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Old North State of Mind: Cozy Cottage, Dog Friendly Home with Fenced Yard

Photo gallery for Old North State of Mind: Cozy Cottage, Dog Friendly Home with Fenced Yard

Exterior detail
Living area
Living area
Private kitchen
Room

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dogs and cats allowed
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor barbecue

Explore the area

View in a map
Oak Island, NC
  • Place, Caswell Beach
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Oak Island Lighthouse
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Holden Beach
    ‪36 min drive‬
  • Airport, Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪50 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bunk Room

1 Single Bunk Bed and 1 Crib

Common area 1

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

Queen Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Hall Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Master Bath

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Old North State of Mind: Cozy Cottage, Dog Friendly Home with Fenced Yard

3 bedroom, 2 bath home with 1 King, 1 Queen, twin bunk beds, and Queen air mattress

If you’re looking for a family and pet-friendly escape with the best of both worlds, you’ll love our cozy home by the ICW! Take a short 2-minute drive to the beach or a quick walk to the boat pier. The storage shed has two single kayaks available for use and there is a boat ramp within walking distance.

Upon entering the house you’ll be greeted with an open living/dining area with a smart TV so that you can access any streaming service. WiFi is available throughout the house. The kitchen has room for up to 8 with a table and barstools, granite countertops, and a fully equipped kitchen (Keurig, blender, pots and pans, crockpot, and even sippy cups). Both the master and queen bedrooms have smart tvs with access to login to your favorite streaming services. The master bathroom has a large shower and the hall bathroom has a bathtub/shower combo.

Head into the backyard to enjoy the fire pit on cool nights, while the kids play in the fenced-in yard, or enjoy time grilling on the charcoal grill.

The front porch is perfect for sipping your morning coffee or sharing a meal together. There are two ceiling fans to keep cool in the shade.

Oak Island has amazing local restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, and a large local park with a splash ground, full-court basketball, tennis, community center, and play area. Take a drive to the Oak Island Lighthouse, or to nearby Southport for shopping, and seafood, or to take the ferry to Kure Beach and the Fort Fisher Aquarium.

You will love all that Old North State of Mind and Oak Island have to offer!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)
Please note that pets are not allowed in the beds
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please place all linens (used and unused) provided by Sharon’s linens in the provided bag. Do not remove comforters, mattress pads, or zippered pillow protector.
Wash all dishes and return to the cabinets
Please pickup after your pet
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
We do not accept bookings for longer than 14 days.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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 and a deadlock

About the area

Oak Island

Located near the beach, this holiday home is in Tranquil Harbour, a neighbourhood in Oak Island. Oak Island Lighthouse and Bald Head Island Lighthouse are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Oak Island Golf Club and Founders Club at St. James Plantation. North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport and North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher are also worth visiting. Looking to get your feet wet? Jet skiing, kayaking and waterskiing adventures can be found near the property.
View more Holiday homes in Oak IslandOpens in a new window
Map
Oak Island, NC

What's nearby

  • Caswell Beach - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Oak Island Lighthouse - 9 min drive - 8.6 km
  • Holden Beach - 36 min drive - 49.3 km
  • Riverwalk - 43 min drive - 64.0 km
  • Wrightsville Beach - 60 min drive - 86.1 km

Getting around

  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.) - 52 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Jumpin' Java - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Salt64 - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪oak island deli & pub - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Koko Cabana - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Old North State of Mind: Cozy Cottage, Dog Friendly Home with Fenced Yard pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Old North State of Mind: Cozy Cottage, Dog Friendly Home with Fenced Yard?

As of 8 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Old North State of Mind: Cozy Cottage, Dog Friendly Home with Fenced Yard on 25 May 2026 start from £110, 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 at Old North State of Mind: Cozy Cottage, Dog Friendly Home with Fenced Yard?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Old North State of Mind: Cozy Cottage, Dog Friendly Home with Fenced Yard?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Old North State of Mind: Cozy Cottage, Dog Friendly Home with Fenced Yard?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Old North State of Mind: Cozy Cottage, Dog Friendly Home with Fenced Yard located?

Located in Tranquil Harbour, this holiday home is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Caswell Beach and 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from Ocean Crest Pier. Oak Island Golf Club and Oak Island Lighthouse are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 23 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 23 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 23 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 23 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 23 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

James N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a very nice visit. Everything was as advertised. Great location, great place to stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brandi T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice house, convenient location
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Veronica C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place was amazing and clean. Location was great as well. The host was quick to respond to our messages.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kirsten H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Property was as expected. Pet friendly.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location and comfortable accommodations! Everything was as advertised and no issues. Thanks for a great week.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim M.

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

Enjoyed our vacation!!

We really enjoyed our vacation at Oak Island! This was our second year visiting and this house made it so enjoyable. It has a great location to everything and was so comfortable. The dogs enjoyed the fenced in yard and the neighbor even gave them treats over the fence. Thanks for allowing us to stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Monica S.

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

Wonderful for pets

This was one of the very best VRBO properties i have stayed at. Vey clean and comfortable. The kitchen was well stocked for anything you would need.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cassie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was great ...was everything we expected...only thing we didn't like was the water pressure in the master bathroom...other than that everything was excellent!!Will definitely be a returning guest and would highly recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kirsten N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were very pleased with our stay. Kara was accommodating to our requests and needs, as well as quick to respond to our inquiries. We have 2 large dogs that we wanted to bring and I was amazed to find a place that allows not just one but 2 large breed pups. The neighborhood was quiet and conveniently located near the local grocery store and gas station. Checking in and out was straightforward and simple. We'll definitely recommend Kara's place to our friends.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Courtney S.

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

Great Little Getaway

We had a great stay! The home was just what we needed to get away for the week and the host family had small added touches (laundry service with prepackaged linens, complimentary gift upon arrival and their great response times to questions) to take our stay above the top. We stayed while hurricane Idalia just came through and they checked on us to ensure everything and one were safe.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charles T.

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

Cozy cottage

Our recent stay at The Tranquil Harbour was all we had hoped for. The cottage was beautifully clean and well-appointed and Kara Varnell and her husband were great hosts. The cottage was a perfect base for exploring the stunning Oak Island coast. We couldn't fault the cottage or our hosts, I would come back in a heartbeat!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Kristie S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good stay

There was cleanliness issues upon arrival that the property owner resolved in a timely manner. It was the fault of the cleanling company and not the property owner. Overall this is a good property that is well equipped.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Jason W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was cute and exactly as described. The bedrooms were good size and comfortable. Having the fenced in backpack for our dog was very convenient. We used the kayaks to explore the Intercoastal waterway. It was super convenient to be able to launch them around the corner from the house. The neighborhood is really nice and everyone was friendly. We walked to the beach from the house which only took about 12 minutes. The front porch was nice to hang out on in the shade. I would recommend staying here. For reference, we are a family of 4.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa C.

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

Amazing Porch!

Wonderful getaway to celebrate the end of a school year. The house was clean and well-stocked and the furnishings were comfortable and attractive. We enjoyed sitting on the front porch where you could see boats passing on the ICW. We rode our rented golf cart all to the beach, to go fishing, to the grocery, and for ice cream and donuts. The dogs enjoyed our morning walks through the quiet neighborhood. It was a relaxing week!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Russell P.

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

Best Time ever

Everything was very organized. From the easy use of the door code, very clean house, the 4 TV's in the house were easy to use, well stocked, to just very comfortable. Location to beaches was great. My dog enjoyed the morning and evening walks. A very nice and safe neighborhood. Oak Island is a great place to stay. Thank you
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan S.

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

Great spot to bring fur babies!

My husband and I spent a week here during the off season for a change of scenery. We worked remotely and brought our two dogs who enjoyed the fenced in back yard. We all enjoyed many walks in the neighborhood and the beach. It was a wonderful time!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine G.

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

332 NE 56th Oak Is

Everything was perfect and well equipped ! Exceeded our expectations. Owners very easy to communicate with.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S.

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

Great location

Well appointed cottage with fenced in yard for dogs.. Keurig coffee pot. Great location to beach, shopping and restaurants.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jenny P.

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

great stay

perfect house for a beach getaway
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher B.

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

Little Slice of Paradise

This is a wonderful little home with all the amenities to make a family vacation perfect. There’s enough room to spread out and still spend time with each other. We spent many mornings on the front porch and enjoyed the peacefulness of the neighborhood. Quiet, relaxing and comfortable. Everything you want on a vacation.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jayme R.

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

Home Away from Home

We enjoyed our time here at Oak Island. This location was just what we needed for our week’s stay. It was a great location, steps from the sound for those who love to fish, and minutes from the beach. There were lots of people out walking and biking and we felt super safe. Great place and we will most definitely visit again. The front porch was the perfect place to sit outside at any time and enjoy the Oak Island weather.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Walter M.

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

Family Home Away From Home

This was the first time we have ever rented a place for vacation, as well as the first time my family has been to the ocean. The Home was beautiful, the neighborhood quiet, and the whole experience was wonderful. We were pleasantly surprised to find a closet with family games as well as children's books. Along with child safe dishes and a sippy cup in the kitchen. Check in was easy, check out was easy. All instructions were easy to follow, and the manual with recommendations was nice. The hosts were nice and easy to communicate with as well.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

6/10 Okay

kevin b.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

About the host

Hosted by Kara Varnell

Host profile image
We are entrepreneurs, parents, and passionate about the beach! We have loved visiting Oak Island for years and after taking a tour of all the NC beaches landed on purchasing our first vacation rental in OKI. We are NC natives both born and raised in Eastern NC and love all the things our great state has to offer. We also have two young children and have found over the years a lack of family-friendly rentals available. We hope to provide a family and pet-friendly home that you will enjoy and be able to truly relax on your vacation!

Why they chose this property

We loved this home because of its updated look, fenced-in yard, and proximity to both the ICW and beach. We enjoy fishing, kayaking, as well as spending time soaking up the sun on the beach. We love being able to make the most of all the island offers!

Languages:

English

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