Skip to main content

Old Nags Head Charm At It's Best

Photo gallery for Old Nags Head Charm At It's Best

A wooden beach house with a balcony, a small deck, and a beachside view.
A beach house with a wooden deck and a view of the ocean.
A wooden deck with benches and a wooden fence.
A wooden house with a porch, a staircase, and a deck.
A wooden beach house with a porch, stairs, and a small garden area.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Top rated beach location
    Discover paradise at this top rated beach location.
  • On the beach
    A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the sand and sea.
  • Steps from the shore
    Top-rated for its nearby beach, ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to Jockey's Ridge State Park
Sleeps 8•4 bedrooms•4 beds

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Nags Head, NC
  • Place, beach near Old Nags Head Cove
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Dowdy Park
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Jockey's Ridge State Park
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Airport, Manteo, NC (MEO-Dare County Regional)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Queen Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Old Nags Head Charm At It's Best

Enjoy the charming old Nags Head feel of this authentic ocean front cottage. Relax in the colorful rocking chairs on the covered deck while enjoying the breeze and gazing at the ocean. The cottage features a colorful updated kitchen with a beverage/wine refrigerator. The cottage has 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and an enclosed outdoor shower on the porch level. Got to love the outside shower! Features: 5 T.V,'s, central H/A, wireless internet, microwave, beverage/wine cooler, OS Shower, charcoal grill. Lower level: 2 double bedrooms, 2 full baths, kitchen, living room and dining room. Top Level: double bed in 1st bedroom and 2 queen beds in 2nd bedroom. Some sand toys and corn hole available.
So sorry, towels and linens not provided.

Other listings provided by Blair James (see reviews from other happy travelers - put listing number in "search destination" to locate:
Property ID - 3643209 Sand Joy I
Property ID - 3812956 Cooley Cottage by the Sea
(Pet Friendly)

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Beach
Spend your Holidays on the OBX Oceanfront!! Location!Location, Location.
South Nags Head
  • Ocean view
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (34 reviews)
Spend your Holidays on the OBX Oceanfront!! Location!Location, Location.

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 28
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Equipment rental nearby
default

Events

No events allowed
NO exceptions to this rule!
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Outside only
Firm on this rule! No more that 8 occupants and a maximum of 3 automobiles please! (8 includes children under 3 years as well).
If you are outside of any House Rules and/or Rental Agreement, it could result in termination of stay.
Septic does not allow for more than 8 guests... * You will be charged for additional guests brought to the cottage using the facilities. *

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3643209
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
Note from host: NO exceptions to this rule!
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
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

Nags Head

Located in Nags Head, this cottage is on the beach. Wright Brothers National Memorial and Monument to a Century of Flight are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at OBX Laser Tag and Destination Fun. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Full Throttle Speedway, or consider a night out at Outer Banks Brewing Station. Jet skiing and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and horse riding nearby.
View more Cottages in Nags HeadOpens in a new window
Map
Nags Head, NC

What's nearby

  • beach near Old Nags Head Cove - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Dowdy Park - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Seaside Art Gallery - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Jockey's Ridge State Park - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • OBX Laser Tag - 2 min drive - 1.7 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Biscuits N’ P*rn - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Blue Moon Beach Grill - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Mama Kwan's Tiki Bar & Grill - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Plaza Azteca - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Old Nags Head Charm At It's Best pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Old Nags Head Charm At It's Best?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Old Nags Head Charm At It's Best?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Old Nags Head Charm At It's Best?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Old Nags Head Charm At It's Best located?

Nestled on the beach, this Nags Head cottage is within a 10-minute walk of Nags Head Fishing Pier and Dowdy Park. Jockey's Ridge State Park and Tracks in the Sand are also within 1 mile (2 km).

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. 126 out of 132 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 132 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 132 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 132 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 132 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tim C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
A nice, quaint cottage in the old Nags Head tradition that offered a nice stay on the beach.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michelle B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had an amazing week at our new favorite beach rental! Will definitely be coming back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ryan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean place, lovely location! Highly recommend it! Great beach view!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Chelsie O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Blair's house was wonderful. Steps from the beach and she was so helpful! She bought air conditioners to go in the windows when the main air conditioner was not working well.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lisa C.

