Best Porch in Swansboro! 1 Block to Front Street. Dog friendly.
**Please note you will receive check in and access information from Vrbo 3 days prior to your reservation. Please note the maximum stay length is 2 weeks (14 days) absent written approval by owner before booking.**
Welcome to Captain's Quarters, where you can enjoy the best of front porch living in the heart of Historic Downtown Swansboro! This beautifully updated historic home is located one block from Swansboro's waterfront where you can enjoy local shops, restaurants, and relaxing by the water. The huge front porch with comfortable Adirondack chairs and outdoor sofa provide a first rate view into the comings and goings in downtown Swansboro while you relax with a cold beverage, chat with friends, or enjoy the breeze and a cup of coffee. Working remotely? We have high speed internet. With our fully fenced-in backyard, your well-behaved dog can join you!
Captain's Quarters is the Woodhull-Buckmaster House, built in 1911 and once the home of beloved local Captain Charlie. Enjoy the best of both worlds at Captain's Quarters with the beauty and history of the home and surroundings with modern amenities and upgrades. This spacious home with original hardwood floors and plank ceilings is a local favorite and perfect for gathering with family and friends or retreating from the hustle and bustle.
A few steps from the house is our favorite lunch spot, Church Street Market & Deli. Grab a bite to eat and then walk to Front Street, along Swansboro's quaint and charming historic waterfront. Peruse local shops including Boro Girl, Willy Nilly Warehouse, Salt Marsh Cottage, Poor Man's Hole, and others for treasures to bring home. Enjoy restaurants in walking distance, such as The Boro (don't miss the shrimp and grits!), By the Bridge (shepherd's pie and jerk wings are top notch!), Yana's (classic diner breakfast with Elvis flair!), Il Cigno (delicious Italian), and others! Enjoy ice cream or a beverage while watching for dolphins on the top deck of Bake Bottle & Brew. The kids will love the Rocket Fizz candy store nearby.
When feeling more adventurous, Captain's Quarters is an ideal home base to venture to the beaches of Emerald Isle (14 minute drive) or rent kayaks from Pogie's and paddle to the islands on the Intracoastal Waterway. Book a sunset cruise from the Swansboro waterfront or enjoy a Spirits of Swansboro historical walking ghost tour in the evening.
Inside Captain's Quarters are two living rooms (each with a TV equipped with Roku, including Spectrum live TV), a dining room, a bright open kitchen with stainless steel refrigerator, dishwasher, electric stove, and oven, and a small breakfast table area. The kitchen is well equipped with new pots and pans, cooking utensils, dishes, and serve ware. Full size washer and dryer are located in the first floor full bathroom. The back door leads into a small screened porch with a pub table and chairs and the fully-fenced backyard and garden, complete with string lights, outdoor shower, and paver driveway.
There are two bedrooms and one full bathroom located on the first floor. Bedroom 1 has a Queen size bed and TV with Roku, and the adjoining Bedroom 2 has a Queen bed. The first floor bathroom has a claw foot tub upfitted with a luxurious modern showerhead. Upstairs is a large Master Bedroom (Bedroom 3) with a Queen bed, TV, and sitting area. Adjoining the Master Bedroom is Bedroom 4 with a Queen bed and window seating looking into the backyard. The upstairs full bathroom features a generously-sized shower.
Linens and bath towels are provided (please bring your own beach towels if desired). We allow a maximum of 8 guests. The footprint of the house is original; please note that the first floor bedrooms have an adjoining door, as do the upstairs bedrooms. The house is a no-smoking zone. Ours is a quiet neighborhood, so please, no house parties and please be kind and respectful to our wonderful neighbors and local residents. Captain's Quarters is a beloved local treasure and we trust our guests to take care of the property and treat the home as their own. Two cars can park in the private driveway and street parking is available in front of the home, as well. The separate cottage on the property is not available for guest use (and will not be in use during your stay) but adds charm.
We believe that "Y'all means ALL," and are intentionally inclusive in welcoming guests without regard to race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, family structure, or political affiliation.
Whether you have visited the "Friendly City by the Sea" before or have just discovered this hidden gem, we hope you'll inquire about Captain's Quarters. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have, or to suggest things that could improve your visit.
If you have more guests in your party than Captain's Quarters can accommodate, check out our other property, the Cottage at Cedar Point (Vrbo #1326896), located just across the bridge. While Captain's Quarters is our new listing, please feel free to read our reviews for the Cottage at Cedar Point for our dedication to a wonderful guest experience.
"Sea you soon!" --Imogen & Brad
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Charming 3-bedroom condo with amazing views in lovely Swansboro
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Charming 3-bedroom condo with amazing views in lovely Swansboro
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the neighborhood
Swansboro
Located in Swansboro Historic District, a neighborhood in Swansboro, this cottage is near theme parks and by the sea. Star Hill Golf Club and Emerald Forest Golf are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Hammocks Beach State Park and Cedar Point Tideland Trailhead. MacDaddy's Entertainment Center and Salty Pirate Water Park are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.
Hammocks Beach State Park Visitors Center - 9 min drive - 4.6 km
Cedar Point Tideland Trailhead - 9 min drive - 5.6 km
MacDaddy's Entertainment Center - 10 min drive - 6.6 km
Emerald Isle Woods Park - 13 min drive - 9.3 km
Getting around
Havelock Station - 34 min drive
New Bern, NC (EWN-Coastal Carolina Regional) - 53 min drive
Restaurants
Starbucks - 4 min drive
Pizza Hut - 5 min drive
Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - 7 min drive
McDonald's - 3 min drive
Burger King - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Best Porch in Swansboro! 1 Block to Front Street. Dog friendly. pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Best Porch in Swansboro! 1 Block to Front Street. Dog friendly.?
As of Jun 1, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Best Porch in Swansboro! 1 Block to Front Street. Dog friendly. on Sep 27, 2026 start from $444, 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 Best Porch in Swansboro! 1 Block to Front Street. Dog friendly.?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Best Porch in Swansboro! 1 Block to Front Street. Dog friendly.?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Best Porch in Swansboro! 1 Block to Front Street. Dog friendly. located?
Located in Swansboro Historic District, this cottage is within 6 mi (10 km) of Hammocks Beach State Park, Hammocks Beach State Park Visitors Center, and MacDaddy's Entertainment Center. Star Hill Golf Club and Cedar Point Tideland Trailhead are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Grandparents visiting grandchild and the location was perfect! Easy walking to shops and restaurants and the home is amazing. Beautifully decorated and feels very cozy.
We had a lovely stay at Brad and Imogen’s place in Swansboro! The AC kept the house comfortable, and we especially enjoyed relaxing on the porch and spending time in both beautifully arranged living rooms. The space is stylish, cozy, and thoughtfully designed—clearly created with care and attention to detail. This was our second time staying at one of their properties, and once again, we were so impressed. Highly recommend!
This was our second summer at the Best Porch in Swansboro and it was even better than our last visit. A few little updates were made since our last stay and we absolutely loved spending the holiday in Swansboro at this beautiful, historic home, filled with character and charm. Imogen and Brad are the best hosts! Thanks for a wonderful time visiting our kids and grandkids and enjoying the amazing hospitality and beauty of Swansboro and NC’s crystal coast.
This was our second visit to this lovely historic house. We love the relaxing feel of the home and the friendly easy going town. It’s minutes away from Hammocks State Park where we launch our kayaks. I highly recommend this listing. The host is very responsive and generous. We will return
After growing up in Swansboro we returned to visit old friends. We thoroughly enjoyed staying downtown. Walked to restaurants, pubs and even visited the town museum. Loved the house and did lots of porch sitting. Imogene and Brad are super hosts.
As a child I spent every summer with my grandparents in Swansboro one street over from Capn’ Charlie’s house. To be able to share that with another generation in my family was very special.
The location is very convenient as it is walking distance to restaurants, stores ,waterfront and cruises. The home is well equipped and antique charming. The home is dog friendly and the front porch is a wonderful and all things a front porch should be!
As my title says, this is the perfect home away from home! We loved everything about this beautiful historic home in Swansboro. The house is better than described, the fenced yard was perfect for our dog and our grandkids who came to visit while we were there, and you cannot beat the location. We enjoyed the front porch more than we would have ever imagined! It is so amazing! We loved the sea breeze, the comfortable seating (throughout the house as well), and we loved talking to folks as they walked downtown. We cannot wait to come back! Thank you for being amazing hosts and for exceptional communications!
Loved the house. We had a few hiccups but would stay again!! My sister lives in Hubert.
Roaches / water bug? were mostly dead, but one crawled up my step dads leg.
Issue with AC, but it was fixed as soon as possible. We only spent one night on couches
Downstairs.
Great back yard fenced in but the porch in the pictures was gone.
Inside of the house was very clean and nice, the yard was terribly overgrown and weeds have taken over. The yard was so overgrown I couldn’t let my grandchildren play outside. The weeds are growing in to the electrical box and air conditioning unit outside. We didn’t use the yard outside at all. Communication with the owner was great - we had an issue with the power but he got it fixed right away. Probably wouldn’t stay here again due to the yard and parking situation.
Some VRBO rentals are a place to sleep and shower while you go elsewhere for entertainment, activities and excursions. The Captain’s Quarters IS THE EXPERIENCE!!
The host have lovingly kept the craftsman cottage charm while updating this local historic home with coastal-farm vibe. From the Southern front porch we listened to a live band at the gazebo on nearby Front Street.
We enjoyed our daily visits from the Muscovy ducks and their ducklings. Locals and visitors were careful to drive slow as you never knew when a stray duckling may cross your path. Throw in some Green Anoles and an Opossum and we had quite a few wildlife sightings.
As a family, we enjoyed dinners around the large dining room table. We tried a few board games. Farkle was a new one to us. We relaxed in the claw tub at the end of the day.
Throughout the house is tasteful art. Yes, one expects some nautical themed pieces. In truth, these were kept to a tasteful minimum. My favorite had to be the Georgia O’Keefe prints.
You can choose to stay at the Captain’s Cottage for a place to rest while visiting coastal entertainment or you can enjoy all the sweet home has to offer as the main attraction. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
Anneliese B.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on May 30, 2024
Hi Anneliese,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you loved your stay at Captain's Quarters and delighted that you enjoyed everything the home and the area have to offer.
We strive to provide a comfortable and memorable stay for all our guests and your kind words are a great encouragement to us. We love being able to share this special home and area with guests. We look forward to welcoming you back anytime your travels bring you to the Swansboro area!
--Imogen & Brad
Hi! We are Imogen and Brad, husband and wife and the happy (new) owners of the beautiful Woodhull-Buckmaster House in the heart of Historic Downtown Swansboro. Brad is a Swansboro native and we love spending time in the Friendly City by the Sea with family and friends! We have been Vrbo hosts since 2018 with our other property, The Cottage at Cedar Point (Vrbo #1326896). We hope you love the hidden gem of Swansboro as much as we do!
Why they chose this property
We spent many days lovingly gazing at this home from across the street at Church Street Market & Deli and while spending time downtown. When it came up for sale, we couldn't let it pass! This home is a local favorite and was once the home of beloved local Captain Charlie Buckmaster. Captain Charlie's restaurant was a landmark in downtown Swansboro for many years (currently Swansboro Food & Beverage).
What makes this property unique
This historic home was originally built in 1911. It retains its original beauty and charm but has been lovingly restored and updated. The original footprint of the house is unchanged and hints at its storied past-- for example, the home has two front doors. During the 1940s and 1950s, the second front door entrance on the right-hand side led into a ladies' shop where Captain Charlie's wife, Beatrice Buckmaster sold hand-made hats and dresses.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests