Elsie's House On Howard Street - Vacation rental home in Ocracoke, NC

About this Property

• Sleeps 8
• 4 Bedrooms
• 4 Bathrooms
• Private vacation home
• Approximately 2700 square feet

Located among the live oaks, Elsie's House on Ocracoke's fabled Howard Street, a peaceful sandy lane in the heart of the village, is just steps away from Silver Lake harbor, stores and eateries. It was originally constructed from ship's timbers in 1888 on occasion of the wedding of Simon Garrish to Sarah Howard. It stayed in the family and was last occupied by Irvin Garrish, Ocracoke's first Hyde County Commissioner and ferry Captain and his wife, Elsie Ballance Garrish, the island nurse. Local islanders fondly remember them 'holding court' from the front porch swing, greeting those passing by the shady lane.

In September 2019 Hurricane Dorian flooded our handsome home and Elsie's was forever changed. We found ourselves on a long wait list to have the home lifted and rebuilt. During this time we reimagined Elsie's rebirth - a place for families and friends to savor space to gather together while also providing room to relax and spread out. We kept the appeal of the original home while adding new, roomy rooms, additional bedrooms and baths, porches and decks on each of the three levels.

Open the front door and you will be welcomed by the airy space and charmingly reclaimed heart of pine floors. The great room features comfortable seating and a 75 inch intelligent TV, a well outfitted brand new kitchen with items for cooking and dining, and a convenient pantry/laundry. The original part of the home is filled with a cozy parlour, a dining room, and a private den with a 50 inch intelligent TV.
There are four unique bedrooms, two original to the home and two added. Elsie's has grown from a one bath home to a three and a half bath plus TWO outdoor showers! You will find comfort from the elements with dual central heat and air and unlimited on demand hot water system.
Outdoor living is yours on the many porches and decks.

Feel the casual slow pace of Ocracoke finishing a good book, taking a walk to Springer's Point, riding the waves on the beach, kayaking to Teach's Hole, cycling around the village, appreciating a fine meal, or sailing into the sunset...you can do it all and then come home to the warm lantern glow of Elsie's House.

About the Area

Ocracoke is home to this vacation home. Ocracoke Lighthouse and British Cemetery are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Hatteras Landing Marina and Teach's Lair Marina. Ocracoke Pony Pens and Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Special Instructions

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Know Before you Go

A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

Pet Policy

Pets not allowed

How to get the best Ocracoke rental experience:

Getting the best value:

• Book your vacation rental as soon as possible. Rental schedules often open a year in advance (or in September just after Summertime ends). Many groups book their Summer vacations during Winter holiday get-togethers. Reserve before these holidays for best selection.
• June, July, and August are the most expensive months in the Ocracoke area. To book the largest rental for your budget, we strongly suggest booking in the Spring or Fall. You'll benefit from lower rental rates, greater selection, gorgeous weather and the absence of large crowds at your favorite Ocracoke restaurants and activities. Many vacationers use this method to find larger homes within budget, or to reserve a beach front rental that would otherwise be unavailable during June, July, and August.
• Property management companies sometimes offer special rates for veterans and active duty military. Make sure to check with your host or property manager to see if special offers are available for your group.
• Management companies and individual rental owners usually offer customers an option to purchase trip insurance protection. Trip insurance, which costs 1% - 5% of the base stay price, offers visitors reimbursement of their vacation costs for missed vacation time as a result of personal medical-related catastrophes or weather, as well as ensuing additional hurricane evacuation charges, such as an unexpected hotel stay or extra gas expenses. Trip insurance is definitely a life-saver if the unforeseen happens. Ask your host for additional information.
• Often, management companies and vacation rental houses supply Ocracoke area travel guide magazines which often include coupons, either offered directly by local businesses, or through a relationship between the property management company and the business itself. You can also find visitors guide and coupon books at local shops and grocery stores.

Filter your rental search:

• First and foremost, have your group commit to a vacation week and a budget.
• Determine how many beds and the bed configuration your group requires. Elsie's House On Howard Street has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.
• Specific information about bedrooms and bed counts is normally accessible on booking websites. If not, email or call the property owner before booking the vacation home. Remember that most property listings specify the max. guest capacity, which oftentimes includes sofa beds and bunks. You will need to establish what configuration is optimal for your vacation.
• Do your family pets travel with you? Many vacation homes allow animals, but guidelines and restrictions apply. Allowable pet type, breed, and size are often limited. Remember to ask your host before booking, and study your rental agreement! Extra fees or costs may be applied to your agreement.
• Is your group looking for unique amenities? Most rental search websites include amenity lists and search filters.
• Proper accessibility amenities can make or ruin a vacation for persons with disabilities. Make certain to inquire about wheel chair accessibility, pool lifts and specialized equipment needs.

More tips for your visit:

• Be sure you get the property manager's contact number and entry/exit procedures for your rental home.
• Property managers are available to help! Feel free to ask questions during your stay.
• Lock your vacation home while you're out and about. Protect your property!
• During check-in, note any damages to the rental property and immediately contact the host. Record all correspondence just in case a dispute arises.
• Be a good neighbor! You wouldn't like disrespectful vacationers bothering your peaceful neighborhood. Practice the golden rule for best judgement. Happy residents may even recommend great restaurants and scenic spots you would have not otherwise known about!
• Don't forget to... Ask a local resident! Neighbors can usually help you find the best spots in town. Who better to ask where to find the best bike paths, have a great night on the town, or the best spots for bird watching?
• Re-check the rental property to confirm that you've packed all of your belongings at check-out. Check garages, decks, and cabinets for hidden belongings. Clean the refrigerator and take any leftovers home.
• Walk through the property one final time and keep an eye out for any damage. We advise walking through with the property manager whenever you can. If the manager isn't available, remember to take photos of the rental to record its condition.
• Remember to leave a review! Property owners rely on excellent feedback to inspire future bookings. They'll be grateful for your feedback. Alternatively, if something went wrong, other families will will be grateful for your experience find their best vacation home. Please be objective. If something fell short of expectations, consider whether the manager had any control over the issue, and if so, whether they responded reasonably to fix it.