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★ Serene Forest Home ★ Near Duke & Trails ★ Dog Friendly★ Families Welcome ★

Photo gallery for ★ Serene Forest Home ★ Near Duke & Trails ★ Dog Friendly★ Families Welcome ★

Terrace/patio
Outdoor dining
Living area
Living area
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6125.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

Map
Durham, NC
  • Duke University Hospital
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Cameron Indoor Stadium
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Duke University
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)
    ‪26 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

Loft bedroom

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

★ Serene Forest Home ★ Near Duke & Trails ★ Dog Friendly★ Families Welcome ★

Join our wonderful cohort of regular guests who call this property their Durham "home away from home!"

• Charming home nestled in beautiful oak forest at the end of a residential street.
• Home features first-floor living with a loft, which provides a third semi-private bedroom or TV room, plus space for exercising, working or reading.
• Hours of walking trails start at the top of the driveway, leading to, and through, the Eno River State Park.
• An easy 10-minute drive from Duke University and Medical Center.
• Comfortable, adjustable queen-size Sleep Number beds (one with trundle); linens and towels provided.
• All the comforts of home, including bedroom blackout curtains, exercise equipment, charging stations, umbrellas, tissues, washer/dryer and more.
• Fully equipped kitchen, including side-by-side refrigerator, glass-top stove/oven, dishwasher, coffee maker, toaster, pots, pans, dishes and Tupperware.
• Basic pantry items provided, such as salt and pepper, spices, flour, sugar, olive oil, basic condiments, tea, honey, and coffee to start your first morning.
• Simply arrive and unpack!

Enjoy a forest view through the large skylights in the high ceiling above the open living/dining area. Sip coffee, tea or wine in comfortable seating on two private decks. Snuggle up to free movies from Amazon Prime on the smart TV s. Be near, but feel far, from everything.

This home is ideal for travelers joined by a small-medium size dog or two, visiting scholars, couples and families, parents visiting students at Duke, patients and families visiting or receiving treatment at Duke Medical Center (ask about our medical discount), traveling doctors and nurses, solo travelers and anyone seeking peaceful time in a beautiful setting.

A few more details:
• The primary bedroom has a queen-size Sleep Number bed, and a private, enclosed deck off the back of the house.
• The second bedroom has a Smart TV, a queen-size bed Sleep Number bed with a sateen comforter set, a twin-size trundle bed with a high-quality 8" mattress (twin linens provided upon request).
• The 400-square-foot loft has a large forest-view skylight, is outfitted with two desks and reading chairs, as well as a queen-size IKEA sofa bed.
• The Loft can be set up as a third semi-private bedroom upon request (this space is separated from the rest of the loft by a door and lattice wall).
• We welcome families with young children: A twin air mattress, pack-n-play, high chair, gate for the bottom of the stairs, children’s toys and books are available upon request.
• A play area in the side yard includes a small slide, a children's picnic table and a sand box.

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: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children welcome!
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Pets welcome with approval.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking anywhe on premises is strictly prohibited.

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
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Durham

Located in Durham, this holiday home is on a river. Bennett Place and North Carolina Civil War Trail are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Sarah P. Duke Gardens and Museum of Life and Science. Travelling with kids? Consider Wheels Fun Park, or check out an event or a game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Durham, NC

What's nearby

  • Duke University Hospital - 8 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Cameron Indoor Stadium - 9 min drive - 7.8 km
  • Duke University - 9 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Duke University Chapel - 10 min drive - 7.5 km
  • Durham Performing Arts Center - 11 min drive - 10.8 km

Getting around

  • Durham Station - 10 min drive
  • Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Cookout - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is ★ Serene Forest Home ★ Near Duke & Trails ★ Dog Friendly★ Families Welcome ★ pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at ★ Serene Forest Home ★ Near Duke & Trails ★ Dog Friendly★ Families Welcome ★?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at ★ Serene Forest Home ★ Near Duke & Trails ★ Dog Friendly★ Families Welcome ★?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is ★ Serene Forest Home ★ Near Duke & Trails ★ Dog Friendly★ Families Welcome ★ located?

This family-friendly Durham holiday home is located on a river, within 3 mi (5 km) of Eno River State Park, Common Ground Theatre and Bennett Place. North Carolina Civil War Trail and Umstead Pines Golf and Swim Club are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 85 out of 94 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 94 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 94 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 94 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 94 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Michael D.

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

Relaxing

Visited during Thanksgiving. The home was welcoming after spending time with our family at another location. Trails nearby were an added plus.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Catherine L.

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

Perfect retreat

Super comfortable house! It's surrounded by trees, and we were visited by several deer while we were there. It was very quiet, and the blackout curtains made it easy to sleep late or take naps. It's just down the street from other houses though so it didn't feel too remote. If I am in the area again, I will definitely stay again. Thanks for sharing your lovely home.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Frances P.

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

Charming Durham retreat

This property was perfect for our needs and exactly as advertised: a cozy, well maintained, and charming retreat on a quiet wooded property. It was immaculate and Laura and Brad were great to work with. We highly recommend it.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carol B.

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

Peaceful get away

Peaceful and beautiful setting. Loved seeing the deer everyday!! Best well stocked kitchen of any place we have ever stayed. Great location close to shopping, restaurants and of course Duke University!! Great hosts. Laura checked in a couple of times to make sure everything was going okay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joe N.

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

Perfect!

This was the perfect place for us - we loved the location and the home was just what we were hoping for. Communications with the owners were perfect and I couldn't have asked for more. Thank you!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steve W.

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

Great wooded location but near everything

We were very happy with this property. Very comfortable beds, thoughtful touches everywhere and an attentive host. Would readily stay here again if in the area.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary Elizabeth M.

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

Perfect for a family of 4

We LOVED our stay and only wish that we could have stayed longer. We were two adults and 2 kids aged 5 and 7 and had plenty of space. The kitchen was very well stocked and had everything we needed for a few meals at home. It was so helpful to have laundry in the house when a trip to the Eno River quickly led to swimming in our clothes :) Laura was extremely helpful and we so appreciated the kids toys and board games. We hope to come back during a future trip. A full day swimming and relaxing by the Eno River was highlight as were the Duke Gardens. Beautiful area!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Craig O.

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

Perfectly peaceful

This property was well equipped with everything we needed. The property was quiet and peaceful while also having access to forested walking trails. We enjoyed the trails and also the close proximity to Duke med center and shopping. The owners are extremely helpful and we would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 44 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wolfgang T.

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

Third time staying was just as lovely as the first time

This was our third time staying at this property and we loved it just as much as the first time. This property has become our home away from when staying Durham.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jocelyn G.

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

Beautiful stay!

Such a beautiful home in the woods, booked this stay for family as we were in town for a nearby festival. The hosts were so friendly and accomodating during their stay, they truly thought of everything! The nearby trails was an added bonus, we enjoyed seeing the local wildlife.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wolfgang T.

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

Secluded stay in the woods

This is an exceptionally well kept and well appointed property. The images shown are true to what you will find. The sleep number beds provided us with restful nights of sleep. This was, is, and will be our place to stay in Durham.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donna A.

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

Lovely Forest Home

We had a great stay at the Durham forest home! Everything was perfect!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eric M.

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

Perfect Place to Relax

We stayed here for 6 nights while my daughter had surgery at Duke Medical. This place was the perfect place to go back to after a long day at the hospital every day. Quiet, extremely easy to get to the hospital. The place was stocked with all cooking utensils needed. Everything was exactly as represented. The property owners were very polite and accessible. They even shipped some clothes that were left in the laundry to me. We are headed up to Durham in a few weeks for her post op and will probably try to book again then. Please follow the speed limit on the road the house is on. There are deer everywhere.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Luisella H.

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

House in the woods

Laura’s house is in a beautiful setting of tall trees and quiet, at the end of a road that leads to walking trails. The house is equipped with everything you need for an extended stay and it is very welcoming. We enjoyed our stay very much, although we didn’t spend much time in the house. I would definitely recommend Laura and Brad’s place to other travelers!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jetta T.

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

Forest Bliss

Perfect quiet restful home for 2 or 4. Location excellent for everything Durham. Comfort and ease. Highly recommend if being close to Mother Nature is your blissful place.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jolene N.

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

Peaceful retreat close to everything

We enjoyed a peaceful stay at the Forest House. Loved being close to everything and having an easy home to reside in. Kitchen is well stocked and got to make a nice chowder during the cold weather. Loved the trail access. Excellent internet service. Hosts was extremely helpful!
Stayed 22 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris K.

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

Our hiking home in the woods

We had a fantastic stay here! The trails in Eno River State Park are so easy to access from the end of the driveway. We saw deer nearly every day. The forest was quiet and secluded. Shopping and downtown Durham are easy drives. We'd definitely stay here again.
Stayed 60 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

John M., Tampa

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

Great spot in the woods

Location is great, hiking in the Enos River state park out your door..
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sue W.

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

Great place to stay!

Great overall experience. Second visit, just wonderful!
Stayed 23 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Donna B.

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

Peace in the woods

Our stay was wonderful! Home was very clean and cozy. Saw deers close to the house just about every day. Will definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Erika M.

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

Lovely stay!

We loved staying at this beautiful home in the forest! The owners were very easy to communicate with and the location was perfect for us. When we return to Durham in the future, we would be very happy to stay here again.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

David E.

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

Peaceful recovery

This is one of the quietest neighborhoods. It doesn’t feel like you are only ten minutes away from Duke Medical Center. I recently traveled to Duke for surgery. We knew I’d be hospitalized for several days. We booked this home so that my wife would have some place to stay nearby. It’s an easy 10-15 minute drive to the hospital (closer to ten than fifteen except afternoon rush hour). There are plenty of restaurants and grocery stores within a few minutes drive. Anything we needed was a short trip. The house is just right for a small group (up to 4 adults, more if you have smaller kids or an adult who doesn’t mind sleeping in the loft). The living space is perfect for relaxing and reading. The bathroom shower/tub has a hand hold for getting in and out which I appreciated. There is also a separate handheld shower head which was beneficial for me. The kitchen is on the smaller side but well equipped. More than adequate for a small family or group. I enjoyed the Spring weather and spent a lot of time on the front porch. The azaleas were in bloom and the surrounding woods were serene and peaceful. We have spent a good deal of time in and around Boone/Sugar Grove, NC. It’s that kind of quiet. The owners were fantastic. I ended up needing a few more days convalescing prior to making the four hour drive home. They worked with us and extended our stay for a few days. They communicated well with us before, during and after the stay. There are clear instructions in the house covering most every question. Internet works fine so mobile devices work and mobile signal is fine as well. I don’t think you can find a better place to stay if you are in Durham with a smaller group. I imagine it would be perfect for a family to bring kids to their first Duke basketball game and stay for a long weekend. I know it’s cliché to use perfect in these descriptions but I can’t seem to help it. I’ve already recommended this place to several friends who are Duke alumni. Consider this wonderful little hideaway that is deceptively close to just about everything if you’re going to be staying in Durham. I’m confident you won’t be disappointed.
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joan K.

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

Long stay

My husband and I stayed at Brad and Laura's Forest Home for a little over a month while waiting for our new home to be completed nearby. The home is exactly as advertised and was fully stocked with all the kitchen and bath supplies/equipment that anyone could want, including a pound of freshly ground coffee in the freezer for our first morning! The house backs up to a small creek and woods which are great for taking walks and spotting deer early in the morning.. The location is very quiet, peaceful and relaxing but also close to Durham restaurants and nightlife if you're looking for it. We had a delightful stay there and would recommend it.
Stayed 31 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Faye C.

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

Peaceful retreat.

We stayed here for twelve days during the end of January. The home was very cozy and warm. Everything you could possible want was provided. The owner’s communication was thoughtful in making sure we were comfortable. We enjoyed the forest around the home and walking the trails down to the creek. Thank you for sharing your sweet place with us!
Stayed 12 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mavis F.

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

Charming house by the forest

This is a small but charming property in close proximity all amenities. We especially enjoyed our morning hikes in the nearby Eno State Park. Host Laura was a pleasure to work with.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022

About the host

Your host

Host profile image
This was our home for years. We were married next to the Eno River within walking distance of the home and our reception was held on the deck afterward (in April when the azaleas are in full bloom)! With the birth of our second child we moved to nearby Chapel Hill. We love this beautiful forest location so much that we couldn't bear to part with it and instead now share it with others through VRBO. We still visit often.

Why they chose this property

What makes this property unique

We love to walk the miles of nature trails that begin at the end of the driveway and lead to the Eno River. The Eno River trails are a favorite in our family- they provided the backdrop for our wedding and we still walk them often!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests