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Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes

Vacation home perfectly located for exploring New Bern

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Photo gallery for Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes

Dining
Marina
Interior
Property grounds
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 82443 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
New Bern, NC
  • Place, Tryon Palace
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Pepsi Museum
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, New Bern Riverfront Convention Center
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, New Bern, NC (EWN-Coastal Carolina Regional)
    ‪3 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

New Bern

New Bern Historic District stay.With a stay at this New Bern Historic District vacation home, you'll be steps from North Carolina History Center at Tryon Palace and New Bern Civic Theatre. Pepsi Museum and New Bern Firemen's Museum are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Vacation Homes in New BernOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • North Carolina History Center at Tryon Palace - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Tryon Palace - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • New Bern Grand Marina - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Pepsi Museum - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • New Bern Riverfront Convention Center - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles

Getting around

  • New Bern Station - 7 min walk
  • New Bern, NC (EWN-Coastal Carolina Regional) - 7 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Crema Brew - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Brewery 99 - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Thirsty Bruin Craft Beer and Wine - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Old Pinnix - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Freshwater Beer - ‬11 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.

Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes

🏡 Downtown Gem | Walk Everywhere | Fire Pit & Bikes

Experience the perfect blend of historic charm and modern comfort in this beautifully restored 1895 home right in the heart of downtown New Bern. Higgins Downtown Depot offers exclusive access to the entire house, not a divided property, with a large fenced backyard, chef’s kitchen, and every amenity you need for a relaxing stay.

Step outside and you’re just steps from restaurants, coffee, shops, and Tryon Palace. Watch the slow-moving train pass by out front (a guest favorite!), roast s’mores around the smokeless fire pit, or relax on the porch with river views.

✨ Highlights

🌟 Prime downtown location – walk to everything
🌟 Beautifully decorated 1895 home with modern comforts
🌟 Fully stocked chef’s kitchen – Ninja Air Fryer, KitchenAid Mixer, Keurig & more
🌟 Smokeless fire pit, cornhole, shaded outdoor seating
🌟 Family-friendly – toys, books, movies, BabyQuip baby-gear rentals
🌟 Two king bedrooms + twin room with trundles
🌟 Fast Wi-Fi, monitor + Bluetooth keyboard for remote work
🌟 Four adult bikes with locks for exploring
🌟 24/7 guest support & keyless entry for a seamless stay

🛏️ Bedrooms & Bathrooms

All three spacious bedrooms are upstairs and feature luxury linens, plush bedding, sound machines, and alarm clocks.

🛌 Bedroom 1: King bed, sitting area, vintage (non-working) fireplace
🛌 Bedroom 2: King bed, desk area, vintage (non-working) fireplace
🛌 Bedroom 3: Two twin beds with twin trundles, dresser & large closet

🛁 Bathrooms:
🚿 Downstairs – Full bath with stand-up shower
🛀 Upstairs – Full bath with clawfoot tub & handheld shower with curtain

🪜 All bedrooms are upstairs via the original staircase

🍳 Chef’s Kitchen & Dining

Cook and gather in the fully equipped kitchen:

🍽️ Ninja Air Fryer & Blender
🍽️ KitchenAid Stand Mixer & Food Processor
🍽️ Crockpot, bakeware, cookware, & spices
☕ Keurig with frother + drip coffee maker
🧂 Starter condiments, paper goods, & trash bags

Enjoy meals around the large dining table, or open the vintage double doors to connect the kitchen, dining, and living spaces.

🛋️ Living Spaces

💻 Study with desk, monitor, Bluetooth keyboard & mouse
🔥 Family room with gas fireplace, Smart TV & dry bar
🖼️ Decor filled with antiques, heirlooms, and historic photos — each room tells a story

🧴 Salon-quality toiletries, plush towels, black makeup towels, laundry pods, and thoughtful starter supplies are provided.

🌳 Outdoor Spaces

🌿 Private fenced backyard with smokeless fire pit
🎯 Cornhole, ring toss, and frisbee games
🚲 Four adult bikes with locks and helmets
🪑 Shaded seating & string lights for cozy evenings
🌅 River views from the porch

Walk to Union Point Park, the Neuse River, and nearby attractions.

👶 Family Friendly

👶 Partnered with BabyQuip, the nation’s #1 baby gear rental company — rent clean, modern equipment delivered right to your door.

💬 Guest Experience

When you stay with A Stay Above The Rest, you get more than a home — you get a team that truly cares.

🔐 Keyless entry with your personal door code
📲 24/7 guest support by call, text, or email
📘 Digital guidebook with our favorite local tips

We’re a family-owned, Texas-based company dedicated to making every stay A Stay Above The Rest.

📋 Important Details

🚂 Train passes slowly in front of the home during daytime hours only — guests love watching it!
🚗 Parking for one car in the driveway and Free street parking
📹 Exterior Ring cameras only (no interior recording)
🚫 No pets – owner has severe allergies and a historic home
🚫 No parties or events (small daytime gatherings are ok)
🚭 No smoking or vaping inside or near entries
🌙 Quiet hours 10 PM – 8 AM
🔥 Please follow local burn bans when using the fire pit

🛡️ Property Damage Protection up to $1,500 is included with every stay for peace of mind.

🌟 Summary

Historic elegance meets modern comfort at Higgins Downtown Depot — a one-of-a-kind stay in the heart of New Bern. Walk everywhere, relax by the fire pit, and enjoy a home that’s as beautiful as it is welcoming.

Guests call it:
💬 “110% satisfaction… one of our favorite stays ever!”

Come see why.
*** There is exterior video surveillance for security purposes. There are NO cameras facing the interior

Main Rules:
- Be mindful of neighbors, but make sure to enjoy your stay!
- NO Pets - Owner has severe allergies
- No smoking inside
- Remove trash and wash/ put away dishes or start dishwasher before your departure
- No Parties

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  • Washer
  • Dryer
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4.8 out of 5, Exceptional, 15 reviews
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Computer monitor
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Meal delivery service

Location highlights

  • In a village
  • In the city center
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the marina

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Boat
  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Motor boating 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)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Bicycles
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 2,443 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

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

*** There is exterior video surveillance for security purposes. There are NO cameras facing the interior Main Rules:

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, a first aid kit, 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, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

269266

Frequently asked questions

How close is Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes to the airport?

This vacation home is 2.7 mi (7-min drive) away from the New Bern, NC (EWN-Coastal Carolina Regional) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

Does Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

What time is check-in at Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes to downtown New Bern?

This vacation home is 0.2 mi away from New Bern.

Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 48 out of 49 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 49 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 49 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 49 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 49 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Hunter W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great historic place in a fantastic location
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terry S.

Liked: Cleanliness
We had a wonderful time and LOVED the house! Friends for 50 years, we were visiting our high school choral teacher. Everything was perfect and the kitchen is amazing...want to go back for a longer stay to cook with family and friends! The train was an added bonus!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

jill m.

Liked: Cleanliness
The home is so cute and centrally located to all downtown New Bern has to offer. We especially appreciated being within walking distance to New Bern Coffee Roasters on Middle street--where they make a great cup of lattes, etc. We also would highly recommend The Old Pinnix restaurant/toatery and bar. The folks there are not bartenders--they are mixologists who know what they are doing, always willing to go above and beyond and are enjoyable to talk to. We went there 3 times in 2 days--first time for an espresso martini; second time for a cappuccino and some fabulous toast with procuitto, fig, and brie; and third time for a simple kailua and cream--and they are on the same street as the place we stayed, just a few blocks down. The train actually comes by several times a day, but it is not intrusive at all--just adds to the charm of the town. We had a couple of small snafus--getting the front door to unlock and getting the correct Wi-Fi password, but the Stay Above staff was very responsive.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shannon G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Home away from home! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in New Bern complete with modern amenities, high end linens and the charm of a home built in 1895. We were able to walk to shops and restaurants with ease and used the bikes to go a bit further. Fire pit in the backyard was a great way to relax in the evening. Watching the train go by directly in front of the home was the main attraction. We will definitely book this home again when we return to New Bern.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tai C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great! Just smelled a little closed up.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Jeremy M.

Great location, plenty of room for the 5 of us.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cory H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Best VRBO we have visited, loved our trip to New Bern

We loved our stay! The house is cozy, charming, and beautifully furnished — everything felt comfortable and welcoming. The historic character gives it great personality, and the kitchen was well-stocked with everything we needed to cook and enjoy meals as a family. The location is ideal: just a short walk to restaurants and close to the heart of a lovely downtown area. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Margaret M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Doug G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Higgins Downtown Depot

Great location, within walking distance of all Tryon Palace and downtown main street. Top of the line counter top appliances. Nice fenced in backyard for kids to play in. Management service was extremely responsive to all questions and request. Upon arrival the toaster would not work, they had a new one delivered the next morning.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donald L., Columbia, South Carolina

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary Ann T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Location in Downtown

House was comfortable and well appointed. Located downtown and can walk to many restaurants and shops.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Downtown New Bern Gem!

We enjoyed our stay at your home very much. It was beautifully decorated with interesting art work. The beds were very comfortable and the bedrooms nicely appointed. Great kitchen and eating area as well. We loved being able to walk to shops and restaurants right from the house. New Bern is a great little town with friendly people, charm and so much history. Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful Fall Get Away

Had a lovely time in New Bern. Great location , can pretty much walk everywhere :)
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Douglas S.

Liked: Cleanliness

EXCEPTIONAL

This is probably the best VRBO I stayed in years! Everything is top quality! Excellent. Every detail has been thought of in the place. I would recommend to everyone. There customer service it’s outstanding.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristin H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great home and location

We stayed with friends at this home and really enjoyed the home and the location. We were able to walk everywhere we needed to and had comfortable living rooms and bedrooms. Just caution that as listed the bathroom upstairs does not have a stand-up shower, while it does have a shower handle for in the tub. All 4 adults and 4 kids shared the downstairs bathroom shower. Kitchen was fabulous and wonderfully supplied. Host was responsive for needs. Loved seeing the train go by, was not loud and enjoyed seeing it pass by. We will definitely consider this again next time we are in New Bern. Thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sophia P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect place to stay for camp dropoff or just vacation!

The house is very clean and comfortable. We stayed here for both drop off at camp and pick up. The location is so good- we rode our bikes everywhere we needed to go around the town. We easily could have walked as well. The house has been renovated adorably, all the bedding is very comfortable. One thing that the management does that goes above and beyond that we so much appreciated is they stock the kitchen with trash bags, dish soap and dishwasher soap (and hand soap) so that you don’t have to go to the store and buy all that stuff. Communication with host is very easy and responses are very quick. We will stay here every year without a doubt!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sophia P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location

House was as advertised and in good condition. Check in and check out were easy. It is really fun to learn about the history of the home. It has been renovated nicely. Be sure to make note of the bathroom situation when booking, however. There are 2 bathrooms in the home- one downstairs in the hall with a shower and one upstairs near all the bedrooms in the hall but with only a clawfoot bathtub. Otherwise, great location and everything went great. Will be staying there again
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Burton S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location!

10/10 great spot for a vacation. We walked everywhere!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Location!

Charming, very clean, well-decorated house. A little quirky because it was built in the late 1800s (I think?). Some sloping floors, light switches in odd places in some rooms, etc. They have maintained a great deal of the original floor plan, doors, etc of the house, which we loved but definitely not an open floor plan! Plenty of space for six adults. Ideally would have loved for the third bedroom to have a queen-size bed instead of the twins as it was three couples and someone had to draw the short straw. We knew that was the situation but sacrificed for the location. Beds and linens were amazing. Would love to know the mattress brand but forgot to look. Thick duvets and lots of pillows. Kitchen was well-stocked with every imaginable appliance. Open shelving so no hunting for what you need. Only not great thing is that the ice maker doesn't produce much ice and what is supposed to be cubes are mostly chips. So bring a bag of ice! Regarding the light switches, definitely leave some lights on if you leave when it's daylight and plan on returning after dark. We had a hilarious time trying to find lights on our first night. We really loved our stay there and will definitely be back again next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ashley P., Graham, NC, USA

Liked: Cleanliness

AMAZING HOME

This home was nothing short of spectacular! So many details were thought of and provided for. We were blown away with how well the home is appointed (excellent hair dryer, so many appliances in the kitchen, condiment packets, coffee, sugar, etc). If we weren't planning on cooking meals, we literally only needed our clothes and makeup. We fully enjoyed the backyard with the cornhole boards and firepit and were blessed to see the train several times as well. The beds were incredibly comfortable, the bedding was so cozy and the towels were plush. Even the paper products were what we'd purchase for home, not the super cheap stuff that I've found is normally provided in rentals. And also the response time of the rental agency was literally within seconds or minutes and so easy through text. By far the best VRBO I've stayed in and we will definitely reserve again!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Beth N.

Liked: Cleanliness

Exceeded all expectations

Full of character, plenty of space, super comfortable beds, lots of excellent attention to details of the guest experience. We would definitely return!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Grete Y.

Liked: Cleanliness

Business trip as a family

Loved the house and its location! Perfect place for our family to settle for a few days.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

carolyn j.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great property wish there had beem abedroom down stairs, location was great

Love the property house had everything any would need. We your there for my granddaughter wedding only afew minutes from thte Maola at Riverside. And that was also a grest venue
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Charming House

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Property is exactly as advertised with all the necessities and furnishings required to make yourself at home. The house is conveniently located downtown next to historical attractions, restaurants, and nightlife on the same block. The entire block is rocking through the night.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024