Vacation Rentals by Owner

Little paradise in beaufort

Guest: Sunshine (Austria)
Date of Stay: 05/18/12 Review Submitted: 05/22/12

We had a wonderful time... The owner put so much work and thought into it. We found everything we need and more! Verry clean and in very good shape! Wish we could have stayed longer! We will def. Be back! Great location too, just a short walk to all restaurants, the boardwalk and shops! Thanks again!

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Vacation get-away

Guest: Tom and Loie (Holland, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 04/07/12 Review Submitted: 04/28/12

Very fine accommodations. Clean, convenient to downtown Beaufort, well-equipped and comfortable. We loved the area and found many things to do. The cottage was a cosy place to come back to at the end of the day. Much history in the area, opportunities for exercise, lovely waterfront experiences and a good place for reading and relaxing.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, sightseeing.

Great cottage, lovely town!

Guest: Kristeen (Washington, DC)
Date of Stay: 03/31/12 Review Submitted: 04/09/12

We just spent a wonderful week in Beaufort at the Shell Cottage; the cottage was perfect for us (me, my husband, and teenage daughter — plus our dogs). Bright and comfortable and just three blocks from the Beaufort waterfront; Deborah, the owner, also had three beach bikes available for us and we made good use of it. Made a few dinners in the kitchen and had some nice meals in town as well — would highly recommend Stillwater's on the waterfront and Blue Moon Bistro on one of the side streets. Also, take one of the ferries (more like water taxis) from the harbor out to the outlying islands; we could have spent a whole day exploring Shackleford Island, which is beautiful and deserted except for wild ponies, and the trip out to Point Lookout is really worth it. Everyone in town was so hospitable and friendly — we are looking forward to our next visit!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

vacation

Guest: machelle (michigan)
Date of Stay: 01/02/12 Review Submitted: 01/16/12

Excellent stay. Shell cottage was clean and comfortable. Thanks.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Quaint Cottage

Guest: Thom (Morganton, NC)
Date of Stay: 10/02/11 Review Submitted: 10/09/11

Shell Cottage was exactly what we expected. The description and photos were accurate and we were very pleased with our stay. It is a bright and cheery home away from home with every convience one could need. The cottage was well cared for and clean as a whistle. Being very close to restaurants and downtown, we rarely used our vehicle. The Maritime Museum was wonderful. We especially enjoyed dinner at Agua just down the street. Be sure to take the short drive to visit Fort Macon and Atlantic Beach. The owner was very helpful and supplied us with a mountian of information to acquaint us with Beaufort and the surrounding area. We are looking forward to our next visit to Beaufort and Shell Cottage.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Rental!

Guest: Midnightradio (Richmond)
Date of Stay: 08/14/11 Review Submitted: 08/24/11

We had a fantastic time at Shell Cottage! The cottage is clean, stocked with amenities and convenient to nearby beaches and attractions. Deborah was very nice and easy to work with, and made the entire process of renting the cottage very smooth and straight forward. Thanks again!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Just What We Were Looking For

Guest: Shelley & Tim (Toronto )
Date of Stay: 07/10/11 Review Submitted: 08/02/11

Visit - July 2011 The cottage was perfect for a couple. The kitchen was perfect for preparing breakfast and lunch for days out on the dive boat. The small sitting area inside was great for connecting to WiFi and escaping the heat and humidity. I also love the little town. There are so many historic buildings, cute shops, and beaches close by. I would recommend the following: The wreck diving through Discovery Diving The historical society double deck bus tour and self-guided graveyard walk (all ages) The maritime museum (all ages and free) Fort Macon and the beach - amazing that you can walk everywhere with no restricted access. Pick up The Little Turkle book by the owner Deborah in one of the local shops Deborah was fabulous on email and phone correspondance. She even greeted us on our arrival. And because it was a small town we bumped into her more than once.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Loved Shel;l Cottage and Beaufort

Guest: Nancy (virginia)
Date of Stay: 06/18/11 Review Submitted: 07/02/11

Shell cottage was all that I hoped for. Everything you need is provided and it is so quite and relaxing. I walked to all the shops and the historic houses were amazing. There are nice places to dine and shop. It was a very nice and relaxing vacation. I would definitely return to Shell Cottage.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Shell Cottage May 2011

Guest: Gary & Tracy (Nashville, NC)
Date of Stay: 05/06/11 Review Submitted: 05/17/11

My husband and I had a lovely time staying at Shell cottage. It was warm, cozy and very comfortable and clean. The location was very good and made for a lovely walk to Front Street. The cottage was just as we expected as it was acurately reflected in the photos and description. I have already recommended this property to several of my friends. ~ The Robertsons, Nashville NC

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect Girl's Weekend

Guest: Happy Traveler (Boone, NC)
Date of Stay: 04/28/11 Review Submitted: 05/05/11

I, along with my husband and friend's, have been visiting Beaufort for over 30 years. Until discovering Shell Cottage, our accomodations (mostly hotels) had been acceptable. When a friend & I decided to attend the 2011 Beaufort Wine & Food Weekend, I checked VRBO for hotel alternatives and found Shell Cottage-lucky us! Shell cottage, as advertised, is perfectfully located within walking distance of historic downtown Beaufort and it's many restaurants and shops. (Blue Moon Bistro is a must!) The cottage was very clean (bathroom appeared to have been recently renovated), with comfortable bedding and a well-equipped kitchen-there is even a washer & dryer. The courtyard was lovely-perfect for enjoying an evening glass of champagne (We did bring our own champagne & flutes). I would definitely recommend Shell Cottage for two people, but it may be a little crowded with three people. Prior to our arrival, Ms. Van Dyken sent lots of infomation about area services, shops & restaurants which would be very helpful for first time visitors. We hope to visit again soon.!

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Cozy Cottage

Guest: BigMac (Greensboro, NC)
Date of Stay: 04/09/11 Review Submitted: 04/14/11

Good location, easy walk into town. Excellent amenities, very comfortable. The owner is very pleasant and helpful and we would definitely recommend this property to others.

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners.

Beaufort cottage-----Shell cottage

Guest: Eunice & Jim (Holland Mi.)
Date of Stay: 03/26/11 Review Submitted: 04/07/11

Very comfortable, safe, clean, homey. A very enjoyable time, agreat place to unwind and relish new and different experiences. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Very nice place to stay

Guest: Floyd (New Tripoli, Pa.)
Date of Stay: 11/24/10 Review Submitted: 12/01/10

We are a family of 4 and we all had a great time! WE WALKED EVERYWHERE! Deborah, Shell Cottage was very clean and very comfortable. Thank you!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

a strong recommendation

Guest: dave (chapel hill, nc)
Date of Stay: 11/02/10 Review Submitted: 11/08/10

the shell cottage provided exactly what we wanted in beaufort. the location is ideal, the cottage resources met our expectations, and the owner is very personable and helpful. we will visit the nc coast again, and will stay at shell cottage if available.

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GREAT STAY

Guest: L (Alexandria, Va)
Date of Stay: 10/20/10 Review Submitted: 10/31/10

A perfect place to stay for a few days -- perfect size for 2 ! Clean, organized, comfortable, updated! Love the tile floors throughout -- WALKED EVERYWHERE! Excellent location to walk into town for coffee, dinner, night on a boat -- used our car 1 time to go to the grocery store and beach! Lovely place -- Shell Cottage.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Very comfortable for two

Guest: Red (Virigina)
Date of Stay: 09/22/10 Review Submitted: 09/28/10

Debroah: Location,location,location plus like a home away from home. The history of the town by itself is well worth the stay, along with the many activities. On a scale from 1 to 10 its a 10 all the way.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing.

Girls Getaway

Guest: Stephana (Gibsonville, NC)
Date of Stay: 09/18/10 Review Submitted: 09/23/10

My two adult daughters and I have just returned from several very enjoyable days in Beaufort. Shell Cottage is a charming, comfortable little cottage and is very conveniently located to restaurants, historic areas and shopping. Shell cottage is bright and attractively decorated and contains all the updated amenities you will need. We enjoyed taking our morning coffee into the little seating area in the side yard. I loved walking my small dog around the neighborhood. The girls and I walked to the water front (about 3 blocks) and back, enjoying the wonderful old homes and front yards along the way. Morehead and Atlantic Beach are just a few miles away with very easy access. Ms. Van Dyken and her associate, Deborah, were very pleasant and accommodating in recommended local eateries and places to visit. We recommend The Net for fabulous seafood. It is within walking distance and you may need that after consuming the wonderful meal you will have there. My girls and I will definitely recommend Shell Cottage to friends who plan to travel to that area and will put it on our list of places to enjoy again.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful

Guest: tkm (High Point)
Date of Stay: 09/03/10 Review Submitted: 09/07/10

We are already looking forward to another opportunity to stay at Shell Cottage. It was perfect for me and my husband. Our friends stayed at the Lighthouse Cottage and it was great and convenient to be close to them and to town....Absolutely loved it.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Shell Cottage, a very comfortable and affordable Beaufort getaway

Guest: Camera (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 08/06/10 Review Submitted: 08/16/10

Shell Cottage is ideally located for exploring downtown historic Beaufort and the Beaufort/Moorehead City area generally. Only two blocks from Front St, where there are many great, breezy, waterside restaurants and bars, and only a short ride to beautiful Atlantic Beach. The cottage itself is comfortable and well-maintained. Highly recommended.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great spot for a small family vacation!

Guest: Paul (Georgetown, KY)
Date of Stay: 07/27/10 Review Submitted: 08/01/10

First off, Deborah is an excellent host. She was very attentive to any possible need we could have had. Myself, my wife, and our 8 year old daughter all stayed here for our recent vacation and we all loved it. Everything you could possibly need for a great beach vacation is here. We will certainly be back. We especially liked the no crowds location of Beaufort. It's the anti- Myrtle Beach!

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Get away from it all!

Guest: Wendy (Chicago,IL)
Date of Stay: 07/18/10 Review Submitted: 07/25/10

Clean - wonderful cottage approximately 3 blocks from town. Neighborhood was peaceful and people were friendly. Beaufort is a great place to vacation!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful location and accomodations

Guest: Amy (Springfield, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 07/10/10 Review Submitted: 07/21/10

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our time at Shell Cottage. The cottage was clean and well-maintained and had everything we needed. We loved the bikes, boogie boards and beach chairs too! Ms. Van Dyken provided excellent insight into the town and area attractions and was very accommodating. We called the neighboring shrimpman, Joe Darden, and would recommend his shrimp and insight as well. We drove up and down the coast and found we liked Beaufort the best!

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The perfect hideaway in the heart of Beaufort

Guest: SNAD (Pittsboro, NC)
Date of Stay: 07/01/10 Review Submitted: 07/09/10

We very much enjoyed our stay at Shell Cottage. It provided a comfortable base for sighseeing and a perfect place to watch the World Cup matches. The highlight was most definately the bicycles as Beaufort is so cycle-friendly and pretty. I also particularly enjoyed the unexpectedly large bathroom and the regular-sized soap provided!

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Shell Cottage, Beaufort, NC

Guest: Brooke (Stoughton, Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 06/25/10 Review Submitted: 07/07/10

The Shell Cottage exceeded our expectations in many ways....it had everything a person would need to enjoy the sun and beach (beach towels/chairs, cooler, body boards), to entertain guests (stocked pantry with cooking supplies, and a little outdoor seating area with a BBQ grill!) and to relax and rejuvenate (TV, VCR, DVD, great selection of books and magazines). The owner was also very helpful in offering ideas for dining and entertainment and was always available if we needed anything, you really could not ask for a better hostess! The property was very clean and comfortable in every way. Beaufort is a remarkable little city by the sea, and we would love to come back and stay at the Shell Cottage!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Our Favorite Escape

Guest: KJ (High Point, NC)
Date of Stay: 06/12/10 Review Submitted: 08/01/10

We loved being at Shell Cottage....we did not want to leave. The Beaufort area is one of our favorite areas to visit. Shell Cottage is very clean and the owners have gone out of their way to make it comfortable and convenient. Also Shell Cottage is very affordable. While we were there we bought tickets for the Lookout Cruise and sailed to Cape Lookout, it was a great experience and we came back with some wonderful shells. We bought fresh seafood from the fisherman next door two or three times and enjoyed cooking that. We also like to eat at Aqua Restaurant while we are there. We love walking up and down Taylor's Creek and seeing the ponies, or riding the bikes that come with the cottage. We would highly recommend Shell Cottage for a place to stay while you are in Beaufort.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect getaway!

Guest: Terri & Jose (Apex, NC)
Date of Stay: 05/21/10 Review Submitted: 05/25/10

My husband and I had a wonderful stay at the Shell Cottage! It was clean, quiet and had everything we needed for our 4 day stay. Deborah was wonderful and even called to check on us while we were there, which was so thoughtful and most appreciated! We fell in love with this little cottage and have already recommended it to several friends. And we're very much looking forward to returning during Pirate Invasion!

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Escape

Guest: Ms. Bea (Raleigh, NC)
Date of Stay: 05/14/10 Review Submitted: 05/17/10

Came down to Beaufort for some R&R and ME time and staying at Shell Cottage made it the best trip ever. It has all the comforts of home and the location is great and locals are so friendly. Spent a couple of hours in Shackelford Island and took lots of pictures of the horses in the island. Really enjoyed breakfast at the Beaufort Cafe out by the docs and enjoyed a great Mahi Mahi at the Spouter Inn. You must go by the General Store and get you some ice cream, makes you feel like a kid again. I will certainly be back here and plan to bring family down too. Great place to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle..

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beth T.

