Unwind in the top-rated pool, your perfect spot for relaxation.
Laundry made easy
One of the few properties with an in-unit washing machine and dryer.
Steps from the shore
Top-rated for its nearby beach, ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
5 bedrooms5+ bathroomsSleeps 12
Popular amenities
Private pool
Spa pool on site
Onsite parking available
Dog-friendly
Kitchen
Washer/dryer
Explore the area
Carova, NC
Carova Beach
Place, Carova Beach
5 min walk
Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
Place, Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
14 min walk
Rooms & beds
5 bedrooms (sleeps 12)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
1 King Bed
Bedroom 3
1 King Bed
Bedroom 4
2 Single Beds and 2 Double Beds
Bedroom 5
2 Single Beds
5 bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 2
Toilet
Bathroom 3
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 4
Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub
Bathroom 5
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 6
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 7
Outdoor shower
Spaces
Deck or patio
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Dining area
About this property
Horseplay | 5BR Carova Beach 4x4 OBX | Pool, Hot Tub & Game Room | Sleeps 12
June 27 week DISCOUNTED. Welcome to Horseplay, an enchanting 5-bedroom vacation home where the wild horses roam on the 4x4 beaches of Carova Beach, Northern Outer Banks, North Carolina. This 3,296 sq ft beach house sleeps 12 and sits less than 400 feet from the Atlantic, with panoramic ocean views from all three levels. Private pool, hot tub, game room with pool table, and a gourmet kitchen with two dishwashers make this one of the most complete rentals on the Northern OBX. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required; the property is just 3 miles up the 4x4 beach. Three-night minimum stays available in spring and fall. Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements Five bedrooms sleep 12 guests across three levels. The top level features a king master suite with private bath, jetted tub, and deck access. The second level offers two king master bedrooms each with private bath and wraparound deck access, plus a duo-bunk room with double and twin bunks and private bath access. The first level has a twin bedroom with two beds and private bath, plus a queen sleeper sofa. Private Pool & Hot Tub The private pool and hot tub sit just steps from the first level, with spectacular ocean views from the hot tub. An outdoor shower with bench and towel hooks is right around the corner — perfect for rinsing off after a day on the beach. Game Room & Entertainment The first-level game room features a pool table, full-size refrigerator, microwave, extra sink, and flat screen TV with indoor/outdoor surround sound speakers. Every room in the house has a flat screen TV, and the surround sound system extends throughout the home. Gourmet Kitchen & Dining The top-level gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, two dishwashers, and a full complement of cookware and appliances. Two large dining tables seat 12 — ideal for family dinners with the ocean as your backdrop. A drinking water filtration system provides fresh water throughout. Views & Wildlife Watch dolphins play in the surf, spot the famous Corolla wild horses grazing on the dunes, or scan the horizon for sailboats from the wraparound decks. The Carova Beach 4x4 area is one of the most wildlife-rich stretches of the entire Outer Banks. Full Amenities Include:
Private pool and hot tub with ocean views Game room with pool table, refrigerator, and surround sound Gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and two dishwashers Flat screen TVs in every room Indoor/outdoor surround sound speakers Drinking water filtration system Washer/dryer, iron and ironing board Wireless internet, central heat and air Charcoal BBQ grill, outdoor shower, outdoor furniture Five beach chairs Sheets, pillows, blankets, and bedspreads provided; towels available for a fee Free unlimited parking; two beach season passes included
Pet Policy: Up to two dogs considered with breed, age, and weight restrictions. Per-pet fee and refundable security deposit required. No cats. Check-In: Saturday. Three-night minimum available in spring and fall. No smoking. Fireplace not available for guest use. No graduation groups or events.
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Property # 3639812
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Corolla
Located in Corolla, this holiday home is near the beach. Corolla Adventure Golf and Bumper Cars and Martin Vineyards are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Currituck National Wildlife Refuge and Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. Corolla Raceway and Digger's Dungeon - Home of Grave Digger are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and windsurfing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and hunting.
Currituck National Wildlife Refuge - 14 min walk - 0.9 km
Getting around
Norfolk, VA (ORF-Norfolk Intl.) - 156 min drive
Restaurants
Northern Lights Bakery - 25 min drive
The Kind Cup - 26 min drive
Uncle Ike's Sandbar & Grill - 26 min drive
Salty Rim - 26 min drive
NC BBQ - 25 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Does Horseplay | 5BR Carova Beach 4x4 OBX | Pool, Hot Tub & Game Room | Sleeps 12 have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Horseplay | 5BR Carova Beach 4x4 OBX | Pool, Hot Tub & Game Room | Sleeps 12?
As of 21 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Horseplay | 5BR Carova Beach 4x4 OBX | Pool, Hot Tub & Game Room | Sleeps 12 on 3 Oct 2026 start from AU$611, 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.
Is Horseplay | 5BR Carova Beach 4x4 OBX | Pool, Hot Tub & Game Room | Sleeps 12 pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much is parking at Horseplay | 5BR Carova Beach 4x4 OBX | Pool, Hot Tub & Game Room | Sleeps 12?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Horseplay | 5BR Carova Beach 4x4 OBX | Pool, Hot Tub & Game Room | Sleeps 12?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Horseplay | 5BR Carova Beach 4x4 OBX | Pool, Hot Tub & Game Room | Sleeps 12?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Horseplay | 5BR Carova Beach 4x4 OBX | Pool, Hot Tub & Game Room | Sleeps 12 located?
Situated by the sea, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Carova Beach, Currituck National Wildlife Refuge and Estuarine Nature Walk. Carova Beach and Currituck Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
A wonderful family week. The house was lovely
We had a fantastic time and I would rent again for sure
Bart G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2025
Thanks!! Horseplay is definitely a keeper! Hope you will make it back for your next vacation!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Karen D.
21 July 2025
OBX year 27 was fantastic!
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
This is our second year renting from Carova Cottages and it was just as wonderful and easy as last year.
Karen D.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Daniel H.
19 July 2025
Great house and Beautiful Setting
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We had such a great time at Horseplay! Our families really enjoyed the seclusion and access to the beach. The private pool and hot tub were great when the kids were too tired to be on the beach.
Great location. Loved everything about it! Thanks!
Loved it!
Billie M.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept 2023
So glad you loved it. The owners continue to make improvements and enhancements every year!! The new floors are such a joy!! And wow on that refrigerator! LOL. You can feel the love!
Please come again, we'd love to have you. :-)
Beautiful views! House had everything we needed plus we enjoyed the private pool and hot tub! Property manager is very attentive and quick to respond.
Keith G.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept 2023
We LOVE the fall months at Horseplay. Lots of sunshine and beautiful wave action to fill out the day. I hope you all will consider another stay in Carova. Once you experience this area, it is hard to go anywhere else!!!
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Nickolus S.
8 June 2025
Great Management Group
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We had an issue with a water leak that was resolved within a few hours. The subcontractors were professional and speedie.
Our stay was fantastic. It was everything and more than what we were hoping for. From all day on the beach to flying a kite and enjoying the view from the deck
Adam R.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept 2023
It's so nice to get away from it all, and I can't think of one thing more "away" than flying a kite!! Sitting on the deck watching the ocean is a close second! I like that kind of relaxation... just add a book!
Hope you will come again!!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Timothy E.
4 July 2023
Excellent Place to Stay
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We have zero complaints
Timothy E.
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept 2023
I like that. Zero complaints is the goal!!!!!
LOL
THANKS
We have now stayed in Corova twice and this location was just the right distance based on the time it takes to get back to the main road. The house was clean with multiple unobstructed views of the ocean. The bedroom set-up was perfect for our family and the two dishwashers were definitely a plus. We will be staying here again.
Nickolus S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept 2023
THANKS so much. You are right, the distance to town is definitely manageable from Horseplay. The views are fantastic as well. So glad you enjoyed and that you want to come back. Give me a call when you figure out your dates and we'll put your name next to that week!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Mary R.
10 Sept 2024
Family time @ Horseplay
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Very happy with the rental property. Our host was always available and friendly, providing us with good information.
Mary R.
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Nov 2024
Thanks so much for your nice review. Horseplay was a grand adventure wasn't it? I know your group
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Nickolus S.
21 June 2023
Another Memorable Stay
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
This is our second stay at Horseplay. The accommodations were great for a family of 10.
Nickolus S.
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept 2023
So glad you enjoyed your second visit. We hope you will make it for a third!!!
The house met all of our expectations and more. Horses under our balcony, dolphins jumping and the roaring of the ocean - couldn't get any better. Great days on the beach and having the pool/hot tub was a bonus as well. There was plenty of room for all 11 of us to be together, as well as places for everyone to have alone time. Great vacation!
Patricia P.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2024
We LOVE it when a guest's vacation turns out to be perfect!!! <3
We had an amazing time at Horseplay. It was the get away we needed this year. Wonderful to be on the beach everyday and have the wild horses visit. Laura was great... super responsive in adressing any questions. Can’t want to go back!
Karen L.
Stayed 21 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept 2023
We know we are lucky to live on this beach and to be able to be away from it all. Certainly the craziness in 2020 deserves some distance! Hope you all will come and stay again. We'd love to have you. And THANKS so much for keeping the house in such great shape for your three week stay. It is so nice to walk in to a house after guests depart and not even be able to tell if housekeeping had been there!!! We appreciate all your effort! :-)
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Nickolus S.
27 June 2024
Horseplay Vacation
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Laura is great to work with and our vacation experience was plesant. We have rented this home 3 times over the past 3 years and Carova Cottages does a good job with upkeep.
Nickolus S.
Response from VrboOwner on 11 July 2024
Thank you for your kind words. We do our best, but really it is about the owner's involvement as well. These owners LOVE their house and keep it up nicely. It's a tough job in this sandy, salty, windy environment. Did I mention sand and salt? LOL
THANKS so much for your review. Will you be coming back in 2025?
Excellent experience, great house, great location. No major issues. Laura was awesome to deal with. Very helpful and responsive.
Jennifer G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept 2023
THANKS for your nice review. It is a great house in a great location. So glad it was a carefree week! Come again!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
William B.
9 Aug 2023
Wow!
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
It was awesome! Perfect!
William B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept 2023
WOW! is the best review ever. THANK YOU!!!
So glad you are coming back next year. It is our pleasure to have you again!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Renee K.
12 Sept 2017
Vacation at Horseplay
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
Beautiful home, felt warm and welcoming. Saw wild horses every day, short stroll to the beach. Ocean view was breathtaking.
Renee K.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept 2023
THANKS so much. Horseplay is a nice place to unwind!
The stay was great. The house was clean and well maintained. We had horses in our backyard and walking under the porches on the house, which was AMAZING to see! Absolutely beautiful area. We would stay again. My only complaint is the pool was advertised as being heated when I booked it but was not an option after booking.
Billie R.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept 2023
We're so sorry you thought there was a pool heater. The pool USED to be heat-able and I have scoured our listing for any mention of pool heat. PLEASE let me know where you saw pool heat as an amenity!! Maybe it is on the HomeAway site since you booked through them. I wish you had asked me prior to your arrival!! It sounds like you ended up having a good time anyway. So sorry if it messed up your plans.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Lisa Z.
7 Nov 2018
Beautiful
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
We enjoyed peace and quiet - had the beach to ourselves most of the time. The house is nice and seeing the wild horses was magical!
Lisa Z.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept 2023
There is a peace that descends on you as you pull into the drive, step into the house and exhale! That 3rd level deck high top seating makes the views particularly enjoyable. Come again!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Shawn M.
12 Dec 2023
Great vacation home!
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
House was as described and very clean. Excellent views and a great floor plan for a family vacation. We have rented other homes in the area that we were disappointed with the cleanliness and overall condition and Horseplay was a pleasant surprise.
Shawn M.
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Dec 2023
Thanks so much for your nice review. We are so glad you were pleasantly surprised!! It's always good when you can relax in a home that is well cared for! Please come again. :-)
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Mark G.
30 May 2023
Beautiful Serene Setting
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
House was fantastic, location was ideal, wild horses were wonderful but the weather was awful. Thank goodness the house was so spacious and well-stocked because the weather kept us indoors for 5 straight days.
Mark G.
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept 2023
And the week after as well!! That nor'easter lasted almost TWO WEEKS! ACK!
But yeah, at least Horseplay was a good place to be, with a good view of the ocean with all that beautiful surf. It is so cool to watch a good storm with the ocean all kicked up!
Maybe you should try again? LOL. You are bound to get better weather!!
The house has enough rooms for our family of 12. The view was gorgeous and loved having my morning coffee and looking out over the ocean. We loved seeing the wild horses in the backyard and on rhe beach. We loved the private pool and spa. I’m not sure if the sheets were changed in the room with the 4 beds as there were crumbs on the sheets when the kids went to bed our first night. Other than that the house was pretty clean.
Amy S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 July 2024
THANKS for your review. Horseplay has a fantastic view with just one row of houses in front of it. The horses LOVE that section of beach and are frequent visitors. So sorry you found crumbs on the bed, I can assure you that the linens are changed after every guest. Sorry about that, not sure how it could have happened. :-/ Glad you all had a good time, and hopefully you will come again.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Timothy C.
29 Oct 2024
Horseplay 2024
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
I was very happy with the location.
I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
This is our second time staying at Horseplay. We love the house, the spaciousness and the proximity to the hard road (for errands, etc.) Laura was a gem to work with. Horseplay met all of our needs. We had a family of 10; there was space for everyone. Looking forward to more vacations in the years to come.
Timothy C.
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Nov 2024
Thanks so much for your nice review and for your return visit to Horseplay. We LOVE our returning guests. Horseplay is a great home for families, with three living rooms for diverse needs! Kids can be playing video games while another group listens to music and the other group watches a movie. Everyone is HAPPY! :-)
We hope you'll come again. We have a repeat guest discount for our returning guests! :-)
About the host
Hosted by Laura James
We are Carova Cottages. We manage about 16 houses here in Carova. Horseplay was one of the first ones we took on! Hosting guests is joyful, since people are always happy to be here.
Why they chose this property
We LOVE the wild horses and driving on the beach. There's nothing like loading up the car with the grill and the canopy, the chairs and the sunscreen and heading to the beach for the day. Parking out on the beach gives you a base and also makes it easy to run back to the house if you need something. But the walk back is so short and you have to work off all that good food! lol
What makes this property unique
Horseplay has some pretty fantastic views. There are so many places to relax with three living rooms, one on every floor. Each bedroom has it's own attached bath so there is no stress about getting out of the shower and walking through a bunch of people. Plus that outside shower is pretty fantastic. LOVE the air whirling around while the water is pouring over my head!
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests