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The Mad River Cottage

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MadRiverDesigns.com
The Mad River Cottage
Screened porch entrance
Front porch
Circa 1903

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 4900 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

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, North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪44 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

2 Single Beds and 1 King Bed

1 bathroom, 2 half bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden

About this property

The Mad River Cottage

Step inside the Mad River cottage and you will want to stay forever. Built over a century ago and surrounded by centuries-old live oaks, the two-bedroom cottage is the perfect retreat for a week or a weekend away from home. Inside you’ll be delighted by the cheerful color pallet and comfortable furnishings. Outside you’ll have the opportunity to sip your morning coffee on the small screened porch or dine al fresco beneath a lumbering live oak. You’ll be walking distance from everything the village of Southport offers—from boating to shopping to dining to fresh local seafood and of course all the famous spots featured in the Safe Haven movie—- all are just steps away from the cottage. Plus, if it’s beach time you crave, you’ll be a short 15-minute drive to all the white sand and ocean waves you can imagine! Come enjoy one of the happiest seaside towns in America and stay in the Mad River Cottage...it may be your first time but we’re sure it won’t be your last! Oh, and if you're wondering why it’s the Mad River Cottage check out this website: madriverdesigns.com, and be sure to stop by the Mad River Studio & Store for the best shopping in Southport.



Pet-friendly property on a case by case basis.



Smart TV available(no cable).

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Southport

Southport is home to this holiday 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 Holiday 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 - 9 min walk - 0.8 km

Getting around

  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Subway - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Tengu Japanese Steakhouse - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Locals Family Diner - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪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 15 Mar, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Mad River Cottage on 27 Apr, 2026 start from S$319, 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 The Mad River Cottage?

On-site 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?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Mad River Cottage located?

Situated in Southport, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Franklin Square Gallery, Southport Marina and The Clubs at St. James. Waterfront Park and North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

10

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. 44 out of 47 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 47 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 47 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

James W.

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

10/10 Excellent

Kristi E.

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

8/10 Good

Jessica S.

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

10/10 Excellent

Deborah E.

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

10/10 Excellent

Kris S.

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

10/10 Excellent

Michael C.

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

10/10 Excellent

Lori H.

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

10/10 Excellent

Donna P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was the most welcoming of properties - very nicely furnished with lots of interesting touches but not l over-the-top. The back yard was lovely and our dog enjoyed some roaming back there. The property is a short walk to the water and downtown Southport. Just a great time! The winery question…did not apply but the kitchen was well stocked.
Sunset from The Provision Company
Lucy at Fort Fisher beach
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Megan F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved staying at the Mad River Cottage. The location is perfect to walk down to the waterfront, to local restaurants and stores, and to the marina. The street is also quiet. The screened in porch was great for relaxing after a day at the beach. The house was clean and well-appointed, and the host communicated quickly to address any issues. Would definitely recommend this property to anyone looking to visit Southport!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca B.

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

10/10 Excellent

Glenda V.

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

10/10 Excellent

Gena H.

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

10/10 Excellent

Karin W.

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

10/10 Excellent

jennifer r.

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

10/10 Excellent

Carol M.

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

10/10 Excellent

tricia h.

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

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda T.

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

Lovely long weekend

Love this place! The home is a quaint, historic cottage but with many modern updates. An easy stroll to the waterfront in Southport and to local shops and restaurants. Spent so much time on the screened porch just reading and relaxing. Pet friendly too! We will be back!
Sunset-beautiful color.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

charlsey C.

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

10/10 Excellent

david h.

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

June 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Leslie M.

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

10/10 Excellent

Martha S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Check in was simple. Good old fashioned key! Loved the little cottsge and met the owner. Very sweet lady with a gorgeous kitty on her porch. Loved every single minute of this trip and will definitely be back. House offered everything we needed. Clean and open floor plan. Close to all our favorite spots.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robin V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property was beautiful such a comfortable cottage and so unique. Great spot close to family amenities are many only problem I had was I couldn’t find the blow dryer they said was there. And one of the two coffee makers didn’t work so we just use the other one. Other than that place is perfect for anything you wanna do. I appreciate it thank you for letting us stay in your home
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carrie R.

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

Great Location!

We usually stay on Oak Island, but wanted a change of pace in Southport. The neighborhood was so quiet and lovely. We walked to the water, shops, and restaurants while taking in the serenity of it all along the way. The owners are very kind. Absolutely perfect for a long weekend getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cassie M.

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

Wonderful 3 days

Perfect cottage for a little getaway. Kitchen was well equipped. Great screened in front porch. Bed was comfortable. Perfect location for walking to everything downtown.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patti C.

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

Girls weekend reunion

Well appointed, beautifully decorated rental. The perfect place for our girls weekend! Close proximity to restaurants, shops, brewery and wine rack. Rental property also has a great home decor and gift shop near by. 5 stars!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Southport Realty

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