Elsie's House On Howard Street

Elsie's House On Howard Street House in Ocracoke Island

9.9 / 10.0

Outstanding(105 Ratings)

House in Ocracoke Island, NC

8 guests · 4 bedrooms · 4 baths

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating

High-end valuePrice for this property is higher than average in the area

Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Air conditioner and more

About this house rental

Nestled among the live oaks, Elsie's House on Ocracoke's fabled Howard Street, a quiet sandy lane in the heart of the village, is just steps away from Silver Lake harbor, shops and restaurants. It was originally built from ship's timbers in 1888 on occasion of the wedding of Simon Garrish to Sarah Howard. It stayed in the family and was last occupied by Irvin Garrish, Ocracoke's first Hyde County Commissioner and ferry Captain and his wife, Elsie Ballance Garrish, the island nurse. Local islanders fondly remember them 'holding court' from the front porch swing, greeting those passing by the shady lane.

In September 2019 Hurricane Dorian flooded our beautiful home and Elsie's was forever changed. We found ourselves on a long wait list to have the house lifted and rebuilt. During this time we reimagined Elsie's rebirth - a place for families and friends to enjoy space to gather together while also providing room to relax and spread out. We kept the charm of the original home while adding new, spacious rooms, additional bedrooms and baths, porches and decks on each of the three levels.

Open the front door and you will be welcomed by the airy space and beautifully reclaimed heart of pine floors. The great room features comfortable seating and a 75 inch smart TV, a well stocked brand new kitchen with items for cooking and dining, and a convenient pantry/laundry. The original part of the home is filled with a cozy parlour, a dining room, and a private den with a 50 inch smart TV.
There are four unique bedrooms, two original to the home and two added. Elsie's has grown from a one bath home to a three and a half bath plus TWO outdoor showers! You will find comfort from the elements with dual central heat and air and unlimited on demand hot water system.
Outdoor living is yours on the many porches and decks.

Experience the relaxed slow pace of Ocracoke finishing a good book, taking a walk to Springer's Point, riding the waves on the beach, kayaking to Teach's Hole, biking around the village, enjoying a fine meal, or sailing into the sunset...you can do it all and then come home to the warm lantern glow of Elsie's House.

Amenities

Air conditioner

Kitchen or Kitchenette

Internet / Wifi

Parking

Laundry

Balcony or Patio

Dishwasher

Garden

Family friendly

Map of Ocracoke Island, NC

Nearby attractions

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

27.3 mi

Cape Lookout National Seashore

28.6 mi

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Original Location

27.8 mi

Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge Admin Building And Visitor Contact Station

25.8 mi

$$$$

Elsie's House On Howard Street

$$$$

9.9 / 10.0

Outstanding(105 Ratings)

House in Ocracoke Island, NC

8 guests · 4 bedrooms · 4 baths

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating

High-end valuePrice for this property is higher than average in the area

Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Air conditioner and more

About this house rental

Amenities

Air conditioner

Kitchen or Kitchenette

Internet / Wifi

Parking

Laundry

Balcony or Patio

Dishwasher

Garden

Family friendly

Map of Ocracoke Island, NC

Nearby attractions

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

27.3 mi

Cape Lookout National Seashore

28.6 mi

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Original Location

27.8 mi

Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge Admin Building And Visitor Contact Station

25.8 mi

Ratings and reviews

9.9 / 10.0

Outstanding(105 Ratings)

10.0 / 10.0

Nov 2020

Quaint house great location

Quaint house great location

Perfect for a long weekend getaway! Centrally located so perfect for walking most places.

10.0 / 10.0

Oct 2020

Historic Howard Street

Historic Howard Street

When you drive the length of Ocracoke Island, you are driving on the Irvin Garrish Highway. Elsie’s was this man’s home. The history of the island and this house are palpable as you read the many books provided by the owners. All the modern conveniences in what should be a stop on any tour of the island. Like Arnie, we’ll be back.

10.0 / 10.0

Oct 2020

Historic Charm

Historic Charm

Charm and History from 1888 on beautiful Howard Street with Modern convenience. Loved Elsies Home

10.0 / 10.0

Oct 2020

Heaven on Howard Street

Heaven on Howard Street

We loved the peace, quiet, and charm of Elsie’s House, which has been beautifully restored. The open kitchen had all you need for cooking and baking, dishwasher, new frig. The beds were super-comfortable. We loved the outdoor shower and spent lots of time on the front porch. It’s a great place to read and have coffee In the morning or wine with friends in the afternoon. The house is centrally located on the most beautiful road on the island. It’s a quick bike ride to restaurants, the beach, the lighthouse; no need for a car. I highly recommend Elsie’s House!

10.0 / 10.0

Sep 2020

Great week

Great week

Had a fantastic week at Elsie's Cottage. Spent as much time as we could on the lovely covered porch, or in the kitchen cooking fish from the market. Hosts were very responsive and kind. Would definitely stay again.

10.0 / 10.0

Sep 2020

Don't Think Twice

Don't Think Twice

What can you sat about the perfect stay. Everything exactly as described except even better! If it's available; Book It.

10.0 / 10.0

Sep 2020

August week in Ocracoke

August week in Ocracoke

We had a wonderful time in this historic house. One thing I did not expect was how well we slept in the king bed upstairs. The mattress is really nice and the room is quiet and dark at night. You might bring your own pillows, but if you do, you will have some of the best rest of your life. My only serious complaint, and this is outside of the owners control, is that the mosquitos on the porch overwhelmed us morning, day and night despite various defenses, including DEET and a natural mixture as well. Bring some military grade repellent. In addition to the mosquitos, the no see ums are also thriving on the island and will bite you wherever they find you outside. Inside, of course, this is no problem. The air conditioning is very strong. Despite its age you will have no problem being cool and comfortable. I host a rental property as well, and my only feedback would be to provide dish soap and laundry detergent. Visitors should bring their own to be safe or you will pay island prices at the variety store. Personally I have no problem bringing sheets and towels and this is stated clearly in the listing. I do wish the listing mentioned to bring your own soap (minor quibbles). Still absolutely a five star property. The real reason to stay here however is that this is one of the few remaining historic options in Ocracoke and the Outer Banks in general. It is beautiful and charming in every respect. If you do not care about this, that’s fine, but out of the hundreds of OBX listings I have browsed, this is the only one that had any of this charm. But if you like pastels, plastic furniture, and Salt Life stickers, you should rent elsewhere. The political posters of Irvin Garrish’s time as Hyde County Commissioner were a nice touch. The post hurricane new appliances make it extremely livable as well. Would absolutely come back to Elsie’s House on Howard Street.

10.0 / 10.0

Aug 2020

August beach trip

August beach trip

This is our 4th year in a row going to Ocracoke and staying on Howard St. We had a great time at this house. The kitchen was fabulous to cook in and my family of 5 had plenty of room in this spacious house.

10.0 / 10.0

Aug 2020

Charming cottage

Charming cottage

This cottage totally captures the ambiance and culture of the bygone era of Ocracoke. Modern amenities in historic cottage. The owner was very responsive to one minor need. If you need more than one bathroom for your group this is not your place but if you can work around that this is a sweet, clean climate controlled house.

10.0 / 10.0

Jul 2020

Love this cottage.

Love this cottage.

My husband and I brought our two grandchildren for a 4-day stay. We wish we would have made it for longer. Lovely 3 bedroom cottage with all the comforts of home. We hope to return again in the next year or two.

10.0 / 10.0

Jul 2020

Wonderful getaway!

Wonderful getaway!

This was our fourth visit to Elsie’s house on Ocracoke. It is our favorite place to stay! The location can’t be beat and we always feel at home. After being cooped up in our house the last few months, it was the perfect change of atmosphere that we needed.

10.0 / 10.0

Jun 2020

Memorable, beautiful week in Ocracoke

Memorable, beautiful week in Ocracoke

First time to the island. What an adventure. Bikes, fishing, surfing, clamming, and swimming swimming swimming. Loved it.

10.0 / 10.0

Jun 2020

History Abounds!

History Abounds!

What a gem! If you love history and older homes this is the place for you! We really soaked in the gorgeous setting, the yard and porch swing, best outdoor shower in Ocracoke, and all the wonderful details in this legacy-filled cottage. The owner is so easy to work with and has a wonderful sense of humor! We’ve stayed in many homes in Ocracoke, and this one was very comfortable for our family, ample for large family dinners and game nights. Enjoy, Elsie’s House!

10.0 / 10.0

Jun 2020

OBX at its best!

OBX at its best!

Kathy is an amazing host. Rapid and clear communication. Her property guide is very well written. The property itself is an absolute gem in the middle of Ocracoke village. Very quiet neighborhood. The inside is the perfect mix of modern, rustic, and historic charm. You can’t go wrong!

8.0 / 10.0

Jun 2020

Great Location

Great Location

Elsie's House is a wonderful historic home on Howard St in the heart of Ocracoke. It is a quaint home with many historic features and we enjoyed our stay. The parking area for two vehicles is very tight getting in and out so take care. The beds were as described and very comfortable. Several items were not working well during our stay including the television remote, the coffee maker and the oven's broiler and we informed the owner. Overall, a great location to stay on Ocracoke.

10.0 / 10.0

Aug 2019

Elsie's house on Ocracoke is a special place!

Elsie's house on Ocracoke is a special place!

Last year we booked our return trip to Elsie's house as soon as we returned home and the return trip was as good as the first. Beautiful, well kept property, great communication with the owner and a fantastic location on the amazing island of Ocracoke. A wonderful family vacation we will never forget!

10.0 / 10.0

Aug 2019

Excellent house tight in the heart of ocracoke village, close to everything.

Excellent house tight in the heart of ocracoke village, close to everything.

Easy rental process and great to deal with, we had no issues with the house. Loved it thank you we will be back

10.0 / 10.0

Aug 2019

Great authentic Ocracoke cottage.

Great authentic Ocracoke cottage.

We really enjoyed our stay here. It was clean and comfortable and decorated nicely. Stocked with games and things to do. My family loved the tree swing in the yard. The one bathroom on the 1st floor was the most difficult part and the only drawback.

10.0 / 10.0

Jul 2019

We loved the house, exactly as described. Old world charm, but all the modern amenities. Would ren

We loved the house, exactly as described. Old world charm, but all the modern amenities. Would ren

Would rent this property again!

10.0 / 10.0

Jul 2019

At home on the beach

At home on the beach

This sweet cottage has a farm house feel in a relaxing laid back little town ( not to mention you are at the beach)!

FAQs

How much does this house cost compared to others in Ocracoke Island?

The average price for a rental in Ocracoke Island is $278 per night. This rental is $73 above the average.

Is parking included with this house?

Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Elsie's House On Howard Street. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this house?

We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.

Is Elsie's House On Howard Street pet friendly?

Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"

What amenities are available at Elsie's House On Howard Street?

We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, and laundry.

Explore similar vacation rentals in Ocracoke Island

Explore all rentals in Ocracoke Island

Beachfront

10.0 / 10.0

Outstanding(65 Ratings)

Beachfront Beauty on Northern Pond

Elsie's House On Howard Street

House in Ocracoke Island, NC

Reasons to book

About this house rental

Amenities

Map of Ocracoke Island, NC

Nearby attractions

Elsie's House On Howard Street

House in Ocracoke Island, NC

Reasons to book

About this house rental

Amenities

Map of Ocracoke Island, NC

Nearby attractions

Ratings and reviews

FAQs

How much does this house cost compared to others in Ocracoke Island?

Is parking included with this house?

Is there a pool at this house?

Is Elsie's House On Howard Street pet friendly?

What amenities are available at Elsie's House On Howard Street?

Explore similar vacation rentals in Ocracoke Island

Ocracoke Island travel inspiration

Related vacation destinations

Keep exploring