Entire home

Charming Handmade Retreat — 15 mins to Chapel Hill

Photo gallery for Charming Handmade Retreat — 15 mins to Chapel Hill

Entry walk
"Walk-through room" with king bed and so many windows, upstairs
Wonderful, intimate conversations are what a living room is for
Large DVD collection & wood stove
Private, covered back deck off middle futon room, for relaxing or meals

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 792.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Chapel Hill, NC
  • Franklin Street
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • University of North Carolina
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • UNC Medical Center
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)
    ‪48 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Living Room

1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Full Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Charming Handmade Retreat — 15 mins to Chapel Hill

This quirky, multi-level, ecological house is ideal for enjoying a getaway in the great outdoors.
-5 wooded acres
-covered terraces for al fresco dining
-books and games galore
-giant picture windows
-wood burning stove
-fire ring (with firewood provided)
-gas range in fully stocked kitchen
-laundry on-site
-smart TV with Hulu, Netflix, and other apps
-15 minutes from Chapel Hill, UNC Memorial Hospital, Saxapahaw and Pittsboro

Our photographer described this place as "Cozy and super charming. Lots of windows and great art make it feel warm and inviting." There are more windows in this house than in most houses three times the size. Handmade feel with many artsy touches like original mosaics, wood and slate floors. A wood stove for experienced fire tenders on cold days and evenings. This is a one of a kind place that is unique and hard to find. Our guests often remark it's the most unique Airbnb they've ever stayed at, and often return many times with friends and family to make shared memories and celebrate special occasions.

NOTE: It has a very outdoorsy feel. You're likely to see squirrels, birds, maybe even a fox or raccoon. Summertimes are usually full of bugs — and they might find themselves inside your home. Cobwebs can appear literally overnight. For those weary of the great outdoors or nature's creatures, this place is not for you. We do not fumigate and choose to use natural pest management strategies whenever possible. The home is chemical and fragrance-free for easier breathing and better sleep.

The owners built the home by hand using recycled and repurposed materials. Enjoy the mosaics made from recycled tiles, the amazing re-homed picture windows and stained glass, and notice that each part of the home was built with love and appreciation for the materials used. Rustic and eclectic, this eco-retreat is truly a work of art that stands in collaboration with nature.

KITCHEN: The kitchen is well stocked with pots, pans, spices, cooking oils, salt and pepper. There is a gas stove with 4 burners for those who like to cook. We also have an oven, microwave, and toaster oven. Full fridge and freezer — we have ice cube trays but no ice maker. French press for coffee, blender, and magic bullet, too! Organic coffee, half and half, and a selection of teas are also supplied for your enjoyment.

BATHROOM: The upstairs bathroom has a clawfoot tub and also rainfall showerhead. We recently added shampoo, conditioner, and body wash so that you don't have to bring your own.

BEDROOMS: The two bedrooms are located upstairs. Note that you must pass through one bedroom to get to the other. Both have their own doors for privacy. We also have a twin day bed and a full futon downstairs for additional sleeping. (Please be sure to properly indicate the number of people in your reservation so that our housekeepers can be sure to leave you with an appropriate number of linens and towels!) Because this an eco-retreat with sustainability and the environment top of mind, linens are cotton and washed with natural, fragrance free laundry detergent.

OUTDOOR SPACES: You've got a privtae outdoor patio upstairs off the bedrooms -- as well as an outdoor back covered patio complete with fan and patio lights! Seating for 4 at the outdoor table on the back patio.

FIRE RING: Skilled fire tenders are welcome to use the fire ring and even help themselves to our firewood. Please be very careful if you decide to start a fire.

Guests will have the entire right-hand "house side" of the property including private covered outside decks, one on the second floor, and one out back. There is a second very small "en suite" Airbnb unit on the left-hand "Suite" side of the house. You may hear each other as you share a wall — and may see each other in the front shared parking lot. Otherwise each space is private with no shared spaces.

If you'd like to book both places at the same time for a 3BR/2BA stay, click on Erin's profile to find the Storybook Retreat and book that instead. (Art, Beauty, Nature is the studio if you only need a small space for 2 people.) Our calendars are up-to-date, so what you see reflects true availability.

Available by text to answer questions or summon help from close-by manager or relative in case of emergency.

Attractions:
Franklin Street - 9.6 mi
Kenan Stadium - 10.4 mi
The Barn at Valhalla - 7.5 mi
The Carriage House - 115 mi
The Barn Chapel Hill - 6.5 mi
Lavender Oaks Farm - 7.8 mi
Cat’s Cradle - 10 mi
Saxaphaw Ballroom - 10.8 mi
Restaurants / Cafe / Bar :
Saxaphaw General Store Cafe (Saxapahaw) - 11.7 mi
The Mod (Pittsboro) - 12.8 mi
Food Market/ Grocery/ Pharmacies :
Lowes Food´s – 8.5 mi
Harris Teeter – 9.6 mi
Weaver Street Market – 11.3 mi
Saxapahaw General Store - 12.8 mi
Aidan’s Trading Post - 1.9 mi
Walgreens -16.0 mi
CVS - 8.4 mi
Hospitals:
UNC Hillsborough Campus - 18.2 mi
UNC - 13.0 mi
UNC Children’s Hospital - 11.9 mi
Duke Regional Hospital - 27.5 mi
North Carolina Speciality Hospital - 27.9 mi
Lenox Baker Children´s Hospital - 27.6 mi
The NC Cancer Hospital - 27.6 mi
Duke Children´s Hospital and Health Center - 22.8 mi
Airports :
Burlington Alamance Regional Airport - 24.5 mi
Raleigh - Durham International - 28.7mi
Siler City Municipal - 23.2 mi
Gas Station:
Mobil – 8.8 mi
Exxon - 9.6 mi

You will need a car although Uber and Lyft have provided rides in the past. Not sure about the current status. If you don't like driving country roads this is not the place for you, but it really is only 12 minutes from Carrboro.

Caution to older and physically challenged people, including kids: There are stairs and many levels in this house. Not a good place for those wanting a single-level place. The only bathroom is upstairs unless you book Storybook Retreat instead (then you'll have one bedroom and bathroom downstairs and one bathroom and two bedrooms upstairs).

PET FEE: Well-behaved pets are welcome with a $50 fee (per pet) per stay. Please inquire about our pet policy.

CANCELLATIONS
The cancellation policy applies to all bookings. An additional $150 cancellation fee will be charged to cover credit card processing and admin fees on all cancellations.

RENTER'S AGREEMENT
A signed renter's agreement is required for all reservations, as well as a picture of a government-issued photo ID and a picture of your credit card used to book showing only the last 4 digits and your name. This is to prevent credit card fraud and is meant to protect you as the renter and us as hosts.

DEPOSIT
We require a $300 deposit for each reservation, which will be processed 3 days before your arrival. As long as there is no unexpected damage to the home, deposits are automatically refunded in full in 7 days.

Property manager

Erin Lenhardt
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
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: dogs less than 9 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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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 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 and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Chapel Hill

Located in Chapel Hill, this holiday home is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at University Lake and Keith Arboretum, while Cooper Mays Pottery and Carrboro Century Center are cultural highlights. Great Meadow Park and McIntyre's Fine Books and Bookends are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Chapel Hill, NC

What's nearby

  • Franklin Street - 16 min drive - 16.6 km
  • University of North Carolina - 16 min drive - 18.3 km
  • UNC Medical Center - 18 min drive - 19.5 km
  • The Preserve at Jordan Lake - 30 min drive - 29.2 km
  • Duke University - 33 min drive - 36.1 km

Getting around

  • Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Fiesta Grill - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Kraken - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Fuel Up At Perry Harrision - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪John's Pizza - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Hilton Brothers - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Charming Handmade Retreat — 15 mins to Chapel Hill pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Charming Handmade Retreat — 15 mins to Chapel Hill?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming Handmade Retreat — 15 mins to Chapel Hill?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Charming Handmade Retreat — 15 mins to Chapel Hill located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of Grovepark, Quailview Recreation Area and Great Meadow Park. Constellation Park and Park at Briar Chapel are also within 9 miles (15 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. 13 out of 18 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 18 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 18 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 18 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dolly L.

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

Early Christmas with family.

My husband and daughter and son in law enjoyed our stay so much. We were able to spend some time with our oldest daughter and her family.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Woodley W.

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

Fun & Funky

If you are like us and enjoy staying at places that are fun, funky, original, clean and comfortable you will love it. In the woods with tons of windows, I liked it more after each hour we spent here. Great communication from owner. Would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephen P.

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

Quick trip

Great stay … fun quirky house.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Daniel P.

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

Tranquil retreat

Lovely house set it the woods, plenty of space well equipped kitchen, close to chapel hill and Carboro.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

Visit to Pittsboro

The property was nice and clean. Easy check in process. Thankful my dogs could stay with us. Was unaware there was a studio attached that is also rented out, but the people and their dog staying were nice.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cathie R.

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

Vaca

Good
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jody P.

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

Hidden homemade house gem!

Spent an overnight at this hidden homemade gem of a house for an annual girl's night getaway. This unique property nestled in the woods provided a cozy, unique housing experience for us to land after a day tubing. Beautiful surroundings and yet close enough to explore Pittsboro for a bit to eat. Erin was so accessible and answered my questions promptly. Would come back again! Jody
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie S.

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

Wonderful home in the woods

We had a fantastic stay! Erin was super communicative and we really appreciated that she turned the lights on for us as we arrived in the dark! The house was charming and comfortable and had everything we needed. The beds were comfortable and there were several pillow options to choose from. The kitchen was fully stocked with cookware. There was a great DVD collection as well as a library full of books. The house would not be suitable for anyone with mobility issues, as there are lots of level changes/steps and the one washroom is upstairs. None of these were issues for us, just something to be aware of. We would definitely stay here again. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Jon P.

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie M.

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

Charming Handmade Getaway in the Woods

An eclectic and memorable handmade home tucked in the woods for some quiet reflection. Great windows span each room and a cozy wood burning stove warms the heart. Bedrooms are upstairs and lots of separate spots including a center room and large kitchen to read books, play games and share a conversation. An outside deck upstairs and porch with table in the back. A lovely time watching fall set in!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nathan K.

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

Cottage in a great area

Close to Chapel Hill, private and tucked back in the woods. Plenty of amenities, quiet and an enjoyable stay. Would return.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

SANDRA R.

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

GETAWAY IN THE WOODS

This property was beyond comfortable and we spent most all our time outside on the covered patio eating our meals, playing cards and enjoying our friendship with each other as we had not been together with for a long time with all the Covid 19 pandemic issues. We did not have any problems with bugs and it had rained off and on. The view from inside was like you were outside and we kept saying it was a slice of heaven there. Thank you for the awesome property and we hope to return some day in the near future.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

Pamela B.

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

Private setting

The home is located on a wooded setting. There are two rentals in the same home: a main house and a smaller attached studio. We did hear the other guests through the attached walls. The property was clean. The kitchen was stocked but some of the cookware/utensils need an upgrade. Also, the linens are due for the same upgrade. Overall, the stay was what I expected.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laura R.

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

Lovely little cabin

If you are looking for some charm in the woods this would be the place to stay. It is very quaint. Not large ,but enough room to have our family over for dinner. It would be lovely when you can spend some time outside but I might be concerned about insects. My only complaint was I wish there was some heat in the bathroom, it was cold. A few extra dinner/salad and serving plates would have made dinner for my company easier. They have nice filtered water available, cloth napkins and they fact that they are fragrance free is a real bonus. While I didn't actually cook, I brought everything with me, there is a gas cook top, a nice wood burning oven and lots of glassed in rooms provided peaceful views. The hosts were easy to communicate with and it is close to many places you would visit in the area. I would stay again.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021

4/10 Poor

Leanne C.

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, listing accuracy

Didn’t even stay

We were unhappy with the massive spiders that lived in the house, this property was not as advertised and the owners stopped responding when we contacted them about it
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

8/10 Good

Tia C., Chapel Hill, NC

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

Quick Sunday Stay

Peaceful place back in the woods. As the place states, there are bugs at times. But as soon as we put out food on the table, little bugs came out of no where and started flying around the food. We constantly were swatting things away. Loved the back porch with the lights at night. Cute handmade home.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tamera G.

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

Tranquil getaway

Unique and lovely home. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Moira C.

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

Quirky home in the woods:)

The property was just what I expected from description. We only stayed one night but we had a very nice time. The NC woods are beautiful.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021

About the host

Hosted by Erin Lenhardt

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests