The Best Vacation Rentals to Book in North Carolina

From the put-together decor to the views out over Lake Norman – this is a seriously snazzy North Carolina vacation home. It sleeps up to 12 and has its own indoor pool, boat dock, a fire pit, plus a hammock overlooking the lake and loads of social spaces for meals, chats and chilling. If you’re a get-up-and-go group, take advantage of the kayaks, floats and paddleboards included with your stay, or drive 45 minutes into Charlotte for a day-long city break.

This lakeside North Carolina vacation rental is all you’d want it to be: the charming, blue-clapboard exterior and wraparound porches sit directly over Lake Lure. Ideal for a peaceful retreat, it comes with a canoe and kayaks so you can paddle about, and you’re not far from the lake beach and Chimney Rock State Park. Two bedrooms have one king and two queen beds between them, so you can spread out without anything to disturb you – except, perhaps, an owl.

This log cabin is the perfect nostalgic escape: a classic mix of timber and chintz, with a few porch rockers thrown in for good measure. Sleeping eight across three bedrooms, it’s just four miles from the Tryon International Equestrian Center, a world leader in competitive horseriding events. You’re also within a 20-minute drive of vineyards and a golf course. Whatever you get up to, you’ll love returning to your cosy cabin in the woods to grill out on your wraparound deck, compete at the games table, or step out to the fire pit and roast s’mores as you gaze up at the North Carolina night sky.

A haven by name and nature, this holiday accommodation has a friendly, welcoming feel. In a quiet cul-de-sac, this red clapboard building, resembling a farmhouse, is as warm and comfortable as the outside suggests. From the two stacked porches – one with its own grill – to the sunny breakfast room, there are dozens of places to kick back with friends or family. Unlike some other North Carolina home rentals, these hosts recognise that dogs are very much part of the family, so they’re welcome, too.

Hot. Tub. That’s the main reason for staying at this gorgeous mountain cabin, but it’s by no means the only one. Aside from the wraparound deck where you’ll find said tub, there are ping-pong and foosball tables, a barbecue and a porch swing. This impressive five-bed retreat, in the Green River Valley, sleeps 12, with misty mountain views from practically every window, plus close access to the Green River for tubing, watersports, and a zip wire.

From the exposed roof beams to the Turkish-style kilim rugs and four-poster beds, this North Carolina home is an impressive country retreat. It’s also found in some equally as impressive countryside, between Charlotte and Asheville. Take a 15-minute walk down to Lake Adger for kayaking, raft down the Green River or ride on horseback through the trails around the home itself. After all that, relax on the deck or fire up the sauna.

As far as mountain retreats go, this one’s a veritable palace. Eight bedrooms and 10 bathrooms will accommodate up to 16, with plenty of space to spread out. Take in dramatic mountain views from the outdoor deck, or gather in the great hall with chandeliers and a stone fireplace. Here, you’re in Mill Spring, in the foothills of North Carolina, a short drive from Lake Lure and just a couple of miles from Green River. In the evenings, gather round the fire or take advantage of the entertainment amenities, which include a DVD player and games console.