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Lake Overlook Retreat - 5 acre nature preserve near the Eno River, UNC & Duke

Photo gallery for Lake Overlook Retreat - 5 acre nature preserve near the Eno River, UNC & Duke

Beautiful lakefront retreat in the trees surrounded by pristine nature.
Swimming is a dream in the warmer months. For safety, no diving allowed.
Comfy outdoor furniture, propane grill, and outdoor hearter.
Large looped driveway, home nestled in the trees, carport to left, lake behind.
Aerial view of home, carport to left, circular driveway, 3 back decks.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6169.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Hillsborough, NC
  • Duke University
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Duke University Hospital
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • University of North Carolina
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)
    ‪34 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom with Queen bed

1 Queen Bed

En suite with King bed

1 King Bed

Office with Full-sized Futon

1 Double Futon

2 bathrooms

En suite bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bidet · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Hall bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Lake Overlook Retreat - 5 acre nature preserve near the Eno River, UNC & Duke

New for 2025: En suite and secondary bedroom both have room darkening curtains.

Escape the intensity of the world with your own private paradise — an oasis in the middle of the Triangle!

Imagine strolling down to the waterside after dinner to watch the sunset over the lake, enjoying a glass of wine on your own private dock. Or taking a quick swim in the morning for exercise. Powered boats aren’t allowed so there’s no motor noise to upset your fishing or just laying back with some tea and a good book.

Later check out (11:30am), cleaning, and guest fees are included. No long list of check-out chores, we only ask you run the dishwasher and throw away your trash. We handle the rest!

This 1824 square foot lakefront chalet is situated on ~5 acres and is only 30 minutes from RDU airport, 15 minutes from Duke, and 20 minutes from UNC. The lake is great for fishing and we provide fishing poles and equipment. There are also kayaks and a canoe for paddling.

Amenities: We take stocking the house seriously and provide more amenities than we have personally experienced at a vacation rental. Our list includes abundant tissues, napkins, paper towels, TP, dish soap, dishwasher detergent, rinse aid, trash bags, hypoallergenic hand soap, shampoo, and conditioner. No “starter packs!” Forget your toothbrush? Check the drawer in the hall bath, we likely got you covered.

Deck and Outdoor Cooking: The 20' x 15' deck with sliding glass doors into the great room features a six-burner propane grill with a side burner and all of the tools for your outdoor cooking endeavors. Extra propane is stocked in the carport. We also have outdoor couches and a propane heater for comfort in cold weather.

Kitchen: We stock the kitchen with everything you need to cook, including a wide variety of pots and pans, crock pot, ninja blender, baking sheets, toaster oven, cooking utensils, oils, basic seasonings, honey, tea, sugar, coffee beans, and a grinder. Abundant glassware options, plastic cups, plates, bowls for the kids, ziplock baggies, parchment, foil, and plastic wrap are also provided. Wooden table with expandable leafs works great as a kitchen island or as an extra dining space.

Great Room: Vaulted ceilings, 90 Series 65" 4K Smart UHD NanoCell TV, oversized couch and loveseat, fainting couch with reading lamp and Qi charger, nesting side tables, behind-the-couch table with plug and 3 bar stools, glass top wrought iron dining table with 4 chairs, additional wooden chairs.

En Suite Bedroom: Features a Layla copper-infused king bed, Samsung 55" TV and Soundbar, plush rocking chair, full-length mirror, two dressers, nightstands with lamps, oversized walk-in closet, and French doors opening to a private deck with a treehouse feel and lake views.

En Suite Bath: radiant floor heating, Toto Washlet Bidet, dual vanity with recessed sinks, salt lamp night light, lake view, and a 3-way rainfall shower-head.

Secondary Bedroom: Queen size thermapedic memory foam mattress, wrought iron head and footboard, lush oversized reading chair with an ottoman, walk-in closet with ample hangers and a luggage rack.

Office / Third Bedroom: This multifunctional space offers a full-sized futon that serves as a comfortable couch for lounging and can be easily converted into a bed with a memory foam topper for additional sleeping arrangements. The room is equipped with a mesh office chair and a spacious work area that overlooks the serene woods, creating an ideal environment for work or study. Basic office supplies and an all-in-one laser printer are provided for your convenience. For entertainment, there's a large flat-screen TV with Roku that can be connected via HDMI to any video game console, device, or function as a second monitor for your work needs.

Lake Overlook: A 7.5-acre nature preserve suitable for swimming, fishing, and paddling. We provide Turkish towels, pool noodles, body boards, portable coolers, camp chairs, a canoe, and 2 sit-on-top kayaks.

Property manager

Jaime and Jonathan

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Child friendly but not child proof!
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
A maximum of 12 people of any age allowed.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 3 total)
Only dogs allowed.
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Keeps doors closed and use ashtrays.
House is on septic! Only use provided TP, and do not flush anything, including "flushable wipes," down the toilet.
Do not tamper with modem, router, front door and side parking security cameras, or decibel monitors. For privacy, no living areas are on camera.
House is on septic! Only use eco-friendly cleaners, only use provided TP, and do not flush anything, including "flushable wipes," down the toilet.

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 12
Note from host: A maximum of 12 people of any age allowed.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Hillsborough

Located in Hillsborough, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Eno River State Park and Waller Family Farm are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Streets at Southpoint Mall and The Shops at Daniel Boone. Keith Arboretum and Sarah P. Duke Gardens are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Hillsborough, NC

What's nearby

  • Cameron Indoor Stadium - 14 min drive - 14.6 km
  • Duke University - 15 min drive - 15.5 km
  • Duke University Hospital - 15 min drive - 16.2 km
  • Duke University Chapel - 15 min drive - 16.3 km
  • University of North Carolina - 18 min drive - 17.7 km

Getting around

  • Durham Station - 18 min drive
  • Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Jersey Mike's Subs - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Tokyo Express - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Overlook Retreat - 5 acre nature preserve near the Eno River, UNC & Duke pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total).

What time is check-in at Lake Overlook Retreat - 5 acre nature preserve near the Eno River, UNC & Duke?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lake Overlook Retreat - 5 acre nature preserve near the Eno River, UNC & Duke?

Checkout is at 11:30 AM.

Where is Lake Overlook Retreat - 5 acre nature preserve near the Eno River, UNC & Duke located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Eno River State Park and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Historic Occaneechee Speedway. Eno Gallery and The Shops at Daniel Boone are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 43 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 46 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Robin K.

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

Perfection in the Hills(bourough), NC

Jaime is a fabulous host of this amazing property! Everything you could need or want while on vacation is available, and more! The backyard/lakefront is picture perfect, the fire pit and porch lamps provide a great space for family bonding and the neighborhood is quaint and friendly. I hope we will be back soon!!
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elena L.

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

relaxing weekend getaway

relaxing weekend getaway
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Tammie W.

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

October stay

We had a great time. The home was spacious and clean. We were able to enjoy the back deck and fire pit. Plenty of room for the family. Loved that it was quiet and remote with plenty of outdoor space and things to do. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer D.

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

Beautiful Home with a beautiful View!

We came for my sons USA Baseball and although it rained a lot. We managed to fish, take in the beautiful views of the lake. We even saw several deer! We cooked almost every night. The pots and pans were much appreciated! I would definitely recommend staying here. I hope to be back again soon!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ashley D.

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

Amazing Hidden Gem

Jaime was amazing to book with, the house was so welcoming, quiet, clean and had everything you could think of, even the little things you might have forgotten. Our family had a wonderful vacation and thanks to this beautiful house it was made better. I would definitely recommend booking with Jaime and would definitely stay at the house longer next time!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Vicki H.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy

Loved the house

Great place , well equipped. We did suffer some bug (spider) bites but understandable in a woods setting. Lake floats were a plus. Thanks
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

B R.

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

Amazing couple of weeks

We had the best time at this house. Everything was amazing, the location, the house, communication with the host- I could not have asked for a better couple of weeks. I would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 16 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Herbert A.

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

We loved the lake front property!!

Our New Year's Eve at this home by the lake was absolutely incredible! I can't stop raving about it. The house is seriously awesome, and the techie bathrooms? Mind-blowing. Our family and dogs had a blast in the fully fenced backyard – a game-changer, especially with the best decks around. And don't get me started on the Master Bedroom – it's like a personal haven with its deck and patio exit, offering the most breathtaking views. I'm already daydreaming about lounging there in the summer. Honestly, I can't recommend this place enough. If you're on the fence, just go for it. We're definitely marking our calendars for a summer return – counting down the days!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Margarita G.

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

Relaxing lake retreat

We enjoyed our stay. It was very cozy and relaxing with a beautiful fireplace and views of the lake and nature. Very comfortable home with all amenities. Hope to be back at a later time.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jill K.

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

Fantastic home and backyard

Wow, this home and backyard were incredible. Our family spent a long weekend at this peaceful home while we visited Durham attractions and it was perfect. The backyard is really a stunner and perfect for dogs and kids. It’s a private, fenced in woodsy area with lake views - we enjoyed fire pit nights under the backyard string lights. The beds are comfortable and away from the sounds of the living areas. The primary bedroom en-suite bathroom is luxurious and lovely. We will definitely rent again!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sherrie Smith

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lynn J.

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

Beautiful lake house

We were thrilled with this beautiful lake house on a large wooded property. What a view !! The inside of the house is large, open, and sunny; the expansive back yard with path down to the lake was enclosed by a fence as described, so that our daughter's small dog could run free. House is truly fully stocked. We stayed during the Christmas holidays during a cold snap, but can only imagine what fun it would be to stay in the summer & warm months, to also enjoy the big decks & outdoor seating. This house is a gem. We really enjoyed our stay, that allowed us to be close to our family that lives in the area & to nearby quaint Hillsborough.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brittany N.

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

Loved it!

We absolutely loved staying here! Don't think twice...book now!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

LeAnne A.

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

Great!

This house is really nice and the listing is accurate. Stocked with lots of essentials in case you forget something. Convenient to food and grocery stores. Good communication with the host and check in/out was super easy. My husband caught several fish in the lake including a 12 lb catfish. We had a great time and would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Matt M., Rome Georgia

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

Great place

Excellent property Very homey
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael V.

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

Gorgeous backyard lake view

Everything was well labelled. Checkout procedure was easy. Neighborhood was quiet and it was a pleasure to just sit on the back deck and watch nature.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amy W.

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

Beautiful lakeside property

Beautiful property! Great location- not far from town but feels private and secluded. The bed was very comfortable and the hosts have stocked their home with everything you need to have an enjoyable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

JESSICA M.

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

Beautiful

Thank you !
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Shabeka J.

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

A wonderland in the woods

The home was wonderful, warm, spacious and had everything our family needed to have a great weekend. The firepit, fully stocked kitchen and grill was just like being at home and even better. Although we missed the complimentary wine, we did leave a few cocktails for the next guest. I loved the wonders of the master bathroom. The bidet was awesome and I can't wait to visit again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

6/10 Okay

Teneshia C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Great for a family getaway

I love this cottage style home!! The stay was geat.Until after the host accused me and my party of stealing body wash and smoking inside the property.Also stated we left it in a messy state. (But we cleaned it) If you stay here take pictures and videos like we did so you won’t have such a hassle.Also it’s only 2bathrooms not 3!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael W.

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

Nice property in a very quiet area. Plenty of room for gatherings. Especially outside.

Nice property in a very quiet area. Plenty of room for gatherings. Especially outside. The only issue was the third bedroom. The room uses an uncomfortable futon as the bed. Otherwise, everything else exceeded expectations. Jamie is extremely responsive.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christine G.

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

Perfect gathering for a retreat with friends

Located on a pond. Proprietors have kayaks, noodles, boogie board, deck chairs etc. available to enjoy the dock.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alex S.

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

Great hosts, great getaway

This is a great spot for a cozy lake retreat with family or friends. Our family booked for two nights but enjoyed it so much we extended for a third! Jaime was very kind and attentive in all our interactions. Her home is the most well-stocked rental we have ever seen. You may encounter some critters (it’s a lake house!) but the house was spotlessly clean. Highly recommended, and we hope to be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

William D.

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

Amazing retreat

Great location, far enough from society but not far enough to not get food delivery. Very clean, spacious location, convenient outlets, and great access to nature and a little lake. The bidet in the master bathroom is a wonderful touch :) I would highly recommend and would stay again in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Keith R.

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

Great place to stay! Really enjoyed everything about it!

Very easy!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Jaime and Jonathan

Host profile image
Global travel experiences using short term vacation rentals shaped our approach as hosts, with a commitment to facilitating 5-star guest experiences every day.

Jaime, a modern renaissance woman, balances her creative and technical work with a passion for non-profits, health, and wellness. She enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time in nature, always seeking ways to nourish both body and soul.

Jonathan, a computer scientist specializing in research and development, explores the realms of big data, geolocation, and machine learning. His interests extend to gaming, science fiction, and space, reflecting a mind attuned to innovation and exploration.

Together, we bring our diverse interests and expertise to create a welcoming and enriching environment for our guests.

Why they chose this property

Lake Overlook is the perfect nature retreat. Serene and secluded while only being a short drive (or delivery) from modern conveniences.

What makes this property unique

What sets our property apart is the enchanting beauty that's difficult to capture in mere photographs – it's a magical experience that must be felt in person. The land is truly breathtaking, and our guests often tell us that the pictures simply don't do it justice.

Hospitality is at the heart of what we do. We provide an abundance of creature comforts and well-stocked extra amenities to ensure a delightful stay. With a 24-hour gap between guests, we make certain that our home is immaculately clean and well-maintained. We also strive to be flexible with arrival and departure times, accommodating our guests' needs whenever possible.

Lake Overlook Retreat is more than just a place to stay; it's a commitment to environmentally responsible living. As an eco-friendly nature preserve, we emphasize the use of natural products and mindful practices. Since the property operates on a septic system, we kindly ask guests to refrain from using harsh cleaners or "flushable wipes" and to be mindful of keeping food and oil out of the drain. Our dedication to sustainability enhances the serene and natural charm of the retreat.

Languages:

English