Welcome to Riptide Stables, 17 Acre Farm, w/animals by the beach!
Welcome to our farm. We would love to invite you to join us for a vacation like no other. We offer a wonderfully appointed cozy farm cottage above our barn. Riptide Stables is a 17 acre farm with plenty of room to roam, nature trails to explore, and animals to pet and feed treats! We have 8 miniature donkeys, 4 full-sized horses and 2 miniature horses (ponies) as well as several canine and feline friends. Your well-behaved pets are welcome to join you at our farm. This is more than a great place to stay that is only 12 miles to Wrightsville Beach, 10 miles to Downtown Wilmington & only minutes to shopping and restaurants. This is a beautiful 17-acre farm with horses, donkeys, nature trails, a firepit, two ponds, a huge deck, and tons of peace and quiet. This cozy apartment above a beautiful barn overlooking horse pastures, ponds and fountains has been completely renovated with new everything, all while keeping the warm cozy farmhouse feel. You will not want to leave! This is a farm where the owner keeps her horses. There is a tranquility of waking to the sunshine over the ponds and the horses grazing in the distance. The home comes with tons of books, games, cooler, and beach toys, as well as a tin of horse and donkey treats if you would like to feed them. There is a fire pit and an abundance of wood to gather along some of the nature trails on this 17 acre property. The caregiver for the horses lives in another cottage on the property but overall you will feel like you are vacationing at a secluded country retreat. A beautiful covered deck overlooking the farm is a perfect place to sit back and enjoy a coffee or glass of wine. I will provide waffle batter, eggs, butter, coffee and marshmallows to roast at the fire pit for when you arrive. Also, the pantry is stocked with spices if you would like to use anything you are welcome to it. Toiletries, towels and linens, laundry detergent, you name it I have provided it. If there is something you want that is not on this list, please ask. I am happy to add extras upon request. I do not live on the premises but do live close and stop by to see my horses and donkeys all the time. I know the area very well as I am a realtor too and am always available to answer your questions. You will have access to the entire apartment and deck as well as the storage under the stairs. You will have parking, use of the fire pit by the pond, use of the nature trails. Please note, this is a farm with all that happens at farms. Most often the critters enjoy the pastures more than the stalls in the barn so rarely is there noise from animals downstairs. We are beginning to offer birthday parties and use the farm as a venue as well so please do ask about options while you are there. We can help you celebrate any occasion or can leave you to enjoy the tranquility and self-guided walks to all the pastures. Every animal is friendly and love the attention of our guests.
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Parties or events booked separate w/fee
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Pets
Pets allowed: limit 4 total
$20 PER PET PER DAY. PETS MUST BE APPROVED PRIOR
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Pets must be up to date on vaccinations, not aggressive, and crated when left unattended. Crates NOT provided. Pet fee is $20 per animal per night
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 99
Note from host: Parties or events booked separate w/fee
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 indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Castle Hayne
Located in Castle Hayne, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews and Wilmington Railroad Museum are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit The Cotton Exchange and Mayfaire Town Center. Travelling with kids? Consider Carolina Heights, or check out an event or a game at Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College.
University of North Carolina at Wilmington - 10 min drive - 15.4 km
Mayfaire Town Center - 11 min drive - 16.3 km
Riverwalk - 14 min drive - 20.0 km
Getting around
Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.) - 13 min drive
Restaurants
Circle K - 9 min drive
McDonald's - 9 min drive
McDonald's - 12 min drive
Circle K - 9 min drive
The Complex Bean - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Welcome to Riptide Stables, 17 Acre Farm, w/animals by the beach! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 4 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Welcome to Riptide Stables, 17 Acre Farm, w/animals by the beach!?
As of 1 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Welcome to Riptide Stables, 17 Acre Farm, w/animals by the beach! on 21 July 2026 start from AU$269, 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 Welcome to Riptide Stables, 17 Acre Farm, w/animals by the beach!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Welcome to Riptide Stables, 17 Acre Farm, w/animals by the beach!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Welcome to Riptide Stables, 17 Acre Farm, w/animals by the beach!?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Welcome to Riptide Stables, 17 Acre Farm, w/animals by the beach! located?
Located on the waterfront, this family-friendly holiday home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Ogden Park, Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College and Wilmington Oakdale Cemetery. Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews and Wilmington Railroad Museum are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Being an animal lover I loved being able to feed the horses and donkeys. Wish I could have spent more time with them. I very much enjoyed the location. It was close to everything yet very quiet and peaceful.
We came to visit because of an ice storm heading towards our home. We had a wonderful stay. The location is great for visiting Wilmington but not being too close. It felt like we were in the country and yet town was just up the road. The animals were friendly and my kid loved feeding them treats. The apartment was absolutely adorable. You can tell the owner has a great eye for decorating and had added a lot of personality to the space. My only suggestion is chairs near the TV, but we made due with the couch and chair in the sitting area. We will definitely be back.
My wife and I loved our stay at Riptide Stables. Everything was exactly as described and we especially loved feeding and spending time with the horses and donkeys.
Country feel but close to everything! It has plenty of space for the family and has a homey feel. The view is excellent. The host is great! Whether you want to see lots of things on vacation or just want somewhere to relax, it is a perfect match!
Love the place. Real nice property and the caretaker very nice and helpful. The owner was very responsive. Our dogs loved the animals and pond. I will stay there again.
The property was just as described. My daughter really enjoyed the animals. Giving them treats was a highlight each day. The proximity to downtown Wilmington as well as the beaches was excellent. We look forward to another stay in the future!
Close to everything you need, yet quite and remote enough for relaxation. Had our grandkids over to feed the donkeys and horses and fished in the pond and a nice walk along the trail.
We recently spent 4 days at this property and very much enjoyed our stay. Our 8 year old daughter loved feeding the donkeys and horses. The place was clean and well stocked. Dawn was very communicative and accommodating. I asked Dawn if our daughter could ride one of the horses, and she arranged this for us through her daughter Chloe. Highly recommend for someone that wants a different kind of trip.
We had an experience we will never forget. The Apartment was comfortable and was thoughtfully decorated. We loved interacting with the horses and donkeys. They were very sweet and gentle. The setting was stunning.
Our goldendoodle did not want to leave. She just sat in front of the barn as we got into the car! Quite a different life her than her condo living. Thanks for everything. I hope we can come back in the future.
We wanted a place that was quiet and a connection with nature. Away from the stresses of life. We wanted to give our granddaughters (ages 3 and 7) an experience of farm life and the ocean during their spring break. This place gave us all of that. We fed very sweet horses and donkeys, had picnics by the pond, enjoyed cookouts by the stone firepit, taught the girls how to cast fishing poles, spent some afternoons at wrightsville beach, and slept to the tunes of frogs. The owner made the place very homey and farmy with primitive decorations. All of our hopes and expectations were met this week. We are a happy Grammy and Grampy.
From the time we arrived it was evident that this was going to be fun. The rental was very clean and tidy and all necessities were provided as per the listing. We texted Dawn that we arrived and were able to get into the apartment and she responded immediately and we met her the next day.
It was just my wife and I and we enjoyed the interactions with the Horses and the donkeys and feeding them was a great deal of FUN!! Did not have to be a kid to enjoy that :) The location was a quick drive to all available attractions including the beaches, twenty minutes at the most. The whole place was well maintained and we felt at home on the first day! Would definitely recommend especially if you have little ones, but if not, then like I said adults will enjoy the animals as well!
Extremely easy dealing with owner and grounds keeper. Excellent property, immaculate and beautifully designed. We have 3 children, 1 preteen and 2 others between 5-7 yrs old. They slept comfortably in the bunk beds. We loved feeding the horses and donkeys and fishing in the pond. The owner has setup the rental space with little notes indicating how everything works and where everything is, the children found it fun like a scavenger hunt as they learned about the property. Really creative. The location is secluded but yet only a short drive to many of the beaches in the area. We would recommend this to any couple or small family looking to visit the shore without the hassle and cost of getting on the shoreline, or to any animal or nature lovers looking to visit the wilmington area. Even though it rained throughout our entire stay we still were able to enjoy ourselves at this wonderful location. Thanks Riptide stables! We will be back.
Jason M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 18 June 2020
Thank you so much for the kinds words. I am glad you and your family had a good time. I would love to have you back anytime!
We had a great time at this property. It was quiet (minus some nighttime frogs) and clean. Small mixup at arrival, immediately taken care of and fixed by host. You get to feed Donkeys and Horses treats so I'm not really sure what else you're looking for.
My family ( including 2 teenagers and dog) loved staying at Riptide Stables. The extra thought given to the 'little things' really made it even more special (eg., marshmallows for the fire and waffle fixings and treats for the donkeys and horses). Dawn was easy to communicate with and very responsive. Bobby, the property caretaker, was kind and available whether we needed something or just wanted to ask a quick question. We loved staying at a place that was quiet and peaceful but still a pretty quick drive to the beaches and downtown Wilmington.
The place was cozy and well kept, the bathroom is updated and the shower is great, which is always nice after a day at the beach. We weren't left in need of anything and highly recommend Riptide Stables!
This place was way better than we expected! My family was very excited to stay at the Riptide Stables and it did not disappoint. Dawn has done an absolutely wonderful job setting this place up and the property is beautiful and very welcoming to your whole family! Everything you need to stay is pretty much provided, it seems much more spacious then advertised area. Beautiful decorations and very comfortable beds and furniture. The animals are extremely friendly and love people. The location is great with a easy drive to Wilmington, Wrightsville, Topsail, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach. The caretaker on property is super nice and was always willing to help us. Often pointed us in a direction for something fun and different to do. Dawn is a wonderful host. My family all said this was by far their favorite vacation house we have stayed in.
We enjoyed staying here very much. Close enough to all the attractions but quiet at the end of a busy day of vacationing.
Great host and great communication when needed.
Looking forward to coming back!
The property was just as pictured and described! Our son loved the horses and donkeys. They really added something special to our trip! The house was clean and Dawn provided everything we could have wanted. We spent most days at the beach and the drive wasn’t bad at all each day.
Caitlin D.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022
About the host
Hosted by Dawn Berard
Thanks for looking at my farm. I am a transplant from up North that moved here to the NC coast in 2003 and would never think of living anywhere else.I am a Realtor and when I was asked to list this property I fell in love with it and decided to buy it instead. It needed work, but I could see the potential. I have spent years getting ready to invite guests and now it is just spectacular. I continue to improve it everyday. I have recently added a deck over one of the ponds. I am very close by and and want your stay to be perfect. Feel free to ask me anything. If you are thinking of moving to the area, I would be happy to help with that too.
What makes this property unique
While enjoying Riptide Stables as your vacation destination, you are close to all the beaches, shopping and attractions, but also secluded in your own space. Your pets are welcome too. They must be nonaggressive and then are welcome to interact (while on a leash) with the animals.