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10 Unique Places To Stay In North Carolina That Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
Few things are more exciting than planning a getaway in North Carolina. One could easily dedicate an entire lifetime to exploring all of the unique places to stay in North Carolina, from boutique hotels to mountain cabins, castles, and just about everything in between. The next time you’re looking to plan an unforgettable vacation in the Tar Heel State, you might consider any of the following unique places to stay in North Carolina.
Treehouse Rentals In North Carolina
Who hasn’t dreamed of spending the night in a treehouse in North Carolina? Here in the Tar Heel State, we have some absolutely marvelous treehouse rentals that are sure to take any getaway to the next level… literally! These are some of the most unique rentals in North Carolina.
1. Tree House on the Farm
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2. Fairy Tale Treehouse
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This Fairy Tale Treehouse is truly something special. While it's not far from the hustle and bustle of busy Asheville, this North Carolina treehouse truly feels worlds away from it all -- in the very best possible way. This treehouse was built via an episode of "The Treehouse Guys" and while it's definitely Insta famous, this treehouse is as accessible, welcoming, and wonderful as the beautiful Tar Heel State herself.
Tiny House Rentals In North Carolina
Intrigued by tiny living? Consider the following cozy tiny house rentals in North Carolina the next time you’re looking for a quiet little getaway — literally!
3. Tiny House with New River View
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- Address: Todd, NC
- Size: This 200 sq. ft. tiny home has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom and sleeps up to 4 guests.
- Price: $82/night
- Amenities: Super affordable with a tiny price tag, beautiful outdoor space with a deck/patio and lovely lawn, master bed with a queen-size, pillow-top mattress, fully equipped kitchen with granite counters, farmhouse sink, gas appliances, and a smart TV.
- Ratings: 4.9/5 stars
This tiny house is big on everything *but* space -- though its floor plan is so spacious and open that it doesn't feel small at all. Located 15 minutes from the heart of Boone and overlooking the New River, this custom-built tiny house on wheels offers guests an affordable and unique High Country escape.
4. Tiny House in Downtown New Bern
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- Address: New Bern, NC
- Size: This 250 sq. ft. tiny cottage has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom and sleeps up to 3 guests.
- Price: $89/night
- Amenities: Cozy living space, kitchenette, keyless entry, loft-style bedroom, close walk to downtown.
- Ratings: 4.9/5 stars
Experience tiny house living at its best when you book a getaway at this Tiny House in Downtown New Bern. Located an easy walk from area restaurants and attractions, this delightful tiny cottage is a wonderful "home base" that, with its ample outdoor living space, doesn't feel small at all.
Beach Houses For Rent In North Carolina
Looking for the perfect beach getaway? You’re in the right state! Check out the following dreamy beach houses and cottages for rent in North Carolina and let yourself get swept away in your very own Nancy Meyers movie!
5. Castle on the Sea
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- Address: Rodanthe, NC
- Size: This beautiful beach house has 5 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and sleeps up to 11 guests.
- Price: $292/night
- Amenities: Waterfront location with amazing ocean views, heating/AC, TV and Internet, massive outdoor patio with a private pool.
- Ratings: 4.9/5 stars
Your jaw will drop to the ground upon arriving at Castle on the Sea, a luxurious beachfront rental in romantic Rodanthe, North Carolina. With an expansive master balcony overlooking the ocean, an on-site pool, and loads of high-end amenities, you'll be spoiled for life after staying at this impossibly charming Castle on the Sea!
6. Classic 1935 Oceanfront Beach Cottage
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- Address: Kitty Hawk, NC
- Size: This beachfront cottage has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and sleeps up to 6 guests.
- Price: $395/night
- Amenities: Open living room with vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, full kitchen, and panoramic ocean views.
- Ratings: 5/5 stars
Charming and retro, this 1935 Oceanfront Beach Cottage in Kitty Hawk is a delightful place for a coastal getaway. With the beach quite literally *in* your backyard, you'll be over the moon to discover this classic-yet-modern cottage from the '30s! It's perfect for those who are looking for cool places to stay in North Carolina.
Mansions For Rent In North Carolina
The Biltmore is easily the most famous mansion in North Carolina, and many a builder has been inspired by this opulent and historic estate. If you’re looking to enjoy a night or two in the lap of luxury, these mansions for rent in North Carolina offer just that:
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- Address: Buncombe County, NC
- Size: This 6700 sq. ft. mountain mansion has 7 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and sleeps up to 16 guests.
- Price: $1,031/night
- Amenities: Stunning views of Sunset Mountain, minutes from downtown Asheville, panoramic views from every room in the house, high-end appliances, and luxurious, spa-like features in both bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Ratings: 5/5 stars
This Luxury Mountain Home is an amazingly romantic and rustic retreat in one of the most beautiful regions of North Carolina. With its walls of windows, this beautiful contemporary home is filled with light and cheer and situated on 2.2 acres with memorable views of the western North Carolina mountains and the City of Asheville. The day and nighttime show that nature puts on from the master bedroom windows is particularly breathtaking. You'll go to sleep each night with the city twinkling below you from each bedroom. You're all but guaranteed total R&R at this stunning mountain mansion in North Carolina!
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- Address: Holden Beach, NC
- Size: This 8,300 sq. ft. mansion on the beach has 16 bedrooms, 17 bathrooms, and sleeps up to 60 (!!) guests.
- Price: $3,133/night
- Amenities: Indoor elevator, huge pool, oversized Great Room, smart technology and TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, chef's kitchen with 3 refrigerators and a 10-burner stove... the amenities are many in this mansion!
- Ratings: 4.9/5 stars
Wow is all we can say about this Waterfront Mansion on Holden Beach. Not only is the location to.die.for, but luxe amenities like an indoor elevator, a massive deck with a pool *and* Tiki bar, massive bedroom suites, and high-end appliances and technology make this home a dream. And with an ADA-accessible room, this NC mansion is a place everyone can enjoy!
Castles For Rent In North Carolina
Admit it: you’ve wanted to spend the night in a castle. Same! Guess what? You don’t have to be royalty to live like a king or queen. Simply book one of these castles as they are some of the most fun places to stay in North Carolina, and be prepared for the royal treatment!
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- Address: Buncombe County, NC
- Size: This 650 sq. ft. treehouse castle has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom and sleeps up to 4 guests -- kings or commoners!
- Price: $450/night
- Amenities: HVAC, high-speed Wi-Fi, gas log fireplace, gourmet kitchen, two full bathrooms with heated tile floors, 1,000 sq. ft. wrap-around deck with an outdoor shower with endless, yes endless, hot water!!
- Ratings: 5/5 stars
Castle, but make it a treehouse. That's the magic that awaits at this romantic rental in Buncombe County. Nestled high above the forest floor, Carolina Jewel is easily one of the most unique places to stay in North Carolina. Custom built by quality craftsmen and artists, this high-flying dwelling started out as a "tree house" and morphed into a "Tree Castle" -- and it truly is befitting of royalty!
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- Address: Mitchell County, NC
- Size: This glorious castle has 7 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, and sleeps up to 16 guests.
- Price: $2,395/night
- Amenities: A private chef and concierge services, an expansive Great Room with marble floors, fine paintings, an extravagant Swarovski crystal chandelier, and a 4,000-foot high balcony with stunning views make this VRBO truly one of a kind.
- Ratings: 5/5 stars
Known simply as Smithmore Castle, you'll feel like royalty when you book a stay in this wholly unique accommodation in North Carolina. This real-life castle offers exclusive stays curated specifically for your booking. Upon arrival, you will immediately be taken by the magical views of this "Castle in the Sky." Once you've checked in and relaxed, a gourmet, 3-course dinner prepared by renowned Chef Benjamin will be served at 6 p.m. in the Royal Dining room. That's not all, either: your stay will also include a Royal Breakfast served at 8 a.m. on the castle's majestic private balcony! The only downside? After a stay in this North Carolina castle, you will be totally ruined for life and not up for returning to life as a commoner!
Our list of unique places to stay in North Carolina just begins to scratch the surface of our state’s incredible accommodations. Which of your favorites might have missed the list? Be sure to share them with us in the comments below!
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More to Explore
unique places to stay in North Carolina
What are the most unique hotels in North Carolina?
The state of North Carolina is filled with beautiful places to stay. From rustic cabins in the mountains to charming coastal inns, you'll never run out of unique places to spend the night in the Tar Heel State. If you're curious unique hotels in North Carolina, you'll want to check into the following places:
- The Umstead Hotel & Spa. Located in Cary, this beautiful hotel has topped many a list of the most unique places to stay in North Carolina. The beautiful landmark overlooks a private lake and can be found on 12 acres of woods in the heart of the state. Luxurious accommodations, soaking tubs, and serene views are what await you here.
- Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville
- The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill
- Green Park Inn in Blowing Rock
- Marshall House Inn in Marshall
- The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte
- The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte
- The Durham Hotel, Durham
What are the most unique getaways in North Carolina?
North Carolina offers an impressive array of beautiful accommodations, ranging from luxurious to rustic. As you can tell by our list of some of the most unique places to stay in North Carolina, the Tar Heel State has no shortage of options! Other unique getaways in North Carolina include:
- The Chetola Resort
- The Pines Country Inn
- The Engadine Inns and Cabins
- Bear Den Mountain Resort & Campground
- Proximity Hotel, Greensboro
- The Fearrington House Inn, Pittsboro
- Old Edwards Inn and Spa, Highlands
Of course, the above offerings are merely the tip of the iceberg in terms of unique getaways in North Carolina!