat with a group of six. The house was clean, safe, and spacious, with three bathrooms and an outdoor shower. Beds were comfy, the kitchen was well stocked, and the washer/dryer were a huge plus for a longer stay. The beach was a short walk, and we loved the nearby restaurants and activities.
On day 2, I noticed both upstairs showers were leaking into the downstairs bedroom. The host responded quickly and sent someone to assess it. One shower was manageable by adjusting the showerhead, but the other continued to leak, which made it inconvenient for the couple staying below as they had to change wet sheets a few times. To avoid more issues, my partner and I used the outdoor shower instead (which I actually enjoyed). The host said a fix for the shower is planned, which will remedy any future issues.
Overall, we adjusted and still enjoyed the stay. I’d recommend it for a family or small group retreat.
— Cheryl Abram
Welcoming home that was clean and full of all the amenities needed. The proximity to the beach was ideal and also within walking/riding/driving distance of local food and shopping. Gym nearby was a quick car ride. Host were pleasant, helpful and prompt when needed. I would recommend for anyone to stay here.
— Dallas Wilson
We had a great stay at Natalie’s .Perfect size for our group of 3 couples.Loved sitting out on the big deck 😃An easy 10 minute walk to beach !
House was well equipped and Natalie was extremely responsive.We were missing the hairdryer and within the hour Natalie had 2brand new ones delivered to us 😃Would absolutely recommend 😃
— Karen Duncan
We had a wonderful stay here!! The house was lovely, the location was excellent, and it was in close proximity to stores, restaurants, etc.! We especially enjoyed the easy walk to the beach and all of the thoughtful “extras” that were provided (beach cart, chairs, umbrella, beach towels, and more). The outdoor shower and hot tub were nice additions as well. I’d highly recommend staying here!
— Christina Gillman
Natalie’s house is pristine and modern. It was impeccably clean and neat. The pool and hot tub were a wonderful touch, as well as the arcade games in the ground level room. The house is located in a very nice neighborhood within walking distance to the beach. The bed was extremely comfortable and there were plenty of TV’s and outdoor balconies and patios. Natalie’s house is GORGEOUS and I can’t wait to stay there again!
— Mari Hardenbergh
It was a wonderful experience. The house is super cozy and all the spaces are different and big enough to enjoy them. The terrace is incredible! You can choose the orientation is more convenient for the time of the day.
You can walk to the beach barefoot!
We just have an issue because of the dishwasher not running but the owners response always extremely fast and in a proactive way.
I highly recommend anyone to stay. I’ll repeat!
— Eva González
This was my third time staying at Loophole. I love it. I was traveling alone and doing a work/vacation hybrid. The view from my “office” aka the dining room table facing the ocean was fantastic. Everything about this house is wonderful: oceanfront, welcoming, quiet, classy. The hosts are exceptional as well. Very friendly and responsive. It is on the expensive side, for me. I’ll apologize to my bank account after I book my next stay.
— Laura Moloney
I want to start out by saying that I had a wonderful experience and the house is absolutely gorgeous. The location is amazing, the scenery is great and being at the beach was everything I hoped it would be. We did hit a snag halfway through the trip where the hot water went out but the host was on top of it with responsiveness and communicated clearly throughout the process. They did everything in their power to ensure we were taken care of and felt heard throughout it. I would definitely stay here again and if you choose this home you will have a fantastic time.
— William Rice
Travis was very responsive through out the entire trip. We enjoyed our time so much, that we ended up extending our stay another day. Travis was easy to get in contact with and assisted in making our stay very welcoming and enjoyable. Will keep this place in mind for our next trip to the OBX
— Elizabeth Berganza
Scouting Waves is a lovely spot and Natalie is an ideal host! This is a newly renovated property that offers a great layout for guests and families traveling together. The house is comfy and pool is delightful. I suspect we are one of few guests who’ve stayed at Scouting Waves since the renovation, and while there could have been more dining seating and a *front and center* info sheet, my interactions with Natalie were so pleasant and prompt and she offered immediate solutions! We had a lovely getaway to OBX and Natalie and Scouting Waves offered such a warm welcome! We’ll be back for another visit in the future!
— Claire Gordon-Neff
This was a lovely historic cottage, steps from the beach. With the beach in line of sight, and Jockeys Ridge behind us, we had a wonderful off season stay. The cottage is well appointed with decorative touches that showcase the history of the home and Jockeys Ridge. Because it is a historic home, minor things like doors not latching, uneven floors can be overlooked and in some respect added to its charm. The kitchen, bathrooms and beds all were fine. But we would suggest the host supply small beach supplies like beach chairs and an umbrella. Our stay was four days in the shoulder season and we found the setting to be just the right mix of proximity to the beach and Jockeys Ridge and great restaurants. Main concern was all of the construction from the adjacent homes being renovated. The wraparound porch with rocking chairs and benches was a great place to enjoy the ocean breeze and, both sunrises and sunsets. We really enjoyed our stay and would go back.
— Colleen Lagasse
The house is clean and modern. It’s really well thought out, from decor to amenities. The kids loved the video game console.
Amazing location. Less than 10 minute walk to beach. Short walk or bike ride to several restaurants and ice cream shops (best to walk or bike through neighborhood and then cut over to main roads). Plenty of shopping and activities within a short drive. The dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park are awesome!
Natalie was a friendly, responsive, and helpful host.
— John Conery
We had a great stay for our Spring Break. The house had all the things we needed to feel at home, with lots of space for everyone both indoors and out. Given the property’s proximity to the beach, we were thrilled with having access to a beach cart, chairs, and some great beach toys. We loved having coffee on the patio each morning. It’s a great spot for families looking to enjoy the beach and nearby attractions.
— Kevin Trainor
We had a wonderful stay with our pup — everything was as pictured — the decor was very tasteful and not under or overdone — the beds were quite comfortable, with plenty of extra blankets and pillows available, and the white linens were immaculate — generous extras were provided (full sized hand soaps, shampoo, conditioner, body wash; dishwasher and laundry pods, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies, etc.) The dog loved patrolling the two balconies, and we enjoyed sitting in the high chairs and listening to the ocean. We caught the sunset from the back porch and used the hot tub nightly. Proximity to Jack Brown’s delicious burgers was a plus! Thank you for having us.
— Carrie Tomko
We had a great stay at Travis’s place! Perfect location – we were able to walk to the beach each day and to lunch at Jack Browns one afternoon too! The heated floors in the primary en suite bathroom were a nice touch, loved being able to use the hot tub in the evenings and the baby gates to keep our kids in one place! The space was clean and also liked having the options to ride bikes or use the beach gear. We would stay again!
— Chelsey Halsey
Lovely place, it truly is right on the beach, as opposed to a lot of “beachfront” homes. You step off the back deck onto the dune! The house was spotless, with no pet hair, which is huge to us. Well maintained, everything was just like the listing said. We felt comfortable and at home and had a very enjoyable vacation here with our party of 9! The hosts allowed us an early check in and were very responsive and helpful. We hope to come back.
— Tom Child
We very much enjoyed our stay at Loophole while visiting the Outer Banks with our son, his wife and two teen boys during their east coast visit from California. The beauty of sunrise, the close view of wildlife in the sea and sky, and the night gaze at the stars will frame our fond memories of this beautiful home. Many thanks for the opportunity to stay here. We look forward to a future stay at the Loophole.
— Gloria Brinkman
The view of the water was unreal! Such amazing views and a private beach walkout. We loved every minute of our stay! Great location, close to many shopping places, restaurants and grocery stores. The place was spacious for the 4 of us and we enjoyed the board games and extra beach furniture provided. We would love to stay again in the future!
— Missy Day
The host and her staff keep the house immaculate–quite an effort as the house perches on beach dunes. Spotless and well equipped, and owned by locals, one can see from the appointments that this is a loved family destination for part of the year. By the looks of the multi-generational photos, one can also tell that many fond memories have been made here. We experienced the same.
— Karl Spielman
The iconic seafront cabin was perfect for our mother-daughters get-a-way! It was clean, comfy, cozy, private, and exactly what we had hoped for. Sun rises, walking the beach, shell picking, and bird watching were our favorite daily activities. Loved the easy beach access!
Check in and check out were easy, and the couple questions we had were answered quickly. Hoping to return!
— Anita Helms Ladehoff
The house was just as described, the view of the ocean from the kitchen and living room was awesome. The kitchen had everything you would need to make a meal. The beds were comfortable.
It is a perfect location if you want to get to things to do in the central outer banks.
The host was great we were able to check in a couple of hours early which was a great way to start off our week.
I plan to rent this house again next year for our annual fishing trip.
— Rena Carney
I had a fantastic stay at Park and Paddle! The home is brand new and beautifully decorated. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed, creating a cozy yet stylish atmosphere.
