'Byrd Sanctuary' Oceanside Home, With Rare Ocean and Sound Views

Welcome to Byrd Sanctuary, a rare find on the Outer Banks where ocean sunrise and sound sunset views are yours from nearly every room. Perched atop the dunes in the charming Carolina Dunes neighborhood of Duck, this home isn’t just a beach house—it’s a private, peaceful retreat designed for relaxation, connection, and unforgettable moments.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by cathedral ceilings and walls of glass that flood the great room with natural light. It feels less like a rental and more like a luxurious penthouse with a commanding view of the area between the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound. “Wow! This is fantastic. We ARE on vacation,” has been the reaction of new guests, while repeat guests call it their “home away from home.” (One neighbor calls it the Taj Mahal.)

With five bedrooms (including a clever convertible entertainment suite), three full baths, and an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area, Byrd Sanctuary comfortably welcomes multi-generational families, couples’ retreats, and friend groups alike. From intimate breakfasts on a choice of decks, to lively family dinners where “everyone fits around the table”, the house is designed for togetherness without crowding.

Highlights You’ll Love:
• Penthouse Feel & Privacy: Elevated views over both the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound, while neighboring homes fade away while you are on the Ship’s Watch.
• Expansive Decks & Ship’s Watch: Perfect for morning coffee, sun bathing, sunset dinners, or stargazing under the dark Carolina sky.
• Walkable Yet Peaceful: Close enough to the beach for easy strolls, even with umbrellas, chairs, and sand toys, yet set back far enough to give peace of mind with little ones.
• Chef-Ready Kitchen: Fully stocked with everything you need to prepare family feasts, and plenty of space for the cook and several assistants.
• Relaxation Retreats: A hammock, rope chair, cushioned deck furniture, table and umbrella, and quiet nooks invite you to slow down and savor every book and breeze.
• Smart Convenience: No keys to lose—entry is a unique 4-digit code. Flexible Sunday-to-Sunday bookings help to reduce traffic stress. Check-in is by e-mail; local manager standing by, if needed.

More Details:

Also on the top level is an entertainment center with stereo, DVD, cable TV, DVR, fast Internet, video library, many books and puzzles. This room adjoins the Great Room through French doors, and can be a fully-enclosed, fifth bedroom with a closet, drawers, new and comfortable sleep sofa, and direct access to a bathroom.

The lower level has 2 full baths and 4 bedrooms (each with direct access to a bathroom). A king-sized bedroom has a private deck and TV with DVD player; the queen-sized bedroom also has deck access; 2 twin bedrooms each have 2 single beds. All have ample dresser storage, clothes closets, and ceiling fans in addition to central heating and cooling.

The street level has under-house parking, a large, thoughtfully-appointed outdoor shower, and a shady, breezy hideaway where the hammock hangs out.

Bed, bath, and kitchen linens as well as the cleaning service are provided. Luxurious wall-to-wall carpeting provides comfort and quietude, and with family and some guests that have allergies, it requires animals not be on the guest list, love them though we do.

Guests appreciate the “spotless Marine-worthy cleanliness”, “beautifully maintained decor”, and a layout that “lets adults enjoy the evening while kids sleep undisturbed.” One guest’s 10-year-old raved about the “really nice silverware!” From quiet mornings with yoga on the decks to laugh-filled evenings under the stars, this home is crafted for effortless comfort.

And when you’re ready to explore, Duck’s charming boardwalk, boutique shops, and live performances are just minutes away. Check the Town of Duck website (https://ducknc.gov) for free, scheduled performances and children and adult group activities—music, stage plays, morning yoga, etc. Nearby are golf courses, indoor and outdoor tennis courts with professional lessons, clinics, and exercise facilities, also massage and health spas. Safe bike trails exist from Corolla through Duck, to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Community streets are safe for biking, walking, skating and ambling—an ideal beach neighborhood.

Owned and lovingly maintained by a vacation-property professional of 30+ years, Byrd Sanctuary consistently earns Five-Star reviews. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, you’ll find the same warm welcome, thoughtful amenities, and that indescribable sense of ease that only a truly cared-for home can offer. Professionally decorated for your peace of mind, you are now free to dream.

But don’t wait—dates fill fast for this sought-after gem.


A few recent messages left in the Guest Book include:
From March:
We’ve so enjoyed our stay—great location, beach, sound.
Celebrated our grandaughter’s birthday. She said it was the “best gift”;
You know we are having a good time when we don’t even know the correct date - today is 4-1.
We chose no TV, radio; lovely.
Take care- good travels to all !

A partial-week guest in April:
“First time to the Outer Banks. We were able to get our family together to spend a memorable and fun Easter. We all loved Duck with its quaint stores, popcorn shop, and friendly people. Saw the Wright Brothers Museum, The Dunes, Lost Colony, Elizabethan Gardens and Aquarium. All were great and fun things to do. It was generally cloudy and very windy, with temps in the 50’s, but everyone had a great time. The accommodations were wonderful and we would stay here again. The home was clean and the furnishings were bright, cheery, and comfortable for nine of us, which included ourselves and our daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren. (J&M)


From May guests:
Hey Bryan, We really enjoyed a beautiful week @ Byrd Sanctuary. What a lovely and beautifully maintained home. Great time catching up with your sister. What a special person. Second time here, and we hope to be back soon. (R&S)
Dear Bryan: We had a beautiful week with our friends here. Best weather we have experienced here over the years. Love Colington Café and Red Sky restaurants. Excellent food! Art’s Place has gone downhill. Byrd Sanctuary, however, is still standing TALL! Thanks for sharing. (W&G)
Bryan, Thanks for keeping the house so nice; we love our home away from home. The weather was perfect all week. Relaxing fun in the sun. Thanks for sharing your home. (The K’s)
Bryan – Thanks again – Our home away from home was perfect again. Few thunderstorms over night but weather was great every day. Tried some new restaurants – favorite was The Tail of The Whale – great food, great service.
Thanks again,

Bryan: Very very nice home. Thanks for letting us visit. Must say the house was spotless – passed this Marine’s inspection. Great view. Very nice area – quiet and close to water. (The T’s)

From June guests:
(Long list of people and towns.) Our third year. We love this place !! Great open kitchen, living space! Great decks and outdoor shower and a fantastic beach !!
See you next year !

Bryan – Thanks again for an awesome stay in Byrd Sanctuary ! The widow’s walk, deck & hammock continue to be my favorite places in the house. The views and the beach rock ! Thanks so much!
Jennifer & Crew

The Sxxxx family visited from West Bloomfield, MI – We had a wonderful, much needed, week of beach and sun and fun. The house was perfect for us – all the beds were comfortable and the kitchen was equipped with everything we needed! We cooked every night and loved the kitchen! We spent hours on the porch, and hours on the beach! Thank you so much for a fabulous vacation home – I hope to be back again next summer. “Perfect Weather” “Perfect Vacation Home.”

Bryan – We have yet again had a fabulous vacation at Byrd Sanctuary. This year we particularly needed a long rest after moving from the rectory, our 42–year home to a new place – truly exhausting. Thank you also for all the arduous detailing you did this year at the Sanctuary. I continue to treasure the fabulous amount of natural light that pours into the main upstairs room. The hammock I think is my forever favorite.
Blessing always, M.

Thank you for an unforgettable stay in you beautiful home. This was our first visit to OBX. We had many wonderful adventures and terrific beach days.
This has been a true blessing!
Nathaniel, Angela, Joshua, Gabriel & Elizabeth (Clinton Corners, N.Y.)

October
'What a wonderful week we have had!!The first three nights we had 3 college friends and 3 husbands. On Wednesday we sent the guys home and 3 more “girls” arrived!! (Everyone over fifty.) This was the perfect house for all of us! Many thanks for sharing your beautiful home with the “Radford Ladies”!!!

Bryan – As always, thanks for a great stay at the Byrd Sanctuary. This time we had Jeff’s mom here from Dunedin, New Zealand – it’s the first time she’s ever seen the NC coast and she loved it – from Corolla to Hatteras and of course much time in Duck!! Thanks again - (J & crew)

November
Beach girls!!! We returned to this lovely abode. What a fab house to celebrate 28 years of cherished friendship.