This charming Duke Forest gem will make you feel right at home in Durham. The house sleeps up to 7 comfortably, includes 2 full baths, a stocked kitchen and plenty of room to relax - inside or out! This is the perfect home base for your group or family to explore Durham during your vacation, special event or college tour. You ’re close to Duke's West Campus, Duke Hospital & VA, Caring House, The Forest at Duke and the Washington Duke golf course, and just a 10min drive to Downtown Durham.
We can be available if something goes wrong, but we generally leave you to your trip! Emily will be your main point of contact, and lives close by if you need anything.
Originally developed as housing for Duke University professors in the 1930’s, Duke Forest has maintained large, heavily wooded lots as its calling card. The homes feel peacefully secluded in the landscape, though you’re just a stone’s throw from Duke and Downtown Durham.
You’ll have the entire home and property to yourself, including off-street parking for up to 3 cars. Please note that the driveway is shared with the home behind, so we ask that you park courteously so as not to block them in!
Make this your home away from home in Durham! This charming 2 story tudor-style house is situated on a huge lot, creating a peaceful retreat for your Bull City adventure. 3 separate bedrooms sleep up to 7 in cozy slumber. Large closets and built in drawers leave you plenty of room to unpack. Generous living & dining rooms provide plenty of space to relax together (or separately!), as well as in the back patio and yard. Smart HDTV lets you log into your favorite streaming services. The kitchen is well stocked for making a feast to share, or just to store your leftovers from one of Durham’s award winning restaurants (did we mention some of the best are just a mile away!?). The grill is also at your disposal - when the weather’s great you can take advantage of the picnic table to dine al fresco! The charm extends to the 2 full bathrooms, boasting original 4x4 tiles among the vintage features. Basement laundry room includes detergent, drying racks, iron & board for your use. Durham is an oasis in the North Carolina Piedmont, and a perfect jumping off point for adventures across the state. You’re 3 hours from the beach and the mountains, for a day or weekend excursion.
Duke Forest is the best of both worlds - far enough to be peaceful, but close to all the conveniences! You’ll be an drive/Uber/Lyft distance to: The Forest at Duke 0.4mi Caring House 0.1mi Commons at University Place (2mi: grocery, pharmacy, gas, restaurants, dry cleaning, movie theater, etc) Duke University Hospital & VA (3.5mi) Duke Regional Hospital (7mi) University Dr/Durham-CH Blvd District (1mi: Foster’s Market, Guglehupf, Thai Cafe, Saltbox Seafood Joint, Wine Authorities) Brightleaf Square (3.5mi) 9th Street District (3.5mi, Elmo’s Diner, Vin Rouge, Juju, Dain’s Place, Monuts, Whole Foods, Harris Teeter and more!) Downtown Durham (3.5mi: Durham Performing Arts Center, Toast, Beyu Cafe, Ninth Street Bakery, Vert & Vogue and SO much more!). Golden Belt Campus (4.5mi: restaurants, art studios) Cameron Indoor & Wallace Wade Stadiums at Duke University (2.5mi) UNC Chapel Hill (9mi)
Feeling the need to get outside and move? You’re 1 mile from the Al Beuhler Trail around the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Course - a favorite of walkers and cross country speedsters alike. The Duke Lemur Center is just 3.5 miles away, and the Duke Forest-Shepherd Nature Trail is within 4 miles. Check out the Durham Hike and Bike Map online or in your Welcome Basket for a complete guide to Durham’s 80+ trails and parks.
As you plan your travel to, from and around the Triangle, some helpful distances: RDU Airport is 15 miles (about 25 minutes) away Durham Amtrak, Bus Station and MegaBus pick up are downtown, 4 miles (10 min) away 15-501, with access to I-40 & I-85, is just 1 mile away It’s easy to get to Raleigh (25mi), Chapel Hill (9mi), or RTP (8mi) with a car, cab or Lyft/Uber.
There is parking for 3 cars available in the driveway (please do not block the backyard neighbors when using the drive!). There is no street parking.
As stated in the house rules, there is an automatic minimum $250 service fee for any violations of house rules that require additional cleaning and/or cause damage. This is our home. We have tried to make it comfortable for you and for us, and have been thoughtful in the amenities we provide. We appreciate you for exercising the same level of thought and care when staying here. We are happy to host families, and have some child-friendly amenities available upon request. The house is not fully “child-proofed.” We do ask that guests are relatively quiet after 10 PM, as a courtesy to neighbors. Parties and loud groups are not permitted. Thanks for helping us be good neighbors. Smoking or vaping of any substances is not permitted on the premises. No pets are permitted at the house. Guests are expected to abide by CDC/WHO guidelines, as well as all North Carolina and Durham Covid-19 guidelines. Full up-to-date orders can be seen at ncdotgov. Reservations longer than 29 nights may incur additional fees.
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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NO FLAMES: Use of anything that involves fire or open flames inside (e.g. candles, incense, etc.) is strictly forbidden.
NO PETS: Pets are not permitted on the premises, no exceptions. We further request no service animals, due to medical concerns (ours, not yours).
MAIL: This address may not be used by any guest to establish residency, open accounts, etc. You may receive packages during your stay.
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
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. Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University and Stanford L. Warren Library are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Duke University Golf Club and Ambler Tennis Stadium. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Wallace Wade Stadium, or consider a night out at Dean Smith Center. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including golfing.
North Carolina State University - 24 min drive - 35.0 km
Getting around
Durham Station - 7 min drive
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) - 26 min drive
Restaurants
Chick-fil-A - 3 min drive
Starbucks - 3 min drive
McDonald's - 2 min drive
Cook Out - Shannon Rd - 3 min drive
Taco Bell - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Duke Forest Gem! 3BR, sleeps 7 pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Duke Forest Gem! 3BR, sleeps 7?
As of 24 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Duke Forest Gem! 3BR, sleeps 7 on 9 June 2026 start from AU$232, 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 Duke Forest Gem! 3BR, sleeps 7?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Duke Forest Gem! 3BR, sleeps 7?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Duke Forest Gem! 3BR, sleeps 7?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Duke Forest Gem! 3BR, sleeps 7 located?
Situated in Durham, this holiday home is 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Duke University Golf Club and 2.6 mi (4.2 km) from Duke University. Ambler Tennis Stadium and Wallace Wade Stadium are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Honestly it was a beautiful spot. The house was way more than we needed but it was perfect. Clean, comfy and well equipped. The owner made himself available if we needed anything. We did not. Would stay again if needed.
Maureen K.
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Jan 2026
Thank you for taking time to review your stay. We are glad that your visit went well and look forward to being able to host you again.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
BetsyH
19 May 2025
The house is very comfortable and the grounds are beautiful.
I felt completely at home. The house is comfortable and
peaceful with beautiful trees and shrubs.
BetsyH
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
KateR
9 May 2024
Great Home to Stay
We had a wonderful time staying at this place in Durham. It was clean, comfortable and local to what we were doing during this trip. Easy to get in and safe as well! Perfect place for people visiting the Forest at Duke! We will request to stay here the next time we travel to Durham.
KateR
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Robbie P.
16 July 2025
Charming and comfortable
The house was very charming and comfortable. Clean and unique architecture. The beds were comfy. There is a wonderful outdoor porch we Enjoyed in the evenings . The neighborhood is peaceful and quiet. . The owner of the home was very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our stay and would certainly stay here again.
We really enjoyed our stay at this property. Small hitch checking in with the key code but quickly resolved on the phone. Met the owner and he was very nice. Convenient to Duke campus, which we appreciated.
Mark R.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Oct 2025
Thank you so much for the thoughtful review! We're thrilled you had a delightful stay. We'd love to host you again anytime you're in Durham!
The only negative aspect of the stay was that the keyless lock and entrance door did not work. It took numerous text exchanges and attempts before we could get the door open. (Caused us to be late to an event.) Otherwise, everything was excellent: pre-communication; convenience of location to Duke and UNC; cleanliness of home; necessary amenities, etc. Great value. I would stay here again … once the door is fixed. :)
Brian L.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Nov 2025
We’re so happy to hear you had a delightful stay! It was a pleasure hosting you, and we truly appreciate your thoughtful review. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience of the keyless lock. We were updating our wireless lock rentals and hate that it caused problems with your stay. You’re welcome back anytime you’re in Durham and promise to have the locks working! :)
About the host
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