Location: Salvo, Hatteras Island, Northern Coast & Outer Banks, Coastal, North Carolina, USA View Map
Accommodations: Cottage, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 7-8)
Keywords: Cottage
This charming beach cottage is centrally located in the village of Salvo,on Hatteras Island, North Carolina, just 3 lots back from the ocean with easy walking access to the beach. Scott and Nancy Schermerhorn have owned this delightful "home away from home" for 25 years, enjoying it with family and friends, and sharing it with renters.
It is a classic Hatteras "beach box", updated over the years but still retaining a comfortable, homey beach cottage attitude. We planted pine trees many years ago, and they've grown very tall, giving a sense of privacy inside the cottage and attracting birds outside. Sea oats and cedars are also abundant on the property, surrounding the cheerful peach colored cottage on stilts.
For many years we did not have a clock, TV or phone, and our children played at the beach and sound, rode bikes, and enjoyed family outings to local sights such as Kitty Hawk dunes, the Wright Brothers Memorial, Hatteras light house, Manteo, Corolla, and Ocracoke Island. In the evenings we played games outdoors, then board games indoors. Renters demanded television and telephone, but our children still did not watch TV until it got dark. Believe it or not, today as young adults they appreciate the fact that they did not sit in front of a television while at our cottage, but rather enjoyed the many fun activities the area offers.
The Inn has cathedral wood ceilings throughout, which is unusual for a beach box. All rooms have paddle fans and all comfortable beds have hand made quilts. There is a breakfast bar with stools between the kitchen and dining area.
We've added the essentials of comfortable living over time, such as central air conditioning (though we enjoy the sound and smell of the ocean with the windows open if it's not too hot), washer and dryer (though we still love the fresh smell of laundry hung to dry under the house), dishwasher (many good family chats over kitchen cleanups), microwave, flat screen TV in the living area and a second TV in the master, and Wi-Fi. We have other comforts that you won't experience in your hi tech life. Nothing feels better than a shower outdoors while looking through the pines at a glorious sunset colored sky. Kids can play safely under the house and enjoy the monkey swing and the sand. We have a small library of books to enjoy, games to play together, and jigsaw puzzles to put together. The ice cream truck comes by daily, blaring its corny music. Life is so very simple at Inn Over Our Heads, and that is probably why we enjoy being there so much!
Starting in 2010, we will be managing seasonal rentals ourselves, with the expert local assistance of Shore Details Cottage Care, our personal property services manager. Please check out their link. We provide you a great setting for a great family vacation.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Washer
- Dryer
- Covered Parking
- Off Street Parking
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Bunk Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Catering Available
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Communications
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- paddle fans in all the rooms, outside shower, fish cleaning table, bikes
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Kid Friendly
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Shelling
- Restaurants
- Other Activities
- Surf fishing, off shore charter big game fishing, fishing piers nearby
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Jun-Aug .. $1199/week
Mar-May .. $ 699/week
Sep-Dec .. $ 799/week
Pet fee $50. Limit 2 animals, please.
$200 refundable security deposit- 1st deposit received has priority
Note, the 12.75% taxes are not included in these rates.
Sorry, no rentals to college groups.
June - August we only rent by the week Saturday to Saturday
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
"Inn Over Our Heads" Cottage Located 3 Back from Ocean
Year Purchased: 1985
Why the Owner Chose Salvo
About 70% of Hatteras Island is owned or controlled by the National Park Service. Most of the construction is single family dwellings. Because of this, we don't have the concentration of people that much of the Atlantic coast has. This makes for a truly unique vacation experience - and there is always a place to catch fish!
The Unique Benefits at this Cottage
If you have a four wheel vehicle (local rentals are available if you don't have such a vehicle), driving on the beach opens up a whole new dimension for a vacation experience. The off shore fishing is exceptional. Surf fishing runs of rockfish, puppy drum and blues are like no other place in this world. Clamming and crabbing in the sound is so much fun. We've enjoyed many meals of fresh seafood at the Inn. Sometimes just putting your feet up, listening to the wind and surf and reading a good book may be the most relaxing thing to do!
Owner's Map of Salvo
Scott started visiting Hatteras Island in the 1960's. Soon after we married in 1984, we searched for a cottage of our own and found, purchased and named the "Inn Over Our Heads". At that time, it was the only house on the north side of Jolly Roger, with just two houses on the south side. At first, we were only able to spend Thanksgivings and Easters at the "Inn", opening it up and spring cleaning during Easter vacation and closing it down for the winter Thanksgiving weekend. Renters got to enjoy it during the season, which of course made it more affordable for us. Every time we returned we would go first to the guest journal to read about our guest's experiences, and we'd delight in their good times at our cottage. As time progressed, we did manage to spend some time In Season, though every visit includes work projects of some sort, such as trimming outside, painting, repairing, replacing, and updating. We have come to really love our cozy beach cottage house, insisting that it always be comfortable, clean, and well-equipped. There is always lots to do - fall and winter is Scott's favorite time on Hatteras Island. The surf fishing is great, the weather is cool, and the tourists are all back at work! Nancy and I are retired and live on the ocean at Melbourne Beach, Florida. We obviously enjoy being near the sea. We deeply appreciate the unique beauty of Hatteras Island. Our children continue to enjoy this little cottage where they spent so much time growing up.
Property Photos
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- - Kid Friendly Hatteras Island Cottage with Patio and Outside Shower - Walk to Beach
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- Great room - Kid Friendly Hatteras Island Cottage with Patio and Outside Shower - Walk to Beach
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- - Kid Friendly Hatteras Island Cottage with Patio and Outside Shower - Walk to Beach
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- fully equipped Kitchen
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- Guest bedroom with double Bed
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- Bedroom with single bed and bunks
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- Master bedroom with Queen bed
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- Sun Deck facing South
Traveler Reviews (4)
Just what we needed
Guest: TriadFamily
(Kernersville, NC)
Date of Stay: 08/14/10
Review Submitted: 05/21/11
We came to the Outer Banks last August (2010) to have a few days of peace and relaxation before school started again. Inn Over Our Heads was just what we needed. Plenty of room for the four of us and our two dogs, one street off the beach. We loved the decor, colorful and beachy. The deck was great for sunbathing and for relaxing under the stars to the sound of the ocean in the evening. The beach at Salvo was not crowded at all and we had an especially fun time in the evening chasing crabs along with other families. Our 11 year old took the room with the three singles, and slept in each one of them during our week there! The cottage is pretty well maintained. We noted only a few minor areas that needed a little attention. It was very clean and well put together. We did not bring our bikes down, but the neighborhood was very conducive to leisurely riding ad walking. Salvo is also well located, about halfway between Hatteras and Okracoke. Great day trips abound: sightseeing, fishing, and shopping. We had a great time and would consider the Inn again when considering the Outer Banks.
Owner response:Thank you very much for all the positive comments about our cottage and the Salvo area, often times we take our surroundings for granted and over look the obvious
Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Great location to wind down!
Guest: LoveHatterasIsl
(Bristow, VA)
Date of Stay: 08/07/10
Review Submitted: 08/23/10
This is a great place to stay! The owners were very on top of communications and their maintenance company response time was the fastest I've ever seen! Nice accommodations, friendly owners, excellent support from Shore Details company. No complaints! I highly recommend this place.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Above and beyond our expectations!
Guest: Tami
(Pittsburgh, PA)
Date of Stay: 07/03/10
Review Submitted: 07/09/10
My only hesitation to writing a review is that I am afraid that this property will suddenly become so booked that we won't be able to reserve it again! I stayed at this wonderful property with my two brothers along with my brother's girlfriend, my niece and nephew for the 4th of July week. We had some reservations about the location after hearing the beaches were closed, fireworks are illegal, and it appeared there was nothing around for miles, but found out upon arrival it was the best decision we ever made! While we saw signs that certain beaches were closed, the beaches in the area were NOT closed. Not only were they open but they are very close to the house and not crowded. We were so close we didn't need to pack a lot of snacks, lunch, drinks, etc. We typically would go back to the house for lunch. While Salvo did not have fireworks for the 4th of July, we were able to enjoy several shows in the area. We stopped on the bridge to Manteo (we were told this location would provide a great view and we would be able to avoid the traffic to/from). The show started at 9:30 p.m. but we saw a few shows in the distance prior to this one. Salvo has pretty much all you need; restaurants, local stores, gas stations, shops, ice cream shops, etc. Also, you are centrally located which is great if you are looking to venture out to other areas of the OBX. We made a trip to Avon (10-15 minute drive) to the Food Lion for our major grocery shopping for the week - be sure to sign up for the MVP card to get the sale prices. We also drove to the Light Houses in Cape Hatteras. The owners are extremely nice and responded quickly to all of my correspondence while we arranged our visit. They followed-up once we checked in. What sets this home apart are the personal touches and character of the home. It truly feels like the owners care for this home. I agree with Tiffany T's comment below - "A late night walk on the beach is a must! Stars, stars, and more stars!!!"
Recommended for:Families with young children, pet owners, age 55+, families with teenagers.
The Inn is wonderful!
Guest: Tiffany T
(Knoxville, TN)
Date of Stay: 05/24/10
Review Submitted: 06/01/10
Great location, just a couple of minutes walk to the most beautiful beach. Very quiet neighborhood. The outdoor shower is so refreshing! No need for AC, we opened the windows and let the refreshing breeze in. With all the large pine trees around the house you have your own little private sanctuary. Scott, the owner, is very accomodating. He gave me lots of good tips about the area. I'd totally recommend staying in Salvo. It's centrally located, just a short drive to Nags Head, Duck, Okracoke Island (via ferry), etc. Definately take the free ferry over to Okracoke, you wont be disappointed. Jockey's Ridge is a state park located in Nags Head. The tallest sand dunes in the eastern seaboard are located there. It's an amazing sight to see. This was my frist time to Hatteras Island and definately plan to go back. The "Inn Over Our Heads" makes for the most relaxing trip you'll ever have. A late night walk on the beach is a must! Stars, stars, and more stars!!!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, age 55+.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #252582
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