Natalie, the host, was a pleasure to work with – so responsive and accommodating throughout my stay.
I truly enjoyed my time here and would absolutely stay again. Highly recommend this gem in Nags Head!
— Bob Majersky
We really enjoyed Travis’ place. Very easy beach access and so helpful to have provided a pack-n-play, as well as the beach cart to haul stuff to and from. The house was well maintained and communication was ideal leading up. During the stay Travis was super responsive to any questions as well. Would certainly stay again!
— Cody Williams
Natalie’s house in Luray, VA was lovely! It was calm and peaceful, as well as comfortable! The decor was well done and cozy. The home was especially well set up for children – there was a pack and play, high chair, gate for the stairs, and a child lock on the cleaning cabinet, as well as toys to play with! It made traveling with two infants much easier! Natalie was welcoming and friendly and the location is perfect for walking to local spots and exploring downtown Luray, as well as only a short drive to the Thornton Gap entrance to the Shenandoah National Park. We had a great time and would absolutely stay here again!
— Hannah Marker
Loved staying at “Loophole”! The house is so charming and a throwback to the original beach houses of Nags Head. Everything about it is perfect. The view of the ocean from the back porch is stunning! We didn’t want to leave and will definitely be booking again for our annual mother/ daughter’s trip!
— Debbie Funk
Travis’ place was the perfect location – an easy walk to the beach, and central access to all the OBX has to offer. The kitchen was probably the best stocked that I’ve seen in an Airbnb which was so helpful. The house was clean, the hot tub was super clean and well taken care of, and the backyard was so great to have for the dogs since we had bad weather and couldn’t take them on as many walks. Would stay here again any time.
— Abby Brown
The stay was absolutely great. From check in to check out we had all that we needed and Katie was very responsive. The view was absolutely breath taken and a very short walk to the beach. The house was super clean. You could definitely tell they cherish the home with the upkeep and their tenants as well. Highly recommended. We will certainly visit again and will be using Katie as our host! 🫶
— Melissa Jenkins
The accommodations were perfect for our stay in Kill Devil Hills. Our host Travis made the process super easy and was responsive with all communication. The rental was absolutely beautiful! We had everything we could of needed for our stay. The area was very peaceful and within a very short walk to the beach. Would definitely recommend this property for a vacation getaway to the OBX!
— Laurie Moore
Loophole was wonderful! Our private beach entrance was the closest that we’ve ever been to the surf–maybe 10 steps max from the house. The multiple decks with plenty of seating overlooked the ocean, and there were Adirondack chairs and tables right on the beach for our use. Nice added touches were fluffy beach towels, coffee, ice machine, washer and dryer. We also loved the beach artwork and felt right at home with the cozy furnishings and comfy bed. There were plenty of dishes, drinkware, coasters, and sand chairs. If you’re looking for a sterile condo, this isn’t it, but if you’re after a historic home right on the beach, you’ve found your place. (Note that the hallways and one of the bathrooms might be a tight squeeze for some larger folks.) We’ll be back!
— Cynthia Petzold
Natalie was incredibly responsive and provided all the information we needed. The location was perfect, close to local attractions and with great dining options nearby. The beds were very comfortable, the screened in porch was nothing short of amazing. If you are looking to enjoy OBX, we highly recommend this house!”
— Ken Moody
Really clean, new home. Felt comfortable for our large group. Location was a bit too far to walk to the beach with gear but easy to drive. A few restaurants walking distance which was nice ! We enjoyed our stay.
Main downside – towels (bath and beach) and beach chairs/umbrellas are not provided and house is sparse in terms of supplies (think toilet paper, paper towels, no broom, hand towels, napkins, etc. ). We were a large regroup flying in for vacation with children and had to buy a ton of stuff, which adds to the hassle and expense.
— Kristin D’ALba
Loved the location, easy to get to the beach, great restaurants, nice spacious outdoor shower-big enough for multiple kids at once! Beds are firm which is so nice for those who need support! Nice options for a laundry hamper, ironing board, pack n play, all the things! Lovely touches for kids in the kids bedroom. Overall excellent stay and the host was so accommodating and responsive!
— Krista Brewster
Natalie’s property was great for us! Comfortably fit all of us with no issues. All bathrooms, the kitchen, and the outside closet were stocked with everything we needed to last a little less than a week. Ample parking, a great hot tub, and spacious indoors allowed us a place to chill, get ready, play card games, or cook. Would come here again for another vacation in North Carolina.
— Andre Aloian
We had an amazing stay! The house was beautiful, exceptionally clean, and had everything we needed for a perfect vacation. The home was not only well-equipped but also decorated BEAUTIFULLY. Natalie was extremely responsive and made sure everything went smoothly. We especially loved the private pool and the fenced-in yard, which was perfect for our pups. The house is very spacious, with plenty of room for everyone to have their own space depending on your family size, including separate bedrooms and bathrooms, which was a huge plus. The provided bikes were a great touch—we had so much fun cruising around in the evenings! We were easily able to walk to the beach if wanted, but also found parking when we wanted to drive up with no problem!
The main strip is not super walkable, but it was an easy 5 minutes drive to get coffee, custard, or do some souvenir shopping!
We can’t wait to come back!
— Kacy Ruffin
Travis and Scott were excellent hosts! They were easy to get a hold of and always responded quickly. They gave recommendations of local events and things to do and made sure we enjoyed our stay.
The house was beautiful, had everything we needed, and was in a great location. We would absolutely stay here again.
— Loray Paul
Write Off the Beach was a perfect place for our first visit to the Outer Banks. It was roomy and beautifully decorated. The location was a nice, quiet neighborhood with wide paths for walking and biking, but also very close to restaurants and the beach. Natalie was so patient with all of my questions as we dealt with a tropical storm arriving during our stay. We hope to be back again and actually visit the beach.
— Sarah Kyte
Our family had an amazing trip to OBX and our stay here made it all that much better. The property was very nice, looked just as the pictures showed and Natalie was very quick to respond with any questions. Our family of five had plenty of room and the game room downstairs was a hit with the kids! My wife and daughter like to run and being on the bay side of of 158 was actually a nice change. I also took my 4 y/o son fishing on one of the piers on the bay side a couple times and it was great! All in all it was a great place to stay with lots to do and very convenient! Highly recommended! Thank you!
— Frankie Zanin II
My family really enjoyed this place. It had everything we needed from kitchen utensils to items for a day at the beach. The beach access was only one block away. It had boogie boards, floats, beach chairs and a beach cart. The kitchen was fully stocked with glasses, silverware and cooking utensils. The house was large and spacious. I will be returning in the future. I highly recommend this listing. You will not be disappointed.
— Blake Ivey
This place was amazing! Coming from Virginia Beach and bringing two cousins who had never been in the states before they loved it! From the house to the beach it was great. The beach was less than a mile distance walking, which was super convenient. One of my favorite amenities here were the bikes, they were fun to use and ride around the neighborhood. I will definitely be coming back to this house in the future. Thank you!
— Daniel Carrillo
The house was a perfect fit for our first ever family vacation (6 adults, 4 children, 1 infant). The home was large enough that each family had a designated floor. Our oldest grandchildren loved having the bunk bed room. The arcade was a big hit as well. We had the option to go to the beach or use the pool or both. The kids spent an entire afternoon in the pool.
The home is configured well with plenty of space for everyone to be together or to take some time to relax by themselves.
The home amenities are very nice. Plenty of dishware/glasses for a large family. The children dishes are a great touch especially for families with younger children. Additionally there is booster chair and pack/play crib available for families with wee ones. The bikes are great. Our son/daughter-in-law biked to the pier and my husband biked home from the beach.
Our host, Natalie, went out of her way to help us and we are grateful.
All in all a perfect family vacation!
— Teri Allred
Although the cleaning was delayed at check-in, the house was clean and well-organized. It was convenient as the beach and places to visit were nearby. However, there were quite a few flies and mosquitoes, possibly due to standing water. Other than that, it was convenient to use.
Thank you:)
— Hyounsun L
This home was great beautiful, spacious, & clean. Natalie was a GREAT host with immediate responses & suggestions. Her communication & hospitality were top tier highly recommend renting from her. Natalie also checked in on me & my family multiple to make sure we were settled in & if there was anything she could do to assist us. If I could I’d give her a million star rating definitely will rent from her again!!!!
— Mike Williams
Just a dream. Such a special house and in such a magical spot – better than we ever could have imagined. Right on the ocean, steps to the beach, endless beautiful views from the peaceful living room and kitchen. Loved the original art and the soft bath towels. Could not have enjoyed it more.
— Liz Wolgemuth
We had the perfect stay here. Close walk to the beach which is really helpful with 2 little ones and the house was stocked with all the necessities. Nice bathrooms, clean and comfortable beds, shower items (shampoo, body wash, etc..) supplied if you need it, and the items shown in the listing for beach needs (used the beach cart one day but hubby struggled a bit getting it up/down some areas of the beach so we only used it the one day). Having the washer and dryer & outdoor shower were super useful as well. My husband and I really enjoyed the location and relaxing on the top deck when we got a chance. One of the bedrooms was perfect for the kids with a TV, bunk bed and some games/books. Hosts were responsive and kind as well! We left a new bag of sand toys in the shed/storage area that we never got to open so hopefully some families get use out of then! Hopefully will be back next year!!
— Jen Nicholas
Park and Paddle was outstanding and we thoroughly enjoyed our time in Nags Head. The house was exactly as shown in the description and decorated beautifully. We all loved the look of the bed linens and sofas and outdoor furniture. Natalie has great style.
The appliances are all top of the line and the kitchen has everything you need.
The outdoor pool was our favorite place to hang out and we absolutely loved the five bikes for cruising around.
It was well worth the rental price and we hope to return.
— Margaret Moran
The beautiful wooden house is located directly in front of the dune with direct privat access and beach to the house. Everything you could wish for is there. The
view and the atmosphere are unique. Sunrise including dolphin show. We really enjoyed this house with our children.
Thanks for an unforgettable stay.
— Marion Thor
Our stay at Park & Paddle was wonderful. Location was great; walkable to the beach and easy to bike ride to shops, restaurants and the grocery store. The house was very clean and the perfect size for us. The arcade and pool got plenty of use and we BBQ’s or cooked almost every meal which was extremely convenient. Perfect spot for all ages and having 5 bikes available for our use was unexpected and much appreciated. Natalie was very responsive and the property was just as listed. We look forward to returning to OBX and would love to stay at Park & Paddle again!
— Gina Krenek
This home was located in a quiet neighborhood near a cudesac. The level of cleanliness was outstanding! The two decks and the enclosed pool area were wonderful. Although the walk to the beach is doable, we ended up renting a golf cart to get to and from the beach. There is a neighborhood ice cream shop that was nice to visit. Grocery shopping is convenient with many stores close and there is a Target nearby, too. We used Instacart for our food delivery.
The pool and hot tub area are fenced in and there is a nice bar area with a sink. There is a refrigerator that is accessible from the downstairs area. I would recommend buying bags of ice if you plan on filling a cooler.
The owners responded quickly to our questions. This is a dog friendly home, but we did not see any signs of damage or wear and tear.
— Yasmine Zwerenz
Our extended family had a great stay at one of Natalie’s houses in Nags Head. We were the first guests in this house. The house was beautiful and decorated so nicely. The beds were very comfortable. The kitchen was gorgeous and so spacious. It made family meal time really nice and easy.
Being the first guests, there were a couple hiccups, and Natalie and her husband were so incredibly responsive and kind in helping us get things taken care of quickly. Absolutely nothing that would keep us from coming back! If anything, it just showed how great they were to work with.
We would 100% rent here or one of their other houses again!
— Jesanne Roden-Reynolds
We have stayed at a lot of airbnbs over the last several years. But Katie, your special touches were like none other. Thank you for giving us a wonderful stay. Peggy Ann, thank you for opening up your home again. We have so many memories there and this weekend was so special to be there again. Allen walked in and said…. This smell reminds me of my childhood. Perfect place!! Having the ocean right there cures the soul. We are already looking at a long weekend in the fall!!
— Rhonda Tynch
Katie, the host, was exceptional. The house was everything I could possibly want. It was like staying in an art gallery built among the dunes, with gorgeous ocean views. I loved every minute I was there. The home is very clean, beautifully appointed, and located on my favorite stretch of beach in Nags Head. Wi-Fi is super fast (I was working remote while there). I cannot wait to go back.
— Laura Moloney
The house is a gem. It IS a true beach house that has been the setting for lots of sweet family memories. When we first walked in it felt very warm and welcoming PLUS you look out the windows and see the ocean. Walk out the backdoor and lots of outside ocean-view seating and literally steps to the beach (and a wrap around porch). The house was immaculate and everything we needed was there. Small details throughout the house were a plus….lots of hooks, beach towels, closets with hangers, easily accessible instructions, great lighting, tons of cute coffee mugs, I could go on … We would stay again and plan to at another time since the weather wasn’t so cooperative for us.
— Kathy
We had a very enjoyable week between Christmas and New Year’s in Nag’s Head at Natalie’s home. The home easily accommodated our gang of five adults, with ample seating, clean bedrooms and bathrooms and a kitchen well stocked so we could cook together! Our goal for the week was simply to get away and relax and the home supported that goal very well! We played cards and games at the large kitchen table and the guys watched football while the ladies did a little shopping. The hot tub was a super relaxing treat and enough local places were open to find a good balance between staying in and going out – we found two great brew pubs and some fun coffee shops. The walk to the beach was a breeze and we took advantage of that and the cooperating weather to take a long walk every day. Natalie was very responsive when I had a question, and provided some suggestions for going out. I would definitely recommend this property and Natalie as a host!
— Jill Walsh
absolutely perfect stay! this house fit all our needs and desires to a T. it was very comfortable with a baby, a toddler and a dog. we enjoyed walking to dowdy Park for the playground or the beach every day and enjoying the hot tub at night. all the beds were so comfortable, too! we will definitely book this house for future trips!
— Helen Dawley
Our family of six (and a pooch) enjoyed staying at this beautiful home. Close enough to make beach trips walkable, yet away from the busy roads. Local coffee shops and parks also very walkable. The home had great space for our family. Very clean with many amenities that made cooking simple.
— John Forbes
Really enjoyed our stay. Very comfortable house. Natalie was a great host. She was responsive and got us a baby gate so we could keep the dogs on the front porch. We had bungee cords to attach it and it worked beautifully. The back deck has a wider 48″ wide stairway which was a little more challenging to block off. She also had delicious coffee there 4 us.
Nice hairdryer in the master bath. Hand soap in a pump was at the sinks but do bring your own shower soap and shampoo.
The beach is not a bad walk away and the wagon at the house is great, but when we had a lot of heavy gear we drove it to the beach. Once when the parking lot was full, my husband drove the car back and used one of the bikes to return. The bikes were not all in working condition, but the one he used was fine.
We cooked quite a bit and the kitchen was well stocked, but I do think it would have been nice to have a citrus sqeezer, a zester, and a cheese slicer/shredder.
We would definately stay here again.
— Maurine Simon
Our family had a lovely time at Natalie’s place. We were able to walk to the beach comfortably and the house came with everything we needed: a wagon with big wheels to tote toys and chairs to the beach; bikes that we rode to the nearby park/playground (which was also walkable); even baby supplies like a high chair. We would stay again. Thank you for a very enjoyable stay!
— Jennifer Ma
Natalie was friendly and immediately responsive. The house is thoroughly renovated and very functional and tasteful. Spotless.
Her house is well located, well furnished, and had more then enough towels and cleaning necessities. The pool and hot tub were clean and the patio stocked with a lot of furniture for onsite use and gear for taking to the beach. The beach is an easy walk away as are several good restaurants.
The furniture is tasteful and comfortable. I would stay again.
— Angela Tang
This may be one of the best airbnbs we’ve stayed at! The home is inviting, cozy and as beautiful in person as in the pictures. As the listing says, the home was recently renovated and has modern upgrades and a stunning kitchen. It was plenty spacious for our family of 7 adults and 1 toddler. The outdoor area is really nice and while the pool may be on the smaller side, it is a good size for taking a dip and lounging. Just don’t expect to swim laps in it. We loved the hot tub and took advantage of it in the cooler evenings.
You can walk to the beach (less than 10 mins) but it can feel long if you’re hauling a lot of beach gear by hand. Best to have a wagon or drive and drop off at the public access point. If you’re traveling with children, Dowdy Park is nearby and has a playground, basketball and tennis courts, and a huge open field. We went several times and our toddler loved it!
Lastly, the hosts were really great, very accommodating of our needs and extremely responsive!
— Victoria Duong
We loved staying at Jack & Nancy’s and hope to return. It’s such a great location, with so much to see and do around, while all I wanted to do was sit on the porch with my sea view and drink my coffee all day. It was pretty warm while we were at the Outer Banks, but so comfortable in the house. The kitchen was well appointed so we were able to eat in several nights, and it provided space for our two families of 4 to easily also have our own spaces when needed. We had such a wonderful stay!!!
— Brenda McDonough
Counting Pelicans is hands down our favorite rental in the Outer Banks. The house is lovely with lots of arts and crafts touches. It is also outfitted with all the comforts of home especially in the kitchen. You do need to bring your own linens and towels but that is pretty common for obx rentals. You can see the ocean from the front deck and the beach is just a few minutes walk. Wifi worked great for streaming etc while we were there. There’s even a coffee shop just a minute’s walk down the street. When we come back to the OBX, we will definitely stay here.
