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Private Island Sanctuary in the Maritime Forest, Stunning Views & Modern Architecture

Family-friendly stay with in-room kitchens in Bald Head Island

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Photo gallery for Private Island Sanctuary in the Maritime Forest, Stunning Views & Modern Architecture

A cozy cabin interior with a wooden ceiling, large windows, a sofa, a table, a chair, and a wood-burning stove.
A modern kitchen with wooden beams, large windows, a central island, and stainless steel appliances.
A spacious kitchen with a central island, wooden ceiling beams, and large windows.
A room with wooden floors, a dining area with wicker chairs, and a view through a glass door.
A spacious living area with a fireplace, wooden ceiling beams, and large windows offering views of the outdoors.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Bald Head Island, NC
  • Place, Bay Beach
    ‪21 min walk‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Bald Head Island

Middle Island Plantation stay.Your stay at this Middle Island Plantation vacation home places you within 2 miles (3 km) of Bay Beach and Bald Head Island Conservancy. Also, Kent Mitchell Nature Trail is within 3 miles (5 km) and Caswell Beach is within 6 miles (10 km).
View more Vacation Homes in Bald Head IslandOpens in a new window

Getting around

  • Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • Fishy Fishy Cafe
  • Locals Family Diner
  • Market Cafe
  • Oliver's on the Cape Fear
  • Frying Pan

About this property

Entire place

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

Private Island Sanctuary in the Maritime Forest, Stunning Views & Modern Architecture

BEST FEATURES!

Private home
Great nature views!
3 golf carts!
Screened in porch and deck space in main living area
Pet free house, house is hypoallergenic

A Saltmarsh Retreat sits on nearly two acres of maritime forest on Middle Island's Dogwood Ridge — surrounded entirely by undeveloped land, conservation preserves, and the tidal waters of Cape Creek and Bald Head Creek. Live oaks and palmettos reach down to the creek's edge, and the only sounds are wind through the marsh grass and water lapping at the shore. This is Bald Head Island at its most wild and unspoiled.
The home was designed to place you inside this landscape. The top floor opens into a soaring great room with 360-degree views over the salt marsh and tree canopy. At the heart of it is a fully equipped chef's kitchen — an exceptional place to cook, where you're chopping vegetables and pouring wine while the marsh stretches out before you and the light shifts over the water. Meals flow naturally from the kitchen out onto the adjoining deck, with unobstructed views toward the marsh. After dinner, this is the perfect place to relax under the stars.
Inside, pine paneling and flooring, vaulted ceilings, and thoughtful architectural details give the home a warm, handcrafted character. A screened sleeping porch, outdoor shower, and private soaking tub bring the outside in at every turn.
Saltmarsh Retreat sleeps 12 across five sleeping spaces — four spacious rooms on the second floor and a bunk room on the ground level — with 2 full baths and 2 half baths throughout. Three golf carts are yours to explore: East Beach and miles of pristine shoreline are just a five-minute ride down Cape Creek Road, with a market and shops equally within easy reach.

Three golf carts are yours to explore: East Beach and miles of pristine shoreline are just a five-minute ride down Cape Creek Road, with a market and shops equally within easy reach. You'll also have keys to a private beach access exclusive for Middle Island properties, just a quick golf cart or bike ride away"
For those seeking an escape that's genuinely away from it all — immersed in nature and beautifully appointed — A Saltmarsh Retreat is it.

**We cannot guarantee ice makers or water dispensers to be operable in the rental
Tram Reservation Address: 28 Dogwood Ridge


Turn Date in PEAK SUMMER SEASON: SUNDAY

Club Option for separate purchase: NO MEMEBRSHIP OPTIONS AVAILABLE

**Club memberships are different for every house and depends on dates. For club rates please contact the clubs directly or go on their websites. We do not control club rates or availability

Pet Free- House is Hypoallergenic (no pets allowed)

Golf Cart: (2) 4 pass golf carts, (1) 2 pass golf cart

Coffee Maker: Regular Coffee Pot

Grill Type: Gas

Bikes: NONE ** We DO NOT guarantee bikes, beach towels, beach umbrellas or beach gear

Crockpot: No

Highchair or Booster and Pack and Play will be provided with this home

Beach Chairs: 4

WIFI: Spectrum highspeed internet (Password information will be located on fridge)


Interested in Rentals?
**Riverside Adventure Company provides bikes, beach chairs, kayaks, & beach umbrellas for rentals (910.457.4944) http://www.riversideadventure.com
**Coastal Urge provides bikes, SUP paddle boards, Skateboards, body boards, and surf boards rentals (1800.383.4443) https://coastalurge.com
**Cary Cart Company provides golf cart rentals (910.457.7333) https://www.carycartco.com/bald-head-island-rentals/


**Linens and bath towels are included in rental

**Elevator not available for use due to new law

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster
  • Water dispenser

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near the marina

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • 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)
  • Deadbolt lock
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Water dispenser

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 35

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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

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 deadbolt lock
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    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. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Great Private Home Middle Island House Bald Head Island
Great Private Home Middle Island Bald Head Island
Welcome Saltmarsh Retreat Bald Head Island House
Welcome Saltmarsh Retreat Bald Head Island
Welcome Saltmarsh Retreat
Saltmarsh Retreat Great Private Home on Middle Island
Great Private Home on Middle Island!
379320
Welcome Saltmarsh Retreat House
Välkommen Till Saltmarsh Retreat på Bald Head Island!

Frequently asked questions

How close is Private Island Sanctuary in the Maritime Forest, Stunning Views & Modern Architecture to the airport?

This vacation home is 38.3 mi (48-min drive) away from the Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Private Island Sanctuary in the Maritime Forest, Stunning Views & Modern Architecture have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

How close is Private Island Sanctuary in the Maritime Forest, Stunning Views & Modern Architecture to the beach?

This vacation home is 19.7 mi (65-min drive) from Carolina Beach and 0.1 mi (1-min drive) from Caswell Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Private Island Sanctuary in the Maritime Forest, Stunning Views & Modern Architecture offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Private Island Sanctuary in the Maritime Forest, Stunning Views & Modern Architecture?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

What time is check-in at Private Island Sanctuary in the Maritime Forest, Stunning Views & Modern Architecture?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Private Island Sanctuary in the Maritime Forest, Stunning Views & Modern Architecture?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does Private Island Sanctuary in the Maritime Forest, Stunning Views & Modern Architecture have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does Private Island Sanctuary in the Maritime Forest, Stunning Views & Modern Architecture have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Private Island Sanctuary in the Maritime Forest, Stunning Views & Modern Architecture to downtown Bald Head Island?

This vacation home is 2 mi away from Bald Head Island.

Private Island Sanctuary in the Maritime Forest, Stunning Views & Modern Architecture Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 45 out of 53 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 53 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 53 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 53 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 53 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent space for families and people who like the quiet, shady marsh of BHI. We visited with multi- generational family and the space worked beautifully.A few tips: we didn’t realize the first few days there is a private beach at the end of Cane Creek Road, accessed by the key with the B. We also didn’t notice at first the brown garbage can in the garage for recycling. There were plenty of beach chairs and three bikes as of late May.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spring Get Away

Really enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend getaway

We loved exploring the island and riding bikes everywhere.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Love Salt Marsh Retreat

This is our second stay and it feels like an exotic home away from home. Top floor is such a great place for the family to spread out and relax! Can’t wait to book again.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Perfect private getaway on BHI!

We loved staying at this unique modern home in Middle Island Plantation! We especially loved having the living room & kitchen on the second floor with all the windows & the open floorpan, it felt like living in the treetops. I would highly recommend this lovely home, thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2018
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect retreat

This was our 2nd time staying and it was even better than the first. The house is perfect. The kitchen is great for cooking. New golf carts are a great upgrade. Very relaxing week.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Privacy

Loved the privacy
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Such a special home, off the beating path

We’ve stayed at this house many times and always enjoy it. It feels like a tree house. We love the privacy, marsh views, and all the wonderful nature sounds. We will certainly be back again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful, unique home in paradise

The location of this home is incredible, with views of the marsh and a short golf cart ride to the beach. The house itself was very comfortable, light-filled, and well-appointed with everything we needed. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

The Salt Marsh Retreat is Awesome!

We visited the island to support our daughter as she ran the 51 mile Badwater Cape Fear. The house was a perfect place for a family gathering over a four day weekend. It was equipped with everything you need on the island. Highly Recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beach week

Our stay was great and the setting was nice. Beds were very comfortable but the pillows could use some upgrade. Loved all the natural light and windows on the top floor. The grill did have several small And large cockroach type bugs. Over all the house was nice.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved our stay!

This place was perfect for us. We’ll be back. The design and craftsmanship is extraordinary. I’m surprised it hasn’t been featured in architectural publications or maybe it has been and we missed them. We loved all that plus that it was private, sort of “at one” with nature, super clean, has great outdoor spaces, well maintained carts and a great light filled kitchen and living space.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect!

Perfect location, perfect house, and very attentive hosts. Anything we needed or had questions about, was a call/text away and we got a quick response. The house was nestled perfectly by the marsh. 3 carts for 8 people made transporting to and from the house very easy. I have nothing bad to say about the house or the hosts. I hope we can stay here again next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Relaxing and secluded

We loved it! Very well appointed home in a part of Bald Head we didn't even know existed! We loved exploring a new part of the island and since it's our 5th year coming back to the island, this has been our favorite house. You just can't beat the elevator to help with your luggage and groceries, 3 golf carts so everyone can go where they want. My teenagers had a blast and everyone had their own space. Thanks, Brandy, for an awesome vacation house.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Off into the woods

We loved having a Whole house and we lived in the kitchen. Great Thanksgiving trip. We also loved having the three golf carts so people could split up. Basement area was smaller than photos maybe the photos were taken with a wide angle lens but we ended up living upstairs in the kitchen.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Everything and More

My family and I have actually been coming to BHI for almost twenty years (in fact my husband and I were married in front of Captain Charlie's Station) and this is only the second time we have rented on the island. (friends have a home that was severely damaged recently) I told my husband that I did not want to rave too much about this wonderful home because it is absolutely PERFECT! This was the cleanest home that i have ever stayed in and everything is so well planned and thought out. the attention to detail is amazing! It was everything that we wanted as it was just like,"old BHI" and natural and secluded with dirt roads and just nature and relaxation. Thank you for sharing your piece of paradise with our family. We cannot wait to return!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic, secluded retreat

We loved our stay at this property. It was tucked away in a cul-de-sac on the marsh. It was extremely private and peaceful and exactly what we were looking for. If you’re looking to escape from the hustle and bustle, this is a choice location on Bald Head Island. The property was meticulously maintained down to even the plants both inside and outside of the home which is unusual. You can sense the attention to detail of the owners and their care for every little thing. The house is a beautiful and well fabricated open concept modern design that our family, (54, 42, 11, 8, 4) adored. Very safe as well, despite having a rambunctious toddler on the premise.. Easy access to the south beach and Maritime market, etc. If you are somewhat of a reclusive eco-hippy like we are, this is a choice spot on Bald, Head, Island which is already in Moore, private destinations in most mainland offerings.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
Archival

4/10 Poor

Could be great, but THE MATTRESSES!!!!

This house does not have mattresses- the bed consists of foam pads on a plywood base (in every bedroom) . It was severely uncomfortable and we can't believe someone would rent a house with this type of "bed", esp as a vacation spot. Also, the linens were old, threadbare, and the pillows were strange. We did not find the furniture to be something you could relax into (old/worn) . Of the 5 bikes that were advertised with the house, only 2were rideable and many had flat tires. Brandy, the property manager, did not respond to a few of my queries, including number of bikes, beach chairs, etc. But on a positive note, the overall house was great (well equipped kitchen, nice views, private). Loved having the upper porch to eat dinner overlooking the marsh. It was nice to have multiple carts. We can tell the owners love the island as much as we do, but should seriously reconsider the bedding for renters!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous house and location but has a wasp problem

We had a lovely stay at this house. All of the other reviewers accurately describe the wonderful location and privacy of the house. The kitchen was well-equipped, and the house had gates for the stairs that made it very family-friendly. Proximity to the private beach access was also wonderful. We have two primary complaints: the cleaning staff were running behind, so we didn't get into the house until 45 min after the designated check-in time. In their rush to finish up, they didn't restock essential items (e.g., one of the bathrooms was out of toilet paper). BHI services staff was responsive to my email and delivered toilet paper and paper towels early the next morning. The biggest issue were the number of wasp nests around the house; the house is in desperate need of a thorough wasp treatment. During the course of our week-long stay, we had 10 wasps inside the house, 3 in a back bedroom, 1 in a bathroom, and 6 in the kitchen/living room. We suspect there is an entry point for the wasps because we were deliberate about only using the garage door and making sure we went in and out quickly after we found the first few wasps. I communicated this to the BHI Services staff, but no one was able to come out and take care of the outdoor nests during our stay. I would jump at the chance to stay at the house again, but I strongly recommend a thorough pest treatment!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house in nature

Excellent stay! The beach and the golf carts are certainly a plus! We would have liked more tennis courts to play on the island and it is surprising there is not more coordination between the tram and the ferry! Baggage can get delayed: we waited 2 hours going back to Southport
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquil as you like

The hype is real. The privacy you get is enough to make this property worth the price of admission. Plenty of space, perfect views and convenience for multiple families at a time. We will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful special place on a beautiful part of the island

Wonderful special place on a beautiful part of the island. Thank you for sharing this spot with our family
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic - the description and photos are spot on

Looks just like the pictures. About as far as you can get from anything yet still incredibly close (<15 min to Maritime Market). Plenty of space, well furnished.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Idyllic retreat

This property is simply lovely. Saltmarsh Retreat is nestled among the trees on Middle Island — there is not another house in sight, so it feels like a real getaway from the world. It’s tastefully furnished, the kitchen is well stocked, and the view of the marsh is beautiful. Highly recommended!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

BHI Christmas

Our family was able to gather safely for a wonderful Christmas on the island. Spotless, lodge like accommodations with peaceful views of the marsh. Crafted all of our meals at home with ease in the well appointed kitchen! Thankful to find an additional TV in the main living space upstairs. Beds were super comfortable. Enjoyed exploring Middle Island on foot and bike. Views of the sunsets on the dock were beautiful and we enjoyed the private beach access on East Beach.