Seaside stay .Your stay at this Manteo vacation home places you within a 10-minute walk of Dare County Arts Council and Festival Park. Outer Banks History Center and Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse are also within half a mile (1 km).
Outer Banks History Center - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
Island Farm - 2 min drive - 1.5 miles
Getting around
Manteo, NC (MEO-Dare County Regional) - 3 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 3 min drive
Miller's Waterfront Restaurant - 10 min drive
Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe - 8 min drive
Sonic Drive-In - 12 min drive
1587 Restaurant - 9 min walk
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
1BR historic cottage w/ fireplace, patio & tub
Traditional Manteo Cottage The Little Lifeboat House is our premier rental cottage located in the heart of Manteo on Historic Roanoke Island. Modeled after a traditional North Carolina Lifesaving Station from the late 19th century, the Little Lifeboat House is a cozy one-bedroom retreat that is perfect for honeymoons or intimate weekend getaways. To spend a day by the ocean, head to the nearest beach access which is just 10 minutes away.
Inside, you'll love the open-style floorplan of the ground-level, which makes the cottage feel open and spacious. A large built-in entertainment center acts as a focal wall with coastal décor, a TV, and a cozy fireplace (seasonal). Lounge around on the sofa that pulls out to a bed for extra sleeping space. The fully functional eat-in kitchen boasts granite countertops, a Keurig, and provides everything you need to whip up a masterpiece. The kitchen island offers bar seating for two. There is also a convenient full-sized bathroom and laundry closet on this level. For a revitalizing breath of fresh air, take your coffee out to the brick patio every morning and take a few moments to unwind before starting your day.
Upstairs, you'll feel right at home in the comfortable Queen Bedroom with vaulted ceilings, plenty of natural light and a TV for binge-watching your favorite show before bed. Across the hall is a large bathroom complete with a separate toilet, single vanity and Whirlpool Jacuzzi Tub for ultimate relaxation.
Step Back Into History Located on historic Roanoke Island, Little Lifeboat House is in the perfect location for learning more about the history of the Outer Banks. Pay a visit to the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens or stop by Fort Raleigh National Historic Site to discover how life on the island was for early settlers. The Lost Colony is an award-winning live theater performance about the famous lost colonists of Roanoke Island and is a great outing for the whole family. Kids will also love a visit the NC Aquarium where they can see sea turtles, otters, sharks, fish, and many other marine animals. Downtown Manteo is within walking distance and offers great shopping and tasty restaurants all with a spectacular view of the water. You can even visit the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse (one of the 5 Lighthouses of the Outer Banks). When you want to venture into the main area of the Outer Banks, you are just a short drive away from South Nags Head and can easily take a day trip North toward Corolla or South toward Ocracoke. With great amenities and an ideal location, Little Lifeboat House is where a true Outer Banks adventure awaits!
*Looking for additional space? Check out our other Manteo Cottages, #IC2 - Endless Summer Cottage & #IC3 - The Wright Getaway. Little Lifeboat House is available to rent at a 2-night minimum with call-in reservations only. Bedding: 1 Queen, 1 Sleeper Sofa
Property Layout: Top-Level: Queen Bedroom; Full Bathroom w/ Whirlpool Jacuzzi Tub Ground-Level: Living Room w/ Sleeper Sofa, Fireplace; Eat-In Kitchen w/ a Keurig & Bar Seating; Full Bathroom w/ Shower; Laundry; Brick Patio *Please Note: This property does not have a dishwasher.
Fireplaces are available from November through early March. Please confirm before booking.
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 (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
General
Unit size: 672 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
Rules
Family Groups Only. We (Seaside Vacations) are a vacation realty company and per NC real-estate laws a signed lease is required.
The beach gear rental credit is available May 22 - September 25, 2026 at participating homes only.
2026 Private Pool Dates: March 28 - October 23
Community Pool Dates: generally Memorial Day - Labor Day.
Dates are approximate & are not guaranteed
Pets
Pets are welcome
Service animals are exempt from fees
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in each accommodation.
Property is also known as
427023
Frequently asked questions
How close is 1BR historic cottage w/ fireplace, patio & tub to the airport?
This vacation home is 1.2 mi (3-min drive) away from the Manteo, NC (MEO-Dare County Regional) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Does 1BR historic cottage w/ fireplace, patio & tub have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.
How close is 1BR historic cottage w/ fireplace, patio & tub to the beach?
This vacation home is 7.9 mi (12-min drive) from Outer Banks Beaches and 17.3 mi (24-min drive) from Kitty Hawk Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!
Does 1BR historic cottage w/ fireplace, patio & tub offer free breakfast?
This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at 1BR historic cottage w/ fireplace, patio & tub?
No, there is no casino at this vacation home.
What time is check-in at 1BR historic cottage w/ fireplace, patio & tub?
Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.
Is there free parking at 1BR historic cottage w/ fireplace, patio & tub?
Free parking is not available at this vacation home.
Does 1BR historic cottage w/ fireplace, patio & tub have a pool?
This vacation home does not have a pool.
Does 1BR historic cottage w/ fireplace, patio & tub have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this vacation home.
How close is 1BR historic cottage w/ fireplace, patio & tub to downtown Manteo?
This vacation home is 0.3 mi away from Manteo.
1BR historic cottage w/ fireplace, patio & tub Reviews
Reviews
8.4
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. 5 out of 12 reviews
10 - Excellent
5
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 12 reviews
8 - Good
5
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 12 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 12 reviews
4 - Poor
1
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 12 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.4/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
8/10 Good
Eileen R.
Nov 8, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
We enjoyed the property. It is well-kept; in a great location.
Eileen R.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
John H.
Oct 1, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
I came for Gay Pride. There was drinking involved . The cottage was about 15 or so minutes walk to the main venues, Outer Banks Distilling Manteo, main venues and the farmers market. Basically, you can walk to the cutest parts of town easily.
John H.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
8/10 Good
Dawn F.
Jul 6, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Quaint cottage
Would prefer if the upstairs bathroom had a shower or combo instead of just a garden tub. Otherwise a cute place for a couple with a dog. Great walkability to downtown Manteo.
Dawn F.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
8/10 Good
Elaine L.
Jun 3, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Near Alligator River
Cute little house near the Alligator River Wildlife Refuge.
Elaine L.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2025
6/10 Okay
Dale C.
Jun 1, 2025
visit family
The house was wonderful, but it needs handrails for the first three steps. My wife had to crawl up util she could get to the hand rail on the wall. Probably will not stay there again unless this issue is corrected. I think this is a safety issue and maybe a code issue.
Dale C.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Elana P.
Oct 13, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Birthday week
Great vacation
Elana P.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Michael W.
Jul 17, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Visit to outer banks
Great stay, very nice property. It's in a small town of the main beach drag, so allows for a more relaxed atmosphere. Would recommend.
Michael W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
8/10 Good
Jenny R.
Nov 2, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great for Bluegrass Island event
This charming property is located on the outskirts of downtown Manteo and very convenient for daily walks and driving activities. However, it is located on what seems to be a shortcut so it is very heavily travelled and busy at certain hours creating some road noise. Other than that itbhas everything you need, except a corkscrew, under one roof.
Jenny R.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023
4/10 Poor
Verified traveler
Jun 11, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Not worth it
Check in was easy and the keypad worked great on the door.
However, the TV would not connect to the cable, and we found dirty dishes in the cabinet. We had to rewash every dish and glass before we used them. The jets on the bath tub that was advertised as being a great place to relax didn’t work. They sounded like they were grinding and about to blowup. We called the agency and asked about getting things fixed. A guy came and got the TV working but we did not get the bath tub jets working or light over the tub replaced.
Additionally if you are a big person the shower is downstairs from the bedroom and is very small. We did not realize that the main bathroom only had the bath tub. So we had to go downstairs to shower each day.
And they have only one cabinet in the kitchen for dishes that you would need a step stool to access. There is no step stool so we could not use the serving bowls and extra bakeware even if we wanted to. We could have used a couple open shelves for the dry goods we brought with us instead of leaving everything on the kitchen counter. We also would have liked to have a small table to eat at and play games on. We tried to play Yahtzee on the counter and the dice kept falling off.
We would not stay here again, and will try an AirB&B next time.
Verified traveler
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Suzanne S.
Mar 31, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect spot!
We very much enjoyed our stay in the Little Lifeboat Cottage. The location was perfect. Walking distance to downtown Manteo but in a quiet neighborhood. The accommodations were clean and comfortable. If you plan to do any cooking /eating in during your stay be aware that there are no pantry items but the selection of kitchen items/utensils is perfectly adequate as were linens provided. We would definitely stay here again.
Suzanne S.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Gary S.
Nov 19, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Lifeboat house
Perfect location! We were able to walk or bike everywhere we want to go on the island. The accommodations were clean and well appointed for the two of us.
Gary S.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022
8/10 Good
Ashley J.
Oct 10, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Great property
Great house and a great location - the only off-putting thing was that we had to be out by 9am on check out day - and to get a late checkout we had to pay more money. I've been using VRBO for years and a 9am checkout time is pretty ridiculous, especially when we couldn't initally check in until 5pm.