This vacation home places you within a 10-minute stroll of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site and Museum. The vacation home includes a private pool, a kitchen, and a fireplace.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
Rodanthe Beach - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site and Museum - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
Rodanthe Pier - 4 min drive - 2.1 miles
Getting around
Manteo, NC (MEO-Dare County Regional) - 40 min drive
Restaurants
Watermen's Bar & Grill - 5 min drive
Waves Coffee & Candies - 3 min drive
Hatteras Bowls - 5 min drive
Dough Shack - 3 min drive
Beads & Beans OBX - 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.
Dog-friendly, idyllic beachfront house with private pool, hot tub, AC, & deck
New in our program, this home has many great reviews from past guests.
Have a whale of a good time on your next vacation at The Knotty Whale with water views from every window! This bright and beachy ocean-side home offers plenty of stylish comforts for the whole family, pets included! You'll have four bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, wraparound decks, and a private hot tub and pool, all just steps from the beach.
On the first floor, you'll find plenty of room to find your own private escape in one queen primary bedroom, a second queen bedroom, and a twin bunk with a trundle room. The queen and bunk bedrooms share a spacious full hallway bathroom. The kids will also love the open bonus area with an additional set of twin bunk beds. All four of these rooms open out to the first-floor deck, and all three bedrooms have TVs. The first floor is also home to the stacked washer/dryer in the hallway laundry closet and the hot tub on the beach-facing deck just outside the second queen bedroom.
But as much as you'll love the first floor, the main floor will have you hooked in no time. Wall-to-wall views of the sparkling blue waves are reflected in the fun and chic nautical style of the open living room, kitchen, and dining area. Here you can spread out but still spend plenty of time together with comfy couches around the living room fireplace, a dining table for six, and a neat island bar with seats for four. Make your way outside to the top deck for the perfect spots for dolphin watching or a cup of coffee at sunrise.
The main floor is also where you'll find a primary with a TV and a private deck. This spot is ideal for soaking up those Hatteras Island sunsets over the sound. Back on the sandy ground level, enjoy The Knotty Whale's refreshing private pool or an easy walk to the beach. An elevated outdoor shower makes rinsing off easy after a day in the sand and sea. This home is sure to be your family's new favorite vacation spot, so make a splash and book The Knotty Whale today!
Things to Know The private pool will open seasonally from 04/01/2026 and close 10/10/2026. Dates are subject to change. New for 2026 Bidet in each bathroom, EV Charger, and living room furniture. “For your safety and security, the entrance to this home is monitored by camera. Any attempt to dismantle, move, or tamper with the camera device in any way is a violation and additional charges may apply.”
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 3.5 bathrooms, and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a private pool, a washing machine, and a fireplace.
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Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Electric car charging station
Unit size: 1,837 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 5:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25
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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Note from host: Children allowed
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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 indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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: 5:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 25
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
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.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
Property is also known as
1006934
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do within easy reach of this vacation home?
Located steps from Rodanthe Beach, this vacation home is in Rodanthe, and within a 10-minute walk of Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station Historic Site and Museum. You'll also find Pamlico Sound and Salvo Beach within a short drive.
Is there parking available at Dog-friendly, idyllic beachfront house with private pool, hot tub, AC, & deck?
Yes, there is an electric car charging station available.
Is this vacation home next to a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, this vacation home doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.
What amenities will couples enjoy at Dog-friendly, idyllic beachfront house with private pool, hot tub, AC, & deck?
There are many amenities for couples at this vacation home, including a private pool and a fireplace in each house, and some feature ocean view.
Are there hot tubs at Dog-friendly, idyllic beachfront house with private pool, hot tub, AC, & deck?
No, but this vacation home does have a heated pool.
Does this vacation home include breakfast service?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?
Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.
Are there connecting rooms at Dog-friendly, idyllic beachfront house with private pool, hot tub, AC, & deck?
No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
Where is the closest airport to this vacation home?
The closest major airport to this vacation home is Manteo, NC (MEO-Dare County Regional), which is 29.6 mi away (40 minutes by car).
Are there rooms with balconies at Dog-friendly, idyllic beachfront house with private pool, hot tub, AC, & deck?
Yes, every house at Dog-friendly, idyllic beachfront house with private pool, hot tub, AC, & deck comes with a balcony and some offer ocean views.
Dog-friendly, idyllic beachfront house with private pool, hot tub, AC, & deck Reviews
Reviews
8.2
Very Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 73 reviews
10 - Excellent
26
Rating 8 - Good. 31 out of 73 reviews
8 - Good
31
Rating 6 - Okay. 13 out of 73 reviews
6 - Okay
13
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 73 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 73 reviews
2 - Terrible
3
7.8/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
8/10 Good
cathy s.
Jan 4, 2026
Clean, comfortable and nicely furnished.
cathy s.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
8/10 Good
Kenneth M., Inwood wv
Sep 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
The home as well as the location were great! The problem I had was the Ac on the upper unit did not work the entire time of our stay. I did contact the rental company. Their response was, that the home had sensors that could detect when the doors and windows were open for to long. That did not resolve the issues.
Kenneth M.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
6/10 Okay
Garrett S.
Sep 28, 2024
Disliked: Cleanliness
Not impressed
For starters, we arrived at the house to find the road completely flooded (king tide, so I understand, but a warning would have been nice). Then, when inside, found the vents to be completely covered in thick dust, lots of dust throughout the house, wet couches, sand everywhere, a moldy shower curtain liner, a fully rusted shower curtain rod, a moldy cooler with moldy water on the deck, junk and trash in the kitchen drawers, cooking pans/pots need replaced and required extensive scrubbing for any meal cooked. Our stay was Sunday-Saturday and while issues were reported Sunday night, we didn’t hear back until Wednesday. There are whole light fixtures missing/hanging from the ceiling, light bulbs out all over the house and pool area. The price says $60 per day for pool heat but there’s a bunch of taxes on top of that. Constant issues with WiFi. There is NO BEACH in front of the house. The entire shoreline has changed in rodanthe and there is no where to “set up” to have a beach day. There are stained pillows and gross baby equipment in the closet. The grounds are so unkept you have to fight plants to get into your car. Overall highly disappointed and dissatisfied in our stay. These are not issues you should have to deal with on vacation.
Garrett S.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024
8/10 Good
Cody L.
Sep 20, 2024
Our week at the knotty whale
A couple cleanliness issues (dirty windows, dusty air vents) issues with amenities (none of the coffee pots worked properly and the direct tv stopped working on the first night) but nothing that ruined our stay. I loved the location so close to the ocean, but it’s already eroded a house next to it into the ocean. I’m worried how long there will be any beach left. The neighbor in the small house next to us was rude to anyone that came within 20’ of his property and yelled for them to leave.
Cody L.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kendra k.
Apr 9, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Clean, great views but needs a few minor repairs
We enjoyed our stay The house clean and presented like the photos. There are a few minor repairs needed. The stove top cooks on high all the time. Corner cabinets doors in the kitchen are coming off the hinges, blinds in the master bedroom and bath on the first floor are incomplete, table in master up stairs is broken and the dryer takes two cycles to dry anything, There is limited large pans for cooking for a larger group, number of towels provided are enough for a day so your doing laundry daily. There’s a trick to locking the doors which we don’t know the first night, you have to lift on the handle in order for the lock to turn. I know I listed a number of items but they are all minor things and can be easily addressed and did not have a negative impact on our stay or opinion of the rental. Other rentals we’ve stayed in had a guest book. This would be a great idea as previous guest and future can write in it and leave tips and experiences for new guests. Items of restaurants, must see or do’s etc.
Kendra k.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024
8/10 Good
Kaitlyn P., Oxford, Pennsylvania
Dec 18, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful House
This house was beautiful and we loved the quiet location. It was spacious and had a great view of the ocean and stars. Only thing I would say that needs improvement were the washer and bedroom comforter. The washer smelled very funky and had black stains in it.. and the comforter was very stained and had fur all over it. Other than that, we enjoyed our stay!
Kaitlyn P.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023
2/10 Terrible
Mazie L.
Dec 7, 2023
Disliked: Cleanliness
Unclean beachfront
The house could be absolutely wonderful but its dirty. So much hair on the fitted sheet of one bunk bed, it appeared maybe a haircut occurred on it and the comforter. The air filter was full on the a/c indoor unit. Heaven know how dirt the one is upstairs above the master bedroom. Only 2 small closets but they are full of stuff and a small hanger on one bedroom door. The kitchen was still dirty from the previous renter. Food all over the stove, countertop and baking soda spilled on the refrigerator top shelf. All floors were sandy, not a little either. There was almost 1/4 cup of sand under the cushions on both dirty sofas. Two vacuum cleaners had no bags but were run without a bag and both had short black hair and sand. Dishes in the cabinet had water in them. A beautiful house, with a beautiful view with so much potential but the cleaning service is horrible. After we got the place cleaned up we had a great time but it took a lot of work on our part to get the house clean. I will say the bathrooms were clean. But the comforters were dirty, the floors were dirty, kitchen was dirty. Kitchen and dining room light fixtures were greasy and dirty. Dining room table finish is sticky. I feel for the owners because their beautiful home is not being maintained
Mazie L.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
8/10 Good
Sharon C.
Sep 25, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
BEACH love
The property was great, super location, nice pool and hot tub. Generally clean. Cleaning as far as under beds, behind things and extra blankets could use improvement. Had to leave two days early because of storm surge, flooding of roads. They wouldnt refund because no evacuation order, even though governor declared state of emergency.
Sharon C.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023
6/10 Okay
Gail H.
Sep 10, 2023
Positive and Negative
We arrived at the Knotty Whale on 9/2/2023. We were aware of the steps but not aware that we could not access the third level (main level) without going completely around to the back of the house to get to the door to the inside stairs. The one bunk room does not have a door. No privacy. The one queen room does have a private bathroom. The other queen room has to share a bathroom with the bunk rooms. One towel for each of us for the week. Luckily there are laundry facilities on the first level so we were able to wash towels.
The property manager, Robert, I will give a 1/10. When we first started talking with him he was nice, but when I called later, closer to our arrival time - I had asked for chairs to be placed around the pool. He thought my concerns were "trivial" and that I was "convincing" myself that I would not have a good vacation. There were a total of 6 lounge chairs by the pool which was very much appreciated so we could have somewhere to sit when we were not in the pool. I texted Robert at 8:49 AM on 9/8 telling him that our upstairs was set for 72 but was reading 80. I called Vacasa 3 hours later and was informed he didn't put a ticket in. KUDOS to Brittany from Vacasa - she immediately put a ticket in for our A/C issues on 9/8 so we could have a comfortable night. She deserves an 11/10 for customer service. Alex, the maintenance guy who came to assess our issue, went above and beyond to check the unit. He deserves above a 10 as well.
Gail H.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Trudi H.
Aug 7, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful location, drinking my coffee and being right on the beach was wonderful! Great pool!
Wonderful company to work with, if you need anything they are right on it!! Great house with a very nice pool area and hot tub! Love love location! Downstairs air needed to be cooler, if set at 68 it was 78, couldn’t get it cooler than 78.
Trudi H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Susan B.
Jun 17, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing property
The house was exactly as pictured. House was very clean and well-appointed. It had everything you could ever need in the kitchen. Location was great to the beach. If I had one thing I would change it is more seating in the living area. It sleeps alot of people but the living room only seats five at a time. It was very comfortable and I will definitely book again and again. Vacasa was responsive and helpful when contacted.
Susan B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
8/10 Good
Betsy W.
May 13, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great place
It was lovely. The only thing I would change is the stove. Front burner has no settings. It's always on high
Betsy W.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
8/10 Good
Angela M.
May 5, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great week in Rodanthe
This was as advertised with lots of room, a few steps from the beach, beautiful sunrises and close to restaurants. Also central location to explore Pea Island and the Hatteras National Seashore.
Angela M.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023
8/10 Good
Karen S.
Apr 22, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Family memories
Wonderful home - perfect location. Quiet. Pool & hot tub are an added bonus. 9 year olds loved the pool. We pd extra to have it heated in the off season. Proximity to the beach is awesome, & the views (sunrise / sunset were spectacular.
Opportunities for improvement. More seating on both the top & lower decks, A hammock in the shade on the lower deck would be great! The mattresses should be replaced. There were a few other minor maintenance & cleanliness issues.
Karen S.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveler
Feb 11, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Views, views, views both inside and out
The pictures don't do the views justice. Beautiful sunrise every morning from the kitchen table with huge windows and tons of natural sunlight. You can even catch the sunset as well from the master balcony. House was spotless and great communication with the property manager on check in and throughout stay. The inside was equally impressive. We went in the winter so was great to have such a relaxing atmosphere inside as well when not listening to the sound of the ocean and watching the stars from the hot tub. Would definitely recommend. Thanks for a great stay!
Verified traveler
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
Raisa C., Charlotte, NC
Nov 28, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful house excellent location!
Loved this house & location, we all enjoyed walks on the beach, the view of the ocean from every window & hot tub was perfect. We will be back.
Raisa C.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022
10/10 Excellent
Melinda M.
Mar 14, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Off-Season Getaway
Our family stayed at The Knotty Whale for a week in February. The house was very clean and kitchen is well-appointed. We had amazing views of the ocean and enjoyed watching the dolphins swim by. It was great relaxing in the hot tub in the cold winter wind. The only minor complaint was the mattress in the master bedroom was rather thin and lacked support. Overall, we highly recommend and would stay in this house again!
Melinda M.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2021
8/10 Good
Kimberly A.
Dec 15, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing vacation
Stayed during off season so price was excellent. Area is not commercialized so lots of little small businesses rather than big chains. Close to the beach and great views for dolphin watching or just relaxing and listening to the waves crash on the beach. Enjoyed staying and would rent this house again.