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Elsie's House On Howard Street

Holiday home with kitchen, near Outer Banks Beaches

Photo gallery for Elsie's House On Howard Street

This is Elsie's House as you enter the driveway from Historic Howard Street
side yard
Underhouse parking for 2 cars/golf cart and parking for 2 vehicles in driveway
Entry foyer
stepping into the great room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 8250.8 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
Ocracoke, NC
  • Place, Ocracoke Island Visitor Center
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, British Cemetery
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Ocracoke Lighthouse
    ‪9 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Bathroom 4

Soap · Toilet · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Elsie's House On Howard Street

Nestled among the live oaks, Elsie's House on Ocracoke's fabled Howard Street, a quiet sandy lane in the heart of the village, is just steps away from Silver Lake harbor, shops and restaurants. It was originally built 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 beautiful home and Elsie's was forever changed. We found ourselves on a long wait list to have the house lifted and rebuilt. During this time we reimagined Elsie's rebirth - a place for families and friends to enjoy space to gather together while also providing room to relax and spread out. We kept the charm of the original home while adding new, spacious rooms, additional bedrooms and baths, porches and decks on each of the three levels. AND we now provide under house parking, a cargo lift to help ease the burden of your luggage and security camera protection at lower level back entrance and spiral staircase entrance.

Open the front door and you will be welcomed by the airy space and beautifully reclaimed heart of pine floors. The great room features comfortable seating and a 75 inch smart TV, a well stocked 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 smart 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.

Right next door is our other home, Myron's Place, giving you the opportunity to rent both if you need more space for larger family gatherings.

Experience the relaxed 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, biking around the village, enjoying 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.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Guests provide their own sheets for beds and towels for kitchen, bath and beach. NO PETS NO gatherings, registered guests only Quiet hours after 10pm
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Guests are advised to obtain travel insurance to cover illness or weather issues Owner is not responsible if conditions prevent travel to the house.
Guests provide their own sheets for beds and towels for kitchen, bath and beach. NO PETS NO gatherings, registered guests only Quiet hours after 10pm
Please rinse sand off using outside foot shower. Wipe up spills and use coasters to protect the furnishings. Turn off exterior lights overnight.

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 and a deadlock

We should mention

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

About the area

Ocracoke

Ocracoke is home to this holiday 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. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Ocracoke, NC

What's nearby

  • Deepwater Theater - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Ocracoke Island Visitor Center - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • British Cemetery - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Ocracoke Lighthouse - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Springer's Point Preserve - 13 min walk - 1.2 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Howard's Pub & Raw Bar - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪SMacNally's Bar & Grill - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Ocracoke Oyster Company - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Ocracoke Coffee Co. - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Jason's Restaurant - ‬14 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Elsie's House On Howard Street pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Elsie's House On Howard Street?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Elsie's House On Howard Street?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Elsie's House On Howard Street located?

Situated in Ocracoke, this holiday home is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Deepwater Theater and 1.6 mi (2.5 km) from Outer Banks Beaches. Ocracoke Preservation Museum and Ocracoke Island Visitor Center are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 121 out of 127 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 127 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 127 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 127 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 127 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Carol E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A wonderful, thoughtfully designed house. We thoroughly enjoyed the history and attention to detail in this beautiful home. Great spaces to gather together or find a secluded nook to unwind. Close to everything. A very enjoyable experience!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

beth m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful time!!! Fabulous location! Great house!!! Communication with the host was fantastic!!! I cannot say enough about the entire experience! Highly recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This home is amazing. It is the most unique property, with tons of porches and cool rooms. Kitchen is well equipped. Location right in the historic heart of the village is wonderful. Would definitely come back! Host was also very helpful!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rick P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Filled with history

So many places to find respite, read a nook, play a board game, feel.the breezes. Beautiful, unique... its got stairs but so many other things to enjoy
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely Amazing!!

Elsie's House is what dreams are made of! This cute home is nestled in the perfect location, close to everything! There were 8 of us that stayed for the weekend to compete in the 10k and 1/2
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris C.

A beautiful and characterful cottage that made for a perfect stay

This is one of the nicest rentals we have had through Homeaway, the cottage is comfortable and has a lovely feeling of character and history. Plenty of room for our family of four and very convenient for local shops and restaurants (we like Back Porch Restaurant best, and Dajio). Would certainly recommend to others.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spring Break '25

We had an amazing stay! The house is beautifully restored and had everything we needed. Plenty of room for us to be together, yet intimate spaces for cozy up with a book (especially the comfortable screened porch.) The various roof top decks offered views and sun time and the two outdoor showers were a real treat, especially the upper deck one that is open to the star-filled nighttime sky. Location is great - easy walking distance to all the shops and restaurants, yet located in a quiet neighborhood. Bike riding is a must, and so convenient. Highly, highly recommend, and we'll be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Jerry H., Lincolnton,NC USA

Absolutely loved it. The only reason we didn't give it five stars was only one bath.

One bath would make this property uncomfortable for more than one couple however if you're a couple that doesn't mind sharing a bath I can't imagine a more convenient and well appointed property on Ocracoke. The remodel is masterful and the amenities and furnishing are fist class. It is obvious the owners have a great deal of affection for this property.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2016

10/10 Excellent

Samuel

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Elsie's House Is Ocracoke Done Right

I've been coming to Ocracoke for about 40 years now and have crashed in dozens of rentals over the decades. Let me tell you - within 5 minutes of walking into Elsie's House, I was blown away. This has got to be the nicest rental on the entire island.You can just tell the owners poured their hearts into restoring this place. Most rentals on Ocracoke feel like the owners are just cramming in as many beds as possible, grabbing the cheapest appliances and furniture they can find, and slapping up generic "beach art" everywhere. Not here! Elsie's House feels like no expense was spared to create something truly special.What really struck me was how the place manages to feel like a classic Ocracoke home (think the Castle or Whitler's Cottage vibes) while still being incredibly comfortable to hang out in. And that rooftop patio? Absolute game-changer for stargazing at night!If you're seeking an extraordinary Ocracoke experience rather than just a place to sleep, Elsie's House delivers beyond expectations.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had such an amazing stay! We had everything we could have possibly needed. Loved loved loved the kitchen and cozy bedrooms! What a great place!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Fred B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Easy great everything. Beautiful house.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This home has architectural charm - the renovations were done with great care to respect the history of the home and terrific quality details.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrea D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My family has been coming to Ocracoke for over 60 years, but we have never stayed on Howard Street. This home was charming and the way historical details were woven in with modern convenience is so interesting and unique. The location is wonderful and our Teens were able to enjoy the island by bike everyday! I particularly love the parking under the house, which is elevated, and the privacy of the main bedrooms. The owners are kind and very responsive. A wonderful stay was had by all! Thank you for sharing your home with us.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rob A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Home

We loved every part of our stay at Elsie’s. We loved the history of it and seeing how they transformed it into the masterpiece it is today. Our whole group loved the home, being able to gather in the kitchen around the island, lounge on the couch at night, drink on one of the many decks, kids playing in the front living room and side room and gathering around the dining roomtable for meals. Everyone could find their own cozy corner for quiet and enjoy the comfortable bedrooms. We enjoyed the house to the fullest and loved rainy days stuck inside. The location can’t be beat!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Megan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Ocracoke Getaway

The home was a wonderful spot for my family (3 kids and 4 adults) to explore Ocracoke. Great location, easy to walk and bike anywhere in town. Very nice and well supplied kitchen and grill. Heavenly outdoor shower. Would definitely visit again. Thank you!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristin R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun friends weekend!

We had a great time, the house is amazing! So many interesting historical aspects of this house and beautifully restored to preserve the old charm yet so comfortable for guests. We loved the roof deck, all the porches and the large kitchen and family room combo. Perfect house for a small group. Owner was extremely responsive to our needs and we had a blast. Loved the outdoor showers too!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aleta C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ocracoke Fireman’s Ball

The house was beautiful, everyone who stayed had plenty of room to gather and/or spread out. We were visiting friends who live on the island and we attended the Fireman’s Ball. Loved the porches and amenities. Owner was easy to communicate with when questions arose. We all had a GREAT TIME
Stayed 6 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house

Great house photos don’t do it justice
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cathy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super fun home, lots of space and a great place for a big crowd

absolutely loved staying here!!! Everyone was comfortable and felt they had their own space. Each room has its own bathroom, and the outdoor showers were a huge hit. Each and every space had the coolest decorations, was fun to sit in each space and just take them in :) Beds were super comfortable, and the place was well stocked with everything we needed and then some.Kathy was always quick with each response and very helpful. The place is perfect !!!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bryan D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing house on a beautiful island.

From start to finish we had a great time on Ocracoke with family and friends.The home we renamed was absolutely gorgeous! The communication with the owner was outstanding. We look forward to coming back to Ocracoke soon and renting the same house if available. The cleanliness and amenities provided at this house was great. This house is a show piece and testament to the owners attention to all details.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jay William B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family vacation

We enjoyed the family time! Everything was a quick bike ride away. Most of the businesses were closed for the season, but we had ample room to spread out in the home. Absolutely loved the porches!
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lorelei S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical

Kathy and Bob always provide an inviting, warm environment. The decorating details are fabulous. We really appreciate them honoring the history of their properties. We love the porch and outdoor shower.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quaint house great location

Perfect for a long weekend getaway! Centrally located so perfect for walking most places.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Bill and Susan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Historic Howard Street

When you drive the length of Ocracoke Island, you are driving on the Irvin Garrish Highway. Elsie’s was this man’s home. The history of the island and this house are palpable as you read the many books provided by the owners. All the modern conveniences in what should be a stop on any tour of the island. Like Arnie, we’ll be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Historic Charm

Charm and History from 1888 on beautiful Howard Street with Modern convenience. Loved Elsies Home
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

About the host

Hosted by Kathy Phillips

Host profile image
Our first trip to Ocracoke was the year we met in 1981. We fell in love with each other and the island, never thinking we would someday own a home with the dream of someday living there. Currently working in Raleigh with 2 kids to put through college, those dreams are in the future. So for now, we look for folks who also share an appreciation of Ocracoke and would enjoy staying in an island home that truly captures times past. Our hope is that you will feel part of this unique community.

Why they chose this property

We first saw this home for sale in 2008 and wondered if we could bring it back to life. It had a deep history, it's foundation built from the shipwrecked timbers of the Old Bateman...but did it have a future? After 3 years of debate and with the generous patience of two sisters who inherited this property from their parents, we made our decision and in 2011 the property became ours. With another year of renovations, the house became a home again in April of 2012. We began renting on a year round basis to an Ocracoke resident, but now we are listing our home for weekly rentals.

What makes this property unique

Enjoy the front porch and waving to passersby - the locals will likely tell you that is what they remember best about this house - a friendly place to visit. The friendliness continues out into the village. You can walk or bike anywhere and enjoy leaving your car parked at the house for most or all of your stay.

Languages:

English

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