Entire home

5BR, Ocean & Sound Views, Heatable Pool, Game Room, Pets, 4x4 Beach

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Exterior
TV, video games, DVD player, books
Beach
Property grounds
Beach

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms5 bathroomsSleeps 102576 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer

Explore the area

View in a map
Carova, NC
  • Place, Carova Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
    ‪14 min walk‬

Room options

Similar properties

About the neighborhood

Corolla

Located in Corolla, this vacation home is a 2-minute drive from Carova Beach and 6 minutes from Currituck National Wildlife Refuge. .This family-friendly vacation home is 6.4 mi (10.2 km) from Corolla Beach and 1.2 mi (1.9 km) from Estuarine Nature Walk.

What's nearby

  • Carova Beach - 5 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Currituck National Wildlife Refuge - 14 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

  • Norfolk Intl. Airport (ORF) - 156 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Northern Lights Bakery - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪The Kind Cup - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Uncle Ike's Sandbar & Grill - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Salty Rim - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪NC BBQ - ‬26 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

5BR, Ocean & Sound Views, Heatable Pool, Game Room, Pets, 4x4 Beach

Come play hooky from real life — and do it in style!
Playing Hooky is one of the most spectacular vacation rentals on the 4x4 beaches of Carova Beach, Northern Outer Banks, North Carolina. Perched on a high, elevated lot just 3 miles up the 4x4 beach from Corolla, this magnificent 5-bedroom, 2,576 square foot home delivers something rare on the Outer Banks: panoramic views of BOTH the Atlantic Ocean to the east AND the Currituck Sound to the west. Sunrises over the ocean. Sunsets over the sound. All from the same house.
A 4-wheel drive vehicle is required to reach Playing Hooky — and the moment you leave the pavement and hit the beach, you'll understand exactly why guests come back year after year. No traffic, no crowds, just wide open shoreline, star-filled skies, and the famous Corolla wild horses roaming freely nearby.
The Crow's Nest & Views:
At the top of Playing Hooky sits the crown jewel — a roof deck crow's nest with built-in seating and 360-degree views that will take your breath away. Watch the Currituck Lighthouse beacon to the south, catch the Fourth of July fireworks over Heritage Park, or simply let every care you brought with you blow away in the ocean breeze. There's also a bright sunroom just off the kitchen with a card table and chaise lounge, plus multiple levels of decking with outdoor seating on both the ocean and sound sides.
The Game Room:
The entry level of Playing Hooky is pure fun. A fully equipped game room features a pool table, wet bar with second refrigerator, huge smart TV with quality speaker system, pub table, and comfortable seating for 10. A duo-bunk and twin bedroom plus full bath on this level makes it the perfect kids' retreat — or a self-contained space for a family of four. Outside is the large heatable pool (fee applies, subject to availability) with lounge chairs, picnic table, and cabana bath.
The Main Living Levels:
On the second level you'll find three king bedrooms — one with a private bath, two sharing a bath — plus a laundry room. Step outside to the screened porch, where a 6-person hot tub awaits surrounded by dining space and cool ocean breezes. The hot tub's screened location means zero bugs and maximum relaxation.
The upper level is where it all comes together — stunning ocean views from the comfortable leather-furnished living room, a well-equipped kitchen with island seating for three and place settings for 12, and the fifth bedroom, a queen suite with private bath. The sunroom off the dining area connects you to both the sound deck to the west and the ocean deck to the east.
Pets Welcome
Playing Hooky welcomes up to two dogs (restrictions on age, weight, and breed apply). A per-pet fee and refundable security deposit are required. No cats please.
Short Stays Available
Three-night minimum stays are available in the fall — perfect for a quick escape to the 4x4 beach!
Saturday check-in. Linens and towels available for a fee. No smoking. No graduation groups or events. Free unlimited parking at the house. Two beach parking passes included.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, which features a private pool. There's a private balcony or patio. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Conveniences include a microwave and a coffee/tea maker.
Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as a hot tub, or other amenities including an arcade/game room and gas grills.
Guests will find features like wireless internet access.

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Internet access

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Dining table
  • Wet bar

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms

Bathroom

  • 4.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Outdoor shower
  • Shower

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Stereo
  • TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video games

Outdoor areas

  • Gas grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washer/dryer

Work spaces

  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near the bay

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 2,576 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

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

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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

Property is also known as

Rates Reduced September 2nd Living RM W/pool Table Wifi House
2135-111967
Rates Reduced September 2nd Living RM W/pool Table Wifi Corolla
Rates Reduced September 2nd Living RM W/pool Table Wifi

5BR, Ocean & Sound Views, Heatable Pool, Game Room, Pets, 4x4 Beach Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 56 out of 73 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 73 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 73 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 73 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 73 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an amazing time and it was super nice that it was pet friendly and the heated pool.
Stayed 13 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Zai P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was great, everything was clean and the house is super cozy, we definitely love our staying in, you can even see wild horses from the deck, also Laura was so nice, love it!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stacy B.

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

Wonderful vacation

We had a great time on vacation. Property was nice and comfortable for the family.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Stacy B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good time

We had a great time staying here.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

mike m.

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

Nice house

We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Oksana Y.

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

Great vacation spot

We enjoyed our stay very much Great location! place had everything you need! Just relax and enjoy the experience
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Dugersuren A.

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

Family Vacation

Overall great place to have family vacation. Host was very responsive. I recommend the place.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brenda C.

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

Family Vacation

We had a great time and made lots of wonderful memories!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Rachel D.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Had a great family vacation!

We have rented many places and the appeal of this place comes from the wild horses that came on to the property several days of the trip. Our evenings on the upper deck and our short drives to the beach we’re our favorite parts of this stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cole J.

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

perfect location

we had 8 adults and house worked really well for us. the location was ideal. great views and very clean, and if you have any issues Laura will take care of it, as she did for us. GREAT property manager.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Philippe D.

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

Great Beach House

Playing Hooky is an ideal place for families to enjoy Carova Beach. Everything was super clean. Kids loved the pool and hot tub. Internet connection is excellent so you can stream and even work from here.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Chris R.

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

Quiet Getaway

Great, relaxing view from the crow's nest. House is as described online. Walking distance to beach.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eric P.

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

Loved Playing Hookey!

The house was wonderful. Lots of space inside, well appointed both inside and out. Great outside spaces, lots of decks and nice pool. Highly recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Jennifer S.

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

Playing hooky

Nice location and beautiful views. There were some issues but the property manager was quick to respond.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charla B.

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

Love love love OBX!

Playing hooky was perfect for our family of 9! We saw horses every day, short truck ride to beach (walked some days). Comfy beds, great views, loved the crows nest! Laura was super awesome!! DEFINITELY recommend booking thru her!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kyde K.

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

A great week with family

Due to the secluded located of this property, we didnt leave the house as much as if we had stayed in KDH or OBX. The house had everyone we needed and more. Laura (property manager) got us in early and was instantly responsive to any concerns or needs that we had.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Douglas H.

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

July2-8,2022

We enjoyed our stay at Playing Hooky. Kitchen was very well stocked with plenty of room for 9. Laura was always quick to respond to our texts.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Randy W.

Whalen

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We had a fantastic time. The home is beautiful.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Bill D.

A great time Playing Hooky

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We really enjoyed our stay at Playing Hooky, wonderful vacation house with a ton of space and play areas, very easy walk to the beach as well.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Gennene P.

August 2024

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Playing Hookey was a very nice place to stay on our vacation. We loved the pool was to the side of the house and in the sun the entire day.
Verified

8/10 Good

Amber F.

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

Amazing Location

We loved our stay at playing hooky! The location was perfect for our family vacation. The home itself was well stocked and comfortable and the views from the decks and crow's nest were breathtaking. We saw horses every day, sometimes right in the yard! It's just a short drive to the ocean for a day on the beach and we also enjoyed spending time by the pool. Groceries/Restaurants etc. are a bit of a drive - but not inconvenient by any means. Highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Andrea Z.

Summer Vacation

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: It was the best week ever! The horses came almost every day, the house was awesome, had everything! The management company went above and beyond our expectations, we will definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deborah K.

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

4x4 Heaven!

What a blast when the only way to your home is in a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Reaching your destination, (2.7 miles on the sand) is a huge adventure as you cruise parallel to the beautiful ocean with statuesque horses calmly grazing about alongside their family! Truly a gift!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Steven and Betty M. M.

Playing Hookey

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Had a wonderful time...weather at the beginning was stormy but enjoyed family time then the last of the vaca was on to the beach. Plenty of horses, sun and sand. House was great with lots of activities and amenities.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Diana D.

Playing Hooky was fantastic peaceful and clean

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We had an amazing time at OBX. Laura and their rental team was wonderful to deal with. We had a couple minor issues but they were on the scene with assistance within minutes of my call. We look forward to going back and using their rental services again next year. The home was very clean one of the cleanest I've stayed in.