Entire home

Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best!

Relax on the deck & fire up the grill...burgers anyone?

Welcome...Come In, Relax & Stay Awhile...

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

2 bedroomsSleeps 4600 sq ft

Popular amenities

Dryer
Washer
Air conditioning
Kitchen
Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Nags Head, NC

Jockey's Ridge State Park
‪10 min walk‬
Nags Head Fishing Pier
‪1 min drive‬
Jennette's Pier
‪9 min drive‬
Manteo, NC (MEO-Dare County Regional)
‪22 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen

Dining area

About this property

Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best!

The Tale of A Mermaid is located on Beach Road in Nags Head across from the Nags Head Fishing Pier with great beach access. Amenities include: HVAC, YOu TubeTV, WiFi, fully equipped kitchen, front porch, screened porch, back deck, outdoor shower w/ hot & cold water, washer & dryer, charcoal grill, picnic table & outside seating. Bathroom has walk-in shower (no bath tub)

Please note: Linens are NOT provided. You will need to bring or rent your sheets, pillowcases & towels.

***You will need to provide your paper products: paper towels & toilet tissue***

Address: 3404 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959

***Sorry, pets are NOT allowed***

Tale Of A Mermaid is centrally located. Steps from the ocean, walking distance to fishing pier, restaurants & bars, seafood market, souvenier shop, flower shop and more. A short walk to Jockey's Ridge State Park...watching the sunset from atop this amazing sand dune is a must!

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washing machine

Dryer

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Parking available

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Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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

On-site 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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Nags Head

Located in Nags Head, this cottage is near the beach. Wright Brothers National Memorial and Monument to a Century of Flight are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Destination Fun and Stop-N-Shop Beach Shop. Full Throttle Speedway and Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and cycling nearby.

View more Cottages in Nags Head

Nags Head, NC

What's nearby

Jockey's Ridge State Park - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
Nags Head Fishing Pier - 1 min drive - 0.4 km
OBX Laser Tag - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
Outer Banks Hospital - 4 min drive - 5.0 km
Jennette's Pier - 9 min drive - 9.9 km

Getting around

Manteo, NC (MEO-Dare County Regional) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
‪Blue Moon Beach Grill - ‬3 min drive
‪Dirty Dick's Crab House - ‬3 min drive
‪Mama Kwan's Tiki Bar & Grill - ‬4 min drive
‪Mulligan's Grille in Historic Cottage Row - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best! located?

Situated by the sea, this cottage is steps away from Outer Banks Beaches and Nags Head Fishing Pier. Jockey's Ridge State Park and Dowdy Park are also within 15 minutes.

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Chrissy K.

15 Jun, 2025

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

Very cute and clean its also close to the beach!

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jean R.

28 Jul, 2025

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

The cottage was very comfortable and cozy! We enjoyed the porch every morning and evening. The outdoor shower was amazing! The sunrises were beautiful each morning! We loved are stay in this adorable cottage!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew S.

4 May, 2025

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

3rd Time Staying

We love this place as our annual get-away!

Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gabriel H.

23 Jun, 2025

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

Yearly MN pals trip

We loved our stay. Spent lots of time on the beach and meeting the surrounding outer banks enjoyers. Lovely cottage with great AC.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany P.

22 Jun, 2025

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

Amazing

Another great trip to the mermaids tale. Loved all of it…house, location, decor, cleanliness, and Cindy.Thanks again!

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

MICHAEL O.

1 Jul, 2025

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

Nags Head Trip

The home was very clean, and close to the beach. We enjoyed the central location to grocery stores and to decent restaurants. It was a short walk to Jockey’s Ridge State Park, a popular place to take pictures on the sand dunes. Cindy did a nice job decorating the house and it was very comfortable for my wife and I. If we return to the Nags Head we would be interested in staying here again.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tom M.

19 Jun, 2025

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

Perfect stay

Everything about this property was perfect. Location, layout, communication. We loved the porch and the outdoor shower. We also loved the beds, and I know a few reviewers didn’t. But we thought they were great. Would definitely stay here again.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott H.

22 May, 2023

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

Great location

Very quaint cabin close to beach access.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greg W.

12 Jun, 2024

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

Perfect Beach Cottage

My wife and I absolutely loved this cottage!

Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan P.

10 Jun, 2023

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

Great stay

Lovely and homey. Close to beach and shopping.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie M.

31 Jul, 2023

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

July Vacation

The property was very cute, great location, and would stay again!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Glenn T.

26 Sept, 2024

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

Great little cottage

This was the perfect little cottage for me and my wife. Had everything we needed and easy access to the beach. The screened in porch was great for morning coffee.

Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Martha B.

8 May, 2024

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

Cute little cottage, good location to activities and beach.

Well kept, clean, comfortable for two people.

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristi R., Virginia

1 Jan, 2024

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

Getaway

We had a wonderful stay at the cottage. The location and amenities were just what we were looking for.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany P.

18 Jun, 2024

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

Great destination!

This house was very thing we needed! Loved everything about it. Great location, decor, and simple amenities. We will stay there again

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew T.

22 Jun, 2023

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

Great Long Weekend

Easy to get to beach and nearby restaurants/bars. Showered in the outdoor shower and grilled after the beach every day. Wonderful, relaxing stay.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

charles f.

20 Feb, 2020

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

50th wedding anniversary - memories made at Tale of a Mermaid

Just the right size for a couple to spend a few days in the Outer Banks. The property is close to shopping, restaurants, and site seeing venues.

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Tracy K.

21 Sept, 2024

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

Girls weekend

The Mermaids tail cottage was perfect for our girls weekend/Jeep trip. Cottage had a great location across from the beach and had everything we needed. Host was great to communicate with and would definitely recommend.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mandi G.

4 Sept, 2023

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

Always the best!

We love this beautiful property. We've stayed here 4 years in a row and plan to come back next year. Highly recommend!!

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Larry A.

2 Jun, 2023

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

Terrific property

The cottage was absolutely spotless and location was very close to the beach access. Very safe and quiet area with great off street parking.

Stayed 6 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brittany M.

30 Jun, 2024

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

Great experience for our honeymoon!

We loved this cottage! It was perfect for the two of us and the location was amazing. Right next to the fishing pier and easy access to the beach. The cottage decor was adorable and it was so clean! We also loved the screened in porch. We will definitely be back.

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew S.

28 Apr, 2023

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

Favorite place on the Outer Banks

This is a great rental that never disappoints. This is our second year in a row and envision more to come!

Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael S.

12 Jul, 2018

Great stay! Great location! We will be back!

We thoroughly enjoyed our week long stay over the 4th of July holiday. Perfect location for fireworks! Such a cute quaint place. Loved the outdoor shower. Cindy was very helpful and accommodating. We will be back!!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Sarah K.

8 Jul, 2020

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

Lovely old-school beach home!

We hade a wonderful stay in this adorable property! It’s literally a 2 minute walk from the beach. The house was clean and comfortable, with enough space for our family of four. Looking forward to another visit next year!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Chase B.

1 May, 2023

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

Wonderful Time

We had a wonderful time staying at this cottage. Although it rained most of our stay, the location of this cottage was ideal. On the rainy days, we were right near a ton a shops. Once the rain cleared up, we were right across from the beach. Perfect location. The cottage was very clean and had a homey feeling.

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

About the host

Hosted by Cindy Thornsvard

In 1999, we purchased an RV in the RV park in Kitty Hawk. At the time we lived in Richmond, VA & enjoyed spending weekends at the Outer Banks. As our family grew with marriages & the birth of grandchildren we needed a larger place for everyone to visit. In 2006, we purchased a lot in Nags Head and built our second home. In the spring of 2007, we took occupancy of our new home. It became our families' favorite place to spend holidays & the summer! In 2011, we sold our home in Northern VA and moved to Nags Head and became permanent residents. Living near the ocean is such a blessing. We work from our home office with a spectacular view. Life is good!!

Why they chose this property

I was contacted by a friend/realtor when this property went on the market to be sold. She knew of my love of decorating. She thought this was a project "right up my alley". My husband & I went to take of look at the cottage. I must admit that we were intrigued with the lot as it is larger than most others. The cottage was built in 1953 as a "fair weather" cottage primarily for fishermen.

Most realtors that had viewed the property thought is was deplorable & in need to demolition. As one realtor put it..."it's nothing but a tear down"!

I, on the other hand, walked through the front door and had a vision. Even though it was in need of repair & renovation I saw great potential. It was in pretty bad shape & needed some tender loving care.

The trend in vacation homes on the Outer Banks was to build them bigger & bigger. I felt as though there was a "niche market" for those looking for smaller cottages. It's rare to find a 2 bedroom cottage near the ocean.

We began renovation & remolding in the fall. My 1st renters arrived in the spring of 2012. I am very fortunate to welcome wonderful guests to The Tale of a Mermaid season after season.

What makes this property unique

My cottage is truly a little gem. It's cozy & comfortable. I take great pride in providing my guests with clean & well-appointed accommodations. The cottage is conveniently located in the town of Nags Head near restaurants, shops, grocery stores, recreation & entertainment.

The cottage has comfortable outdoor spaces to include the front porch with built-in benches, back deck to enjoy the afternoon sunshine & a screened porch to enjoy coffee and/or cocktails.

**the cottage is pet free & smoke free**