Leaning Lorelei: Light & Airy Downtown Cottage - Vacation rental home in Wilmington, NC

About this Property

• Sleeps 4
• 2 Bedrooms
• 1 Bathrooms
• Private vacation home

Leaning Lorelei is a striking 120-year-old bungalow located in the heart of Downtown Wilmington, only a 15 min walk/5 min drive to the Riverfront. Located across the street from a park and just two blocks to local coffee stores, dining, and shopping. Freshly remodeled and full of pretty architectural details, such as tall ceilings, upsized windows, and original wood floors. 2BR/1BA, 2 work desks, 2 car private driveway, modern appliances and furnishings, completely equipped kitchen.

Located in Wilmington's Castle Street Arts District, this turn of the century (the 1900 one) bungalow was originally constructed in 1903, the same year the Wright Brothers made their historic flight, and has been made new for 2023. The bungalow is an eclectic mix of new and old, blending broad renovations and upgrades with old world appeal and character.

Visiting Leaning Lorelei is like taking a trip back in time. As you enter into the sizable central hall you will immediately notice the tall ceilings, original wood floors, and an abundance of upsized windows which fill the space with natural light. That theme carries over into the two bedrooms, each equipped with a desk ideal for remote work. The front bedroom even has the original coal burning fireplace (although no longer functional) and ties into the fireplace in the living room (also inoperable). The full bathroom is packed with charm – you will adore the clawfoot tub/shower combo with a floor-to-ceiling tile surround, as well as the refinished antique sink vanity. Several stained glass windows carry the whimsical nature of the home all the way through the back door, leading you to an outdoor dining area and huge fenced yard.

The bones of the home remain intact (including that old home lean!), otherwise everything is new as of 2022. Features include 2 car private driveway, fenced in yard and back patio, new furnishings, Fiber internet, Intelligent TV with all streaming services (use your own login), record player with constructed-in Bluetooth speaker, board games, washer and dryer, 100% cotton linens and towels, USB charging hubs and sound machines in both bedrooms, and a well outfitted kitchen that comes with all the essentials (e.g., plates/bowls/cups/silverware, pots/pans/baking sheets, knife block, cutting boards, microwave, toaster oven, blender, drip coffee maker, coffee, filters, tea, etc.). Other amenities include hair dryer, iron and iron board, and shampoo/conditioner/body wash.

Appreciate coffee in the morning or wine in the evening as you relax on your rocking chair front porch overlooking Robert Strange Park. The park, located directly across the street from the bungalow, has well maintained tennis/pickleball courts (open to the public), a community pool ($3/day/adult, $1/day/kid), playground, Fit for Fun Center (kids play place), and an adult exercise center. You will find four pickleball paddles at the bungalow for your use.

Kids are welcome, but the home is not childproof (100+ year old uneven hardwoods, brick hearth fireplaces, raised transitions between rooms, etc.). Pack ‘n play and high chair supplied.

About the Area

Located in Wilmington, this vacation home is in the city center. Travelers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Battleship North Carolina, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach. Traveling with kids? Consider Cape Fear Museum and Carolina Heights.

Special Instructions

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Pet Policy

Pets not allowed

Booking the best rental home experience:

Get the best value:

• Book your rental as soon as possible. Rental schedules generally become available 12 months in advance (or in September just after Summertime ends). Many families reserve their Summer rentals during Winter holiday gatherings. Reserve before these holidays for best selection.
• Reserve your rental property in Fall or Spring to get the benefit of beautiful weather while saving money and avoiding crowded roads, restaurants, and activities. Speaking of the off-season, don't overlook Winter holidays for a Wilmington, NC vacation! Who wouldn't love a holiday vacation near the ocean? Thanksgiving and Christmas are great times to gather with friends and family at the beach.
• Some property management companies offer discounts or promotional rates for veterans. It's always a good idea to check with your host or property manager to see if rate reductions are available for your group before you book.
• Booking websites usually offer renters an option to purchase vacation insurance. Trip insurance, which will generally cost 1% - 5% of the stay price, offers visitors reimbursement of their vacation costs for missed vacation time as a result of medical-related emergencies or weather disasters, as well as ensuing additional hurricane evacuation costs, such as an unexpected hotel or extra gas expenses. Trip insurance can be a a life-saver if the unforeseen happens. Ask the property owner for more information.
• Often, property management companies supply Wilmington, NC area visitors guides which will include special deals, either offered directly by local businesses, or through a partnership between the management company and the business itself. You can also find visitors guide and coupon books at local gas stations and shopping centers.

Make a plan and choose the best Wilmington, NC vacation home:

• Start by having your family commit to vacation dates and a maximum budget.
• Determine how many bedrooms and the configuration your group requires. Leaning Lorelei: Light & Airy Downtown Cottage has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathrooms.
• Specific information regarding bedrooms and bed counts & types is normally accessible online. If you don't see them listed, call the property management company before you reserve your home. Remember that most listings specify maximum guest capacity, which oftentimes includes pull-out couches. You'll need to work out which bed configuration is optimal for your vacation.
• If your family is bringing pets, you'll need to search for a pet-friendly vacation rental. Make sure to ask for specifics on breed, size, and type restrictions. Usually, property managers charge pet deposits and fees.
• Is your group looking for unique amenities? Most websites include search filters for amenities. Filtering by amenity will allow you to quickly find the perfect rental home.
• Proper accessibility can make or ruin a vacation for guests with disabilities. Make certain to ask about specialized equipment and wheel chair accessibility.

During your stay:

• Be sure you get the property manager's contact number and arrival/departure procedures for your rental.
• Ask questions. You may want instructions for a fireplace, intercom or WIFI setup. Contact your owner. They are there to help! A brief call prevents lots of concerns.
• Lock your rental home while you're out and about. Keep your property safe!
• During check-in, record any damages to the rental property and immediately alert the property manager. Record all correspondence in case a dispute arises.
• Be a good neighbor! You wouldn't like loud visitors disrupting your home life. Practice the golden rule for common sense. Happy residents may even recommend great restaurants and places you would have never otherwise known!
• Don't forget to... Ask a local resident! Residents can typically help. Who better to ask where to enjoy a steak with a view, have a great night on the town, or the best spots for fishing?
• On check-out day, take a final walk-through to confirm you haven't forget anything. Remember to check bathrooms, garages, and back yards for hidden belongings. Clean the refrigerator and take or dispose of leftovers.
• Record a video to document the condition of the property.
• Did you have a excellent stay? Most rental managers make it easy for guests to provide comments. If your rental and/or host was fantastic, they will likely appreciate your kind words. If anything was amiss and they failed to address it within reason, or if the vacation rental wasn't described correctly, you'll want to make it a point as part of your comments.