Entire home

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

A wooden dining table with six chairs, surrounded by wooden cabinets and a vintage telephone.
A cozy living room with a fireplace, wooden flooring, and a comfortable seating area.
A marina with numerous boats docked, surrounded by buildings and a clear sky.
A garden with a floral archway and various potted plants.
A bar area with shelves holding glasses and mugs, a sign indicating the brewery is open, and a rustic brick wall.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8227 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
New Bern, NC
  • Place, Tryon Palace
    โ€ช3 min walkโ€ฌ
  • Place, New Bern Grand Marina
    โ€ช4 min walkโ€ฌ
  • Place, New Bern Riverfront Convention Center
    โ€ช8 min walkโ€ฌ
  • Airport, New Bern, NC (EWN-Coastal Carolina Regional)
    โ€ช3 min driveโ€ฌ

Room options

About the area

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 Christ Church are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • North Carolina History Center at Tryon Palace - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Tryon Palace - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • New Bern Grand Marina - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Pepsi Museum - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • New Bern Riverfront Convention Center - 8 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • โ€ชMcDonald's - โ€ฌ3 min drive
  • โ€ชTaco Bell - โ€ฌ3 min drive
  • โ€ชThirsty Bruin Craft Beer and Wine - โ€ฌ3 min walk
  • โ€ชCrema Brew - โ€ฌ13 min walk
  • โ€ชThe Old Pinnix - โ€ฌ12 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

๐Ÿก 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, chefโ€™s kitchen, and every amenity you need for a relaxing stay.

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

โœจ Highlights

๐ŸŒŸ Prime downtown location โ€“ walk to everything
๐ŸŒŸ Beautifully decorated 1895 home with modern comforts
๐ŸŒŸ Fully stocked chefโ€™s kitchen โ€“ Ninja Air Fryer, KitchenAid Mixer, Keurig & more
๐ŸŒŸ Smokeless fire pit, cornhole, shaded outdoor seating
๐ŸŒŸ Family-friendly โ€“ toys, books, movies, BabyQuip baby-gear rentals
๐ŸŒŸ Two king bedrooms + twin room with trundles
๐ŸŒŸ Fast Wi-Fi, monitor + Bluetooth keyboard for remote work
๐ŸŒŸ Four adult bikes with locks for exploring
๐ŸŒŸ 24/7 guest support & keyless entry for a seamless stay

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Bedrooms & Bathrooms

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

๐Ÿ›Œ Bedroom 1: King bed, sitting area, vintage (non-working) fireplace
๐Ÿ›Œ Bedroom 2: King bed, desk area, vintage (non-working) fireplace
๐Ÿ›Œ Bedroom 3: Two twin beds with twin trundles, dresser & large closet

๐Ÿ› Bathrooms:
๐Ÿšฟ Downstairs โ€“ Full bath with stand-up shower
๐Ÿ›€ Upstairs โ€“ Full bath with clawfoot tub & handheld shower with curtain

๐Ÿชœ All bedrooms are upstairs via the original staircase

๐Ÿณ Chefโ€™s Kitchen & Dining

Cook and gather in the fully equipped kitchen:

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Ninja Air Fryer & Blender
๐Ÿฝ๏ธ KitchenAid Stand Mixer & Food Processor
๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Crockpot, bakeware, cookware, & spices
โ˜• Keurig with frother + drip coffee maker
๐Ÿง‚ 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.

๐Ÿ›‹๏ธ Living Spaces

๐Ÿ’ป Study with desk, monitor, Bluetooth keyboard & mouse
๐Ÿ”ฅ Family room with gas fireplace, Smart TV & dry bar
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Decor filled with antiques, heirlooms, and historic photos โ€” each room tells a story

๐Ÿงด Salon-quality toiletries, plush towels, black makeup towels, laundry pods, and thoughtful starter supplies are provided.

๐ŸŒณ Outdoor Spaces

๐ŸŒฟ Private fenced backyard with smokeless fire pit
๐ŸŽฏ Cornhole, ring toss, and frisbee games
๐Ÿšฒ Four adult bikes with locks and helmets
๐Ÿช‘ Shaded seating & string lights for cozy evenings
๐ŸŒ… River views from the porch

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

๐Ÿ‘ถ Family Friendly

๐Ÿ‘ถ Partnered with BabyQuip, the nationโ€™s #1 baby gear rental company โ€” rent clean, modern equipment delivered right to your door.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Guest Experience

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

๐Ÿ” Keyless entry with your personal door code
๐Ÿ“ฒ 24/7 guest support by call, text, or email
๐Ÿ“˜ Digital guidebook with our favorite local tips

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

๐Ÿ“‹ Important Details

๐Ÿš‚ Train passes slowly in front of the home during daytime hours only โ€” guests love watching it!
๐Ÿš— Parking for one car in the driveway and Free street parking
๐Ÿ“น Exterior Ring cameras only (no interior recording)
๐Ÿšซ No pets โ€“ owner has severe allergies and a historic home
๐Ÿšซ No parties or events (small daytime gatherings are ok)
๐Ÿšญ No smoking or vaping inside or near entries
๐ŸŒ™ Quiet hours 10 PM โ€“ 8 AM
๐Ÿ”ฅ Please follow local burn bans when using the fire pit

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Property Damage Protection up to $1,500 is included with every stay for peace of mind.

๐ŸŒŸ Summary

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

Guests call it:
๐Ÿ’ฌ โ€œ110% satisfactionโ€ฆ one of our favorite stays ever!โ€

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

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • 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
  • 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)
  • Fire extinguisher

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
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, and a smoke detector 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. 58 out of 60 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 60 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 60 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 60 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 60 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean, comfortable and thoughtfully outfitted.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great historic place in a fantastic location
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house for our family. Perfect location. Nice to have a good kitchen too!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was one of the nicest VRBO homes we have stayed in- it was decorated to the nines and fit the New Bern Historic area perfectly! The hosts could not have been more accommodating and not to mention the location was beyond perfect- we loved watching the train go by from the porch. Would 100/10 recommend!!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were in New Bern for my sonโ€™s wedding. Being within walking distance from town was perfect. Linens were lovely. Very clean!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location, plenty of room for the 5 of us.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This home is the perfect mix of classy high end and quaint old touches! The location is within walking distance to everything youโ€™d want to see or do in downtown New Bern. The house was immaculate and comfortable. would stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This house is so special to us and we will always try to stay here when we visit New Bern! My husband and I were staying here years ago when we got engaged and love it so much. Canโ€™t wait to come back! Perfect for the whole family
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The host Connie/Cassidy were great and very responsive.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The house is in the middle of the historic downtown, walkable everywhere. The train running next to the house adds to the charm. There is also a wonderful flea market directly across the street with lovely vintage glass items. The kitchen is the best-appointed I have ever encountered in other vacation rentals. The only thing I might caution for prospective elderly or physically challenged guests is that, as an old home, it has a few unexpected step-downs. We weren't able to take advantage of the backyard and firepit but is something else to look forward to on a nice evening. We would definitely return. Thank you.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent stay

Great place to stay. Excellent communication with rental agency for any questions we had.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Fall Get Away

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location!

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

Loved this place, probably my favorite VRBO rental yet
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location! Excellent service and property!

It was a beautiful old home restored in a location right in the heart of downtown. Well stocked and easy to find. We loved it and would come stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

We loved our stay! The house is cozy, charming, and beautifully furnished โ€” 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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super week in the Depot house!! A good place to stay makes the whole trip enjoyable and fun.

Enjoyable, great location and charming house. Very accommodating HOST.. We'll be back to visit again at this same property. Great job ๐Ÿ‘
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay

Our family stayed in this lovely historic home and had a wonderful time. The home was spotless and comfortable, and the hosts had thought of everything. For access to beautiful downtown New Bern, there is no better location. This property has our highest recommendation, and the hosts have our deep appreciation.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

Lovely home! Perfect for gathering and socializing. Lovely backyard with activities for all. Comfortable beds and well kept updated charming house.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great! Just smelled a little closed up.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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