Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 182950 sq ft
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air-conditioning
Outdoor space
Explore the area
Atlantic Beach, NC
Crystal Coast Beaches
Place, Crystal Coast Beaches
1 min walk
Anchorage Marina
Place, Anchorage Marina
7 min walk
Triple S Marina
Place, Triple S Marina
20 min walk
Rooms & beds
5 bedrooms (sleeps 18)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 4
1 Queen Bed, 1 Double Bunk Bed and 1 Single Bed
Bedroom 5
1 King Bed and 1 Single Bed
3 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 3
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
The Exum Cottage - Beachfront in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
The Exum beach cottage on Atlantic Beach, NC, is a family home with a three-generation history. Each generation has added photographs, books and original works of art, all of which give the cottage its unique character. Constructed in 1948, when there was only one other cottage on Club Colony Drive, the house was restored after Hurricane Hazel in 1954 and extensively renovated in 2022.
Located on the beach front and surrounded by a garden of native plants, dune grasses and herbs, the house features a hammock for lounging over the sand, a front porch with rocking chairs on the second level and a spectacular panoramic ocean view from the third-floor master suite.
With five bedrooms and three baths, the house comfortably sleeps twelve The warmth and charm of a traditional NC beach cottage are complemented by upscale modern amenities, including WiFi, four flat-screen televisions, Bluetooth wireless technology, an EV charger with/Tesla adapter and solar array that supplies electricity for the entire house with battery back up.
The entrance to the first level is a chart room with maps of the local terrain and waterways, guide books for planning excursions and a sitting area. The ground-level bunk room has its own bath, as well as access to an outdoor shower. On the second floor are three thematically decorated bedrooms with a shared bath, an updated, well-equipped kitchen and an open living-dining room. The third floor is furnished with an eclectic mix of mid-century modern and vintage campaign furniture, family memorabilia, richly colored textiles and art objects from around the world.
Visitors have use of a laundry room, indoor and outdoor games, bicycles, a charcoal grill, beach chairs and floats, making the Exum beach cottage ideal for a family vacation. Or the recently remodeled master suite, with a coffee and wine bar, a surround-sound stereo system and spacious bath, is the perfect setting for a romantic get-away.
During the summer months, the cottage is available for week-long bookings only that start and end on a Sunday. The cost for linens and bath towels is $25/per bed. The cottage has 9 beds: 1 king, 4 queens, 1 double, 1 top bunk, 1 trundle twin and one rolling twin cot. The property is equipped with exterior Ring cameras for security.
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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
Parties and events are allowed on site
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
Atlantic Beach
Located in Atlantic Beach, this cottage is on the beach. Fort Macon State Park and Beaufort Historic Site are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Anchorage Marina and Triple S Marina. North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and North Carolina Maritime Museum are also worth visiting. Kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours nearby.
Les and Sally Moore Public Beach Access - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
Anchorage Marina - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
Triple S Marina - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
Fort Macon State Park - 2 min drive - 3.0 km
Getting around
Havelock Station - 29 min drive
New Bern, NC (EWN-Coastal Carolina Regional) - 48 min drive
Restaurants
Circle K - 13 min walk
McDonald's - 3 min drive
Amos Mosquitos - 6 min walk
AB Bottle Co - 3 min drive
Red Fish Grill - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Exum Cottage - Beachfront in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Exum Cottage - Beachfront in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina?
As of 20 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Exum Cottage - Beachfront in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina on 31 May, 2026 start from S$1,141, 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 Exum Cottage - Beachfront in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Exum Cottage - Beachfront in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Exum Cottage - Beachfront in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The Exum Cottage - Beachfront in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina located?
Situated on the beach, this cottage is steps away from Les and Sally Moore Public Beach Access and Crystal Coast Beaches. Anchorage Marina and Triple S Marina 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.
Amazing stay at an ocean front, pet-friendly property. The place was fully loaded with beach and grilling gear to make the stay very comfortable and relaxing.
Dennis V.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Sept, 2025
Thank you, Dennis for the kind review. I hope you were able to get some boating in. See you next year! – Steve.
Loved this property- especially the deck! Great location, accommodating host, a wonderful place for our family to gather. It truly felt like a well-loved home. Loved their collection of books! Check-in was super easy and the kitchen was great.
Steve is a fantastic host and so kind and responsive. Amazing property in a great location. Will definitely look to book here again for our next trip to Atlantic beach.
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Sept, 2023
Thank you for the kind words and I’m so glad you enjoyed your stay. We hope you make it back next season when the house opens back up for rentals in mid May 2024. If you have reason to come back to the crystal coast, remember we have another wonderful rental property in Beaufort at 209 GrayDuck Dr. If you look up the property number 2522988 on VRBO you can read about the house. This one’s open year round fir rentals. It’s located just off Taylors Creek in the waterfront Town of Beaufort the house has bicycles and kayaks and essentially located with so many great activities like dolphin watching, visiting in Carrot Island, where the wild horses are, taking a sailboat catamaran cruise, or visit many of the wonderful restaurants and coffee shops on front Street just a bicycle ride away. - Steve and family
The Exum Cottage was accommodating just as described with everything you need for a beach vacation. We had an awesome time exploring the area and did not want to leave. The beach is simply amazing! We hope to return soon.
This was a wonderful getaway for our family! Beautiful and charming Cottage with lots of space but still feels cozy.
Great views of the ocean and pier.
We are already making plans to come back.
This house was perfect. We loved the big porch, grass lawn, and direct access to the beach. The kitchen is very well stocked and there is lots of beach gear - we felt right at home. Highly recommend!
Margaret R.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Aug, 2024
Margaret,
Thanks so much for your kind review! We hope you make it back for another vacation at the Crystal Coast! - Steve Exum
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Chad M.
6 Sept, 2018
Great space that is obviously cared for by its owners. We felt privelaged to stay in your family hom
The cottage has been built for family fun. It is a perfect location for large families and is built in a way that families within the family can have their own space. I highly recommend this rental.
Chad M.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar, 2020
Thank you Chad. We hope you can make another trip.
We had a wonderful vacation at the Exum property. Communication with the owner was great and the location and house were just what we were looking for. All the amenities, tons of beach, comfortable living space, all around a great place. Thanks for the stay and we will be back.
William M.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Jun, 2023
Hi William, so glad you enjoyed your stay. Thanks for your kind words. We do hope you’ll make it back soon! Steve
We had a great time! The check in/out process was so easy and Steve was very easy to communicate with. Accommodations were great! Would definitely recommend for a large group!
Jordan H.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar, 2020
Jordan, I’m so glad you and your group had a good time. I hope your New Year’s eve celebration was memorable. Please share any photos you took of you and your friends enjoying the cottage with me on Facebook or email them to me. I truly hope you guys can come again. Warmly Steve
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Peter C.
19 Aug, 2018
Wonderful beach getaway spot for the family!
Very comfortable home well suited for family gatherings...private beach access w great views day & night from a very large deck. Well organized & equipped (ex, kitchen area, beach chairs, nice outdoor shower & convenient washer/dryer area) to support a relaxing time!
Responsive property management support if questions arise. Will definitely be returning!
Peter C.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar, 2020
Peter, I’m so happy you and your family enjoyed the Exum cottage. Thanks for your very kind words and we look forward to your next visit. Warmly, Steve
It was very pleasure renting place and host was great with lots of very useful information . Very easy to communicate with host. All of my friends were happy with place and will be glad to male trip out here again. Thank you!!!
seung (steve) H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jun, 2022
So glad you your group had fun. Please come back! Cheers -Steve
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Harriet S.
3 Mar, 2017
Fabulous February weekend!!
Wow - who would have thought a sunny and warm beach day in February - was fabulous!! This was the PERFECT home for a weekend trip to the beach - especially LOVED the porch!! Only downside was the weekend was too short!! Definitely recommend the house - location is wonderful, great parking and home is very comfortable!
Harriet S.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar, 2020
Harriet, I am so glad you and your crowd could enjoy the cottage last weekend. Really doesn't matter what time of year, that porch will draw you out like none other. The porch faces due south, so guest can enjoy both sunrises and sunsets. Many thanks for you kind words. - Cheers! Steve
We celebrated our daughter’s graduation with friends and family. The cottage was perfect! Steve is wonderful to work with in booking our reservations. He continued to check on us to make certain we enjoyed our time there. Will definitely be back! Thank you!
Maggie K.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 21 May, 2021
Maggie, I’m so glad to hear you guys had a good trip. The Exum Cottage as witnessed graduations, marriage ceremonies, high school parties, spring breaks, Thanksgiving, Christmas celebrations and the like. We’re glad you could celebrate with us in Atlantic Beach. Hope you’ll come back. – Steve
We had a lovely stay at Exum Cottage! Property was beautiful. The house was great for our large group (8 adults, 3 kids and 1 infant). Lots of room to hang out and quiet areas for reading. The room upstairs has gorgeous views! Location was great as it is right on the beach and close to restaurants and shopping. Steve was very pleasant and responsive. We hope to return in the future.
Beautiful, quiet cottage - great shade on the porch
We had an exec planning meeting over several days. The porch is beautifully shaded with a constant breeze and made the outdoor meetings delightful. The property manager couldn't have been more responsive and friendly.
Conor H.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Jun, 2022
Glad the porch could serve as a retreat for brainstorming and executive planning. We hope you’ll come back. Cheers- Steve
Our stay was amazing! We had 14 that stayed in the house and there was plenty of space for everyone. There was plenty of space for everyone to have their own space but a beautiful deck overlooking the ocean that was plenty big for all with room to spare. It was very well kept and clean. The property owner was great and very quick to respond. Will definitely be booking this place in the future!
Dawn T.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jun, 2023
Dawn, we’re so happy you enjoyed your stay at the Exum Cottage. Thank you for your kind words and we’re so glad you found it clean and roomy. I hope you make it back soon! The Exums
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Judy R.
19 Jun, 2017
Lovely and quaint home on the beautiful ocean front
This is an older home, but has been well kept. The kitchen has everything you would need at a beach home. There is roomy parking in the front for at least 3 cars. Just walk out the back door for easy excess to the beach. Also, Steve, the owner, was such a nice person from whom to rent this property.
Judy R.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar, 2020
Judy I'm so glad everyone liked the home. I hope the fishing tournament turned out to be successful for your team. Have a great rest of your summer and many thanks for the kind words. Warmly, Steve
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Christina S.
2 Jun, 2017
Perfect Location, amazing ocean views!
The Exum cottage is the perfect place for a beach getaway. There are nearby restaurants and grocery stores to ensure you are well fed. We stayed with a group of 9 adults and had plenty of room to spread out with the 4 bedrooms. (7 beds!). The best part was the HUGE deck. We ordered take out from the amazing Amos Mosquitos restaurant and dined oceanside on the deck. You'll love walking the beach and listening to the waves crashing. Highly recommend this cottage!
Christina S.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar, 2020
Christina, The Exum beach cottage really is a perfect retreat for a group of friends. I am so happy to hear your crown I had such a great time. Many thanks for the kind review. We hope you'll come back soon. - Steve
We enjoyed our stay at the cottage. It was clean and very comfortable. The location in Atlantic Beach is close to everything. The ocean views were great. Steve is an amazing host - communicates regularly and follows-up to make sure we had everything we needed. It rained the majority of the weekend so beach time was limited. That said - the cottage makes you forget that it was raining. Thank you so much for a wonderful weekend.
Paul C.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 May, 2023
Paul, thanks so much for your very kind review and I am so sorry about the rain. If I could control it for all our guest, I would. If you can ever make it back, please reach out and let me know. I’ll do my best prevent the rain dance. 😊Steve
10/10! I can’t say enough of how much we loved our time at the Exum Cottage. Steve is by far the best host we’ve ever had. From the beginning of our family inquiring about this beach home to the very end, he was on top of everything. Steve is also extremely kind and allowed our family an extra night’s stay. We will definitely book this home for future vacations- it’s beautiful, cozy (feels like home), and the perfect place to spend time with family. If you are looking for the perfect beach house, look no further!
Audrey B.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Aug, 2023
Thank you Audrey for your incredibly kind words! I’m so glad you and your family could have some quality time together at our classic ole’ beach house. We really hope you’ll come back. Cheers Steve & Molly
We stayed at Exum Cottage over the Memorial Day weekend with our children and grand children. Everyone had a wonderful time. The cottage is well equipped with everything you need. Our grandchildren used the beach toys and boogie boards that were kept in the storage area. Also included was a shibumi which was easy to put up to provide shade from the sun while on the beach. The large deck was where we spent most of our time while at the house. The views on the deck were fantastic and all 17 of us has plenty of space to relax and enjoy our meals.
Sharon G.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Laura L.
1 Apr, 2016
Best Beach Trip EVER!!!
My family rented The Exum Cottage for 5 nights to an Easter/Spring Break getaway. The location is fantastic - right near the public access walkway to the beach, and an easy drive to Morehead City, Beaufort, Pine Knoll Shores and Harker's Island. Some of us even walked back along the beach from Fort Macon (about 3 miles) which allowed us to watch pelicans diving for food and to find a rare whole sand dollar on the beach. The kitchen is well-equipped to prepare an Easter feast with very nice appliances. We enjoyed the view from the back deck and even saw a pod of bottlenose dolphins the morning of our departure looking for breakfast near the shore. Finally, we have loved making arrangements with Steve and look forward to a return visit.
Laura L.
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar, 2020
Laura, We hope you and your family can come back again soon. We just added 2 new games to the cottage; corn hole and spike ball. Safe Travels! - Steve
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Diane S.
5 Oct, 2017
Pure relaxation at the edge of the sea
This seaside vacation to me was better than a fancy Caribbean island. It was the simplicity of being on the deck from the early morning through gorgeous sunsets highlighting the fishing pier, usually with a cool breeze taking all worldly worries away. The crashing waves hypnotize you. Never slept better--great bedding and comforts in the house. I would say the house is wonderfully retro--tasteful but not chic. Not extravagant--just honest and basic. The luxury of Steve's place is real communion with the sea, lovely dinners on the deck,
walks on the shore, swimming in the waves, starlit nights, heavenly peacefulness.
Diane S.
Stayed 11 nights in Sep 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar, 2020
Diane, That is the most accurate description of the experience of staying at the Exum beach cottage ever written. You nailed it. For our family it’s a retreat semi disconnected from the annoying technological devices of life and helps bring us together over meals, beach adventure and board games. It’s authentic . Thank you for your kind description. Warmly - Steve
Some pictures made the beach walk look like a distant walk but it was not. There was an awesome grill and the kids enjoyed trying out the skim board. The neighborhood was quiet and the beach was not crowded. the pier was a beautiful walk in the mornings, we found shark teeth and crabs. Beaufort is just a short 15 minute drive with beautiful boats and scenery and shops to check out. The beach is very dog friendly and our pups enjoyed sunny days and playing in the ocean just like the kids. I can’t say enough about Steve he was an amazing host! check in and check out was an easy task although we did not have any specific accommodation requests he was available throughout our stay and I would highly recommend anybody traveling to Atlantic Beach to check out the Exum cottage!!
Jamie R.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jun, 2022
Hi Jamie! It looks like your family took full advantage of the house the area and the beach during your stay on the Crystal Coast. I love walking to the Pier too! Thanks for your kind words. Please let us know if you want to come back. We are already booking for the 2023 summer season.- Steve Exum
About the host
Hosted by Steve & Molly Exum
Steve Exum is the president and principal photographer at Exum Photography, LLC. Exum is a North Carolina native who grew up in Raleigh. Steve, his wife Molly, their daughter Bella and son Sawyer live in Elon, NC with their dog Murphy. We are an adventurous family and the Exum Beach Cottage is our go to home for beach adventure. I manage the rentals on behalf of the owners my mother and father Jim and Judy Exum from Greensboro, NC. From this old house, we surf, skim board, fish, shell hunt, sail, sunbath and yes, even scuba dive. This cottage was built by my grandfather James Gooden Exum, Sr. in the 40’s and was one of the original cottages built on Club Colony Drive. Hurricane Hazel blew it down and my Grandfather rebuilt it in 1955. With it’s nostalgic knotty pine walls, this cottage has been the base for huge Exum Family gatherings, marriages and accommodated countless friends for great beach vacations. She withstood a number of hurricanes and the occasional water spout keeping her visitors and contents safe and dry. We Love this cottage and you will, too.
Why they chose this property
This vacation cottage is ideal for a weekend get away or week long retreat for guests more interested in disconnecting from screen time and enjoying face time with one another rocking on the porch or with toes buried in the sand and waves lapping at your feet.
What makes this property unique
This house is intoxicating. Its close proximity to the beach, the Oceanna Fishing Pier, Amos Mosquitos Restaurant, and the Fort Macon Historic site make it very special.
Languages:
English, Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests