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4X4 only! Canal front. Ocean AND sound views! Decks and porches on all levels.

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A multi-level building with a balcony and a staircase, surrounded by a fence. - 4X4 only! Canal front. Ocean AND sound views! Decks and porches on all levels. (Corolla)
A bedroom with a bed, a dresser, a ceiling fan, a TV, and a sliding glass door leading to an outdoor deck. - 4X4 only! Canal front. Ocean AND sound views! Decks and porches on all levels. (Corolla)
A spacious kitchen with white cabinets, a central island with stools, a refrigerator, and a microwave. - 4X4 only! Canal front. Ocean AND sound views! Decks and porches on all levels. (Corolla)
An outdoor wooden deck with a bar area, blue stools, and a trash can. - 4X4 only! Canal front. Ocean AND sound views! Decks and porches on all levels. (Corolla)
A wooden structure with a painted crab decoration and a lifebuoy on the side. - 4X4 only! Canal front. Ocean AND sound views! Decks and porches on all levels. (Corolla)
Take advantage of a firepit, a garden and a playground at 4X4 only! Canal front. Ocean AND sound views! Decks and porches on all levels.. In addition to laundry facilities, guests can connect to in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

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About this property

4X4 only! Canal front. Ocean AND sound views! Decks and porches on all levels.

  • THIS HOUSE IS LOCATED IN THE 4X4 BEACH ACCES AREA - MUST HAVE 4X4!! You will be driving on the beach in sand.
    Newly updated water system! Totally remolded, new appliances, new furniture!! Low traffic Canal front with a Boat slip. 500 yards from the fire station. 6 minute walk to the beach ( 4 minutes if you are really excited!) . beach parking pass included. Decks , decks and more decks for your enjoyment!! Rain or shine you can take in all of nature’s beauty under the cover of a deck on every level. The bottom level includes a large covered deck great for entertaining, an outside shower, a utility room with a fridge , microwave, washer /dryer and a half bath. A large handmade surfboard bar welcomes you to unwind after a long day on the beach . Walk up the stairs to the second floor which is also surrounded by covered decks and fun seating including a large hammock , double seated swing hammock and a bistro table . The interior entry on the second floor accesses the bedrooms . Both sides of the hallway have a matching floor plan with 2 bedrooms on each side with a shared bathroom between for a total of 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths on this level . All rooms have smart TVs and WiFi. Go up the interior stairs to the third floor which is an open room including the kitchen , living room and a third full bath. From the interior of this level Step out of one of the 3 sliding doors onto the screened in porch Or to the open deck for a birds eye view . Take one more flight of steps up to the crows nest to enjoy ocean and sound views, bistro lighting to savor the moment while enjoying sunsets and moonlit nights . There is plenty of yard space including a fire pit, a park style charcoal grill and plenty of room for games and entertaining. 2 kayaks, miscellaneous boogie boards, Beach toys and beach chairs staged on the bottom deck under cover. With a surplus of amenities The Rusty Crab is sure to offer something for all. You must have 4x4 !! This house is located in the 4x4 beach Access area. You will be driving on the sand and beach .

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach loungers

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3.5 shared bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Outdoor shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near the bay
  • Near the sea
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Water sports equipment
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks 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)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Contactless check-in and check-out are available

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Contactless check-out

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

Pets

Pets are allowed

Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Welcoming dogs and cats only

2 total pets

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that 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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Located in Corolla, this holiday home is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Corolla Beach and Currituck National Wildlife Refuge, while Wild Horse Museum and Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education are cultural highlights. Kayaking, power boating and surfing/body boarding offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours nearby. Visit our Corolla travel guide
View more Holiday homes in Corolla
Map
Corolla, NC

What's nearby

  • Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
    12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Carova Beach
    5 min drive - 0.9 km

Restaurants

  • Chewbacca
    25 min drive
  • The Kitchen Witch Catering
    15 min drive
  • Second Thoughts Beach Redoubt
    9 min drive
  • Hammered Drunk Bar and Grill OBX
    12 min drive
  • Crab Cantina
    194 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 4X4 only! Canal front. Ocean AND sound views! Decks and porches on all levels. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at 4X4 only! Canal front. Ocean AND sound views! Decks and porches on all levels.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at 4X4 only! Canal front. Ocean AND sound views! Decks and porches on all levels.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 4X4 only! Canal front. Ocean AND sound views! Decks and porches on all levels.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is 4X4 only! Canal front. Ocean AND sound views! Decks and porches on all levels. located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Carova Beach and Currituck National Wildlife Refuge. Carova Beach and False Cape State Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).

