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Lake Overlook Retreat - 5 acre nature preserve near the Eno River, UNC & Duke

Lakefront cottage with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Lake Overlook Retreat - 5 acre nature preserve near the Eno River, UNC & Duke

Beautiful lakefront retreat in the trees surrounded by pristine nature.
Swimming is a dream in the warmer months. For safety, no diving allowed.
Comfy outdoor furniture, propane grill, and outdoor hearter.
Large looped driveway, home nestled in the trees, carport to left, lake behind.
Aerial view of home, carport to left, circular driveway, 3 back decks.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61824 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
Hillsborough, NC
  • Duke University Hospital
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Cameron Indoor Stadium
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Duke University
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)
    ‪34 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom with Queen bed

1 Queen Bed

En suite with King bed

1 King Bed

Office with Full-sized Futon

1 Double Futon

2 bathrooms

En suite bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Hall bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Lake Overlook Retreat - 5 acre nature preserve near the Eno River, UNC & Duke

New for 2025: En suite and secondary bedroom both have room darkening curtains.

Escape the intensity of the world with your own private paradise — an oasis in the middle of the Triangle!

Imagine strolling down to the waterside after dinner to watch the sunset over the lake, enjoying a glass of wine on your own private dock. Or taking a quick swim in the morning for exercise. Powered boats aren’t allowed so there’s no motor noise to upset your fishing or just laying back with some tea and a good book.

Later check out (11:30am), cleaning, and guest fees are included. No long list of check-out chores, we only ask you run the dishwasher and throw away your trash. We handle the rest!

This 1824 square foot lakefront chalet is situated on ~5 acres and is only 30 minutes from RDU airport, 15 minutes from Duke, and 20 minutes from UNC. The lake is great for fishing and we provide fishing poles and equipment. There are also kayaks and a canoe for paddling.

Amenities: We take stocking the house seriously and provide more amenities than we have personally experienced at a vacation rental. Our list includes abundant tissues, napkins, paper towels, TP, dish soap, dishwasher detergent, rinse aid, trash bags, hypoallergenic hand soap, shampoo, and conditioner. No “starter packs!” Forget your toothbrush? Check the drawer in the hall bath, we likely got you covered.

Deck and Outdoor Cooking: The 20' x 15' deck with sliding glass doors into the great room features a six-burner propane grill with a side burner and all of the tools for your outdoor cooking endeavors. Extra propane is stocked in the carport. We also have outdoor couches and a propane heater for comfort in cold weather.

Kitchen: We stock the kitchen with everything you need to cook, including a wide variety of pots and pans, crock pot, ninja blender, baking sheets, toaster oven, cooking utensils, oils, basic seasonings, honey, tea, sugar, coffee beans, and a grinder. Abundant glassware options, plastic cups, plates, bowls for the kids, ziplock baggies, parchment, foil, and plastic wrap are also provided. Wooden table with expandable leafs works great as a kitchen island or as an extra dining space.

Great Room: Vaulted ceilings, 90 Series 65" 4K Smart UHD NanoCell TV, oversized couch and loveseat, fainting couch with reading lamp and Qi charger, nesting side tables, behind-the-couch table with plug and 3 bar stools, glass top wrought iron dining table with 4 chairs, additional wooden chairs.

En Suite Bedroom: Features a Layla copper-infused king bed, Samsung 55" TV and Soundbar, plush rocking chair, full-length mirror, two dressers, nightstands with lamps, oversized walk-in closet, and French doors opening to a private deck with a treehouse feel and lake views.

En Suite Bath: radiant floor heating, Toto Washlet Bidet, dual vanity with recessed sinks, salt lamp night light, lake view, and a 3-way rainfall shower-head.

Secondary Bedroom: Queen size thermapedic memory foam mattress, wrought iron head and footboard, lush oversized reading chair with an ottoman, walk-in closet with ample hangers and a luggage rack.

Office / Third Bedroom: This multifunctional space offers a full-sized futon that serves as a comfortable couch for lounging and can be easily converted into a bed with a memory foam topper for additional sleeping arrangements. The room is equipped with a mesh office chair and a spacious work area that overlooks the serene woods, creating an ideal environment for work or study. Basic office supplies and an all-in-one laser printer are provided for your convenience. For entertainment, there's a large flat-screen TV with Roku that can be connected via HDMI to any video game console, device, or function as a second monitor for your work needs.

Lake Overlook: A 7.5-acre nature preserve suitable for swimming, fishing, and paddling. We provide Turkish towels, pool noodles, body boards, portable coolers, camp chairs, a canoe, and 2 sit-on-top kayaks.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Child friendly but not child proof!
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
A maximum of 12 people of any age allowed.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 3 total)
Only dogs allowed.
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Keeps doors closed and use ashtrays.
House is on septic! Only use provided TP, and do not flush anything, including "flushable wipes," down the toilet.
Do not tamper with modem, router, front door and side parking security cameras, or decibel monitors. For privacy, no living areas are on camera.
House is on septic! Only use eco-friendly cleaners, only use provided TP, and do not flush anything, including "flushable wipes," down the toilet.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 12
Note from host: A maximum of 12 people of any age allowed.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Hillsborough

Located in Hillsborough, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Eno River State Park and Waller Family Farm are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Northgate Mall and Franklin Street. Keith Arboretum and Sarah P. Duke Gardens are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Hillsborough, NC

What's nearby

  • Duke University Hospital - 13 min drive - 18.2 km
  • Cameron Indoor Stadium - 15 min drive - 20.2 km
  • Duke University - 16 min drive - 19.5 km
  • Durham Performing Arts Center - 16 min drive - 22.3 km
  • University of North Carolina - 21 min drive - 20.8 km

Getting around

  • Durham Station - 18 min drive
  • Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Weaver Street Market - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Wendy’s - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪KFC - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Overlook Retreat - 5 acre nature preserve near the Eno River, UNC & Duke pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total).

What time is check-in at Lake Overlook Retreat - 5 acre nature preserve near the Eno River, UNC & Duke?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lake Overlook Retreat - 5 acre nature preserve near the Eno River, UNC & Duke?

Checkout is at 11:30 AM.

Where is Lake Overlook Retreat - 5 acre nature preserve near the Eno River, UNC & Duke located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Eno River State Park and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Historic Occaneechee Speedway. Eno Gallery and Orange County Historical Museum are also within 6 miles (10 km).

About the host

Hosted by Jaime and Jonathan

Host profile image
Global travel experiences using short term vacation rentals shaped our approach as hosts, with a commitment to facilitating 5-star guest experiences every day.

Jaime, a modern renaissance woman, balances her creative and technical work with a passion for non-profits, health, and wellness. She enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time in nature, always seeking ways to nourish both body and soul.

Jonathan, a computer scientist specializing in research and development, explores the realms of big data, geolocation, and machine learning. His interests extend to gaming, science fiction, and space, reflecting a mind attuned to innovation and exploration.

Together, we bring our diverse interests and expertise to create a welcoming and enriching environment for our guests.

Why they chose this property

Lake Overlook is the perfect nature retreat. Serene and secluded while only being a short drive (or delivery) from modern conveniences.

What makes this property unique

What sets our property apart is the enchanting beauty that's difficult to capture in mere photographs – it's a magical experience that must be felt in person. The land is truly breathtaking, and our guests often tell us that the pictures simply don't do it justice.

Hospitality is at the heart of what we do. We provide an abundance of creature comforts and well-stocked extra amenities to ensure a delightful stay. With a 24-hour gap between guests, we make certain that our home is immaculately clean and well-maintained. We also strive to be flexible with arrival and departure times, accommodating our guests' needs whenever possible.

Lake Overlook Retreat is more than just a place to stay; it's a commitment to environmentally responsible living. As an eco-friendly nature preserve, we emphasize the use of natural products and mindful practices. Since the property operates on a septic system, we kindly ask guests to refrain from using harsh cleaners or "flushable wipes" and to be mindful of keeping food and oil out of the drain. Our dedication to sustainability enhances the serene and natural charm of the retreat.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests