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1898 Mill House in Historic District: Lunarose Cottage and Artist Retreat

Photo gallery for 1898 Mill House in Historic District: Lunarose Cottage and Artist Retreat

A small, single-story house with a white door and windows, surrounded by a white picket fence and lush greenery.
A bed with a patterned bedspread, two pillows, a wooden headboard, and two bedside tables with lamps.
A room with a piano, a rug, a lamp, and a door with a view.
A bedroom with a bed, a green bookshelf, a window with blinds, and a patterned bedspread.
A dining area with a table set for two, featuring two lamps with floral designs, a painting of a landscape, and a bust sculpture.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Your private spa moment
    A rare find — soak and unwind in the jetted bathtub.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Orange County Historical Museum
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Hillsborough, NC
  • Place, Orange County Historical Museum
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Place, Hillsborough Visitors Center
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Burwell School Historic Site
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • Airport, Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)
    ‪35 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Double Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Jetted bathtub · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden

About this property

1898 Mill House in Historic District: Lunarose Cottage and Artist Retreat

Spend your time in lovely Historic Hillsborough-- which is centrally located near Durham and Chapel Hill- in a charming 3 bedroom mill house. Relax in our luxuriously appointed cottage filled with art and fine furnishings. Close to Eno River, West End and Downtown via the new River Walk trail. Close to history and nature! Hillsborough, North Carolina is no ordinary small, southern town. Its scenic beauty, graceful architecture spanning three centuries, lively arts and culture scene, and convenient location provide a charming getaway for the day, weekend, or longer.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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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 the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Take out the rubbish
Lock the doors
Please leave keys on the kitchen island.
Please add a note to my guest book if you would like:)
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3412068vb
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
Long-term renters welcome
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

About the area

Hillsborough

Hillsborough is home to this holiday home. Keith Arboretum and Waller Family Farm are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Tanger Outlet Center and Northgate Mall. Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture and Sarah P. Duke Gardens are also worth visiting.
View more Holiday homes in HillsboroughOpens in a new window
Map
Hillsborough, NC

What's nearby

  • Eno Gallery - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Orange County Historical Museum - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Hillsborough Visitors Center - 16 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Burwell School Historic Site - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Duke University - 15 min drive - 23.9 km

Getting around

  • Durham Station - 18 min drive
  • Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) - 35 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Weaver Street Market - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Jersey Mike's Subs - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 1898 Mill House in Historic District: Lunarose Cottage and Artist Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at 1898 Mill House in Historic District: Lunarose Cottage and Artist Retreat?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at 1898 Mill House in Historic District: Lunarose Cottage and Artist Retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 1898 Mill House in Historic District: Lunarose Cottage and Artist Retreat?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is 1898 Mill House in Historic District: Lunarose Cottage and Artist Retreat located?

Situated in Hillsborough, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Eno Gallery, Orange County Historical Museum and Hillsborough Visitors Center. Burwell School Historic Site and Ayr Mount are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.4

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. 11 out of 14 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 14 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 14 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharon T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful location with an easy walk to restaurants, historical sites, shopping and live music
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Timothy D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The location was just about 20 minutes from Chapel Hill where we were attending our college reunion. The interior was spacious and comfortable. The views of the yard were very pleasant. The nearby restaurants and shops were top notch.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

rob f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Location and host were fantastic! We will stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 October 2025
Wonderful guests! Welcome anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barbara N.

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

Great stay for a local wedding

The house reflects the history of Hillsborough and very much met our needs for our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 April 2025
Delightful guests! Welcome back any time...
Verified

10/10 Excellent

leslie s.

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

Family stay

Really loved the location. Great space with plenty of room, ample kitchen space. Easy walk to town for shopping and dining
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2024
Great guests!
Verified

8/10 Good

Jean S.

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

Great location

This charming home is located in a quaint neighborhood perfect for walking into town and along the river walk. The bedrooms are spacious and comfortable. The owner is very responsive. We had a lovely stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan D.

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

Hillsborough hideaway

This is a beautiful, cozy cottage with thoughtfull amenities. Andrea, the owner, is delightful to work with, and the location is in a friendly neighborhood.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 October 2023
Wonderful, thoughtful guests! Please visit again!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Liz G.

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

Highly recommended!

Stayed at this lovely home for my daughter’s wedding weekend with family friends. Andrea was a very accommodating, excellent hostess….very good communicator, warm and welcoming! I highly recommend this lovely home to anyone.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 June 2024
Wonderful guests! Welcome back anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rich A.

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

Close to town center

Enjoyed the mill house and location. Cats on property which were not listed. That could be a plus or a minus. Overall a great place to enjoy Hillsborough. We would stay there again.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 23 October 2024
Wonderful guests! Welcome back anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elise V.

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

Charming place to stay in Hillsborough

We enjoyed our stay at Andrea’s charming house! It is filled with so much character and is in the perfect location. We could walk to the little town of Hillsborough and there was a wonderful walking trail nearby. We had a wonderful weekend stay. I would note that there are outdoor cats that gather on the porch. They left us alone, but wanted to note.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bobbie G.

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

Making Memories One Stay at a Time

Charming historical home within walking distance of downtown Hillsborough! Very personable and comfortable. Only issues were initially understanding the heating system and not being able to figure out how to operate the tub jets, which was no big deal.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 9 April 2024
Lovely group! Will look forward to a future visit (I hope:)!
Verified

6/10 Okay

Roberta K.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Communication
The location is excellent for enjoying the downtown. Owner should have disclosed the fact that cats were on the premises and constantly lingering by the door when you opened it and tried to get into the home. If you sat outdoors to enjoy the deck the cats were constantly jumping up on you. Also owner stopped by daily to feed the cats unannounced. Owner accused me of having a “party” when a gathering of 7 family members were present to have pizza and visit with each other while watching a football game, everyone gone by 930 pm. I am a 62 year old woman and had my 91 year old mom with me, believe me we were not having a party. Owner then accused us of stealing property from her home then later back peddling stating she found such item. I would never stay here again despite the great location and charm of the home.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 October 2025
I am very sorry for the inconveniences to your party. Please let me know if there is any way to make it up to you! Please accept my apologies and best wishes going forward.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen L.

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

Charm Filled Cottage

We loved our stay at Luna Rose. The owners home, the space felt like staying at a friends while they were gone. There was a comfortable living room with beautiful views of a country garden in bloom, and outdoor seating to enjoy fresh spring weather. Three bedrooms had comfortable beds, attractive decor and bedding. The two bathrooms were newer construction and immaculate. Kitchen and dining room and long hallway leading to the front porch completed the property, so there was lots of space. Our elderly family stayed in the bedroom with the attached bath, our teen staying in her own room, and we took the back bedroom with steps down into our bathroom, The house has historic charm, some of the floors creak so no sneaking around! The home is filled with art and books and has everything needed to fix a snack or a meal for the family. The added bonus for us was the two very friendly cats who live outside and were happy to greet us and sit in laps purring! Near a park, just down down the road from Historic Hillsborough with great shops and restaurants and the river walk. Loved it!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Troy L.

Liked: Check-in

Lifelong girls weekend

The owner greeted us (6 ladies) upon check in and reviewed property, immediately entering property was a cat urine smell in the sunroom/living room which we could not use the whole visit, host did refund 100. Owner had personal items in approximately 1/2 of refrigerator which was an inconvenience, luckily we had coolers in which we brought. Owner has 2 cute cats that were outside and would try and enter property, she came over to feed them everyday. We sat around in the evening and played games and was surprised by a visit of a mouse which made several appearances. She had ziplock bags for us but when opening the door there was a piece of mouse poop. The neighbor was very strict regarding shared driveway but host did convey that upon check in. The house was beautiful and within walking distance to lovely town and river walk we we enjoyed immensely.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 April 2025
Unfortunately these guests had bad weather and were in close quarters for the size of their party. I tried to make them comfortable but they couldn't be mollified. Some guests are like that. I hope they realize historic homes can be unique. The odor they complained about was not in evidence when I returned. I think they might like to reconsider the type of accommodation they choose in their future . The night visitor was banished as the warm weather has returned... I am sorry that the review did not mention our beautiful fine art and furnishings located in the heart of historic Hillsborough! Sincerely, Andrea DeGette

About the host

Hosted by Andrea DeGette

Host profile image
I am an artist and educator originally from Colorado and have been here in Hillsborough since 1994. I raised my three children and many loved pets in this incredible town! I love gardening, hiking, and traveling!

Why they chose this property

We love our little haven in the heart of Historic Hillsborough. There are walking paths along the Eno River, shops, restaurants, live music, comedy, and lots of history out the back door. It has been like living in the country in town these past many years. Hundreds of years trees are around and flowers and beauty in all seasons! A perfect get-away awaits here at Lunarose Cottage.

What makes this property unique

The property is filled with history with beaded board, old-growth heart pine flooring throughout, and fine fabrics and furnishings combine for cozy elegance all year round. You can pamper yourself with a soak in the deep tub, or watch the world go by with your feet up on the front porch. This very special place is surrounded by gardens and a short walk to downtown or West Hillsborough.
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