A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the sand and sea.
Steps from the shore
Top-rated for its nearby beach, ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
Discover nearby landmarks
Walk to Emerald Isle Beach
5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10
Popular amenities
On beach
Onsite parking available
Pet-friendly
Kitchen
Washing machine
Air-conditioning
Explore the area
Emerald Isle, NC
Emerald Isle Beach
Place, Emerald Isle Beach
1 min walk
Flatwaters Paddling
Place, Flatwaters Paddling
11 min walk
Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier
Place, Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier
11 min drive
New Bern, NC (EWN-Coastal Carolina Regional)
Airport, New Bern, NC (EWN-Coastal Carolina Regional)
63 min drive
Rooms & beds
5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)
Downstairs oceanfront
1 Queen Bed
Downstairs Streetside
1 Queen Bed
Loft with two twins
2 Single Beds
Upstairs Oceanside
1 King Bed
Upstairs Street side
1 Queen Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom Upstairs Jack and Jill
Toilet · Shower only
Downstairs bathroom
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area
About this property
Dune Castle West- Oceanfront Beach Cottage Duplex
Dunecastle – West Renovated. Oceanfront. Steps from the sand. There's a moment when you first walk out onto the deck at Dunecastle West and see nothing but open ocean stretching to the horizon. No buildings blocking the view. No crowded beach in front of you. Just the Atlantic, the sound of the waves, and the kind of deep exhale that only happens when you've truly left everything behind. This is what an Emerald Isle vacation is supposed to feel like. Directly on the Ocean Dunecastle West sits right on the water on one of North Carolina's most beautiful and uncrowded barrier island beaches. Your huge front deck faces the Atlantic head-on, and private beach access is just steps away. Whether you're an early riser catching the sunrise with a cup of coffee or a night owl watching the stars reflect off the water, this deck becomes the center of your vacation. Completely Renovated — Top to Bottom This isn't a property that's been patched up and freshened with a coat of paint. Dunecastle West has been fully renovated. The kitchen is all new — painted cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a full setup for cooking real meals together. Both bathrooms have been completely redone with custom tile showers. New flooring runs wall to wall throughout the home, and all-new furniture means your group is relaxing in genuine comfort from day one. Space for the Whole Group The 4-bedroom plus loft layout sleeps up to 10 guests with room to breathe. The bedroom configuration — 1 King, 3 Queens, and 2 twins in the loft — suits families, multi-family getaways, and friend groups equally well. Two full bathrooms keep things running smoothly, the outdoor shower handles post-beach cleanup perfectly, and the game room with ping pong gives everyone somewhere to be when they want a break from the sun. The Details That Matter
🌊 Direct oceanfront with private beach access — steps from your deck to the sand 🍳 Fully renovated kitchen with shaker cabinets and stainless steel appliances 🚿 Updated bathrooms with custom tile showers 🛏️ Sleeps 10 — 1 King, 3 Queens, 2 twins in loft 🏓 Game room with ping pong table 📶 High-speed WiFi throughout 🐾 Pets welcome max 2 dogs with a pet fee 🧺 In-unit washer and dryer 🚿 Outdoor shower 📺 Three HD flat-screen TVs
Explore Emerald Isle Step off the island when you're ready. Local restaurants, golf courses, fishing spots, a public boat ramp, shops, and a grocery store are all just minutes away — and a Dollar General around the corner has you covered for anything you forgot to pack. The charming waterfront towns of Beaufort and Swansboro are worth a day trip, and the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a short drive up the coast. Saturday-to-Saturday stays. Sleeps up to 10. Pets welcome.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
We do not allow smoking on the property, we have m
Guest needs to sign the rental agreement, Security Deposit required up to $300.00
Important information
You need to know
Property # 741368vb
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
This property accepts credit cards
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 indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadlock
About the area
Emerald Isle
Located in Emerald Isle, this condo is on the beach. Emerald Isle Beach and Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Flatwaters Paddling and Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway. Travelling with kids? Consider Emerald Isle Adventures, or check out an event or a game at Cougar Stadium. Snorkelling, windsurfing and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby.
Emerald Isle, NC
What's nearby
Emerald Isle Beach - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
Flatwaters Paddling - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier - 11 min drive - 10.3 km
Emerald Plantation - 12 min drive - 11.4 km
Camp Lejeune Main Gate and Visitor Center - 43 min drive - 48.5 km
Getting around
Havelock Station - 40 min drive
New Bern, NC (EWN-Coastal Carolina Regional) - 58 min drive
Restaurants
Frank's - 24 min drive
Surf's Up Grill And Bar - 8 min drive
Frank's Pizza & Subs - 25 min drive
Fish Hut Grill - 8 min drive
Anchor Drafthouse - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Dune Castle West- Oceanfront Beach Cottage Duplex pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Dune Castle West- Oceanfront Beach Cottage Duplex?
As of 19 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Dune Castle West- Oceanfront Beach Cottage Duplex on 5 September 2026 start from NZ$1,064, 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 Dune Castle West- Oceanfront Beach Cottage Duplex?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Dune Castle West- Oceanfront Beach Cottage Duplex?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Dune Castle West- Oceanfront Beach Cottage Duplex?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Dune Castle West- Oceanfront Beach Cottage Duplex located?
Nestled on the beach, this Emerald Isle condo building is within a 15-minute walk of Emerald Isle Beach and Flatwaters Paddling. 3rd Street Park is 2.2 mi (3.5 km) away.
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Top notch accommodation and the layout makes family stays awesome. New remodel with marble counter tops and tiled showers. Close to great eating venues and fishing spots. I wouldn't hesitate to book again. Craig was great to deal with and understood our needs.
Dennis M.
Verified
8/10 Good
Diane S.
9 June 2026
Liked: Location
Location! Location! Location! This property is located directly on a more private area of the beach. Everything we needed was very close. The large ocean facing rear deck had a privacy wall and enough seating for our family of 5. The interior of the home was clean and comfortably furnished.
Diane S.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 10 June 2026
Thanks for enjoying EI and Dunecastle
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Dennis M.
21 May 2026
Amazing Beach Getaway!
My whole family spent the week at this fantastic beach house to celebrate my parents 60th wedding anniversary. We needed both sides of the property to accommodate our large family and the owners were a pleasure to work with. This is the second time I have rented this property and we were pleased to see all the upgrades to the property. It is rare to find a place that makes you feel right at home the moment you walk in. Thanks again to the owners for the opportunity to stay at such a beautiful beach front home!
We enjoyed our stay. The location of the property was convenient to stores and shopping. The property had everything we needed in order to have an enjoyable vacation at Emerald Isle. Definitely recommend this property!
We come down every year to visit my daughter and this beach house is our favorite. We rent the whole house, it has four bedrooms on each side +2 loft rooms and a ping pong room in the basement. The deck is brand new this year and I believe the east side got new vinyl flooring. The owners are very easy to work with and we truly enjoy our stay!
Ella T.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 June 2023
Ella,
We love having you & your family at Dunecastle! Thank you for always treating it like your own.
It brings us such joy to know you all are able to enjoy it as “one big family” together!!!
Looking forward to hearing from you next year!
The Singler Family
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Kenneth M.
21 April 2016
Fantastic stay - restful retreat for two families
We had a wonderful stay at Dune Castle West....a restful retreat for two families (4 adults/5 kids) plus one dog! The location is great....with unbelievable views....enjoying sunrises and sunsets. The overall layout worked very well for our two families....allowing for privacy....but the open family room/kitchen area is great for interacting. We also especially enjoyed the balcony off the upper master bedroom....wonderful for star gazing. Dune Castle West is a great home if you just want to plant yourself on the beach for a week....or if you want to use it as a home base while exploring the Crystal Coast.
This home provided plenty of room for our large immediate family (2 adults and 6 kids). It was very comfortable and clean. The house had durable items that we didn’t have to worry about our children ruining. The gas grill right off the kitchen was perfect for dinners. The kitchen was well equipped missing only crab crackers (although we left a set there for the next occupants). The location was amazing right on the beach. Overall we had a wonderful stay and look forward to renting again.
Rachael R.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 June 2023
Rachael,
We are so happy you had such a wonderful time! Thank you for the positive feedback!!!
We are restocking the kitchen this winter, crab crackers are a must!! We will make sure those are in there!! Thank you so much for staying with us, we look forward to your next stay!
The Singler Family
We love this house. Unfortunately mold was à big issue for us. We can't stay here again until that is fixed. Also East door to the deck didn't close properly. The loft area is great and the kids loved it.
We will be back! The house was great, It's a vacation rental on the ocean so it isn't 100%, but it's definitely a solid 90%. The owners were great when we had a slight issue, and it was everything I could have hoped for. You can't beat the location. Steps from the ocean. A great beach. Close to the stores. Everyone loved it! The kids loved the big TV, comfy couches and barstools! I loved the porch and the view!
Great beach access which was steps from the deck. Very comfortable space with plenty of room for our family of 8. A little deeper cleaning could have been done. Ran out of gas after 15 minutes of grill use. Told to replace tank and money would be refunded. Overall a wonderful week with the family on the beach.
Margaret D.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 June 2023
Margaret,
Thank you so much for staying at Dunecastle. We are delighted that you enjoyed your time and were able to spend a week away with family! We have hired a new, exceptional cleaning company this year. We have already had great reviews about them.
We are always looking for ways to improve our guests stay. Having a back up propane tank may be a good option to prevent this from happening in the future.
Thank you!
Looking forward to hearing from you in the future!
Had a very nice time. The house is very nice however it is a need of many repairs. Master bath ceiling molded w/water damaged same outside in the hallway between upstairs bedrooms. A lot of weathering damage outside that needs cleaned up and repaired. The check-in process (cleaning ladies were not finished by 4 PM. ) That was awkward. Grill was filthy dirty and no gas in tank. Need to upgrade pillows on the beds. Great location with views access to beach.
We had a wonderful week with our family at Dune Castle West ! We had family rent the East side the same week and we loved having the whole place to ourselves . The house was comfortable and warm and you can't beat the view . We have been vacationing in the area for more than 20 years and the views here and the private beach was the best . The owners made themselves available to answer any questions I may have had . We did have some issues with a lot of debris left around the deck and the house but I am thinking this had more to do with cleaning service and inspector not communicating with home owners since we were there at the end of the season . The home owners went to fix any issues we had after we left . No issue there stopped us from enjoying a wonderful week !
Christina M.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 22 June 2023
Thanks Christina, We did go down and repair the storm door and a few other minor items..Thanks again for visiting with us at Dunecastl
This is our second time renting Dune Castle West. It's the best location, and the new beds are comfy. Lots of pots and pans for every item you're trying to cook. The grill was working great. The only issue we had (and I know salt and sand are hard on metal) the door locks on to both decks were finicky, the kids couldn't unlock them. The locks were stubborn and salty. So we used the slider to come and go mostly.
But it's a highly used beach house on the ocean with amazing views and a great air conditioner, what else do you need.
The hot water in the outside shower was awesome, it was the most used shower of the week! The new deck was splinter free.
We're booking again for next year.
It's my favorite spot on EI.
genevieve s.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 June 2023
Genevieve,
It is always such a please to have you and your family at Dunecastle!!! Thank you for loving it like your own!!! It brings our family so much joy that y’all love to come here!!!
We will replace these doors/knobs
this year so that won’t be an issue when you come back!
Thank you!!
The Singler Family
Archival
8/10 Good
Roxann E.
18 May 2017
Fantastic family vacation
From the planning to the arrival, Shonell & Craig were super helpful. I am a planner, I like to have all my bases covered and this was not a problem at all. All of my emails were answered promptly.
The house is exactly as described. We rented both sides as we are a family group consisting of 4 generations. Parents with kids on one side and the "old" people on the other. The connecting door was very helpful. If the door was open, the grandchildren knew that Mem & Pep were up and they were free to come join us for breakfast.
The beach is very clean and not crowded. Everyone enjoyed the week and we can't wait to do it again.
The only draw back for us was the charcoal grill. We are used to gas so we had to remember to start the charcoal well in advance of dinner.
Roxann E.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 22 June 2023
Thank You Roxann for your review, I will look into providing a gas grill..Maybe a portable with the little green gas containers. I have had gas grills before but then the replacing the gas becomes a problem..But thank you for your thoughts..next year look under the kitchen cabinet for a portable gas grill I will always have a Weber..
Archival
2/10 Terrible
Jane W.
15 October 2017
The house and furnishings are in need of a lot of updates and repairs. It has been neglected.
This house was really a disappointment.
Problems:
Safety:
Tension rod in upstairs bath (no tension-is just resting on tub surround, falls when moving shower curtain);
Outlet covers missing (MBR & street side bedroom on main floor);
Out door ocean side lights do not work;
Screws on deck floor sticking up (puncture wound risk);
Glass top on table broke;
Charcoal grill does not have lower closing mechanism-sparks fly;
Toilet seat in upstairs bath; and
Lamp in ocean side main floor bedroom (holder for light bulb is broke).
Health:
Mold on upstairs shower curtain;
Ant hills in grassy areas;
Mold on and in ocean side bedroom light switch by sliding door; and
Had a large roach in the down stairs bedroom.
Maintenance:
Exhaust fans in both bathrooms do not work;
Several unpainted patches on walls; refrigerator missing handle.
Things needing replaced:
Mattresses in all bedrooms;
Pillows are hard or falling apart;
Stove/oven;
Storm door ocean side;
Kitchen is poorly stocked and in need of upkeep. (cookie sheets are black with cooked on residue, toaster is from the 1970s as are the blenders and they were dirty)
Jane W.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 22 June 2023
I take all reviews and feedback seriously but this review seems nit picky and completely incorrect, as an example I do not have exhaust fans in the bathrooms those are air and heating vents..The mattress are 2-3 yrs old and the west side downstairs was replaced in the summer this year.
I invest heavily to keep this property in excellent shape although it is the end of the season so things do get warn..
I am sorry this guest was unhappy but she never called or contacted me with any issues.
Even though I don't agree with her assessment I will take a list with me to correct any problems found. I have already sent a list to my cleaning team to correct any items they find.
The box springs on two beds were very noisy. Needs more towel racks in bathrooms. The steps up to the house were very narrow. The kitchen was great we cooked most of our meals. Nice big dining and living rooms. Enjoyed the deck with nice furniture. Was a wonderful week, host was very helpful. Thanks
Priscilla C.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 June 2023
We are glad you had a wonderful week!
Thank you for the feedback! We are always looking for ways to make Dunecastle more comfortable for our guests!
Which steps are you referring to?
We hope to see you again! Thank you for staying with us!
The entrance door is gross. The stairs leading upstairs (both,) were dirty. The smell when opening the door to the game room was nasty. The laundry room was way too cluttered with an extra appliance and a non-working laundry tub and the refrigerator was nasty! The floor leading to and including the laundry room needs swept and mopped.
We had to pull out all of the items in the cupboards and oven and scrub most of them!! The kitchen cupboards were totally unorganized and dirty, TOO MANY POTS & PANS!
Need a vent & new lights in the upstairs BR. Ne No light in the outside shower (we had to buy one). Need new vacuums. Deck & steps need replaced, dangerous. We pounded lots of nails and the condition of the wood is in really bad shape. Lots of attention needed throughout the house. Really need lights on the deck stairs, very dangerous. The game room was a joke. Broken card table, no chairs, the rocker was broken, the ping pong table needs replaced. ( I had to clean up drinking glasses, & trash in the game room). Closets need to be finished. The outside downstairs room is scary, needs cleaned out and the door needs secured. Having beach toys & boards for the kids would be nice. Beach chairs would also be a plus.
Had an issue with flys, they were horrible inside. We figured out if we moved the trash & recycle cans away from where they go, that pretty much eliminated the problem. Swifter dust mop and mop would be helpful!
The Baki’s
Donna A.
Stayed 28 nights in Oct 2021
Verified
4/10 Poor
Larry B.
28 August 2021
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Poor shape
View and deck good condition of home very poor late check in home needs desperate work advertised blender one doesn’t work the other no top pictures online do not match the shape this place is in
Perfect location at this updated duplex beachhouse. We are a family of 6, with a 13, 11, 6, and 7 year old, plus our tiny elderly dog in tow, and we all just had the best time! A screen on the upstairs master sliding porch door would have been a lovely touch, but didn’t stop the crashing waves from lulling us to sleep each night. The property is just steps from the beach - so convenient for the kids to go in and out of the house as they pleased. There was a loggerhead nest 4-5 houses down, but sadly those little buggers didn’t hatch while we were there ☹️ The kitchen was well-stocked. We enjoyed coffee on the porch each morning, and the kids had so much fun in the downstairs ping-pong room. The kitchen and bathroom granite was beautiful. The property was quiet and peaceful. Thank you for the amazing time and all the memories!
We had the best time and the location was everything.
Amber B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
About the host
Hosted by Koral Worsham
About Dune Castle Rentals Nearly 25 years ago, we fell in love with Emerald Isle when our girls were still young — and we never looked back. What started as a family beach escape became something much more. Over the years, Dunecastle has been the backdrop for countless special memories: birthday celebrations, family reunions, and milestones we'll never forget. Our daughter Ashlie even said her vows right there on the sand in front of the cottage. Today we're blessed with 11 grandchildren, and there's nothing quite like watching their faces light up when the dolphins swim and jump just offshore — the same stretch of beach where their parents played years before. We share Dunecastle with other families because we know firsthand what this place can mean. We hope it becomes part of your family's story too.
Why they chose this property
We fell in love with Dunecastle the moment we saw that huge oceanfront deck — the kind of space where every generation can gather, relax, and take in the Atlantic all at once. Grandparents, parents, and kids all have their place, with the ocean right there in front of them. What makes Dunecastle truly unique is the flexibility. The East and West units can connect through an adjoining door, making it perfect for large families, reunions, or groups who want to be together without being on top of each other. Rent one side for up to 10 guests, or rent both sides and sleep up to 20 — with direct oceanfront access, a massive shared deck, and the beach just steps away. Whether you're planning a multigenerational family vacation, a reunion, or just a week at the beach with great friends, Dunecastle is built for it.
What makes this property unique
Why Emerald Isle? Emerald Isle sits on North Carolina's Crystal Coast — and it stands apart from the crowded resort beaches up and down the East Coast. Here's why families keep coming back: Uncrowded Beaches Emerald Isle's 12 miles of coastline stay remarkably uncrowded even in peak summer. No high-rise hotels. No boardwalk chaos. Just wide, clean, natural beach. Crystal Clear Water The Crystal Coast earns its name. The water here is cleaner and clearer than most Atlantic beaches, with gentle waves that are perfect for kids and first-time swimmers. Family Friendly Emerald Isle is quiet, safe, and laid back by design. No neon strip. No party scene. Just a classic Carolina beach town built around family vacations. Natural Beauty Dolphins are a common sight right from the shoreline. Loggerhead sea turtles nest on the beach each summer. Brown pelicans glide the coastline daily. Nature is everywhere. Close to Everything The charming waterfront towns of Beaufort and Swansboro are a short drive away. The NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, Bogue Inlet Pier, and Cape Lookout National Seashore are all within easy reach. True Southern Hospitality Emerald Isle is a small, welcoming community where locals still wave at strangers and the pace of life slows down the moment you cross the bridge.