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 handsome 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 savor space to gather together while also providing room to relax and spread out. We kept the appeal of the original home while adding new, cavernous 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 bags.

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

Our top Vacation rental booking tips:

When to reserve a Ocracoke rental home & When to go:

• Reserve your vacation rental as early as possible. Rental schedules generally open 12 months in advance (or in September just after the Summer season ends). Many families book their Summer vacation rentals during Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. Reserve before these holidays for best selection.
• Summer months are the most expensive season in Ocracoke. Reserve your vacation home in the Spring or Fall to get the benefit of warm weather while saving money and avoiding crowds.
• Property managers sometimes offer discounts for veterans and active duty military. Check with your host or property manager to see if special discounts are available for your family.
• Management companies and individual rental owners typically offer customers an option to purchase trip insurance protection. Trip insurance, which will generally cost 1% - 5% of the base booking price, offers visitors reimbursement of their vacation costs for days missed as a result of medical-related catastrophes or weather disasters, as well as ensuing additional hurricane evacuation costs or charges, such as an unexpected hotel stay or additional gas expenses. Trip insurance is definitely a bank account-saver if the unforeseen happens. Ask your property manager for program terms and fees.
• Look for your local visitors guide when you arrive at the rental property. If your rental doesn't have one, you can find them at local shops and visitor centers. In addition to great articles, visitor guides have deals for local attractions, tours, restaurants, and shops.

Narrow your Search:

• Start by having your group decide on a vacation week and a spending budget.
• Note the number beds and the bed configuration your group requires. Elsie's House On Howard Street has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.
• Precise descriptions of bedrooms and bed counts & types is regularly accessible on booking pages. If you don't see them listed, email or call the property management company before you book your rental. Remember that most properties list the maximum guest capacity, which usually includes pull out couches in living rooms.
• Remember to include your furry companions! Many vacation homes allow animals, but guidelines and restrictions apply. Type of pet, size and breeds may be limited. Ask your property manager before booking, and study your agreement! Additional pet fees or charges could be applied to your invoice.
• If there's a specific Ocracoke beach you crave, look for properties that are either near by, or those that cater especially to your needs.
• Proper accessibility amenities can make or break a vacation for those with limited mobility. .

Tips to have a smooth stay:

• Get the host's phone number and entry/exit procedures for your .
• Ask questions. You may need instructions for a fireplace, television set or WIFI setup. Contact your property manager. They are there to help! A brief phone call can prevent quite a few problems.
• Ensure you protect the owner (and your things!) by keeping the rental locked up when you are gone, just like you would at home.
• Document any issues with the rental at check in, and immediately send them to the property manager. We specifically recommend e-mails and text messages, as they usually contain built-in time stamps that are valuable if damages are attributed to your stay.
• Be a good neighbor! You wouldn't like disrespectful vacationers disrupting your home life. Use the golden rule for best judgement. Happy residents may even recommend great local food and scenic spots you would have not otherwise known!
• Don't forget to... Ask a local resident! Locals can typically point you in the right direction. Who better to ask where to see a beautiful sunrise or sunset, have a great night on the town, or the best spots for fine dining?
• Just before checking out, take a final walk-through to make sure you did not forget any personal items. Check garages, decks, and cabinets for hidden belongings. Remove everything from 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 managers rely on excellent feedback to compel future reservations. They'll be grateful for your review. Alternatively, if something wasn't as described, other vacationers will be thankful you shared your review and help them have the best future vacation. Please be fair with your feedback If something fell short of expectations, consider whether the host could control the issue, and if so, whether they responded expeditiously to solve it.