— Lindsay Gernant
My family and I had a wonderful time staying at Counting Pelicans. We would recommend it to anyone. The place is even nicer in person, very clean and lots of room for our family. Being located in Kill Devil Hills it’s close to everything. The hosts were very responsive to messages and wonderful to talk to. The close proximity to the beach was amazing just a very short walk, as it sits three houses back and we could see the beach from the porch. Enjoyed everything the place had to offer. We cooked meals and used the grill some nights, enjoyed the decks and patio in early mornings and evenings with plenty of comfortable seating. The bath house was nice when coming back from the beach to wash off in. Loved the comfy couch and spinning chairs in the living room with such uniquely designed foot rests. I can go on and on. We would all come back and stay here again. Wonderful house!!
Amanda
— Amanda Uher
Counting Pelicans is a lovely place for a family getaway! There was plenty of space for everyone and the house is super close to the beach! We all love to cook and the kitchen was very well equipped. The space is beautifully decorated and the many outdoor spaces to sit and relax were favorites for us. We loved all the artwork and decor as well!
— Becky Lehman
Counting Pelicans was hands-down one the best Airbnb’s I’ve ever stayed at. The location is perfect (the 4th house back from the beach). You can walk to and from the beach as easy as possible. The street is a quiet residential one. Lots of cute dogs tho 🙂 The kitchen is really well stocked. We cooked most of our meals easily. There were only 4 of us, and everyone was thrilled to have their own room. But we could have easily fit double the people. Having two porches is so fun– you can follow the sun or the shade. The beds and the furniture were all comfortable and unique. We loved the beachy decorations! It truly felt like being a guest in someone’s very well-cared-for home. So many other reviewers have already said this, but I can’t wait to come back next year (I hope)!
— Caitlin Cowie
This is our second stay at Counting Pelicans and as expected, it was great! The location is perfect – about a half block to the beach on a quiet street. The owners have updated the kitchen and added some other improvements since our last stay about 3 years ago. The house is well cared for, clean, and had everything we needed. We love the artistic touches in and outside of the house. There were a total of 4 adults and 5 children staying there and we had plenty of room. The owners responded promptly to all messages. We will definitely plan to stay there again! Great place!
— Rebecca Brown
The house was just as described! very cute, cozy, and convenient. Jack and Nancy were communicative and friendly as we’re the neighbors. We felt right at home.
Very close to lots of attractions and perfect beach access. And lots to do at the house as well! It was well stocked with all we could need in the kitchen. games, beach toys, ample options for outdoor seating and views of the ocean.
We came with 2 separate families so the upstairs and downstairs being separate was perfect for us. Would stay again!
— Miriam Hunter
The house was clean and comfortable & the decorations were so much fun. We were comfortable in the space & enjoyed being such a quick walk to the beach. The front yard has some fun decorations, peace poles, made by a neighbor. The downstairs living area is not connected to the upstairs area indoors. We called it the “ in-law” area & it is perfect if you have a friend that would like more privacy. Jack was quick to respond to any questions we had & took care of an A/C problem immediately. We will rent from them again. Highly recommended!
— Michelle Ockerman
Counting Pelicans is a great place to stay for an OBX vacation. Very nice home, recently updated kitchen and bathrooms, wi-fi, clean and comfortable. Three minute walk to the beach, five minute drive to grocery store. When we weren’t at the beach we loved sitting on the porch watching passersby and ocean views. 10/10 would stay here again!
— Guest
It was a very warm/homey cottage. Beach was right there. Everything you needed to cook and grill with was provided. The kids enjoyed the surf board, we donated some boogie boards for the next clan that comes! I would totally recommend this for any family thinking about taking a trip to the OBX. Thanks again!You guys were wonderful!
Lisa and family!
— Guest
Counting Pelicans is a charming, clean cottage only a block from beach. Sitting on the porch and seeing the ocean is an added bonus. Jack and Nancy are very responsive and provide many thoughtful touches. We had extended family staying at our own home nearby and needed an additional space for “beach central”. This worked perfectly! Thank you!
— Lisa Minerich
This house was perfect. Plenty of space for 6 adults. Close to the beach access and it wasnt crowded at all. Walking distance to avalon pier, putt putt and dunkin donuts. The house and yard are full of eclectic improvisational artwork that makes the counting pelicans a unique home away from home.