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4X4 only! Canal front. Ocean AND sound views! Decks and porches on all levels. Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 104 out of 113 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 113 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 113 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 113 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 113 reviews

9.8

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a delightful stay. Is very clean and cozy
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Great Location

Property was perfect for a small family trip to the beach. Just a short walk to a beautiful beach. House was clean and well appointed
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Fantastic as always

Great property in a great location. Phil is extremely nice and has everything ready the minute you pull in. Always a great stay!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Beach Getaway

We greatly enjoyed our stay. The house was perfect and the location was unique. My wife and daughters loved seeing the horses in the yard each morning. We hope to come back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Excellent and quiet stay!

We stayed as a family for our spring break. House was clean, beds were comfortable, and location was great! The kids loved seeing wild horses right off the deck and we found more by driving around. We spent one day on the beach and that was a lot of fun. Weather was a bit chilly, but nothing we could control!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great house & great location!

We loved our stay! We were walking distance from the beach, we had wild horses visit the property during our stay. The house was spacious for our family of adults, children and dogs. We'll be back next summer!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Relax

Quiet, relaxing weekend with friends. Great house and location.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beach side Getaway

We absolutely loved the property!! We saw horses every day and the beach was less than a 5 minute walk. The house was gorgeous and perfect for our group of 5. Definitely want to have a 4x4, and check the tide charts to plan your outings. We would absolutely stay again!!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect stay!

We had a wonderful time in Carova. The beach is a short walk from the property, and there is plenty of room for everyone inside the house. There is a rooftop area that provides a good view of the ocean and a nice downstairs area/bar. Phil was great with communication. Would recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Communication, location

Great location

This was a great location! It was a 2.5-hr drive from Norfolk airport. The house rooms are nicely arranged. Plenty of bathrooms. We cooked breakfast and lunch at home and ate supper in town. About 45-minute one-way beach/sand ride into town, returning to the house before dark, so we wouldn’t have to drive on the beach at night. Great restaurants in the towns.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Breathtaking Views

This was our first time staying on the 4x4 beach and the Rusty Crab was the perfect beach house for us! Decks, decks, and more decks! The wild horses hanging around the yard and star gazing up in the crows nest was amazing. Phil was great from the time we checked in until the time we checked out. Highly recommend the Rusty Crab!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Spring break getaway

Going to OBX in spring is unpredictable! The weather did not cooperate with us for our trip, but Phil was super helpful in letting us know what was predicted and what the conditions were! We still enjoyed the house and the location. Loved the decor and extra little touches. Would love to come back when its warmer so we could enjoy everything it had to offer.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Amazing stay!

We had a wonderful time at the Rusty Crab. The house was great and very clean. Tons of decks and the crow’s nest is the best for watching the sunrise and sunsets! The tiki bar was a favorite as well. Close proximity to the beach & canal. Great communication with the owner, very responsive! The wild horses were a joy to watch! It was definitely a highlight. Everyone had an amazing vacation. Highly recommend, you will not be disappointed.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful family trip

Beautiful house in a great location. One week wasn’t enough to use all of the amenities. The kids loved playing hide and seek in the house as there are many cool spots to hang out. The crows nest for great views, hammocks for relaxing after the beach… we caught a few crabs off the dock. The horses visit daily right in the yard. Close to the firehouse for ice and fun t-shirts. Very close to the beach. I enjoyed my daily runs on the beach. The dolphins, pelicans and wild ponies were all a magical sight each day. Worth the drive! Use a Chevy 2500 4x4 and you will have no issues driving on the beach. The owner was great too!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wild horse saloon

Amazing location. We enjoyed all the free amenities which included wild horses everyday, kayaks, peddle boat, grill and charcoal, fire pit, parking passes, beach chairs, and fresh spring water to drink. Beautiful house with convenience to the beach and bay. You can see and hear the beach from the Crows nest at top. Phil is a great host and very respondent when I had questions. Weather and water was fantastic. This was our first vacation to the OBX. Get groceries on the way in so that there is no need to leave, just fun and family. The place was stocked with everything we needed and more even down to a potato peeler, pizza cutter, and spice rack! Definitely well worth the money. Great experience, thank you Phil! Sherry W.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great house

This was our second trip to Carova and we couldn’t have been happier with our stay. We were visiting with our toddler and 7-month-old and joined by friends with similarly aged children. The house was exceptionally clean and visited by lots of horses each day, throughout the day. Right from the start the owner was accommodating, responsive, and thoughtful. The house had ample indoor and outdoor space for everyone, and the upper deck was especially nice to watch the sunrises over the ocean and sunsets while kiddos slept. The hammock, porch swing, and outdoor shower were features we used daily and the kayaks and beach toys provided lots of additional fun. It was also nice that the beach and fire station were a quick walk. I was particularly grateful for Phil, the owner. Not only did he get us into the house earlier than the scheduled check-in time, he also went out of his way to accommodate us when we forgot to remove our beach pass and left with it. Book this house, you won’t regret it!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Best Vacay, Ever!

This house made us into diehard Carova beach fans and I cant imagine wanting to go anywhere else in the world besides there, including this particular home. EXACTLY like the pictures, but better. All outdoor areas were amazing, decorated impeccably with seating areas and absolutely breathtaking views. From the adorable surfboard seating area on the 1st floor, to the hammock swing i never wanted to leave on the 2nd, to the screened in porch and open air area on the third, to the amazing crows nest on the 4th, complete with a built in bench and views of the ocean, the amazing inlet in the backyard and the osprey nest with mom, dad and babies! Wild horses visited us frequently, chomping away at the grass in the yard. The inside was just as great as out, clean, comfortable, complete kitchen with anything you may need. The house is very spacious and absolutely perfect. Comfortable beds and furniture, linens provided, along with bath towels. The owner was so responsive and helpful, check in and out was a breeze. The perfect, most chill and relaxing getaway...the only noise we heard every night was the croaking of frogs. Kayaks provided, which literally made our lives worth living. We saw so much amazing wildlife, dolphins, turtles, frogs, herons, osprey, deer. The house is close to the beach and driving there made beach days (everyday!) incredibly easy. Couldn't have asked for a better spot. Thanks so much for letting us enjoy your home, Phil, we cant wait to come back next summer!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Thanksgiving Getaway

Our family of 4 enjoyed a quiet time in the outer banks at this lovely beach house. November isn't exactly the time most folks visit the beach, but we've spent most of our lives in the far north, so the "chilly weather" didn't prevent us from enjoying kayaking in the inner channels and viewing the sunset from the crow's nest. We found the kitchen very adequate; we were able to cook a lovely thanksgiving dinner and ate quite well the entire time. We packed all our needs/food for the weekend so we wouldn't have to make the drive back into town for anything. We did bring our bikes, but the soft sand proved too difficult for fun, so I would discourage anyone from bothering with hauling those out. The views from the deck were great and the glass doors allowed so much light in. The wild horses visited us directly on the property on our first night and on the morning of our departure. They were such an added bonus to the trip. The drive wasn't too difficult (in our 4x4 F150)- it's much easier if you can time your drive to be during low tide, however the on and off ramps to the beach are soft sandy dunes, so it can still get you into trouble if you stop in those areas. I really liked the remoteness of the property, my kids really enjoyed their own bedrooms, kayaks and the horses. My husband enjoyed the crow's nest the most, especially when our girls played their flute and clarinet at sunset. Overall, an excellent visit, my kids want to come out again when it's beach season!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect relaxing family vacation

Our family of 5 had a great time. The 4x4 area is a great place to go if you want to hit the beach but not do all the touristy things. It's a much quieter spot. We didn't have many questions but Phil quickly answered the ones we had. The home has a deck on 4 different levels and we hung out on each. The crows nest had great views. Our daughter picked this vacation because of the horses and we saw horses every day we were there. About 2/3 of those from the home and 1/3 from walking around. The beach itself is out an 8 minute walk. We chose to bring all of our food so we didn't drive anywhere once we arrived. If you do make sure you check the tide charts and plan to go towards the low tide times. If you have a very capable vehicle you can get by going whenever during good weather. If you have a borderline vehicle errors towards caution. There are a few places with limited beach where you really want that extra low tide space on the beach. Remember to air down your tires (16ish PSI). We brought an AWD Durango and despite pushing a little sand from the lower front splitter it did well in the flat areas up to about 12-14 inches of sand. The kitchen is well stocked for most anything normal you might need. The water in the area is harsher well water so bring your own to drink (some is provided). Well kept home. Well decorated. Everyone in the family would love to go back! If you are looking for a get away from the daily grind and want to put your feet up, this is a great place.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our week at Phil's house was wonderful! The check in process was super easy. Phil had all information in a text to me a couple days before we traveled. He was upfront with a few temporary issues with the house. He was very responsive to all my questions, getting back to me each time within a few minutes of my text. The house was beautiful with enough space for 8 people. There were wonderful indoor and outdoor spaces including a huge crow's nest to watch the sun rise and set, and a screened in porch that always had a nice breeze blowing through it. A couple of horses came around most days, fun to watch them from the decks on the house. The beach is about a 10 min walk, about 3 min if you drive. The area is very quiet and peaceful at night. I loved it there. If I get a chance to stay in Carova again, I will reserve Phil's house. The entire Carova beach area is beautiful and Phil's beach house made for a very relaxed vacation.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Property and location are great. Phil, the owner, is fantastic. Our Fourth year at this property, and Phil has always kept it up to date with improvements and updates each year.
Stayed 14 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely fantastic trip for my family with three teenagers. A great blend of relaxation and things to do. The host was very friendly and responsive. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Place was great! Highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
fantastic stay. Phil is a great host. can not beat the location.
Stayed 13 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful beach house

We really enjoyed the area, the property, & the ease of communication with the host. Would highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025