Durham Retreat: Deck, Grill, Firepit, 10 mins from Duke & Downtown
Sociable living, dining and entertaining with high speed internet, hardwood floors and a 20 x 25ft deck with gas grill, firepit and comfy seating looking out onto private woodland.
Perfect for family gatherings and reunions or somewhere to chill if you or your loved ones are visiting UNC or Duke colleges or medical facilities. It's also only 15 minutes from Umstead State Park which hosts the Umstead 100 and 20 minutes to Research Triangle Park (RTP)
The house is set in a quiet cul-de-sac in a settled family neighborhood.
The front door opens into an open plan living, eating and dining space. The large living room has an L-shaped sofa, single recliner, love seat and an occasional chair. The room has a 44" TV with superfast AT&T Fiber and a Roku streaming stick.
There is a breakfast bar with seating for two and a dining area that is hidden from the living area, but open to the kitchen, that seats 6. The dining area overlooks the large wooden deck and has views of the woodland. If you're up early you may see the deer that live there.
The kitchen is equipped with everything that you might need for cooking and baking. There is a utility area with tumble dryer and washing machine and is right next to the back door that gives you access to the deck with grill, firepit, dining table and chairs and two rattan sun loungers.
Off the living area is a corridor leading to the family bathroom and three bedrooms. The main bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and faces the deck and woodland. The other two bedrooms face the front garden. The largest of these bedrooms has a queen sized bed and a sofa that converts to a twin sized bed. The smallest of the bedrooms has a full/double bed, desk and chair, 32" TV with Roku stick, books and games.
Each bathroom is stocked with Terra Pure paraben-free soap, shampoo, conditioner and shower gel.
Downtown Durham and Duke Hospital and campus are a 10 minute drive away.
A NOTE ABOUT PETS Most guests who have brought their dogs have been fantastic guests because they have observed the following rules:
- One pet only is allowed and a pet fee of $50 per stay will be charged - Please inform us of the breed, age, and sex of your pet upon booking - Pets are not allowed on furniture or beds. Please cover any furniture that a pet may get on - Please clean up after your pet on the property and dispose of waste properly - Please ensure your pet is leashed and supervised at all times, especially in shared areas - Do not leave your pet in the house on its own - Any soft furnishings and linens where we cannot remove pet hair, will need to be replaced and we will claim this from your damage deposit
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
No pets in the bedrooms or on furniture
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Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Guests must be in contact with me within the first 48 hours of booking. to confirm identities of the booking party.
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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Durham
Durham is home to this holiday home. Duke Homestead and Vietnam Veterans Living Memorial are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Museum of Life and Science and Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Travelling with kids? Consider Durham Performing Arts Center and Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture. Break out the clubs and hit the links on a nearby golf course, or seek out an adventure with cycling.
Vietnam Veterans Living Memorial - 4 min drive - 2.7 km
Museum of Life and Science - 4 min drive - 3.0 km
Duke University - 6 min drive - 4.6 km
Getting around
Durham Station - 10 min drive
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) - 27 min drive
Restaurants
Costco Food Court - 4 min drive
Chick-fil-A - 3 min drive
McDonald's - 2 min drive
Burger King - 4 min drive
Starbucks - 17 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Durham Retreat: Deck, Grill, Firepit, 10 mins from Duke & Downtown pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Durham Retreat: Deck, Grill, Firepit, 10 mins from Duke & Downtown?
As of 7 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Durham Retreat: Deck, Grill, Firepit, 10 mins from Duke & Downtown on 15 May 2026 start from AU$344, 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 Durham Retreat: Deck, Grill, Firepit, 10 mins from Duke & Downtown?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Durham Retreat: Deck, Grill, Firepit, 10 mins from Duke & Downtown?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Durham Retreat: Deck, Grill, Firepit, 10 mins from Duke & Downtown?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Durham Retreat: Deck, Grill, Firepit, 10 mins from Duke & Downtown located?
This family-friendly Durham holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Duke Homestead and Duke Regional Hospital. Duke University is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) away.
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The house was just what we needed! It was well furnished, the kitchen was well equipped, the location was very convenient to Duke Hospital, and the wooded back yard was a nice respite spot.
Wendy F.
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2026
I'm so glad you and your family could use the house as a respite spot and retreat. It was a pleasure to host you!
The kitchen was pretty well equipped. Would have liked baggies, more temp storage containers, tissues somewhere. Small things at a comfy and lovely place. Quiet neighborhood. Soft sheets and pillows, great mattresses.
Stephanie J.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2026
Thank you for your lovely review, We’re delighted you enjoyed the comfort of the space and the calm, quiet neighborhood.
We also appreciate your notes and always keep guest feedback in mind as we continue to refine the experience. It was a pleasure hosting you.
House was very clean, lots of space, and well stocked. Moyra was wonderful with communication. Had an issue with the dishwasher, but Moyra made sure the issue was taken care of immediately. Would definitely recommend!
What a lovely and comfortable home! This was a perfect Duke-area home. It was roomy, immaculate, had all the supplies we needed, and was so warm and comfy. I would absolutely book this home again.
Our host was very responsive, the location was convenient to everything (Duke, Durham Bulls, groceries & restaurants), the house was clean with plenty of household items, and bedrooms spacious with comfy beds.
Blake M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Aug 2025
Thanks Blake - it's great to know you appreciated the location and I'm happy to have hosted you!
This house is immaculate. The outdoor deck and fire pit were a perfect for visiting in the evening. Quiet neighborhood close to everything. We are ready rebooked next time we visit our son.
Gina C.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Oct 2025
Gina thank you! It's always good to know you want to come back!
This property was a true gem! It was located in a cul-de-sac on a very quiet street very close to downtown Durham. I brought my children to visit colleges and this was a perfect home base. Everything was very clean, well appointed, the bedrooms were so comfortable and the outside space was absolutely a treat. Also, the host was extremely responsive and gave great recommendations on restaurants and area attractions. I would 100% recommend this property.
We had a wonderful time. Everything was clean and comfortable, the back patio was awesome, the showers were very nice, and Myora took great care of us. We hope to book this house every time we get to travel to Durham to see our family living nearby!
Leah D.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 July 2025
Leah it was lovely hosting you and so happy it worked so well to visit family! You are all welcome back any time!
My daughter, my grandson and myself stayed for 9 days at this property. The house is beautiful, well kept, and very well stocked. We were in Durham for my grand baby's radiation treatments, we are familiar with the area because of our frequent trips to Duke and the proximity to the hospital was ideal for us. We felt safe here and the neighborhood is quiet.
Sandy M.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Oct 2025
Thank you so much for your review- it's heart warming to know the house provided the right kind of retreat for you and your family.
You were all wonderful, considerate guests and you are welcome back any time
This is the perfect place to stay in Durham! Clean and well appointed. The location is such that it puts you close to everything in Durham. Moyra is an absolutely fantastic host! I would stay there again without a question!
Martin B.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Oct 2024
Martin I'm so glad we could make your last minute stay work out! You and your wife were wonderful guests and you're both welcome back any time!
"Durham Retreat" is a perfect label for this place. We needed a place to stay while I underwent treatments at Duke. Quiet neighborhood, clean, and close to the hospital. The outdoor deck was a real plus. Highly recommend.
Randy D.
Stayed 39 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Mar 2025
Randy, thank you! It was a privilege to provide that retreat for you and I'm glad the weather became kind enough for you to enjoy life on the deck. You're welcome back any time!
We had a great time visiting with family while staying at this lovely property. The house was very clean, well stocked and nicely decorated. We enjoyed the deck even though it was a little chilly. Moyra was a wonderful host and a great communicator. We would love to stay here again!!!
Michelle P.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Dec 2024
Michelle, thank you! It was lovely to host you and I'm glad to hear the chilly weather didn't stop you enjoying the deck. You and your family are welcome back any time!
The home was charming and offered numerous extras. We loved watching the fireflies each evening.
We had an excellent visit. The house is clean and well decorated. We appreciated all of the extras offered including soaps, shampoo, conditioners, and laundry detergent.
Ronnie B.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Sept 2022
Thank you so much! I really appreciated your kindness and understanding as you were our first ever guests!
It is hard to describe just how perfect Moyra's place is. The living room, bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms and outside areas are all perfectly appointed, comfortable, and cozy with absolutely everything you could need. Literally nothing has been overlooked. Moyra is a responsive, communicative host and everything went smoothly.
Ariela M.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Aug 2025
Ariela thank you so much for your wonderful review; I'm so glad you enjoyed the whole experience. It was a pleasure to host you!
The home was well appointed with everything we needed for a very comfortable 4 night visit. We were in a good location to visit the surrounding area and had easy access to both Durham and Chapel Hill. The backyard is serene with a wonderful deck to relax on. The bedrooms were spacious for our family of four and we very much enjoyed our stay. Thank you!
Verified traveller
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Aug 2024
Erich thanks for your kind review. I'm glad you found everything you needed - the deck is my favorite part of the property!
About the host
Hosted by Moyra
I love to travel! I was born in Zimbabwe and have lived in the UK, US and Italy. My job has taken me all over the world and while hotels are nice, I've always preferred to rent a whole property whether travelling by myself, with my family or friends.
Why they chose this property
Having lived in Raleigh in the 90s, I decided I really wanted to spend this next phase of my life back in North Carolina and I fell in love with Durham. The minute I viewed this house - in the pouring rain - I knew this was the place. When I walked into the house it just felt peaceful and I could feel my shoulders go down. The clincher was the back deck - large enough to entertain and with lots of privacy.
What makes this property unique
This is a sociable house - if you're in the kitchen you're not cut off from where anyone else might be. Yet if you want some quiet time, the bedrooms are away from the main living area or you could choose to spend time outside on the deck. Deer live in the woods, so if you're up early you can often see them making themselves at home out the back. Red cardinals are frequent visitors, contributing to an orchestra of bird song.
Yet you are just 10 minutes to downtown Durham with its amazing restaurants, galleries and bookshops. Duke Campus and Duke Medical facilities are also within a five to fifteen minute drive. If you need to get to RTP for business or down to Chapel Hill you'll be there in about 25 minutes.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests