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Harper House | 3BR Semi-Oceanfront 4x4 OBX | Ocean Views | Sleeps 6

Photo gallery for Harper House | 3BR Semi-Oceanfront 4x4 OBX | Ocean Views | Sleeps 6

semi-oceanfront
Harper House - Harper House
Harper House - Harper House
Stunning kitchen with island seating - Stunning kitchen with island seating
Living room and slider to east deck with fantastic views - Living room and slider to east deck with fantastic views

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Top rated beach location
    Discover paradise at this top rated beach location.
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue
  • Balcony

Explore the area

View map
Carova, NC
  • Place, Carova Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Carova Beach
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
    ‪29 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Outdoor shower

Bathroom 4

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Harper House | 3BR Semi-Oceanfront 4x4 OBX | Ocean Views | Sleeps 6

Welcome to Harper House, a beautifully designed minimalist semi-oceanfront vacation home on the 4x4 beaches of Carova Beach, Northern Outer Banks, North Carolina. This 3-bedroom, 1,881 sq ft beach house sleeps 6 and sits on a high lot in the North Swan area with no home directly between it and the ocean — giving you unobstructed Atlantic views, the sounds of crashing surf, and ocean breezes from every level. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required; the property sits approximately 7 miles up the 4x4 beach. Three-night minimum stays available in spring and fall.
Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements
Three bedrooms sleep 6 guests across two levels. The second level features a queen master bedroom with private bath and large private deck, plus two additional bedrooms sharing a hallway bath — one queen and one twin room with two twin beds. Keyless entry on level one makes arrival effortless.
Ocean Views & Outdoor Living
The top level reverse floor plan places the main living area where the views shine brightest. A wide open kitchen with island seating, leather sofas, and a smart TV connected to satellite anchor the space, alongside a large dining room table seating 6. Expansive wraparound decks offer a sunny south-facing exposure and a covered oceanside porch for shaded relaxation. A teak outdoor dining table lets you dine al fresco to the sound of the surf. With no homes between Harper House and the ocean, dolphins, pelicans, shorebirds, and the occasional wild horse or fox are regular visitors to the view.
The Harper House Philosophy
The owners of Harper House embrace a minimalist approach — the Atlantic Ocean is the entertainment. One smart TV is available for the dedicated screen watcher, but the real draw is the unfiltered connection to nature, family, and the rhythm of the sea.
Full Amenities Include:

High lot with unobstructed panoramic ocean views
Wraparound decks with south and oceanside exposures
Covered oceanside porch
Reverse floor plan kitchen with island seating
Smart TV with satellite
Teak outdoor dining table
Keyless entry
Outdoor shower
Washer/dryer
Linens and towels provided
Free unlimited parking; two beach season passes included

Note: No pool or hot tub at this property.
Pet Policy: No pets permitted.
Check-In: Saturday. Three-night minimum available in spring and fall. No smoking. No graduation groups or events.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
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

Important information

You need to know

Property # 9589775
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Corolla

Located in Corolla, this holiday home is near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Outer Banks Beaches and Corolla Beach. Currituck National Wildlife Refuge and Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education are also worth visiting. Looking to get your feet wet? Windsurfing, surfing/body boarding and fishing adventures can be found near the property.
Map
Carova, NC

What's nearby

  • Carova Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Carova Beach - 12 min walk - 1.1 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Chewbacca - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪The Kitchen Witch Catering - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Crab Cantina - ‬188 min drive
  • ‪hunters feast - ‬191 min drive
  • ‪Second Thoughts Beach Redoubt - ‬13 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Harper House | 3BR Semi-Oceanfront 4x4 OBX | Ocean Views | Sleeps 6 pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Harper House | 3BR Semi-Oceanfront 4x4 OBX | Ocean Views | Sleeps 6?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Harper House | 3BR Semi-Oceanfront 4x4 OBX | Ocean Views | Sleeps 6?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Harper House | 3BR Semi-Oceanfront 4x4 OBX | Ocean Views | Sleeps 6?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Harper House | 3BR Semi-Oceanfront 4x4 OBX | Ocean Views | Sleeps 6 located?

Situated near the beach, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Currituck National Wildlife Refuge and Outer Banks Beaches. False Cape State Park and False Cape Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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. 32 out of 34 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 34 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 34 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 34 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Tom F.

Beach retreat

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: This was the 2nd time we have spent our vacation at the Harper House. It’s flat out an amazing house ,great view and horses pass by . Again unbelievable experience, If you are looking for a quiet and relaxing time away this is it. The beach ride in is part of the fun and the wild horses are just awesome to see roaming around . By the way the team at Carova cottages never disappoints , easy booking , great communication and cleaning team does a great job . Can’t wait to return
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had a great time in the beach, everything was great. Laura is great, helpful and thoughtful. Will make this a seasonal stay most likely.
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 September 2025
Thanks so much! We'd love to have you return! The pictures of your fishing conquests make it likely!! You just can't argue when the fish are biting!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ken o.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was exceptional. We all loved everything
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2025
Harper House is a little haven isn't it? I LOVE the views from that house. Please come again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sean m.

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

Amazing home with Amazing View

The house is brand new and very spacious. We loved our stay and look forward to returning.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
BRAND NEW! This home is brand new!! And the owner and the builder both, had a vision of what was important. The guests of Harper House are the recipients of that collaboration! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and please be in touch to book your next visit!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Glen N.

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

Seclusive Getaway

The Property was fabulous, Fantastic Views from the front and sides of the porch. The home was well taken care of. The home has all the things you need on a vacation. And just steps to the beach.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
Thanks so much for the review!! You're right, Harper House is very secluded. The beach is right there but you don't have to go to the beach to get the feel of it since the views from the house are spectacular! But, it's a very easy walk for when you want to get your feet wet. I hope you all will come again. We'd be very happy to have you.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome house in an equally awesome setting. There are full ocean views from the upper deck and you can hear the waves crashing with the windows open. The 4x4 only beach was a great experience for the whole family. You pull up on the beach and it is like your own private area. The wild horses walked through the yard multiple days. Would definitely recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 August 2025
You have managed to describe the idyllic setting of Harper House very well! I think the crashing waves are the essence of a vacation here. There's nothing like a big blue ocean out the window to make your shoulders drop and peace to settle over you. It makes you realize how sweet life can be. Hope you will come again. Thank you!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susannah S.

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

Couldn’t ask for better

Harper House is a gem! The house was perfect. It’s location— phenomenal. We’ll be back for sure
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
You are so right. That VIEW!!!!! And the porches overlooking the view! lol Ocean breeze and pounding surf. What else do you need?
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer H.

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

relaxing vacation

We loved the property and the area. Would love to return. It was very relaxing and laid back. Thank you
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
Thanks for the review! Harper House is a great place to unwind. I hope you WILL come again!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

James L.

Escape for the weekend

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Escape got the weekend in the remote outer banks but be sure to rent or own a four wheel drive vehicle; it’s worth the added hassle. Enjoy wild horses, a remote beach, and a nice house to base your adventures from.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay V.

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

A view that makes it relaxing to cook on vacation

We had an amazing week at Harper House. You can’t beat the view from the kitchen. The house was very clean and had everything we needed. Some lounge chairs would be great for the deck!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
The views from Harper House are truly amazing. I'll pass the lounger suggestion on to the owners. They are curators of the perfect feeling furniture... so, each piece is considered carefully. We're so glad you enjoyed your stay and hope you will come again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dorothy S.

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

Absolutely a great relaxing time.. love love loved it

Excellent. Loved it !!!coming back next year!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
YAY! See you then! :-)
Verified

8/10 Good

Charlie D.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Almost Oceanfront..

Very nice home, very good deal considering pricing versus view. Newer home, updated, good lay out, covered parking, interior stairs, big decks. Would not hesitate to rent Harper House again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
THANKS Charlie, Harper House does have some fantastic views at a very good price. Only two years old, it has only weathered a few storms, and is holding up beautifully. All the little nice things like a dry entrance, and huge decks on level two and three make Harper House a good choice even if it rains. Thanks for taking such good care of the home while you were there!! :-)
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Laura W.

Beautiful Getaway

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Great and easy rental experience. Rental company communicated well.
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
Such a nice house too! We are glad you enjoyed this "beautiful getaway"! :-)
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda M.

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

Open space

Lovely home with a lot of open space on the top floor. Views were spectacular. I would take an atv next time to go back and forth to the beach.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
You're right, those views are fantastic!! I agree the ATV would be nice BUT unless you are an owner you cannot bring an ATV. The exception is if it is registered, licensed and insured for road travel. I guess you'll just have to buy a house here ;-) THANKS and hope you will come again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen S.

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

Beautiful house!

This house was prefect for us! We got the gorgeous view and the beach was just steps away. House had fast internet and that was a bonus since I had to take a work call. It was clean and neat and the hosts were a delight! Thank you and we will see you next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
THANK you for your nice review. Harper House is the perfect house for the smaller gatherings. The kitchen and island seating are a dream. The views are fantastic, with no houses currently between you and the ocean. The porches are friendly as well, with both covered and sun seeking opportunities. I hope you all will return.. we'd love to have you!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matt H.

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

Harper house

10/10 Only request would be hooks in the outdoor shower
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
LOL, well that is a pretty long list!! I think we can probably handle it. ;-) Glad you all were able to stay for two whole weeks. And we hope you will come again!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Jordan G.

Unbelievable Getaway

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: The house is gorgeous, with exceptional views of the ocean from two decks. Walk to the quiet beach is easy.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
This home has been a favorite for everyone that stays. The views are fantastic!! The walk out to the beach is nice and short, but you can drive and park as well. Hope you will come again!!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Frank H.

Great stay

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We all loved the house and the beach and wildlife. For the cost of the rental I did expect the owners to provide more basic necessities such as salt and paper, olive oil, laundry detergent, and more toilet paper, etc.
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
Thanks for your review. I understand your thought about each home having some basics. Unfortunately, we can only leave items if they are new and unopened. We do not provide the other items you mentioned, mostly because the replenishment would be difficult to accomplish on a weekly basis. I hope you enjoyed your stay. Thanks!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Elisa C.

Great stay!

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: My family had a great vacation at this property! This house was perfect for my family of 5: my husband and I and our 9, 6, and 4 year old. When we arrived, we were all very happy with the accommodations. Everything was clean and ready for us to unpack and relax.
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
We're so glad you found Harper House a good fit for your family. This home has quite a little following already, as it is just the right size for a small family or even one couple. The views from the decks, the covered porches, the fantastic kitchen.. all add up to a nice spot for a vacation. Watching a storm roll in from the living room is an experience that is hard to beat. Nothing but WINDOWS, but covered by the porch roof. You can actually sit outside during a storm and be one with the nature, listening to the rain, the waves and the wind. What a cool place. So glad you all enjoyed your stay.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul W.

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

Incredible

We had the best week ever at the Harper House. This place was perfect for us and it was immaculate. It had everything we needed and more (except for those dang front porch rockers lol...inside joke). Easy access to the ocean and wild horses everywhere. I wish I could leave a bunch of our pics. Laura at Carova Cottages was awesome. Can't wait to come back!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
LOL. We're so glad you enjoyed your stay!! Harper House has everything you need, well EXCEPT some porch rockers. ;-) But if you decide to return we'll see what we can do about that! Honestly though, do come again. We love our repeat guests!! <3
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Roger Z.

Great week on Carova Beach OBX

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Wonderful cottage close to beach with nice view. Cottage feels brand new with beautiful kitchen, comfy beds, and 2 wrap around decks. Kitchen has everything you need, and we saw horses near the cottage every morning, as well as on the beach on a few occasions.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
This home really does satisfy. That VIEW is pretty amazing! Hope you will come again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer E.

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

Must have 4wheel

Property was just as described. Simple, clean and comfortable. You are down the island, just a bit over 7 miles from where you come on so be prepared. The horses are there! So cool, one night we had 5 on the property. The beach is beautiful. Our stay was during a super moon, so getting off the day we left was an adventure, almost no beach to drive..we saw more of the “back” island. Fun experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 October 2024
So cool!! The experience you'll have here ranks up at the top; as if you needed anything more than sun, sand and surf!! ;-) But yeah, horses in the yard, driving on sand and the thrill of beating mother nature at her own game... those are the memories. We hope you will come again!!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Harper House

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Harper house was great and easy to get to once you've figured out the tide cycles. The entire family loved the house and open layout. Horses were very abundant and often came right up to the house. We would recommend this house to any family or small get together, you'll have a great time.
Response from VrboOwner on 19 November 2023
The way in can be uncomfortable the first time, unless you are familiar with sand driving. But after that first trip, it becomes old hat!!! We love Harper house for it's fantastic views as well as the easy living available there. We hope you will consider a repeat stay. Thanks for your nice review!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tyanna L.

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

Best vacation ever.

This property is beautiful and has one of the best views of sun rising I have ever seen. Very peaceful, calming and relaxing vacation week. Exactly what we were looking for. Driving down the sandy beach in order to get to the house was so much fun each time. I will recommend this property to anyone looking for a beautiful place to stay. My family and I would rent this house again in the future. Thank you Laura for allowing us to borrow you beautiful property for the week. A family vacation we will never forget. PS. We loved the wild horses. So beautiful to watch.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 September 2023
You are so right! The sunrise over the ocean is quite a spectacle!!! And the outside spaces at Harper House allow you to sense all of it, salt air, birdsong, ocean breeze.. But, you can sip coffee at the island and see the sunrise... so no need to move away from the pot!! LOL.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Kyle G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
The house is in a fantastic location with great views from the decks and a short walk to the beach. However, the cleaning crew left a lot to be desired in terms of the cleanliness of the house. The dishwasher was loaded with dirty dishes, which were made worse by the fact that a coffee filter full of old ground had been dumped inside of it along with broken glass in the bottom of the dishwasher. Most of the glasses and the silverware in the drawer was dirty, with food still stuck to them. There were sticky spots on the floors at all levels, and the towels smelled moldy. I would highly encourage possible renters to bring all of the supplies they may need as there were no paper towels and little to no tp in the bathrooms.We still had a great trip, but it really took a day to reset the house before we could relax and enjoy ourselves.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 August 2025
Hi Kyle, We are sad that this was part of your vacation experience. We pride ourselves on a clean, well-maintained home. It looks like the last guest failed to start the dishwasher and housekeeping didn't notice. That is NOT the typical situation with our housekeepers so for that I sincerely apologize. I wish you had informed me of the conditions you found there. We would have replaced the towels and emptied the dishwasher immediately. Paper products are not provided at any of our houses; they are the responsibility of the guest. The information email spells all of that out. Sorry you misunderstood. Again, apologies for the trouble you encountered. We pride ourselves on our pristine clean, so you definitely experienced an anomaly.

About the host

Hosted by David and Laura James Owner/manager

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