The Mad River Cottage

Photo gallery for The Mad River Cottage

A modern kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a wooden dining table.
A wooden floor, a white chair, a pink door, a blue mat, and a white table with a red basket.
A spacious kitchen with a wooden table, white chairs, and a large refrigerator.
A porch with wooden chairs and a large fern plant.
A porch with steps leading to a white door, a small garden area with a tree, and a colorful decoration hanging on the door.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Private garden
    A rare find — relax in the peaceful, private garden space.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Southport Marina

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Pet-friendly
  • Onsite parking available
  • Garden
  • Non smoking

Explore the area

View in a map
Southport, NC
  • Place, The Clubs at St. James
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Southport Marina
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Waterfront Park
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Airport, Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

2 Twin Beds and 1 King Bed

1 bathroom, 2 half bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden

Add dates for prices

Similar properties

(1) (1)
River Hideaway Retreat
Southport
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (45 reviews)
River Hideaway Retreat

About the neighborhood

Southport

Southport is home to this vacation home. Franklin Square Gallery and North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Southport Marina and The Clubs at St. James. North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher and Carolina Beach Arcade are also worth visiting.
View more Vacation Homes in SouthportOpens in a new window
Map
Southport, NC

What's nearby

  • The Clubs at St. James - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Southport Marina - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Waterfront Park - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Old Brunswick County Jail Museum - 10 min walk - 0.9 km

Getting around

  • Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Tengu Japanese Steakhouse - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Fishy Fishy Cafe - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The Pub Of Southport - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Mad River Cottage pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Mad River Cottage?

As of Nov 15, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Mad River Cottage on Nov 16, 2026 start from $335, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Mad River Cottage?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Mad River Cottage?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Mad River Cottage located?

Situated in Southport, this vacation home is within a 10-minute walk of Franklin Square Gallery, Southport Marina, and The Clubs at St. James. Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and Waterfront Park are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 55 out of 62 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 62 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 62 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 62 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 62 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great spot to stay in Southport. Plan on using this place again in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great property that is exceptionally well-maintained, comfortable, and inviting. It was also incredibly pet-friendly, which made our stay with our small dog even more enjoyable. The location is outstanding—within easy walking distance of everything throughout Southport. We would gladly stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My second stay at this lovely little cottage. Great for walking to shops, river, and enjoying all the pretty cottages and gardens.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice place great location.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location ! It would be a great addition if yard was fenced in the back!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage is like something out of a magazine! We were delighted and more than comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stay here once a year! I wouldn’t stay anywhere else!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
The location is perfect with town center a short walk away and the water close by. The accommodations were pleasant and the screened porch a favorite.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great time. House was beautiful!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful cottage located withing walking distance of absolutely everything. The neighborhood was safe and clean. Will definitely be back.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved being within walking distance of the waterfront and all Southport has to offer. The porch is wonderful and listening to the birds was very relaxing. Thank you for offering your cottage.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great 4th Weekend Experience!

Excellent property; quaint cottage. Be clear that there's only one full bath! Great cottage and great stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Location In Southport

Very cute cottage in downtown Southport. The kitchen was well stocked and the home was immaculate.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely cottage in a quaint neighborhood. We were able to walk everywhere. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

I love this house. Very cute and just enough room. Also perfect for walking to everything you you would want to see. .i definitely will stay here again. Location is perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

My Happy Place

Very well appointed, cozy, clean, and comfortable. Southport is my happy place.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Long weekend together

We had a lovely long weekend, relaxing in autumn. We enjoyed drinking coffee on the screened in porch and walking around historic Southport.!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short stay

Everything was expected and cottage was wonderful. Easy in and out and walk to everything. We will return again
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quaint cottage

Lovely getaway to adorable Southport! The cottage could not be cuter or more accommodating. Easy walk to shopping, restaurants, and a stroll along the waterfront. Already looking at dates for another visit!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful cottage and great location!

We absolutely loved the Mad River Cottage. Well stocked and clean. Fabulous location…can easily walk to bars/restaurants/shops. Has everything you need for a beach getaway. Thanks so much!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Southport Stay

The house was absolutely gorgeous and super comfy! I loved sitting on the front porch reading and listening to the birds! The distance to the water is perfect for a nice stroll with my husband! I can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Some Southport Time

I love visiting Southport and come every year. This cottage is well located in the historic district. The furnishings are lovely and comfortable. Beautiful walks to the waterfront and along the shaded streets lined with historic cottages.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

June 2024

Great quiet location near everything.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Cottage

We had a wonderful stay at the cottage! It's even more charming in person and the layout and space were perfect for us as 2 adults who love their own space. Loved the extra half bath in the back. Thank you for providing a great place in the most charming part of Southport!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback