Entire home

Retro Retreat | Near Heart of Downtown | King

Photo gallery for Retro Retreat | Near Heart of Downtown | King

Property grounds
Exterior
2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, travel crib, free WiFi
Interior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Reviews
9.6

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 879 sq m

Popular amenities

  • DryerDryerDryer
  • Pet friendlyPet friendlyPet friendly
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • Outdoor SpaceOutdoor SpaceOutdoor Space

Explore the area

Map
Raleigh, NC
  • Popular LocationRaleigh Convention Center6 min drive
  • Popular LocationRed Hat Amphitheater7 min drive
  • Popular LocationNorth Carolina State University8 min drive
  • AirportRaleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)26 min drive

Most relevant reviews

About this property

Entire place

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

Retro Retreat | Near Heart of Downtown | King

Discover the charm of our Restored Retro Retreat, a stylish home, blending vintage charm with modern amenities. Perfect for families, couples, and business travelers seeking a comfortable and memorable stay close to downtown and scenic parks.

Step into the past with the retro design, featuring an open-concept living and dining area, perfect for creating lasting memories. Relax on the couch while enjoying the large Smart TV and high-speed Wi-Fi, keeping you connected and entertained.
This “American small house” architecture (also called “Minimal Traditional”) was designed for GIs returning from WW2 in the late 1940s. It was the original "Tiny home," typically around 750 sqft. It is also typically among the first to be demolished as areas undergo rehabilitation in favor of much larger custom homes to make maximum use of the comparatively large lots.

This style of architecture makes maximum use of every single square foot and uses lots of natural light so that you rarely need to even turn on the lights during the day. It was a precursor to the larger “Ranch” style homes. These homes, especially those that have not undergone extensive modifications, are becoming a bit of a "dying breed" in rapidly growing cities like Raleigh. We hope you enjoy our attempt to preserve this little fragment of American history!
We like to give our guests space, but we are easily accessible through the app and try to respond quickly.
The Restored Retro Retreat is only about 5 minutes from the very center of downtown.

This area is rapidly changing from older homes (and older residents) to new homes and younger families. You will see lots of homes under construction, with some really creative architecture.
You will have private access to the entire property, except the outdoor storage shed. Keyless entry and contactless check-in are available with the Smart Lock on the front door.

Free parking in the private driveway is available for up to five vehicles.
KEY FEATURES:
☀ 2 cozy bedrooms; 1 king, 2 queens + 1 air mattress bed in living room
☀ 1 full bathroom; original cast iron bathtub + new shower tower system
☀ Full kitchen; butcher block countertops
☀ Retro yet modern lounge; Victrola record player + large flat-screen Smart TV
☀ Full glass 4-season porch; beautiful natural light
☀ Large fenced backyard; oversized bean bag chairs + fire pit
☀ High-speed fiber internet
☀ Central location; easy access to downtown Raleigh
☀ Retro but not antique; We believe home restoration should be usable, not a museum project, so we have included some 21st-century upgrades where it counts while maintaining the original character of this 70+ year-old house.

Here Are A Few Kind Words From Our Past Guests:

“Super spot for easy access to everything. Very clean and super responsive host. Would definitely recommend.” - Patty

“Wonderful, beautiful, and super clean home. This house is so cute and served us well!” - Emily

“This is a wonderful spot with easy access to so much of the area and yet was a lovely oasis just to spend time in itself.” - Kate

“Lauren’s Retro Retreat is the cutest little place to stay! It was perfectly clean, super comfy beds and very cozy. It feels like a step back in time, with so many nice retro touches to the home. It was close to downtown but in a cute and quiet neighborhood. We would definitely recommend staying here!” - Shauna

☆☆ BEDROOMS ☆☆
The two cozy bedrooms have comfy beds outfitted with fresh linens and 12-inch Memory Foam hybrid plush quilted foam cover mattresses. The rooms also have closets with pocket doors, large windows that provide tons of natural light, and heavy curtains to block out the brightness when you want to sleep in. All linens (including top quilts and duvet covers) are washed thoroughly after each visit. Pillows and mattresses are encased with waterproof and bed bug-proof protectors.

The first bedroom features a king-sized bed, and the second bedroom has two queens. If you have extra guests, the air mattress can be placed in the living room are comfortable sleeping options (sleeps two total) as well as the futon in the four seasons room.

☆☆ BATHROOM ☆☆
The full bathroom features the original, restored cast iron tub with a shower that has been upgraded to a full shower tower system featuring a rainfall and waterfall shower head along with body-level jets that give you a spa-like experience.

Take your time - the hot water will not run out because of our tankless, on-demand hot water system. The large, frosted window in the shower gives you both natural light and privacy. Open the mini vent in the spring and summer and hear the birds chirping happily to get an almost outdoor shower experience while maintaining your privacy.

☆☆ KITCHEN & LOUNGE ☆☆
We designed this open concept area so nobody is "stuck in the kitchen" while others gather around the flat-screen Smart TV or play a game at the kitchen table. Never miss out on the conversation in the living room, whether you are grabbing another cold one from the retro fridge, or cooking up a four-course meal on the large, central peninsula and oven. Put an album on the vinyl player, or hook up your own music via Bluetooth as you enjoy each other's company.

☆☆ FOUR SEASON PORCH ☆☆
With a passthrough window from the kitchen and a large array of windows facing the backyard, you can relax out here and sip your morning coffee or devour that book you have been yearning to finally read/finish.

☆☆ OUTSIDE SPACE ☆☆
The large backyard area is the perfect place to retreat from city life. In the daytime, you might even hear a rooster crow! In the evenings, be sure to enjoy the fire pit lined with large stones or lounge on the giant bean bag chairs on the deck. We even rolled out the red carpet to prevent splinters!

★☆ Book Today & Let Us Take Care Of You In Raleigh! ☆★
Since it is so close to downtown Raleigh, you can get quick and easy access to some of the best places to visit in town. It is also very close to the Raleigh beltline and I-40, so it is actually pretty quick to get to most everywhere in the Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary)

Getting around by car is extremely easy. Some of our guests take an Uber/Lyft from the airport. There are also one-man E-scooters that may be available to rent (Search for "Lime" "Spin" or "Bolt" electric scooters online for more info) if you want to try something different.

5 Min Drive to Downtown Raleigh
8 Min Drive to Glenwood South (Restaurants, Bars)
8 Min Drive to Red Hat Amphitheater
13 Min Drive to Coastal Credit Union Music Park (Walnut Creek)
7 Min Drive to North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Travel times to places nearby:

- Downtown Raleigh - 5 min drive
- City Center/ NC Capitol - 7 min drive
- Red Hat Amphitheater - 8 min drive
- North Hills Shopping Center- 10 min drive
- Red Hat Tower - 8 min
- Raleigh Convention Center - 8 min drive
- Historic Oakwood - 5 min drive
- Oakwood Pizza Box - 5 min drive
- The Optimist Coffee Shop - 4 min drive (23 min walk)
- Brookside Bodega. - 3 min drive (21 min walk)
- Videri Chocolate Factory - 10 min drive
- Sitti - 8 min drive
- Poole's - 10 min drive
- Raleigh Beer Garden - 9 min drive
- NC State University - 11 min drive
- Dorothea Dix Park - 10 min drive
- PNC Arena (Hurricanes Hockey, NCSU Basketball) - 17 min drive
- Carter Finley Stadium (NCSU Football) - 18 min drive
- Meredith College - 12 min drive
- Coastal Credit Union Music Park (also called Walnut Creek Amphitheater) - 13 min drive
- Marbles Kids Museum - 7 min drive
- J.C. Ralston Arboretum - 16 min drive
- NC Museum of Art (with walking trail) - 13 min drive
- RDU International Airport - 28 min drive (2-5 min more during rush hour, typically)
- RTP - 29 min drive (more during rush hour)

Property manager

John

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Kitchen island
  • Coffee/tea maker

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Towels provided
  • Hair dryer

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • DVD player

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 1 total (up to 20 lbs per pet)
  • Welcoming dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city center

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 850 sq ft (79 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

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

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total (up to 20 lbs per pet)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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 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

Property is also known as

1ea26071-a7c3-42b9-91a7-3bd23d9b162e

About the neighborhood

Raleigh

Located in Raleigh, this vacation home is in the city center. Red Hat Amphitheater and Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek are cultural highlights and North Carolina State Fairgrounds is a popular area attraction. Marbles Kids Museums and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences are also worth visiting.

What's nearby

  • North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences - 5 min drive
  • Raleigh Convention Center - 6 min drive
  • Red Hat Amphitheater - 7 min drive
  • North Carolina State University - 8 min drive
  • Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek - 9 min drive

Getting around

  • Raleigh Union Station - 11 min drive
  • Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • Tap Yard Raleigh - 3 min drive
  • Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits - 3 min drive
  • K&W Cafeteria - 5 min drive
  • Cookout - 3 min drive
  • Jack's Seafood & Barbeque Restaurant - 3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Retro Retreat | Near Heart of Downtown | King pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 20 lbs per pet.

What time is check-in at Retro Retreat | Near Heart of Downtown | King?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Retro Retreat | Near Heart of Downtown | King?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Retro Retreat | Near Heart of Downtown | King located?

Located in East Raleigh, this vacation home is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from St. Augustine's University Historic District and 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from Raleigh Convention Center. St. Augustine's College and Mordecai Historic Park are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 10 out of 13 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 13 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 13 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 13 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 13 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

William E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice
It was a nice, quiet, cozy place. Will stay again
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Thomas H.

Liked: Cleanliness
October Fest
Good
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Jennifer N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Not a good booking experience, overall nice home
Biggest issue with this listing is they are a property management company that require a third party identify verification from a company based overseas AFTER you book and pay. This required your personal info, government ID image, and selfie image. I made them aware I was not comfortable with this but they said it was for their property protection, what about our personal info protection? This should be addressed in their listing prior to booking and being charged non-refundable amount as I would not have booked. Additionally, their free WiFi is not secure, and in fact is another window to obtain personal information for sales purposes. Not a good fit for my husband who was here for work. House was overall clean, although some small roaches in the kitchen. Beds were super comfy, good location to everything.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robin A G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Girls Trip
Our stay was wonderful. One of my older sister brought a home in Clayton NC. So we decided to do a girls trip to visit her. Thats why i search for a hotel at first and then my friend suggested we to find a house instead. That's when i looked on this site and decided on the house. I thought it cute. It was just like the photos. Nice and clean the beds were comfortable. The bathroom was nice. The only downside the living room the futon sòfawas very uncomfortable so sit and watch movies. Invest ina descent sofas. The other downside were the front yard while walking in the driveway was tight so if you cut through the yard the tree veins can kinda stumbled you if you aren't careful. Because had we been drinking we all be laying in the front yard.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Retro Comfort
This place was clean, well appointed and unique. The description was accurate. It is very close to town. We enjoyed staying there. Hosts were easy to communicate with. Whether you are staying on night or several- this is a great place to stay. Thank You!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Close to everything.
All the restaurants we were recommend and the Kids Museum and concert venue were less than 2 miles away. I enjoyed spending time with my family of 7 here! Everyone was comfortable and had a good time!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Caroline L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great House!
John was incredibly responsive and a great host! The house was great and the backyard was a perfect spot to relax.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy Stay
My colleague and I had a great stay. The house was very comfortable and provided a great place to relax between a professional course. We greatly enjoyed the stay in a quiet well kept neighborhood with beautiful old growth trees. The proximity to excellent eats in down town was a bonus. The host was very friendly and helpful to us. (We had never been to the area and had little time to plan). Their love for the house and area was evident in the little touches of decor and my interactions.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Valerie D.

Liked: Cleanliness
I've for a university graduation. The weather was great. her ewas
My only complaint was that the lawn in the front and back was not properly manicured. Gives the wrong impression when you drove up.. After going inside it was lively. Also need TVS in the bedroom.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ann F., Ga

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to stay.
Great
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023