See all properties
Entire home

Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes

Holiday home in New Bern with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes

The train passing is a true highlight! Not overly loud, but such a cool experience!!! The kids will love to wait on the front porch to see the train pass in front of the house each day.
Living room with a comfy sectional sofa, bar area with glassware and bar accessories, and a smart tv.
Charming kitchen fully equipped with everything you need for cooking and baking! Kitchenaid Mixer, crockpot, Vitamix Blender, and more!
Upstairs is the 1st Bedroom: a large room with a water view, a king-sized bed, closet, comfy sitting chair, and a large smart TV.
One of the two King beds- plush and luxurious bedding, TV in each room, sound machine, and a desk for working remotely!

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8227 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
New Bern, NC
  • Place, New Bern Grand Marina
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Pepsi Museum
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, New Bern Riverfront Convention Center
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, New Bern, NC (EWN-Coastal Carolina Regional)
    ‪4 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

4 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes

🏡 Downtown Gem | Walk Everywhere | Fire Pit & Bikes

Experience the perfect blend of historic charm and modern comfort in this beautifully restored 1895 home right in the heart of downtown New Bern. Higgins Downtown Depot offers exclusive access to the entire house, not a divided property, with a large fenced backyard, chef’s kitchen, and every amenity you need for a relaxing stay.

Step outside and you’re just steps from restaurants, coffee, shops, and Tryon Palace. Watch the slow-moving train pass by out front (a guest favorite!), roast s’mores around the smokeless fire pit, or relax on the porch with river views.

✨ Highlights

🌟 Prime downtown location – walk to everything
🌟 Beautifully decorated 1895 home with modern comforts
🌟 Fully stocked chef’s kitchen – Ninja Air Fryer, KitchenAid Mixer, Keurig & more
🌟 Smokeless fire pit, cornhole, shaded outdoor seating
🌟 Family-friendly – toys, books, movies, BabyQuip baby-gear rentals
🌟 Two king bedrooms + twin room with trundles
🌟 Fast Wi-Fi, monitor + Bluetooth keyboard for remote work
🌟 Four adult bikes with locks for exploring
🌟 24/7 guest support & keyless entry for a seamless stay

🛏️ Bedrooms & Bathrooms

All three spacious bedrooms are upstairs and feature luxury linens, plush bedding, sound machines, and alarm clocks.

🛌 Bedroom 1: King bed, sitting area, vintage (non-working) fireplace
🛌 Bedroom 2: King bed, desk area, vintage (non-working) fireplace
🛌 Bedroom 3: Two twin beds with twin trundles, dresser & large closet

🛁 Bathrooms:
🚿 Downstairs – Full bath with stand-up shower
🛀 Upstairs – Full bath with clawfoot tub & handheld shower with curtain

🪜 All bedrooms are upstairs via the original staircase

🍳 Chef’s Kitchen & Dining

Cook and gather in the fully equipped kitchen:

🍽️ Ninja Air Fryer & Blender
🍽️ KitchenAid Stand Mixer & Food Processor
🍽️ Crockpot, bakeware, cookware, & spices
☕ Keurig with frother + drip coffee maker
🧂 Starter condiments, paper goods, & trash bags

Enjoy meals around the large dining table, or open the vintage double doors to connect the kitchen, dining, and living spaces.

🛋️ Living Spaces

💻 Study with desk, monitor, Bluetooth keyboard & mouse
🔥 Family room with gas fireplace, Smart TV & dry bar
🖼️ Decor filled with antiques, heirlooms, and historic photos — each room tells a story

🧴 Salon-quality toiletries, plush towels, black makeup towels, laundry pods, and thoughtful starter supplies are provided.

🌳 Outdoor Spaces

🌿 Private fenced backyard with smokeless fire pit
🎯 Cornhole, ring toss, and frisbee games
🚲 Four adult bikes with locks and helmets
🪑 Shaded seating & string lights for cozy evenings
🌅 River views from the porch

Walk to Union Point Park, the Neuse River, and nearby attractions.

👶 Family Friendly

👶 Partnered with BabyQuip, the nation’s #1 baby gear rental company — rent clean, modern equipment delivered right to your door.

💬 Guest Experience

When you stay with A Stay Above The Rest, you get more than a home — you get a team that truly cares.

🔐 Keyless entry with your personal door code
📲 24/7 guest support by call, text, or email
📘 Digital guidebook with our favorite local tips

We’re a family-owned, Texas-based company dedicated to making every stay A Stay Above The Rest.

📋 Important Details

🚂 Train passes slowly in front of the home during daytime hours only — guests love watching it!
🚗 Parking for one car in the driveway and Free street parking
📹 Exterior Ring cameras only (no interior recording)
🚫 No pets – owner has severe allergies and a historic home
🚫 No parties or events (small daytime gatherings are ok)
🚭 No smoking or vaping inside or near entries
🌙 Quiet hours 10 PM – 8 AM
🔥 Please follow local burn bans when using the fire pit

🛡️ Property Damage Protection up to $1,500 is included with every stay for peace of mind.

🌟 Summary

Historic elegance meets modern comfort at Higgins Downtown Depot — a one-of-a-kind stay in the heart of New Bern. Walk everywhere, relax by the fire pit, and enjoy a home that’s as beautiful as it is welcoming.

Guests call it:
💬 “110% satisfaction… one of our favorite stays ever!”

Come see why.
*** There is exterior video surveillance for security purposes. There are NO cameras facing the interior

Main Rules:
- Be mindful of neighbors, but make sure to enjoy your stay!
- NO Pets - Owner has severe allergies
- No smoking inside
- Remove trash and wash/ put away dishes or start dishwasher before your departure
- No Parties

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Pull out bed is available
Downtown Historic New Bern Apartment Next door to Birthplace of Pepsi
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
10.0 out of 10, (8 reviews)
Downtown Historic New Bern Apartment Next door to Birthplace of Pepsi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
*** There is exterior video surveillance for security purposes. There are NO cameras facing the interior Main Rules:

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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

New Bern

Located in New Bern, this holiday home is in the city centre. New Bern Civic Theatre and Tryon Palace are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at New Bern Grand Marina and Carolina Colours Golf Club. Power boating and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby.
View more Holiday homes in New BernOpens in a new window
Map
New Bern, NC

What's nearby

  • Tryon Palace - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • New Bern Grand Marina - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Pepsi Museum - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • New Bern Riverfront Convention Center - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Union Point Park - 8 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

  • New Bern Station - 7 min walk
  • New Bern, NC (EWN-Coastal Carolina Regional) - 7 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Brewery 99 - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Crema Brew - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪The Old Pinnix - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Thirsty Bruin Craft Beer and Wine - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Freshwater Beer - ‬11 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes located?

Located in New Bern Historic District, this holiday home is steps away from North Carolina History Center at Tryon Palace and New Bern Civic Theatre. Pepsi Museum and Christ Church are also within 5 minutes. New Bern Station is 7 minutes by foot.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 45 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 46 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Shannon G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Home away from home! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in New Bern complete with modern amenities, high end linens and the charm of a home built in 1895. We were able to walk to shops and restaurants with ease and used the bikes to go a bit further. Fire pit in the backyard was a great way to relax in the evening. Watching the train go by directly in front of the home was the main attraction. We will definitely book this home again when we return to New Bern.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary A.

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

Wonderful Fall Get Away

Had a lovely time in New Bern. Great location , can pretty much walk everywhere :)
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Burton S.

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

Great location!

10/10 great spot for a vacation. We walked everywhere!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

shelly h.

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

Great location! Excellent service and property!

It was a beautiful old home restored in a location right in the heart of downtown. Well stocked and easy to find. We loved it and would come stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nate T., Rocky Mount, NC

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

Excellent!

Excellent house and excellent folks to work with while there. Great and extremely easy access to downtown New Bern. We'll be back!
Stayed 11 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

carolyn j.

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

Great property wish there had beem abedroom down stairs, location was great

Love the property house had everything any would need. We your there for my granddaughter wedding only afew minutes from thte Maola at Riverside. And that was also a grest venue
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Douglas S.

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

EXCEPTIONAL

This is probably the best VRBO I stayed in years! Everything is top quality! Excellent. Every detail has been thought of in the place. I would recommend to everyone. There customer service it’s outstanding.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jason B.

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

Great House Near Everything in New Bern

We had a great stay here for a wedding weekend in New Bern. The house was very nicely set up and near everything in downtown New Bern. We had everything we needed and comfortably fit my wife and I as well as my parents with a bedroom to spare. Although we were too busy to take advantage of it, there was a very nice back yard and outdoor seating as well. Would recommend to anyone coming to New Bern!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rachel P.

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

Lovely Stay

We were in town for our granddaughter’s graduation and had a great experience at this lovely home. Everything was as described. This home is furnished well with comfortable beds, cozy and comfy furniture in the den and living room and a huge table in the kitchen with plenty of seats. The back yard is so nice. It’s a short walk to/ from many stores and restaurants. The check in/ out process was easy. We would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lora B.

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

Fun Getaway With Friends

Highly recommend staying at Higgins Downtown Depot. We were a group of 7 friends on a get together. The home is beautiful, spacious, and well stocked for the perfect home base to all the fun to be had in New Bern. The bedrooms have plenty of room, 2 bathrooms were enough. The living room and large dining room were great hangout spots and had enough comfy seats for all of us. We used the backyard and bikes. We were glad to have the washer/dryer when a downpour caught us one evening. Location is fantastic, you can walk to lots of restaurants and activities. The host was very responsive when we had an issue and fixed it quickly. My only takeaway for the host is to make sure bike tires are already pumped and provide an easier tire pump.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer P.

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

Great Location!

Charming, very clean, well-decorated house. A little quirky because it was built in the late 1800s (I think?). Some sloping floors, light switches in odd places in some rooms, etc. They have maintained a great deal of the original floor plan, doors, etc of the house, which we loved but definitely not an open floor plan! Plenty of space for six adults. Ideally would have loved for the third bedroom to have a queen-size bed instead of the twins as it was three couples and someone had to draw the short straw. We knew that was the situation but sacrificed for the location. Beds and linens were amazing. Would love to know the mattress brand but forgot to look. Thick duvets and lots of pillows. Kitchen was well-stocked with every imaginable appliance. Open shelving so no hunting for what you need. Only not great thing is that the ice maker doesn't produce much ice and what is supposed to be cubes are mostly chips. So bring a bag of ice! Regarding the light switches, definitely leave some lights on if you leave when it's daylight and plan on returning after dark. We had a hilarious time trying to find lights on our first night. We really loved our stay there and will definitely be back again next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tai C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great! Just smelled a little closed up.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Jeremy M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location, plenty of room for the 5 of us.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cory H.

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

Best VRBO we have visited, loved our trip to New Bern

We loved our stay! The house is cozy, charming, and beautifully furnished — everything felt comfortable and welcoming. The historic character gives it great personality, and the kitchen was well-stocked with everything we needed to cook and enjoy meals as a family. The location is ideal: just a short walk to restaurants and close to the heart of a lovely downtown area. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Doug G.

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

Higgins Downtown Depot

Great location, within walking distance of all Tryon Palace and downtown main street. Top of the line counter top appliances. Nice fenced in backyard for kids to play in. Management service was extremely responsive to all questions and request. Upon arrival the toaster would not work, they had a new one delivered the next morning.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary Ann T.

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

Great Location in Downtown

House was comfortable and well appointed. Located downtown and can walk to many restaurants and shops.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary D.

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

Downtown New Bern Gem!

We enjoyed our stay at your home very much. It was beautifully decorated with interesting art work. The beds were very comfortable and the bedrooms nicely appointed. Great kitchen and eating area as well. We loved being able to walk to shops and restaurants right from the house. New Bern is a great little town with friendly people, charm and so much history. Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristin H.

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

Great home and location

We stayed with friends at this home and really enjoyed the home and the location. We were able to walk everywhere we needed to and had comfortable living rooms and bedrooms. Just caution that as listed the bathroom upstairs does not have a stand-up shower, while it does have a shower handle for in the tub. All 4 adults and 4 kids shared the downstairs bathroom shower. Kitchen was fabulous and wonderfully supplied. Host was responsive for needs. Loved seeing the train go by, was not loud and enjoyed seeing it pass by. We will definitely consider this again next time we are in New Bern. Thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sophia P.

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

Perfect place to stay for camp dropoff or just vacation!

The house is very clean and comfortable. We stayed here for both drop off at camp and pick up. The location is so good- we rode our bikes everywhere we needed to go around the town. We easily could have walked as well. The house has been renovated adorably, all the bedding is very comfortable. One thing that the management does that goes above and beyond that we so much appreciated is they stock the kitchen with trash bags, dish soap and dishwasher soap (and hand soap) so that you don’t have to go to the store and buy all that stuff. Communication with host is very easy and responses are very quick. We will stay here every year without a doubt!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sophia P.

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

Great location

House was as advertised and in good condition. Check in and check out were easy. It is really fun to learn about the history of the home. It has been renovated nicely. Be sure to make note of the bathroom situation when booking, however. There are 2 bathrooms in the home- one downstairs in the hall with a shower and one upstairs near all the bedrooms in the hall but with only a clawfoot bathtub. Otherwise, great location and everything went great. Will be staying there again
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ashley P.

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

AMAZING HOME

This home was nothing short of spectacular! So many details were thought of and provided for. We were blown away with how well the home is appointed (excellent hair dryer, so many appliances in the kitchen, condiment packets, coffee, sugar, etc). If we weren't planning on cooking meals, we literally only needed our clothes and makeup. We fully enjoyed the backyard with the cornhole boards and firepit and were blessed to see the train several times as well. The beds were incredibly comfortable, the bedding was so cozy and the towels were plush. Even the paper products were what we'd purchase for home, not the super cheap stuff that I've found is normally provided in rentals. And also the response time of the rental agency was literally within seconds or minutes and so easy through text. By far the best VRBO I've stayed in and we will definitely reserve again!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Beth N.

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

Exceeded all expectations

Full of character, plenty of space, super comfortable beds, lots of excellent attention to details of the guest experience. We would definitely return!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Grete Y.

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

Business trip as a family

Loved the house and its location! Perfect place for our family to settle for a few days.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

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

Charming House

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Property is exactly as advertised with all the necessities and furnishings required to make yourself at home. The house is conveniently located downtown next to historical attractions, restaurants, and nightlife on the same block. The entire block is rocking through the night.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melinda S.

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

Higgins Downtown Depot -

My friends and I stayed here for a Girl's weekend. It was extremely clean and has THE most well equipped kitchen you can imagine! All the rooms were beautiful decorated and comfortable. We walked everywhere. This location is a short walk to lots of fun in and around downtown New Bern. Only saw the train once but it was awesome! The property contacts were extremely responsive.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

About the host

Hosted by A Stay Above The Rest

Host profile image
A Stay Above the Rest is all about quality, comfort, and delivering an exceptional guest experience! Come stay with us where you will be treated with urgency to any and all questions and will be spoiled with all of the "extras" we love to provide! Our guest services team is 5 star and we try to think of everything to make your stay truly, "Above The Rest"!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback