Inspired by traditional Nordic architecture visible in its lustrous black exterior, this vacation home rental in North Carolina fuses classic, hardwood interiors with Scandi-minimalist furnishings. Its sunny upper level goes a little retro-boho, featuring two queen nooks under the angular eaves, divided by a hip den outfitted with pouf seating, a vintage turntable, macrame and built-in screens and cubbies.

With its cool, dark exterior to absorb the coastal sunshine, this Nordic chic Sunset Park bungalow by the LBGTQIA-owned, designer hospitality portfolio Dreamers Welcome does what they do best around the world—cultivate comfort and belonging, and present inspiring design. One hundred percent laid back, yet very intentionally curated, this sweet in-town property is lined with windows and set with comfy spaces for lounging inside and out. Bedrooms are made for deep sleep. The bathroom comes with bespoke toiletries. And the big backyard patio and green are perfect for post-beach unwinding, cocktail in hand.

AROUND

This vacation home rental in North Carolina is located in Wilmington. A port city on the Cape Fear River and coast of North Carolina, it is known for its historical homes and buildings, busy Riverwalk and three nearby islands, with beaches ideal for varied pursuits from surfing to seashell gathering to simply sunbathing. Softened by Spanish moss that spills from the twisting limbs of centenary live oak trees, downtown Wilmington is early American picturesque. Streets of brick are flanked by Victorian mansions and scenic colonial architecture, and horse drawn carriages gallop past boutiques, cafes, shops, and galleries within a vast National Register Historic District covering more than 200 city blocks. 

Chartered sightseeing cruises ride up and down the river, past waterfront seafood shacks-turned-restaurants and boisterous bars and breweries, and the town’s riverfront was voted “America’s Best,” busy with trolleys, theaters, a waterfront park and performing arts center along the water. Carolina Beach’s main draw is its vintage boardwalk, reachable in about 15 minutes from the home, but it also features a state park with white-sand trails and scenic river views, and fishing charters are another draw. 

Kure Beach (less than 20 minutes away) is home to the oldest Atlantic coast fishing pier and a historical fort. Family friendly, with an old-fashioned beach resort ambiance, Kure Beach also has an oceanfront park, a nearby aquarium with alligators, sea turtles and otters, and a long wide ribbon of near-white sand with plenty of room to spread out. Wrightsville is the beach haunt of the hip and healthy. Known for great surfing, the beach is also home to a variety of wellness/sports outfitters. Rent an SUP; strike a guided beach yoga pose; jog “The Loop” trail or grab a wildlife sighting cruise or fishing charter. Fresh catch dining options are abundant, and beach bars and boutiques keep the down time active, too.

LOCATION

Wilmington, North Carolina. Nearest airport: Wilmington (approximately 5 miles)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: March to November