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Surround yourself in historic elegance and charm. Originally constructed in 1912, Lela's was beautifully & sensitively refurbished with consideration for its original character in 2007.

This 3 bedroom, 2 ½ bath home is the perfect retreat for the mature vacationer seeking privacy, romance, peace & quiet. 2 bedrooms each with a queen bed and 1 bedroom with a double.

Lela's is acessed by a narrow, one-way, oyster shelled sandy lane, surrounded by twisted 100-year-old live oaks, historic cemeteries, picket fences and much folklore; Lela's has the feel of a Bed & Breakfast. Filled with spirit, this one-of-a-kind historic home longs to become your home away from home. Fall asleep to the sounds of nature, wake to joyous church bells and ferry whistles, sit a spell on the front covered porch (custom painted Adirondack chairs & rockers) and experience the flavor and quaintness of historic Howard St. Visitors will find an artful combination of period and contemporary furnishings, crown molding and custom craftsmanship throughout the home: antique-style wall painting, reclaimed 100 yr old cherry floors, custom bathroom tile, antique chandelier and wall sconces.

The 2nd level master suite has a queen bed, reading area, stained glass wall inserts, double vessel sinks, stand alone soaking tub, separate tiled shower, recycled glass tile countertops and chimney seat. The downstairs master suite (accessed by reclaimed wood church doors) has a queen bed, private bath with tiled shower and an antique iron claw foot tub. The 3rd bedroom is tucked in the back of the home (accessed through a half bath furnished w/front loading washer & dryer) and has an antique double bed & small private screen porch. The large eat-in kitchen has period custom cabinets, Corian countertops, modern stainless steel appliances (French door style refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, wine refrigerator and gas stove) and additional small appliances for your convenience.

The outdoor living spaces are equally inviting; there are several decks and a large screened porch (with picnic table, rounded wood church pew, comfortable chairs, nostalgic tin signs, ceiling fans and a stained glass ceiling light fixture). Additional amenities include a park-style grill, outdoor H/C shower, book/VCR/DVD libraries, CD player, premium cable TV, iron & ironing board, games, puzzles, beach chairs, beach umbrella, central heat/AC, phone, free domestic long distance, voicemail, and wireless internet.

Located on quiet Howard St yet centrally located, Lela's is a short stroll to the village, harbor, galleries, shops, and restaurants, All linens (including beach towels) are included along with a mid-week mini-clean (porches swept, bathrooms cleaned).

Owners appreciate strict adherence to the non-smoking, no pet, and occupancy (limit of 5 including children) policies. Parking for 2 cars.

Partial stays of less than a week are welcomed and may be booked within 2 weeks of your desired arrival date. You may either call the office at 877-646-2822 to book your partial week stay or you may book online under the nightly tab on this property page.

January 2010
Thank you Martha & Wilson! This was the perfect winter getaway! Although we don't live so far away, coming down feels like we get far away! The house is spectacular, so warm & homey, so beautiful! So quiet, so solid. Having a few restaurants to choose was a pleasant surprise being that it's January. Loved it, loved it, loved it! Thanks so much, we will be back. -- Cheryl & Dave

November 2009
Our family enjoyed your wonderful house. We rented three houses to accommodate the whole group and we got the best one! This was the house everyone came to for Thanksgiving dinner, the family photo-shoot, and games in the evening. The weather blessed us so we were able to enjoy the screened porch even some evenings. We appreciate that the house was so well appointed and decorated. I love the rugs. -- Millie & Currie Whittey, Melissa & Fred Taylor, Emma & Harrison

September 2009
We were here from Norfolk, with our three young girls. We thoroughly enjoyed your beautifully updated house. We drove on the beach, rented bikes, bought flip-flops and made bead necklaces and walked around. Thank you for your style and attention to detail. We had a lovely week. -- Cheryl & Lon Wagner, Ana, Sadie & Lilla

September 2009
While researching cottages for our stay on the island, I saw pictures of this one and fell in love with it right way. We were hoping to slow down for a week and have a quaint stay on the island after visiting last year and falling in love with the "perfect beaches". My husband surprised me with this cottage as I thought that it had not worked out and we would be staying in another one. They had me going for 12 hours right up until we pulled into the little stone Howard Street, and I saw it. After screaming that's the Lela cottage that I loved can we stop so I can just look?, we oddly enough, pulled into the drive way. The engine went off and for about 20 seconds there was complete silence followed by a hearty surprise! What a wonderful way to start off a vacation. The interior designer in me loves this place! You really did very well with all of it. We have walked all over this little gem of an island, and I can honestly say, this is the best place. Thank you for seeing that every detail is perfectly executed, from the plush towels, perfect porch, wonderful kitchen, and lots of great lighting, to the raked yard, it is GREAT!! We bought fig jam, ate great food, took lots of wonderful walks on the beach, and found great shops. We also bought seafood that was truly was fresh and cooked it up! After a few conversations with shop owners who know you well, my husband and I both had a real desire to meet you. Thank you for the book that shows the story of this house. I find it hard to believe that it did not look anything like the finished product. You did great work! Maybe if we have the pleasure of ever coming back we will get to meet you but in the meantime please be encouraged by us. You are really bringing some class to this little island gem. Your cottage is quintessential "quaint". -- The Brackbills, Lititz, PA

August 2009
Well, we're the New Jersey "Yankees" who shared this house with our Virginia friends! We too have spent many very happy and peaceful days in Ocracoke over the past 27 years. We even chose to be married on Ocracoke 22 years ago! We love the beaches and have watched many dwindle and many grow over the years. The south end is becoming so huge! We usually bring a small boat and play in the sound. The weather did not cooperate however, but we found lots of clams even though fishing and crabbing was not as we remembered in past years. Figs were plentiful and the idea of fig Pizza intrigued us and we were rewarded for our curiosity! A delicious treat! This house was so very incredible in every detail. I would love to talk to the people who had the vision. It was warm and inviting (just watch your toes on the claw foot of the couch..ouch!) I walked around for days seeing some new detail every day. A very eclectic blend that really works! Thanks for sharing your treasure with us! -- Dan & Linda Stelleeto, Berlin, NJ

August 2009
What a magical week on Ocracoke and having Lela's as home base made it perfect! Uniquely situated in the heart of the island's historic district, it was a leisurely stroll to great food, shops, studios and live music. The renovation is stunning and the decor creates a relaxed environment that is perfect for a family getaway. We'll be bringing the kids down next time. Thanks for making our vacation so special! -- Mark & Lee Phillips, Mount Clair, VA

August 2009
Dear Martha and Wilson. The house was wonderful. This is our second time on the island and this house made it very enjoyable. Thanks for the recommendation to Dajio's, it was wonderful. -- The Petri Family, Mt. Airy, NC

August 2009
Rounded out our week here relaxed, rejuvenated but not quite ready to return to our life in Richmond, VA. Kate, Jules, ZuZu & I biked to the beach each day and spent our leftover time on the porch, in the outdoor shower, and at Ocracoke Coffee. We'll be back next summer if not sooner! -- The Parks

July 2009
We just loved Lela's!!! It was such a pleasure to rent a home that far exceeded our expectations. Every amenity was here and the place was immaculate when we arrived. This place truly is a treat! We have really enjoyed our stay in your beautiful home. The kitchen was so well equipped. The screen porch was a fabulous and well visited spot in your home. We also really appreciate all of the hard work that was put into your home. Thank you. -- Jim & Keera Higgins

July 2009
Thanks so much! Our 1st trip to Ocracoke and your fabulous house will help to make sure it's not our last. We loved it! Your great house gave us a great base for a great vacation! Hey! That's great! -- Michael & Debra Curry

July 2009
What a fantastic holiday! Would not have been the same without this extraordinary house. We were so lucky! Thank you for accommodating us for one of the most beautiful holidays yet experienced. -- Eleanor, Erin, Char & Boys

July 2009
We came from North Carolina and Ohio to live in this wonderful house! We rented bikes to sightsee this beautiful island you live on. Our stay was peaceful, so different from Cherry Grove. Don't get me wrong, Cherry Grove is great too, but the church bells…this house was so awesome. When can we come stay again? We loved this place! I love cats, so, then again, this was the perfect place. We have had a special, relaxing trip. It was an honor to come here. We were right at home. I'd like to take it all home with me! We joked about the "talented dryer/washer". This house is a pleasure. I can't even stop listing details I found delightful here. You also have a wonderful selection of movies and books. It warms my heart to think of this residence. It's so roomy and quiet, too! With admiration and radiance. -- Tori, Wren, Ronda, Doran, Cassie, Wilda & Robert

June 2009
What an absolute delight to stay in this beautifully refurbished Howard Street residence. Mrs. Garrish, we appreciate the diligent and detailed work and thought that resulted in this residence. Our two weeks on Ocracoke have been very special, just as this house. -- Charlotte, Joe, Liv, Julia & Zach Janes

June 2009
Coming the whole way from Sweden to see our daughter and her family here in wonderful Ocracoke. Staying in this beautiful house is an honor, hope we will be back soon. -- Helen & Torsten Hultman

March 2009
We've had a wonderful relaxing stay in this beautiful home. There are so many quiet spaces in this home. We loved all the architectural details and use of warm colors. Howard Street is very quiet. My 12 year old daughter would love to take the church bells home with her; I'll take the porch! These cherry floors are just beautiful. Perhaps you could put together an album of the house's history and transformation! -- The Austin Family

January 2009
Dear Martha & Wilson, We have nothing but "rave reviews" for your lovely home and the very special weekend we spent here in January. The accommodations were the best and we appreciate you sharing the "Berkley Hilton", as we call it, with us. Thank you also for the pretty calendar and thoughtful gift certificate. We will enjoy them both. Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year. -- Daddy & Rosemary, Jule & Rosemary Garrish

November 2008
Martha & Wilson, Thank you so very much for allowing us to relax in your home, it really is a retreat. This was our 1st experience staying on Howard St. and we loved it. The house has great "bones" and a good spirit (no pun intended). We really experienced complete relaxation. The street is unbelievable peaceful. We awakened each a.m. to the sound of church bells instead of alarm clocks, cars, etc. Your home is filled with many fine details and we delighted in discovering so many of them. We certainly look forward to our trip back. Thanks again for being so thoughtful!
-- Kate & Jaden, Roy & Linda Wahab, Ray & Jenny Daulton