Once Upon a Tide
T11919“Once Upon a Tide” feels like the beginning of your favorite beach story, the kind where the ocean is always in view, time slows down, and every day ends a little better than the last! Set directly on the oceanfront on the 4x4 beach, this home offers stunning, unobstructed ocean views that never get old. From sunrise to starlight, the water becomes part of your everyday experience, whether you’re inside or out. Getting there is part of the magic, as this remote stretch of coastline is accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles, trading paved roads for open beaches.
Inside, the open layout creates an easy, natural flow that brings everyone together without ever feeling crowded. The great room is the heart of the home, where expansive windows frame the ocean and invite everyone to gather, relax, and take in the view. The living area is perfect for unwinding after a day on the beach, whether you’re sharing stories or settling in for a quiet evening. The ship’s watch offers a cozy, elevated nook, ideal for getting lost in a good book or putting together a puzzle. The kitchen with a wet bar is both functional and social, giving you space to prepare meals while staying connected to the group. Two dishwashers assist with cleanup after big family meals. The dining area sets the stage for long, memorable meals filled with laughter and conversation. The screened porch provides a breezy escape where you can enjoy the outdoors, while the decks offer front-row seats to ocean sunrises and the soothing sound of the waves. When it’s time to wind down, the theater room delivers a true movie-night experience, and the rec room with a pool table becomes the go-to spot for games and laid-back fun.
Outside, the private pool and hot tub area create your own personal oasis, perfect for cooling off in the afternoon or soaking under the stars with the ocean just steps away.
The bedrooms are designed to feel like private retreats for every guest. Each one is an ensuite with its own private bathroom, offering comfort and convenience throughout your stay. With six ensuite bedrooms thoughtfully distributed across two levels—two on the top floor and four on the second—every guest is assured a private and comfortable stay. Five of these six rooms are oriented oceanside, framing stunning Atlantic vistas. With deck access from every bedroom, stepping outside to catch the ocean breeze or a quiet moment alone is always just a few steps away.
What truly sets this home apart is its setting. The 4x4 beaches are quiet, expansive, and beautifully untouched, where wild horses roam freely, and the natural landscape takes center stage.
At “Once Upon a Tide”, every detail comes together to create something rare, a place where your Outer Banks vacation feels less like a trip, and more like a story you’ll want to relive again and again!
Approximately 7.6 miles up the beach.
Amenities
Home Details
Check-In
Check-Out
Floorplan
View bedsLevel 2
Ensuite 1
King, Standing shower, Deck Access
Ensuite 2
King, Standing shower, Deck access
Ensuite 3
Duo Bunk Set, Bunk Set, Shower/tub combo, Deck access
Ensuite 4
2 Twins, Standing shower, Deck access
Half Bath
Theater room; rec room with pool table and refrigerator; laundry.
Level 3
Ensuite 1
King, Standing shower, Soaking tub, Deck access
Ensuite 2
King, Standing shower, Deck access
Half Bath
Great room with electric fireplace; kitchen with two dishwashers and wet bar; dining area; screened porch.
Level 3.5
Ship's watch.
Extras
Elevator, private saltwater pool, hot tub, gas grill.
Location
4x4 Location
4x4 Beach Area
At the northern end of Highway 12, where the pavement ends and the sand begins, the 4x4 beaches are one of the most remote and unspoiled stretches of the Outer Banks — home to wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs and miles of undeveloped coastline.
Community
North Swan Beach
On the north side of the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge, there is plenty of wide open space separating the communities of Swan Beach and North Swan Beach. Specifically referred to as “North Swan Beach”, this portion of the 4x4 Beaches is situated just south of Carova Beach and approximately 3 ½ to 4 miles north of the beach access ramp.
Have a question?
Frequently asked questions:
- What time is check-in and check-out?
- How do I make a payment or pay my balance?
- What is the cancellation policy?
- Can I book for less than a week, or check in mid-week?
- Are bed linens and bath towels provided?
- Is WiFi available?
- Does this home allow pets?
- Does this home have a private pool? Is pool heat available?
- How does cleaning work during my stay?
- What do I do if something breaks or needs attention during my stay?
- Is parking available, and how many cars can I bring?
- What is there to do on the Outer Banks?
- Where is the nearest grocery store, and what shopping is nearby?
- How far is this home from the beach?
Still unsure? We're here to help!
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