— Guest
The best part about this beach house is the location to the beach! It was less than 1 block to the beach and you can easily see the ocean from the front portch. This was a must have feature with 4 little kids. The house was clean and had everything we needed. It comfortably fit 4 adults and 4 kids. We loved the artistic character in decor both in and out of the home. We took advantage of the charcoal grill and grilling supplies provided. The surrounding streets were very quiet and had very little traffic. The bottom floor of the home is separate from the top (main) floor. We ended up not using this space but realized that it would be nice for grandparents or older kids to have as their own separate space. We will keep this in mind for future stays. We would definitely stay at Jack and Nancy’s place again.
— Rebecca Brown
This is a wonderful beach home to take a family vacation. The beach is a short walk and it is not crowded at all and we went various times from sunrise to sunset. Extra amenities like Wi-Fi, cable, a charging station, plenty of benches and chairs outdoors, 3 full bathrooms, outside private shower, etc. make this a great place to vacation at the ocean. Jack & Nancy are fantastic and very attentive to their guests.
— Guest
We really enjoyed staying at this cottage. The home was much closer to the beach than expected. It was supplied with anything and everything you could need while on vacation. The pictures did not do the house justice. It was absolutely incredible to arrive and be blown away by how beautiful the home is inside and out! I really appreciated that Jack and Nancy kept in contact during the week to check in and offer any help if we had questions. I think that this home is a steal and am grateful to have shared the experience with my family and friends.
— Guest
Counting Pelicans is artistic, comfortable and well-equipped. We had everything we needed for a great vacation for grandparents all the way down to toddlers. A great location, too, an easy walk to the beach, which was never crowded, and close to lots of other great things to do. Can’t wait for our next visit!
— Guest
Our family (6 adults and 3 young kids) loved our week in Jack and Nancy’s cottage! The home was equipped with everything we needed for our beach vacation. Our hosts were accommodating with our early arrival and they were quick to respond to our questions before and during our visit. We would definitely stay again!
— Kristin Zucaro
The house was fantastic, much more than we expected. Jack and Nancy answered all of our questions and provided detailed information before we arrived. The house was very comfortable and roomy. The beach is within a short walking distance and was never crowded. The outdoor bath was great too and enclosed so you can rinse sand off entire body. They seemed to have thought of everything including a cool tower charger for the many gadgets. We strongly recommend this home for any family looking for a relaxing week at the beach. No complaints whatsoever and we did get to meet Jack on day we left, otherwise we were left alone, another positive for us. It is not easy to find a vacation spot equally attractive to toddlers, teenagers, young adults and a senior but this home did just that for us. Thanks Jack. Thanks Nancy. Did I mention that the house looks much better in person than in the pictures. One day some folks stopped by just to look at the outside and compliment the outer appeal of the house. The house also has lovely and thoughtful interior decorations as well.
— Claude
Jack and Nancy were incredibly accommodating when we arrived! They called to let us know when we could check in since we had arrived quite early in the morning.
The house was much much closer to the beach than I realized when I booked it (only a few houses away from the public beach access). Even better, the public beach access is one of the ones without a parking lot, meaning that the beach wasn’t overcrowded.
The house itself was cute and charming. The outside shower is large and even has a dressing area. Since the showers inside were quite small, most of our group opted for showering outside instead.
Unfortunately for us, we came on a very hot week (heat index above 100 every day) and the upstairs AC wasn’t able to keep up during the day. At night, it was fine and everyone slept comfortably. But we avoided being upstairs during the day like the plague.
Thanks for everything! We would definitely stay again!
— Guest
My husband and I stayed at this cottage with 2 other couples and we all absolutely loved it! The cottage is very nice and decorated nicely. We enjoyed looking at all the little details in the décor inside and out! This house was closer to the beach than expected and we could see the ocean from the front porch. The neighborhood was nice and we enjoyed seeing people walk and ride their bikes down the street. One of my favorite features was the large outdoor shower! By the end of the week all three couples had moved their shower stuff out there and we barely even used the indoor showers! It was not cramped and there are plenty of hooks for everyone to leave their towels. The house had everything we needed. Everyone in our group agreed that we would definitely stay here again!
— Guest
The place was cute charming and comfortable! Jack and Nancy were delightful hosts that went above and beyond to check on us during our stay to make sure all was well and greeted us when we were leaving. We had 6 total guests but could have easily fit more comfortably. There were many “extras” included in the house making it truly like home … We were a short walk (3 houses) from beach and was so convenient. Would highly recommend this place and will most likely stay here again on our next trip to the Outerbanks!!!
— Lori