Guest: Beth T (Michigan)
Date of Stay: 05/12/10 Review Submitted: 05/02/11

Shell cottage in the historic little town of Beaufort is the perfect place for 2 people to stay while exploring the Outer Banks and surrounding areas. It was located so that restaurants and shops were within easy walking distance, but it was also well equipped enough so that a fresh seafood dinner could be cooked or grilled right there. We took ferries to get to Kitty Hawk and the Wright Brothers Museum as well as checking out 3 lighthouses on the Outer Banks. We also took a ferry to Shackleford Island for a morning of shelling and to see the wild ponies. We spent 2 weeks there and would recommend it as a great place to stay! What a lovely and historic area.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Joanne Simmons (Lusby, MD)
Date of Stay: 12/31/09 Review Submitted: 12/30/09

We loved staying at Shell Cottage. The town is adorable, Aqua Restaurant had great food, service, wine, and was in walking distance. The streets were very safe, even at night when I was able to get some running in, in between family Christmas events. The cottage is very clean and comfortable with all the comforts of home. I am sure we will be back! Thank you again!

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Guest: Ellen Sizemore (Mooresville, NC)
Date of Stay: 12/07/09 Review Submitted: 12/07/09

Nov. 25 - Nov. 30th - We enjoyed our visit to your cottage. We enjoyed using your bikes and it is furnished with all the comforts of a home away from home. Thanks for providing a great place to stay in Beaufort. We hope to come and visit again soon.

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Guest: Matt63 (Saxapahaw, NC)
Date of Stay: 11/16/09 Review Submitted: 11/16/09

Had a very nice few days at Shell Cottage and in Beaufort. The place was clean and comfortable, and easy walking distance to the restaurants, shops, and historic district of town. Very much enjoyed it, and hope to return when time allows.

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Guest: Charlie & Carrie Barzola (-)
Date of Stay: 10/19/09 Review Submitted: 10/19/09

Shell Cottage was great! The place was very clean, we could walk to downtown for dinner. The cottage was very clean & comfortable and we will be staying again when we come to Beaufort! Thanks again!

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Guest: Teresa37 (Lake Lure, NC)
Date of Stay: 10/14/09 Review Submitted: 10/14/09

Shell cottage was clean and comfortable. Neighbors were very friendly and kind. Location is perfect - walking distance to the Beaufort waterfront and Hardee's. Nice fishing spot close to house. Woudl love to return. Thank you!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/08/09 Review Submitted: 10/08/09

We had a few wet days with segments of sun at the Shell Cottage, but the varied weather actually enriched our trip. The cottage is in a private setting and was perfect for us. It was clean, comfortable and accommodating for our coastal travelling needs. Downtown is just a short walk past historic seaport homes full of old stories streaming from the wide covered porches. Butterflies skip with you from one of many welcoming flowered plants along your stroll to the waterfront. You will gasp as you arrive at the Beaufort waterfront for the burst of color from all of the mums celebrating the coming of fall. Chat with the locals - a bell ringer, flax weaver, millman dressed in reminiscent garb of colonialists. Rent a slip from one of the many convenient marinas. Fish in the rain. The fish were going crazy - yes, in the rain! There were boats anchored everywhere with fishermen undetered in raingear. Get some raingear and join the fishing party. We prepared our locally fresh caught flounder, sea bass and blues - yum! Get in too late to cook--be served some local clam chowder to warm you up. Where can I get that recipe? It was the best. Thank you Shell Cottage, Mrs. Van Dyken, and the fish that gave their lives. We had a memorable Beaufort visit. Shhh, don't tell anybody about our great spot!

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Guest: Sam and Dinah Pinnell (-)
Date of Stay: 10/05/09 Review Submitted: 10/05/09

We had a great time!! Where else on this earth can the sun and moon be seen competing for your attention except the Crystal Coast. The Shell cottage was perfect for our visit and we enjoyed the nightlife that was just a walk through the Historical district to the waterfront. We will be back!!

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Guest: Elizabeth55 (Raleigh, NC)
Date of Stay: 09/25/09 Review Submitted: 09/25/09

My husband and I spent a week this summer at the Shell Cottage and loved it. It was very clean, so comfortable, and in a great location. We loved borrowing the bikes and touring around Beaufort! Having a kitchen and washer and dryer was very helpful to us as well! Most of all, we appreciated that it was very budget-friendly.

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Guest: Marisa & Ignacio (-)
Date of Stay: 08/17/09 Review Submitted: 08/17/09

We had a wonderful time at Shell Cottage, like always. Actually, this is the fifth or sixth time we've rented this cute little house, and it keeps on getting better and better. We love it: it is affordable, comfortable, within walking distance from downtown, and it has all that you need, even a neighbor who is a fisherman and supplies you with sea food. Can't get any better!!!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/31/09 Review Submitted: 07/31/09

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Shell Cottage! First off, the place is adorable! It's impeccable and equipped with everything you could possibly need during your stay. It's in the perfect area of Beaufort, less than a five minute walk from the downtown/harbor front area. And having a fisherman next door is an added bonus, right over the fence, fresh seafood! Yum!!! Mrs. Van Dyken was a pleasure to deal with- the price is perfect, and so was the stay, we will definitely be back again! Thanks guys!

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