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

Best place EVER!

we go here almost every year. We love every minute there!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gretchen P.

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

Always a great week!

We look forward to our week at Sand Joy every year! Such a special place!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joe F.

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

Great location listing as advertised.

Great property clean and easy to communicate. Will certainly stay again.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

greg m.

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

Wonderful Cottage!!

Thanks for an awesome vacation!! We loved your special home!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Donna G.

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

Excellent

Loved the house, area and host!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jamie C.

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

Another unforgettable Nag's Head week!

Amazing location, charming cottage, gracious host, perfect stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

greg m.

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

Wonderful Cottage!!

Fantastic week at the Sand Joy!! We had the best time!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Shannon C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great week! The house is in the perfect location. You can’t beat walking off the porch and onto the beach. Blair is a wonderful host and a very kind person. We will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Katie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Blair is phenomenal!!! Check in was a breeze. The house was immaculate and the view is pure perfection!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lisa C.

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

Excellent beach house

My family and I have been staying here each year for the past 6 years. We love the beach and this puts you right on it.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Pam W.

Great Beach Retreat

Great place! Very relaxing and the house is SO cute! Beautiful beach and close to everything. The owners went out of their way to make our stay great. We would come back again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Theresa H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We absolutely loved our stay at this adorable historic beach home! The location was perfect with beautiful and easy access to the beach and ocean. Everything about the house was charming, and it was so special knowing it was built by the owners’ great-grandparents. Blair and her sweet pup Sailor made us feel so welcome from the moment we arrived. We hope to come back again next year. Highly recommend — thank you, Blair
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gretchen P.

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

Another great year!

Sand Joy is always a wonderful stay. Blair is a fantastic host and the house is perfect for our family! Can’t wait for next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lynn S.

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

Wonderful Cottage

We’ve stayed in the OBX for many, many years and this cottage is absolutely wonderful. It’s right on the beach and has a great view. It’s an old Nags Head cottage and brought back many memories. Blair was a wonderful host. Highly recommend this cute and comfortable beach house.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lynn S.

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

Love Sand Joy’

We absolutely love this little cottage. Old Nags Head vibes, right on the beach with great views. Blair is a wonderful host and takes care of everything. We’ll be back’
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl E.

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

2024

Another great stay! Thank you, Blaire!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Deborah R.

we could not be happier with this charming cottage

We have stayed here for the second time during "Spring Break" and, while the weather did not cooperate as much as we would have liked, it was a delightful visit to the Outer Banks. This cottage has everything we could possibly need and it was clean and just a pleasure to stay in. We will be back for a third time next March!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Mar, 2020
Always happy to see you ladies! It's nice to see y'all having "girls time" each year! Take care & I'll look forward to next time!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lisa W.

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

Girls week

We stayed in July, this was our second time staying here. The place is great. Walk right off the great back deck onto the beach. Blair is awesome to deal with. Highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joi L.

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

Classic Beach Cottage

We had the pleasure of staying at this charming oceanfront cottage over Easter weekend. The rocking chairs on the front porch was perfect for relaxing and soaking n the surroundings. This was our favorite spot to enjoy each others company and the ocean view. The location was excellent. It was close to everthing and was also in walking distance to some restaurants. We will definately be staying here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mike W.

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

3rd Stay, The Best Yet!

Blair was lovely to work with again, and the house and the weather were top notch! This was the first visit for a couple of guests, and they all agree that this is the definition of home at the beach! We hope to return next year, as we are in love! Thanks for the fun an memories, Sand Joy!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ashlea B.

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

Perfect beachfront

We truly enjoyed the house during our stay although we didn’t have beach weather. Blair was very communicative when we had requests. Lovely home and great location. I would definitely rent again, I just hope we have better weather next time.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

About the host

Hosted by Blair James

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback