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The Mad River Cottage

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MadRiverDesigns.com
The Mad River Cottage
Screened porch entrance
Front porch
Circa 1903

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 483.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Southport, NC
  • Southport Marina
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • The Clubs at St. James
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Old Brunswick County Jail Museum
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

2 Single Beds and 1 King Bed

1 bathroom, 2 half bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden

About this property

The Mad River Cottage

3-night minimum stay - Step inside the Mad River cottage and you will want to stay forever. Built over a century ago and surrounded by centuries-old live oaks, the two-bedroom cottage is the perfect retreat for a week or a weekend away from home. Inside you’ll be delighted by the cheerful color pallet and comfortable furnishings. Outside you’ll have the opportunity to sip your morning coffee on the small screened porch or dine al fresco beneath a lumbering live oak. You’ll be walking distance from everything the village of Southport offers—from boating to shopping to dining to fresh local seafood and of course all the famous spots featured in the Safe Haven movie—- all are just steps away from the cottage. Plus, if it’s beach time you crave, you’ll be a short 15-minute drive to all the white sand and ocean waves you can imagine! Come enjoy one of the happiest seaside towns in America and stay in the Mad River Cottage...it may be your first time but we’re sure it won’t be your last! Oh, and if you're wondering why it’s the Mad River Cottage check out this website: madriverdesigns.com, and be sure to stop by the Mad River Studio & Store for the best shopping in Southport.

Pet-friendly property on a case by case basis.

Smart TV available(no cable).

Property manager

Southport Realty
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
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

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 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

About the area

Southport

Southport is home to this holiday home. Franklin Square Gallery and North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Southport Marina and The Clubs at St. James. Bald Head Island Information Center and North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher are also worth visiting.
Map
Southport, NC

What's nearby

  • Southport Marina - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • The Clubs at St. James - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Old Brunswick County Jail Museum - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Oak Island Lighthouse - 16 min drive - 15.0 km

Getting around

  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Fishy Fishy Cafe - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Tengu Japanese Steakhouse - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Frying Pan - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Jersey Mike's Subs - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Mad River Cottage pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Mad River Cottage?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Mad River Cottage?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Mad River Cottage located?

Situated in Southport, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Franklin Square Gallery, Southport Marina and The Clubs at St. James. North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport and Old Brunswick County Jail Museum are also within 10 minutes.

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

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Karin W.

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

Quaint cottage

Lovely getaway to adorable Southport! The cottage could not be cuter or more accommodating. Easy walk to shopping, restaurants, and a stroll along the waterfront. Already looking at dates for another visit!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Matthew M.

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

Snow birds

Cute, old building, with very creaky floors. Nice screened porch. Great walkable location. Message to host took several hours to respond. Could use front window treatments.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lori H.

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

Perfect Location In Southport

Very cute cottage in downtown Southport. The kitchen was well stocked and the home was immaculate.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

jennifer r.

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

Short stay

Everything was expected and cottage was wonderful. Easy in and out and walk to everything. We will return again
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca B.

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

Wonderful

I love this house. Very cute and just enough room. Also perfect for walking to everything you you would want to see. .i definitely will stay here again. Location is perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol M.

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

My Happy Place

Very well appointed, cozy, clean, and comfortable. Southport is my happy place.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

tricia h.

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

Long weekend together

We had a lovely long weekend, relaxing in autumn. We enjoyed drinking coffee on the screened in porch and walking around historic Southport.!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracie A T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

david h.

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

June 2024

Great quiet location near everything.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leslie M.

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

Beautiful Cottage

We had a wonderful stay at the cottage! It's even more charming in person and the layout and space were perfect for us as 2 adults who love their own space. Loved the extra half bath in the back. Thank you for providing a great place in the most charming part of Southport!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carrie R.

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

Great Location!

We usually stay on Oak Island, but wanted a change of pace in Southport. The neighborhood was so quiet and lovely. We walked to the water, shops, and restaurants while taking in the serenity of it all along the way. The owners are very kind. Absolutely perfect for a long weekend getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cassie M.

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

Wonderful 3 days

Perfect cottage for a little getaway. Kitchen was well equipped. Great screened in front porch. Bed was comfortable. Perfect location for walking to everything downtown.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deborah E.

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

Location, location, location

This is the second time I have stayed at Mad River Cottage. First with my husband, this time with a friend. The house itself is spectacular. The location is perfect. Except for driving over to Oak Island for the day, we never got in our car, we walked everywhere. This is such the perfect long weekend getaway! We'll be back for sure!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chuck S.

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

Quaint Historic Cottage

We enjoyed exploring Southport walking distance to everything - the water, restaurants, shops. The classic cottage decor made for a delightful stay. The kitchen had the necessities for light meals. We appreciated the extra linens.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patti C.

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

Girls weekend reunion

Well appointed, beautifully decorated rental. The perfect place for our girls weekend! Close proximity to restaurants, shops, brewery and wine rack. Rental property also has a great home decor and gift shop near by. 5 stars!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jo N.

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

A Little Piece of Fishing Town Heaven

Quant little historic cottage in beautiful neighborhood. Loved walking into the town for dinner and shopping. We fell in love with the porch kitty, who visited us every day! Will definitely come back! Thank you so much!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

charlsey C., winston salem

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

Beautiful cottage and great location!

We absolutely loved the Mad River Cottage. Well stocked and clean. Fabulous location…can easily walk to bars/restaurants/shops. Has everything you need for a beach getaway. Thanks so much!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brent H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Would Stay Again

Great location and perfect for a party of two. Listing reflected 2 (or 4 bathrooms) when in fact there was only one full bath and one half bath. Other than that typo, this property is great. Walking distance to shops and restaurants. Would definitely consider staying in this property again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jessica C.

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

Perfect getaway!

Such a cute space and close to everything! We loved the porch!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen M., Fuquay-Varina, NC

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Fun Girlfriend trip

Great location close to bars, shopping restaurants!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer Y.

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

Lovely Cottage in Historic SPT

This quaint cottage is in the heart of historic Southport, easy location whether you want to walk, drive or golf cart around. The house is a delightfully decorated historical property. Fully outfitted with everything you need. We truly enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

JENNIFER B.

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

VACATION TIME

GREAT LOCATION AND VERY CUTE PLACE. PERFECT FOR MAY 13 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND 75 YEAR OLD PARENTS AND MY SELF. ALL HAD A GOOD TIME.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Barb K.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location
Disliked: Check-in, listing accuracy

Loved Mad River

Our stay in Mad River cottage was too short. The accommodations were nice, but we were unhappy to discover it was falsely advertised as 4 bathrooms and only had 1 1/2 in reality. We booked based on at least 2.
Stayed 13 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lark D.

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

Charming Cottage

Not only is the cottage well equipped, but the Interior Design is fun and charming. It is also conveniently located to everything Southport!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Larry R.

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

Fabulous Cottage

Wonderful cottage, great location and quiet neighborhood! Owner has thought of everything you may need in this tastefully updated and decorated cottage in the beautiful historic district of Southport. Within walking distance to downtown or just a short drive. You won’t be disappointed.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

About the host

Hosted by Southport Realty

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests