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Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best!

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Beach nearby
Property grounds
Exterior detail
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
TV

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedroomsSleeps 4600 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Nags Head, NC
  • Nags Head Fishing Pier
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Jockey's Ridge State Park
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Jennette's Pier
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Manteo, NC (MEO-Dare County Regional)
    ‪18 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Nags Head

This cottage places you next to Outer Banks Beaches and Nags Head Fishing Pier. The cottage includes a kitchen, a balcony, and a refrigerator.
View more Cottages in Nags HeadOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Nags Head Fishing Pier - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Jockey's Ridge State Park - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Outer Banks Hospital - 4 min drive - 2.6 miles
  • Nags Head Golf Links - 6 min drive - 3.8 miles
  • Jennette's Pier - 8 min drive - 5.1 miles

Getting around

  • Manteo, NC (MEO-Dare County Regional) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Plaza Azteca Restaurante Mexicano - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Blue Moon Beach Grill - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Surfin' Spoon - ‬2 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best!

The Tale of A Mermaid is located on Beach Road in Nags Head across from the Nags Head Fishing Pier with great beach access. Amenities include: HVAC, YOu TubeTV, WiFi, fully equipped kitchen, front porch, screened porch, back deck, outdoor shower w/ hot & cold water, washer & dryer, charcoal grill, picnic table & outside seating. Bathroom has walk-in shower (no bath tub)

Please note: Linens are NOT provided. You will need to bring or rent your sheets, pillowcases & towels.

***You will need to provide your paper products: paper towels & toilet tissue***

Address: 3404 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959

***Sorry, pets are NOT allowed***


Tale Of A Mermaid is centrally located. Steps from the ocean, walking distance to fishing pier, restaurants & bars, seafood market, souvenier shop, flower shop and more. A short walk to Jockey's Ridge State Park...watching the sunset from atop this amazing sand dune is a must!
The cottage is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and a balcony or patio, and there's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washer/dryer, a coffee maker, and an ironing board.

Property manager

Cindy Thornsvard

Languages

English

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Shower

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Deck

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washer/dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Optional golf privileges
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 600 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.

Property is also known as

Circa 1953 Beach Cottage...this is 'old School' Beach It's Best
Circa 1953 Beach Cottage...this is 'old School' Beach It's Best

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see within easy reach of this cottage?

Guests enjoy the cottage's beach location in Nags Head based on their ratings, and it's steps from Outer Banks Beaches and Nags Head Fishing Pier. You'll also find Jockey's Ridge State Park and Dowdy Park less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at this cottage?

No, this cottage doesn't offer parking.

Is this cottage adjacent to a casino?

No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this cottage?

No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.

What do couples enjoy most about Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best!?

Amenities at this cottage that appeal to couples include a kitchen in each accommodation with kitchens in some.

Does Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best! have a hot tub?

No, this cottage doesn't have a spa tub.

Does this cottage offer breakfast?

No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this cottage allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at this cottage.

Are there connecting rooms at this cottage?

No, this cottage doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to this cottage?

The closest major airport to this cottage is Manteo, NC (MEO-Dare County Regional), which is 11.6 mi away (18 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best!?

Yes, every accommodation at Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best! comes with a balcony.

Circa 1953 beach cottage...this is 'old school' beach at it's best! Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 244 out of 255 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 255 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 255 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 255 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 255 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

sharon f.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great house

Had fun
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Glenn T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great little cottage

This was the perfect little cottage for me and my wife. Had everything we needed and easy access to the beach. The screened in porch was great for morning coffee.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracy K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Girls weekend

The Mermaids tail cottage was perfect for our girls weekend/Jeep trip. Cottage had a great location across from the beach and had everything we needed. Host was great to communicate with and would definitely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gregory Y.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Place!

Host was communicative and accommodating. The place was clean, had a great beach feel, and was in a nice central location. We loved the screened in porch for having a cocktails, coffee, hanging out, and even a quick nap in the chair! (Also, no mosquitos!) Located next to an ice cream shop was an added bonus. The place also had a nice back yard for our kid to play and had a turnaround so entering and leaving the property was easy/convenient. We would 100% stay there again
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brittany M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great experience for our honeymoon!

We loved this cottage! It was perfect for the two of us and the location was amazing. Right next to the fishing pier and easy access to the beach. The cottage decor was adorable and it was so clean! We also loved the screened in porch. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great destination!

This house was very thing we needed! Loved everything about it. Great location, decor, and simple amenities. We will stay there again
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kerianne P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Best mother daughter trip

We absolutely loved our stay. The house was perfect. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Greg W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect Beach Cottage

My wife and I absolutely loved this cottage!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jill P., United States

Liked: Cleanliness

Mermaid Cottage fun

I loved this small cottage. So perfectly decorated with comfy beds. The outside porch was a nice place to relax, too. For older adults, we needed to know about the step up to the bedrooms. Also, directions to using the TV control would have helped. Overall a convenient place to stay in Nags Head. We loved our short walks to the pier.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cathleen B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Anniversary weekend

Our hostess was totally awesome. We arrived a few hous early and she let us check in right away. The house was impeccable. Everything we expected and more. The location was great, right in the middle of fun beach activity.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Martha B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cute little cottage, good location to activities and beach.

Well kept, clean, comfortable for two people.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristi R., Virginia

Liked: Cleanliness

Getaway

We had a wonderful stay at the cottage. The location and amenities were just what we were looking for.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristen N.

Liked: Cleanliness

Loved The Little Mermaid

Perfect getaway for my mom and I! Such a charmer ~ great decor and so clean!! We especially enjoyed the screened in porch for coffee in the am or wine in the evening. We never even used the living room! Our weather was perfect ~ caught a gorgeous sunrise and dinner on the sound at sunset. Beach access was across the street, but we chose to drive a couple of blocks for a zero step entry over the dunes. Thank you, Cindy!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

lynn s.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fun at the outter banks

Peaceful stay in the cottage you can be as busy as you want or take time to enjoy your surroundings. Very near good places to eat and across from the beach.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful Beach House

Cute bungalow house across the street from the ocean. Pier across the street along with Pier House Restaurant. Jockey Ridge within walking distance. Stayed with my sister and we had plenty of room. Full kitchen had everything we needed. Plenty of room for parking. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mandi G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Always the best!

We love this beautiful property. We've stayed here 4 years in a row and plan to come back next year. Highly recommend!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ann S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Sweet and perfect

This little gem of a cottage was perfect for the two of us. Had my daughter and her husband come, I think we might have felt it cramped. What everyone says about this cottage is true. The photos represent the cute and adorable nature of it. Although you have to cross the beach road to get to the ocean, for the two weeks we stayed there, that was NEVER difficult or dangerous. Cars generally are going slowly and seem to be used to looking out for pedestrians and STOP for them. Also, the Surfin’ Spoon next door is delightful. Just a family crowd. Never noisy or rowdy. Happy people, getting frozen yogurt on the front porch or in the front yard, and then they leave. We brought a sheet to hang on the clothesline for privacy, as someone had suggested, but we took it down. It cut down on the breeze, and we realized we LIKED seeing the Surfin’ Spoon crowd and they didn’t seem to notice us at all. Didn’t hear them after bedtime, either. The cottage lacks nothing. I’m pretty critical and all I missed was a vegetable peeler and a tea kettle. HA!! I would go back if just the two of us go again. I loved taking care of it. Very homey and comfortable.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cozy, clean beach cottage with great location

This was our second time staying at the Mermaid's Tail with our two girls, and both times we have had a wonderful time. The cottage is cozy and clean, the owner is great with communication, and the location is great. There are two public beach entrances a short walk away and our girls love being able to walk to Surfin Spoon right next door. We also love the outdoor shower! And there are so many activities nearby. We look forward to coming again in the future.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie M.

Liked: Cleanliness

July Vacation

The property was very cute, great location, and would stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great week

We have stayed at this property before, and it did not disappoint. The location is perfect and the cottage is great for a small family. Hope to stay again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matthew T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Long Weekend

Easy to get to beach and nearby restaurants/bars. Showered in the outdoor shower and grilled after the beach every day. Wonderful, relaxing stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robin M.

Liked: Cleanliness

The Mermaid

Cute remodeled beach bungalow! Perfect for our small family of 3. We enjoyed hanging out on the side porch after a day at the beach and walking next door for fro yo.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great stay

Lovely and homey. Close to beach and shopping.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Larry A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Terrific property

The cottage was absolutely spotless and location was very close to the beach access. Very safe and quiet area with great off street parking.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect for a couples getaway

The cottage was perfect!!! It looked exactly like the pics online, it was very clean, the couch was super comfy & I was impressed with the bathroom!!! The shower felt amazing. And the beds were very comfortable!!! This cottage exceeded my expectations !!! Beach access is literally across the street, and the parking area behind the cottage was nice & roomy. I loved the screened in porch. I would love to stay here again on my next trip!! The property manager was very easy to talk with, she texted with me to make sure everything was ok. The location is exceptional, right next for is a wonderful ice cream shoppe, and you are only one mile from amazing dinner spot, Tortugas Lie!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023