Elsie's House On Howard Street - Vacation rental home in Ocracoke, NC

About this Property

• Sleeps 8
• 4 Bedrooms
• 4 Bathrooms
• Private vacation home
• Approximately 2700 square feet

Located among the live oaks, Elsie's House on Ocracoke's fabled Howard Street, a peaceful sandy lane in the heart of the village, is just steps away from Silver Lake harbor, stores and eateries. It was originally constructed from ship's timbers in 1888 on occasion of the wedding of Simon Garrish to Sarah Howard. It stayed in the family and was last occupied by Irvin Garrish, Ocracoke's first Hyde County Commissioner and ferry Captain and his wife, Elsie Ballance Garrish, the island nurse. Local islanders fondly remember them 'holding court' from the front porch swing, greeting those passing by the shady lane.

In September 2019 Hurricane Dorian flooded our pretty home and Elsie's was forever changed. We found ourselves on a long wait list to have the home lifted and rebuilt. During this time we reimagined Elsie's rebirth - a place for families and friends to appreciate space to gather together while also providing room to relax and spread out. We kept the appeal of the original home while adding new, roomy rooms, additional bedrooms and baths, porches and decks on each of the three levels. AND we now provide a cargo lift to help ease the burden of your suitcases.

Open the front door and you will be welcomed by the airy space and attractively reclaimed heart of pine floors. The great room features comfortable seating and a 75 inch intelligent TV, a well supplied brand new kitchen with items for cooking and dining, and a convenient pantry/laundry. The original part of the home is filled with a cozy parlour, a dining room, and a private den with a 50 inch intelligent TV.
There are four unique bedrooms, two original to the home and two added. Elsie's has grown from a one bath home to a three and a half bath plus TWO outdoor showers! You will find comfort from the elements with dual central heat and air and unlimited on demand hot water system.
Outdoor living is yours on the many porches and decks.

Feel the casual slow pace of Ocracoke finishing a good book, taking a walk to Springer's Point, riding the waves on the beach, kayaking to Teach's Hole, cycling around the village, appreciating a fine meal, or sailing into the sunset...you can do it all and then come home to the warm lantern glow of Elsie's House.

About the Area

Ocracoke is home to this vacation home. Ocracoke Lighthouse and British Cemetery are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Hatteras Landing Marina and Teach's Lair Marina. Ocracoke Pony Pens and Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Special Instructions

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Know Before you Go

A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

Pet Policy

Pets not allowed

Tips to get the very best vacation rental experience:

Finding your perfect vacation home:

• To find the best value, try changing your group's vacation week to the Spring or Fall shoulder seasons. May, September, and October offer great weather, less crowded beaches, and greatly reduced traffic. Many vacationers use this method to find larger homes within budget, or to book an oceanfront vacation rental that would otherwise be unaffordable during June, July, and August.
• Book your vacation home as soon as possible. Rental schedules generally open twelve months in advance (or in September just after Summertime ends). Many families book their Summer vacation rentals during Thanksgiving and Christmas get-togethers. Reserve before these holidays for best selection.
• Some hosts and property managers offer discounts for veterans. Remember to ask your host or property manager if discounts are available for your family before you book.
• Management companies and individual rental owners typically offer customers an option to purchase vacation insurance protection. Trip insurance, which usually will cost between 1% - 5% of the base booking price, offers visitors reimbursement of costs for any missed trip time as a result of medical-related emergencies or weather, as well as evacuation costs or charges, such as an unexpected hotel stay or extra gasoline expenses. Trip insurance can be a a bank account-saver if the unforeseen occurs. Ask the property owner for details.
• Many management companies and vacation rental houses supply Ocracoke area visitors guide magazines which include special deals, either offered directly by local businesses, or through a relationship with the property management company and the business itself. You can also find Ocracoke visitors guide and coupon books at local gas stations and shopping centers.

Filter your rental search:

• Select a designated group leader, select your vacation week, and choose a max budget.
• Decide how many bedrooms and what type of bedroom configuration your family needs. Elsie's House On Howard Street has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.
• Precise descriptions of bedrooms and bed counts is generally available online. Otherwise, email the host before you reserve the property. Remember that most listings specify maximum guest capacity, which usually includes pull out couches in living rooms. You will need to establish what bed configuration is right for your family.
• Looking for unique amenities? Most rental search websites include search filters with amenity lists.
• Appropriate accessibility can make or break a vacation for guests that require the use of a wheelchair. Confirm all required amenities are included before booking.
• Are you bringing the family pet? Many vacation homes allow animals, but guidelines and restrictions apply. Allowable pet type, breed, and size are often limited. Ask your property manager before booking, and study your agreement thoroughly! Additional fees or costs could be applied to your invoice.

More tips for your visit:

• Add the owner's contact information to your smartphone. Print and take a copy of check in/check out procedures.
• Note any damages to the property during check in, and immediately send them to the property manager. We specifically recommend e-mails and text messages, as they usually contain time stamps that can be very helpful if damages are assessed.
• Ask questions. You may need instructions for a fireplace, intercom or washer/dryer. Contact your property manager. They are there to help! A brief call can prevent lots of difficulties.
• Be respectful of your neighbors. Frequently, surrounding homes are filled by permanent residents. Respecting quiet hours and parking policies reduces conflict and allows everyone to enjoy their day.
• Don't forget to... Ask a local resident! Locals can often help. Who better to ask where to launch your kayaks, have a great night out, or the best spots for shopping?
• Ensure you protect the property owner (and your stuff!) by locking and securing the home when you are out, just like you would back home.
• Upon check-out, take a walk-through to make sure you haven't leave anything behind. Re-check dressers, closets, and bathrooms for hidden items. Clean the refrigerator and take any leftovers home.
• Document the condition of the property at check-out. We recommend taking a video during your final walk-through.
• Leave a review! Property owners rely on good reviews to inspire future bookings. They'll be grateful for your review. Alternatively, if something went awry, other vacationers will will be grateful for your experience find their best vacation rental. Be fair with your review. If something fell short of expectations, consider whether the owner had any control over the issue, and if so, whether they responded quickly to fix it.