Dolphin's Leap

"The long deck is a great feature as is the hot tub. Sunlight floods the front room each morning which is a great start to the day."

"My sisters and I have been for the past three years and have loved the extensive decking and seating that sits on top of the dune. This year we did miss the bar in the gazebo which has been our favorite place to sit with my coffee and watch the sunrise. The house is a good size for the three of us to have our own space and enjoy the living area. I love that I can bring my two dogs with us. The owners have done some great improvements in the years we have been coming. The hot tub, the cover in particular, may need an upgrade. But overall, we really have enjoyed the place and hope to continue our annual trips."

"Wonderful vacation house for our family of five! Just the right size for us and our dog. Greatly appreciated being only steps from the beach, and the deck and gazebo stretching out towards the water offered unparalleled views!"

"I really don't know of anything to add that could make it any better; fully stocked kitchen, fan provided in each bedroom (can't sleep without one), linens provided, the ONLY home witha deck that extends out over the dunes, and the gazebo with chairs allows for sun or shade - was nice sipping coffee each morning watching the sunrise from across the ocean. This was our 2nd year in that same home away from home. We'll most DEFINITELY be back again."

"Deck over looking the beach was great"

"Dolphin's Leap was aptly named, as we were treated to frequent dolphin sightings throughout our stay! We spent nearly all of our waking hours on the huge deck. We really appreciated the quality composite deck furniture, having options of full sun or shade, and the safe, gated area for the dog to run around chasing bubbles to his heart's content. As shown in the aerial map, the gazebo sits pretty much at the top of the dune. It extends significantly further than any deck in the community. We actually never even brought our beach chairs and umbrellas down to the sand, because there was no need. The 2024 updates to the deck and gazebo were done well: the overall footprint did not change, and there are now unobstructed views thanks to the "snack bar" (in the gazebo) and the tall panels by the hot tub being removed. As for the house itself, it was the perfect size for us -- two adults in separate bedrooms, plus a dog. The kitchen had adequate storage space. The large dining area was convenient and comfortable. The decor is tasteful, and wonderfully lacking in beach kitsch. We also appreciated the updated flooring, and that there are no area rugs to trap sand and dirt and dog hair. There is no interior staircase, so to do laundry you do need to go outside to get to the downstairs laundry area -- not an issue for us. The bathroom was a good size, though the "low-rider" toilet could use an upgrade. The direct beach access, shared with the house next door, was a nice option; but the ocean side of it is a little steep. (On our way back to the house, we typically opted for any of the three Carolina Dunes community walkways, as they seemed a little less steep, plus they all offered a handrail, foot-rinse station, and a little lending library. During our stay, there was a lifeguard from 10 am to 6 pm daily, near the walkway closest to the house.) The beach was not ever crowded. This was one of the most relaxing and restful vacations we have had in years."

"Loved the location and the large outdoor deck"

"Location"

"We loved the layout of a one floor home. We loved the enclosed deck for the pets. We loved the deck, gazebo, hot tub, and ocean views. We loved the neighborhood. We already booked for 2 weeks for next year."

"Location, location, location"

"House was well maintained. Perfect size for 1-2 people"

"This house is perfect for one or 2 couples. Great location. The deck is the best! We spend most of our time outside, with choices of sun and shade, being out over the dune vs close to the house. And we love that the deck is fully gated so we can have a dog outside with us, relaxed and confident he won’t be able to run off. The gate just before the gazebo is very useful also, it helps us manage the excited barking at every dog that walks by."

"Not everyone needs a castle sized home . This is the perfect size for a small family and made better still by allowing the dog family members to also enjoy a vacation. This lovely house has the best outdoor deck and furniture to enjoy the ocean. We have rented this home twice and would certainly not hesitate to return. It is simply the best!"

"On the beach with great ocean views. Lot of outdoor living space."

"We loved the watching the sunrise with our family (pup included) while sitting on the covered dune deck and the private access to the beach. In a market dominated with huge homes, this smaller one met every one of our families needs for making a memorable OBX vacation."

"As always, the best. Doesn't get any better than Dolphins Leap!!"

"The deck and hot tub were amazing. The views are the best in Duck."

"We had a perfect week at Dolphin's Leap. The outdoor decking & gazebo were the highlights of the property. The perfect weather had us starting each day walking our dog on the nearly-deserted beach. The town of Duck is so nice in that dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach as long as they are closely monitored. Although the beach access shared with the neighboring house was mostly impassable, a neighborhood boardwalk access was only 1 house up the street, offering poop bags, a shower & footwash and even a Little Library offering books to borrow. We followed our walks by having breakfast under the deck's gazebo, overlooking the ocean. Some part of the home's decks remained in the sunshine for the entire day, unlike the taller homes whose decks and pool areas were shaded by 2pm. We brought back dinner-to-go a couple of evenings & ate under the gazebo, watching for dolphins, which we saw everyday. The house was a nice beach cottage ... very clean, with a well-stocked kitchen and comfortable beds. We shut off the AC the moment we arrived & opened the windows in the kitchen & main bedroom (others were un-openable) to enjoy the breezes & sounds of the waves. The outdoor areas of the house could have been better-prepared for the spring season: the screen porch had a thick layer of sand on the floor & covering the table & chairs, & even the sliding door to enter the home had sand in the runners making it difficult to slide the door open. Fortunately, there was a broom provided so you could clean some of the sand off the decking & away from the door (definitely more than an overnight or weekly accumulation). The door lock could use some 3-in-1 oil to make locking & unlocking less difficult. Also, we wished there had been a safety bar in the shower area of the bathroom, as we found it a bit unsafe getting in & out of the tub ... we had purposely chosen this house as it allowed 1-floor living once you navigated the 12-step staircase to the main level, as my husband has Parkinson's Disease. A couple other minor things could've been improved upon: better instructions for TV usage & a trash dumpster that had wheels so you could roll it out to the street. But overall, just a perfect oceanfront cottage with wonderful outdoor areas to enjoy the lovely weather & peaceful vistas! So much so, that we are planning to rent for 2 weeks in 2024!"

"Dolphins leap is the best house around with the deck right out to the beach. We saw beautiful sunrises and watched for dolphins. My 2 dogs can run out to the deck and watch for people and they are safe on the deck. The house had everything we needed and very clean. If I could I would rent it every year."

"The deck and view are amazing. The upgraded floor and 3rd bedroom are very nice."

"I love that we can being our dogs on vacation w us. I love the oceanside deck. I love the hot tub on the deck and the quiet neighborhood"

"The location and outdoor space was outstanding. Breakfast in the gazebo, reading at the end of the deck, walk on the beach daily."

"good location right ocean front"

"Small, right on the beach with private access"

"Deck and hot tub"

"The best part was the gazebo right on the dune. It’s just the right size for a small family or a few friends."

"The Deck was amazing, access to the beach was great."

"The gazebo on the deck was a life-saver for family that for various reasons could not go down to the beach, but could sit there and still experience the ocean."

"First of all Duck has more lenient laws about dogs on the beach. Next - I love Dolphin's Leap because it isn't one of the huge houses. AND best of all is the covered gazebo!! Even in the rain I sat out there. Another plus is the big yard on the street side. It is sort of enclosed by greenery so my dog can play out there without me being worried about him running off. I look forward to my week at Dolphin's Leap all year."

"Love the home, laundry downstairs is difficult but doable. Storm washed out the walkway to the beach but we made do. LOVED the views. Kitchen needs to be restocked for measuring cups, pans other than non stick, and faucet mechanism with spray is not working… This is a fabulous house.!!!! Well kept and updated and despite hiccups a great place to stay!"

"The deck overlooking the ocean is amazing"

"Right on the beach, long deck, hot tub."

"I loved the views of the ocean! The service was also amazing!"

"Everything."

"Cute house in an amazing location. Loved the 2022 updates you furniture and decor"

"Loved everything about the house! The deck, the hot tub, the house, the neighborhood!"

"Best house on the beach!!!"

"We love this house! We describe it as a fabulous deck with a cute little house attached. The deck provides wonderful living areas -- covered, open, intimate, or spacious -- all with amazing views of the beach and ocean. And of course, the hot tub. The house is cozy but best for intimate groups since there is only one bathroom and the plan is very open. A few things could use some updates, such as the dishwasher. But all in all, it's very comfortable. We will be back!"

"Great place. Cozy, on the beach, and dog friendly. We are going back for our 5th year."

"The view and the outdoor living space are what make this home so special. Inside, Dolphin's Leap is cozy and comfortable, perfect for a small family or couple — even two couples who don’t mind sharing a bath. But the deck is spectacular with lots of comfortable seating, covered area, screened porch, hot tub, and 180 degree view of the beach and ocean. This has to be the best deck on the Outer Banks."

"Very clean home, bathroom was bigger than pictured which was nice. Amazing Views. Thanks for a Wonderful week."

"If you want privacy, the best view of the beach and ocean but don't want kids or animals running around you.... this is the place for you! Take your dog cause he /she can have the run of the completely secured deck! And direct and private access to the beach. Can't say enough good things about this house!! I'm already booked for next year!"