The Cozy Bungalow - Official Historic Home Near UNC!
The John and Mattie Norwood House is a historic craftsman bungalow built in the early 1900s with a lot of history behind it (it has Freemason symbols as its gable vents!). It's even officially noted as one of Chatham County's "Historic Structures"!
Think hardwood floors, lots of sunlight pouring through the windows, and a gorgeous Japanese Maple right outside the sunroom. Plus, an equally stunning Magnolia tree out front. If you prefer a country feel while still being less than 10 minutes from town, this place is perfect for you!
There is a side deck, front porch, fire pit, picnic table, and plenty of camping chairs for you to use for relaxing outside. If inside is more your thing, enjoy the old-school charm of a record player, plenty of board games, books, and a VHS/DVD player. (Plenty of records and movies to choose from!)
By the way, there's a trampoline and a fitness park, too! It's perfect to move around and stretch out after a long day of traveling. Use at your own risk and be safe.
Great for college games, the hospital, visiting students! Located conveniently near a free CCX bus stop to get to UNC campus and downtown Chapel Hill directly across the street. Many of our guests love this option, if they're here for the proximity to the school. The house is on a highway, behind a privacy fence and trees so the traffic noise is muted. But for light sleepers, we have a white noise machine beside the bed as well as a floor fan to drown out any wanted sounds.
Also perfect for larger groups when booked with our equally charming sister space on the property, "The Shabby Chic Studio near UNC." The house is broken up into two spaces with two separate, secure entrances, but both spaces have access to the laundry room.
We are close to town (5-10 minutes/close to UNC), but just enough in the country for some privacy and to be surrounded by trees. Located right off Hwy 15-501 with a park and ride lot just across the street and amazing restaurants, groceries and park options all within 5 miles. Walmart for essentials (1/4 mile), Lowes Foods (1/4 mile) and Harris Teeter (2 miles) for basic groceries, Weaver St Market (2 miles) for health food and local options. Southern Village (2 miles) has restaurants, gyms, and bars, and in the other direction, you have pizza, coffee, and a breakfast cafe. Many new spots opening every month as this area is growing fast! If you're outdoorsy, Briar Chapel has great trails!
We're 10 minutes or less to downtown Chapel Hill and Carrboro, 10-15 minutes to Pittsboro/Jordan Lake, 20-25 to Hillsborough and Durham, and 30 minutes to Raleigh.
But above all else, we hold the guest experience to the highest standard and are here to make sure you have whatever you need to make your stay fun, safe, and comfortable!
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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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
About the area
Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill is home to this holiday home. Franklin Street and Gimghoul Castle are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Governor's Club and Finley Golf Course. Great Meadow Park and McIntyre's Fine Books and Bookends are also worth visiting.
University of North Carolina - 8 min drive - 6.6 km
Getting around
Durham Station - 26 min drive
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) - 31 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 10 min walk
Beer Study Carrboro - 7 min drive
Burger King - 8 min drive
Taco Bell - 2 min drive
Merritt's Grill - 6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Cozy Bungalow - Official Historic Home Near UNC! pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Cozy Bungalow - Official Historic Home Near UNC!?
As of 2 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Cozy Bungalow - Official Historic Home Near UNC! on 17 May, 2026 start from S$161, 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 Cozy Bungalow - Official Historic Home Near UNC!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Cozy Bungalow - Official Historic Home Near UNC!?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Cozy Bungalow - Official Historic Home Near UNC!?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The Cozy Bungalow - Official Historic Home Near UNC! located?
Situated in Chapel Hill, this holiday home is within 3 miles (5 km) of Southern Community Park, University Lake and Briar Chapel Commons. Boulder Park and Grovepark are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Very comfortable stay and very cozy on a cold windy winter weekend! The directions were spot on and check in easy. We had everything we needed there and plenty of room for four adults and a baby. Easy access to grocery stores and restaurants and an easy drive to the UNC campus.
Our group had a great stay! East check in-out, comfy atmosphere and decor. It feels like you’re visiting an older relative that lives very simply with the comforts of modern amenities. I slept in the king size bed, and it was a dream.I’d come back.
Perfect location if you're in the area for sports events or local golf options.
Communication leading up to check-in through checkout was spot on.
House amd facility was clean, well appointed.
James H.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Sept, 2024
Love this, James! So glad you had a great weekend. Come on back any time!
My grandsons and I spent the weekend playing in Chapel Hill. This was a perfect base of operations. After each excursion we return to a comfortable home with lots of room to spread out. I recommend you stay here. We will on our next visit.
Rain is a great communicator, and the rental is spacious and cozy. It was a wonderful gathering spot to visit our adult children in the area and had everything we needed to prepare a meal together. Thank you!
Sherri G.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Aug, 2024
Aw thanks Sherri!! I'm so glad y'all had a pleasant stay and visit with your kids. Those family connections are SO important and it makes me very happy to help facilitate them :)
Come on back anytime!
There’s an apartment attached to the house. This information is not included in the listing. Luckily the tenant was quiet and not seen, but if you are looking for a private stay, this isn’t it. Otherwise nice stay!
Bonnie T.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Aug, 2025
Come on, Bonnie.
It absolutely is clearly written in the property description. It would do us no good to conceal this information and surprise people with it. In fact, if you go back and reread the description, you will see that we actually market it often as a sister property for people who have larger parties and need more accommodations.
It’s totally fine if you missed that in the property description, but please don’t claim that it’s not there when it is.
Either way, I am delighted that you had a pleasant day and it didn’t create any problems for you. But I would encourage you to fully read listing descriptions before booking if things like this are important to you.
I appreciate you staying and you’re certainly welcome back!
I was surprised to see the house split with a neighbor but the stay was perfect, nice and quiet with a random car or two from the nearby road. Ive lived in the city and this was no problem, but light sleepers beware.The king size mattress has a bit of a sinking issue in the middle but it was only a mild inconvenience. Overall, we would gladly return.
Kyle J.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Jul, 2025
Hey Kyle!
Loved having you as a guest, my friend.
The description definitely lists the other guest apartment on the premises, but I’m glad it wasn’t an issue for you.
Also, I wish you would have said something about the bed! That’s an easy fix - it just means the slats got moved around underneath and I would have been there in an instant to adjust those for ya.
Either way, glad you brought it my attention now, so I can fix it before future guests! Rest assured, if you do come back, you won’t have that issue.
Thanks again!
Your crew was SO amazing and I loved that the kids enjoyed the playground and trampoline so much. You all are welcome back any ol' time! :)
Verified
6/10 Okay
Reagan T.
2 Sept, 2025
Liked: Check-in, communication
It was ok. Didn’t look as nice in person as in the pictures. It was a place to lay our heads and not too far from the stadium. Strong musty smell. I wouldn’t stay here again but not planning on attending another sports event at UNC, either.We arrived a little before 3 and the owner was kind enough to let us check in a little early. Appreciated that.
Reagan T.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Sept, 2025
Sorry to hear you didn’t love your stay, Reagan. Wish you would have said something about any smells you encountered so we could’ve addressed it! We’ve had a ton of rain this summer so I’m not sure if it was just general humidity.
As far as the pictures, one of the most common pieces of feedback we receive is about the accuracy of the pictures, so I’m not sure where there was a discrepancy. Again, wish you would have reached out with any questions!
Appreciate you staying with us and hope you had a safe trip back home!
The home was perfect for our stay. When we arrived, we noticed coffee, and breakfast groceries in the refrigerator and freezer. The beds and pillows were very comfortable. We spent four incredible days. Thank you so much to our Host, who made sure we were welcome.
Patricia And Stephen C.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Jul, 2024
Thanks Steve and Patricia! Glad you liked the extra touches! :)
Five stars all around. The property is conveniently located close to UNC Chapel Hill and within a few miles of the campus center. The property manager/owners were incredibly friendly and helpful. We will be staying again every time we come back to Chapel Hill.
Cody B.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Feb, 2024
Thanks, Cody! So glad to have hosted your group. Come on back anytime! :)
Nice house but definitely a little older than it seems online. It's very cottagey but cute.
William B.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Oct, 2024
Thanks, William! Glad you had a 5-star stay!
I do make sure we are very clear about our Historic Home and photos and descriptions are extremely accurate.
Cool sidenote: the attic gable vents are Freemason symbols! Hope you caught that cool feature.
Anyways, cmon back anytime!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Alan and Melanie
21 Oct, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Charming little house. The host has thought of everything you might need. Excellent communication via the property manager. I wish we had more time there to enjoy the deck and outdoor seating/fire pit but we were too busy with family we had come to visit. Highly recommend!
Alan and Melanie
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
About the host
Hosted by Melissa Brown
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests