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Harper House
Capacity
About
Welcome to Harper House, a beautifully designed minimalist semi-oceanfront vacation home on the 4x4 beaches of Carova Beach, Northern Outer Banks, North Carolina. This 3-bedroom, 1,881 sq ft beach house sleeps 6 and sits on a high lot in the North Swan area with no home directly between it and the ocean — giving you unobstructed Atlantic views, the sounds of crashing surf, and ocean breezes from every level. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required; the property sits approximately 7 miles up the 4x4 beach. Three-night minimum stays available in spring and fall.
Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements
Three bedrooms sleep 6 guests across two levels. The second level features a queen master bedroom with private bath and large private deck, plus two additional bedrooms sharing a hallway bath — one queen and one twin room with two twin beds. Keyless entry on level one makes arrival effortless.
Ocean Views & Outdoor Living
The top level reverse floor plan places the main living area where the views shine brightest. A wide open kitchen with island seating, leather sofas, and a smart TV connected to satellite anchor the space, alongside a large dining room table seating 6. Expansive wraparound decks offer a sunny south-facing exposure and a covered oceanside porch for shaded relaxation. A teak outdoor dining table lets you dine al fresco to the sound of the surf. With no homes between Harper House and the ocean, dolphins, pelicans, shorebirds, and the occasional wild horse or fox are regular visitors to the view.
The Harper House Philosophy
The owners of Harper House embrace a minimalist approach — the Atlantic Ocean is the entertainment. One smart TV is available for the dedicated screen watcher, but the real draw is the unfiltered connection to nature, family, and the rhythm of the sea.
Full Amenities Include:
High lot with unobstructed panoramic ocean views
Wraparound decks with south and oceanside exposures
Covered oceanside porch
Reverse floor plan kitchen with island seating
Smart TV with satellite
Teak outdoor dining table
Keyless entry
Outdoor shower
Washer/dryer
Linens and towels provided
Free unlimited parking; two beach season passes included
Note: No pool or hot tub at this property.
Pet Policy: No pets permitted.
Check-In: Saturday. Three-night minimum available in spring and fall. No smoking. No graduation groups or events.
Features
Pets
- pets not allowed
View
- dune/ partial ocean
Photos
Availability
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Map
Reviews
Leave a ReviewBeach retreat
Tom F., Hyndman, PA United States
Beautiful home
Michelle M., Claymont, DE United States
Everything was as pictured and the view was better than what's shown on the website!
Lovely Modern Home with a Great View!
Lisa B., Cross River, NY United States
This house is well designed with two spacious decks overlooking the beach and dunes. The kitchen is generously appointed and a pleasure to cook in. The absence of clutter and simple but comfortable furnishings - with large windows everywhere - makes the ocean the focal point here! Thanks to Laura at Carova Cottages for facilitating our stay and providing detailed information!!
Love, loving, loved,
ken o., Mechanicsburg, PA US
We fell in love with the home and the location immediately. The entire stay was tremendous. The only complaint is we had to leave after 7 days.
Escape for the weekend
Recent Guest, South Riding, VA US
Escape got the weekend in the remote outer banks but be sure to rent or own a four wheel drive vehicle; it’s worth the added hassle. Enjoy wild horses, a remote beach, and a nice house to base your adventures from.
Great Views
Jennifer E., Bryn Mawr, PA US
Place is just as described, clean, modern with great views. It’s down on the island so be prepared for a nice beach ride to get there, it’s about 7 miles down the beach. Must have 4X4 to get around, no joke there. It’s such a unique beach experience, and there are horses! We had a few that came around the property while we were there. Quiet, if looking for a low key, quiet get away this is the place to visit.
Manager's Response
Harper House is quiet and secluded, with great views. The wild horses are just icing on the cake. Hope you will come again ... return guests enjoy a little discount!
Beautiful home with great views
Recent Guest, Virginia Beach, VA United States
This is a fairly new home and the photos online don’t do it justice. The house is absolutely beautiful and the views are amazing; beach view and sunset views. Beautiful hardwood floors. We love that the house decor is minimal because it’s less dust to accumulate on decor sitting around. The kitchen was well stocked. The carpets were vacuumed but the floors (especially the bathroom floors and kitchen) were not cleaned. Hair, sand, dirt were clearly visible.
I would suggest blinds for the upstairs windows in the kitchen and dining room only because when the sun is setting, it’s very blinding and you cannot even sit in the room or prepare a meal because it’s so blinding. We love all the open window concept but blinds in those windows would cut down on the intense glare. I would also suggest bigger wine glasses. Other than that, the house was perfect for us and we enjoyed it.
Manager's Response
So glad you enjoyed the Harper House. It is a nice spot with meticulous owners. I'll make sure to give them your feedback on the blinds for the living room.
I wish you had called us on the lack of clean floors. That is NOT something that should've been missed and this cleaner is very thorough. So obviously it was missed. Next time give us a call so we can call them back.
Thanks!!
Harper House
Andrei K., Olathe , KS United States
Harper house was great and easy to get to once you've figured out the tide cycles. The entire family loved the house and open layout. Horses were very abundant and often came right up to the house. We would recommend this house to any family or small get together, you'll have a great time.
Manager's Response
The way in can be uncomfortable the first time, unless you are familiar with sand driving. But after that first trip, it becomes old hat!!!
We love Harper house for it's fantastic views as well as the easy living available there.
We hope you will consider a repeat stay. Thanks for your nice review!
Great stay!
Elisa C., Collegeville, PA United States
My family had a great vacation at this property! This house was perfect for my family of 5: my husband and I and our 9, 6, and 4 year old. When we arrived, we were all very happy with the accommodations. Everything was clean and ready for us to unpack and relax.
Manager's Response
We're so glad you found Harper House a good fit for your family. This home has quite a little following already, as it is just the right size for a small family or even one couple. The views from the decks, the covered porches, the fantastic kitchen.. all add up to a nice spot for a vacation. Watching a storm roll in from the living room is an experience that is hard to beat. Nothing but WINDOWS, but covered by the porch roof. You can actually sit outside during a storm and be one with the nature, listening to the rain, the waves and the wind. What a cool place.
So glad you all enjoyed your stay.
Great stay
Frank H., Brentwood, TN United States
We all loved the house and the beach and wildlife. For the cost of the rental I did expect the owners to provide more basic necessities such as salt and paper, olive oil, laundry detergent, and more toilet paper, etc.
Manager's Response
Thanks for your review. I understand your thought about each home having some basics. Unfortunately, we can only leave items if they are new and unopened. We do not provide the other items you mentioned, mostly because the replenishment would be difficult to accomplish on a weekly basis.
I hope you enjoyed your stay.
Thanks!
Beautiful Getaway
Laura W., SIX MILE, SC United States
Great and easy rental experience. Rental company communicated well.
Manager's Response
Such a nice house too! We are glad you enjoyed this "beautiful getaway"! :-)
Great week on Carova Beach OBX
Recent Guest, South Elgin, IL US
Wonderful cottage close to beach with nice view. Cottage feels brand new with beautiful kitchen, comfy beds, and 2 wrap around decks. Kitchen has everything you need, and we saw horses near the cottage every morning, as well as on the beach on a few occasions.
Best vacation ever.
Matthew L., Baldwinsville, NY United States
Thank you Laura for letting us stay in your beautiful house. The view of the the ocean at sunrise and sun set was incredible. The wild horses were so beautiful to see come right up to our house. The adventure of driving down the beach in order to get to the house is so much fun. We loved every minute and did not eat to leave. I will 100% recommend this house to friends and family. We will also be back for a second vacation. Peaceful and relaxing vacation.
Unbelievable Getaway
Jordan G., New York, NY US
The house is gorgeous, with exceptional views of the ocean from two decks. Walk to the quiet beach is easy.
Harper House June 2022
Recent Guest, Middletown, DE US
Great, new home with an amazing view. Almost Oceanfront without the price tag. Wish we couldn’t stayed another week, ours flew by. Management company good to work with.
Harper House June 2022
Charlie D., Middletown, DE United States
Great, new home with an amazing view. Almost Oceanfront without the price tag. Wish we couldn’t stayed another week, ours flew by. Management company good to work with.
Awesome week at the OBX
Clayton C., TERRE HAUTE, IN United States
Great little house in the Outer Banks 4x4 area! Nicer newer house with great views and a great location! Everything was awesome for our stay and the house was the perfect compliment for an awesome week at the OBX!
Awesome Harper house
Louise F., Hyndman, PA United States
The house was absolutely beautiful. The location to the ocean was very close. It rained one day, but you can just look out the massive windows and doors and see the ocean. The porches had plenty of sitting space. The kitchen had very nice dishes and cookware. The floors are beautiful. Loved this house and it’s location. We definitely will be back. The house was very clean. I highly recommend this house, Laura from the management team was very helpful and friendly.
Manager's Response
THANKS so much for your nice words. Harper House is such a nice home with great views of that ocean. And the porches beckon!!! I hope you will come back and sit a spell!
September Vacation
Recent Guest, Harrison township, MI US
My husband and I travelled to the Outer Banks in early September 2021. We had the best vacation. The Harper house was brand new, clean and beautiful. The views of the ocean and other homes on the dunes were stunning. Every morning we woke up to a beautiful sunrise and wild horses in our yard. We would recommend this home/vacation spot.
Amazing beach house in Carova!
Amy P., Pittsburgh, PA US
Wonderful house fitted with all the amenities you need to have an incredible vacation. The keyless entry was very convenient, we had horses in the yard and on the beach daily. Truly a magical place, surrounded by pristine beaches. You most definitely need a 4WD vehicle to access the house, but the drive on the beach is well worth it! Hoping we can return soon to this house. It isn’t beachfront, but you have amazing views of the ocean, and you drive your vehicle right onto the beach, so there’s no lugging gear every time you want to go to the beach. And if you want to walk to the beach, access is just one house away. Highly recommend the Harper House!!

This was the 2nd time we have spent our vacation at the Harper House.
It’s flat out an amazing house ,great view and horses pass by . Again unbelievable experience, If you are looking for a quiet and relaxing time away this is it. The beach ride in is part of the fun and the wild horses are just awesome to see roaming around .
By the way the team at Carova cottages never disappoints , easy booking , great communication and cleaning team does a great job .
Can’t wait to return