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Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes

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Interior - Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes (New Bern)
Experience the charm of downtown New Bern at Higgins Downtown Depot, where industrial railroad-themed decor meets modern convenience. Located in the heart of historical downtown, this home offers a unique experience with views of the Trent River from several rooms and plenty of outdoor spaces to unwind. Enjoy roasting s'mores in the smokeless fire pit or playing cornhole on your private backyard oasis.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8227 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
The current price is €481
includes taxes & fees
31 Mar - 1 Apr

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

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

Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes

🏡 Downtown Gem | Walk Everywhere | Fire Pit & Bikes

Experience the perfect blend of historic charm and modern comfort in this beautifully restored 1895 home right in the heart of downtown New Bern. Higgins Downtown Depot offers exclusive access to the entire house, not a divided property, with a large fenced backyard, chef’s kitchen, and every amenity you need for a relaxing stay.

Step outside and you’re just steps from restaurants, coffee, shops, and Tryon Palace. Watch the slow-moving train pass by out front (a guest favorite!), roast s’mores around the smokeless fire pit, or relax on the porch with river views.

✨ Highlights

🌟 Prime downtown location – walk to everything
🌟 Beautifully decorated 1895 home with modern comforts
🌟 Fully stocked chef’s kitchen – Ninja Air Fryer, KitchenAid Mixer, Keurig & more
🌟 Smokeless fire pit, cornhole, shaded outdoor seating
🌟 Family-friendly – toys, books, movies, BabyQuip baby-gear rentals
🌟 Two king bedrooms + twin room with trundles
🌟 Fast Wi-Fi, monitor + Bluetooth keyboard for remote work
🌟 Four adult bikes with locks for exploring
🌟 24/7 guest support & keyless entry for a seamless stay

🛏️ Bedrooms & Bathrooms

All three spacious bedrooms are upstairs and feature luxury linens, plush bedding, sound machines, and alarm clocks.

🛌 Bedroom 1: King bed, sitting area, vintage (non-working) fireplace
🛌 Bedroom 2: King bed, desk area, vintage (non-working) fireplace
🛌 Bedroom 3: Two twin beds with twin trundles, dresser & large closet

🛁 Bathrooms:
🚿 Downstairs – Full bath with stand-up shower
🛀 Upstairs – Full bath with clawfoot tub & handheld shower with curtain

🪜 All bedrooms are upstairs via the original staircase

🍳 Chef’s Kitchen & Dining

Cook and gather in the fully equipped kitchen:

🍽️ Ninja Air Fryer & Blender
🍽️ KitchenAid Stand Mixer & Food Processor
🍽️ Crockpot, bakeware, cookware, & spices
☕ Keurig with frother + drip coffee maker
🧂 Starter condiments, paper goods, & trash bags

Enjoy meals around the large dining table, or open the vintage double doors to connect the kitchen, dining, and living spaces.

🛋️ Living Spaces

💻 Study with desk, monitor, Bluetooth keyboard & mouse
🔥 Family room with gas fireplace, Smart TV & dry bar
🖼️ Decor filled with antiques, heirlooms, and historic photos — each room tells a story

🧴 Salon-quality toiletries, plush towels, black makeup towels, laundry pods, and thoughtful starter supplies are provided.

🌳 Outdoor Spaces

🌿 Private fenced backyard with smokeless fire pit
🎯 Cornhole, ring toss, and frisbee games
🚲 Four adult bikes with locks and helmets
🪑 Shaded seating & string lights for cozy evenings
🌅 River views from the porch

Walk to Union Point Park, the Neuse River, and nearby attractions.

👶 Family Friendly

👶 Partnered with BabyQuip, the nation’s #1 baby gear rental company — rent clean, modern equipment delivered right to your door.

💬 Guest Experience

When you stay with A Stay Above The Rest, you get more than a home — you get a team that truly cares.

🔐 Keyless entry with your personal door code
📲 24/7 guest support by call, text, or email
📘 Digital guidebook with our favorite local tips

We’re a family-owned, Texas-based company dedicated to making every stay A Stay Above The Rest.

📋 Important Details

🚂 Train passes slowly in front of the home during daytime hours only — guests love watching it!
🚗 Parking for one car in the driveway and Free street parking
📹 Exterior Ring cameras only (no interior recording)
🚫 No pets – owner has severe allergies and a historic home
🚫 No parties or events (small daytime gatherings are ok)
🚭 No smoking or vaping inside or near entries
🌙 Quiet hours 10 PM – 8 AM
🔥 Please follow local burn bans when using the fire pit

🛡️ Property Damage Protection up to $1,500 is included with every stay for peace of mind.

🌟 Summary

Historic elegance meets modern comfort at Higgins Downtown Depot — a one-of-a-kind stay in the heart of New Bern. Walk everywhere, relax by the fire pit, and enjoy a home that’s as beautiful as it is welcoming.

Guests call it:
💬 “110% satisfaction… one of our favorite stays ever!”

Come see why.
*** There is exterior video surveillance for security purposes. There are NO cameras facing the interior

Main Rules:
- Be mindful of neighbors, but make sure to enjoy your stay!
- NO Pets - Owner has severe allergies
- No smoking inside
- Remove trash and wash/ put away dishes or start dishwasher before your departure
- No Parties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Computer monitor
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Meal delivery service

Location highlights

  • In a village
  • In the city centre
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the marina

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Boat
  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Motor boating 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)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Bicycles
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 2,443 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

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

Rules

*** There is exterior video surveillance for security purposes. There are NO cameras facing the interior Main Rules:

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
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
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

269266

About the area

Located in New Bern, this holiday home is in the city centre. New Bern Grand Marina and Carolina Colours Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park and Union Point Park. Power boating and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby. Visit our New Bern travel guide
View more Holiday homes in New Bern
Map
New Bern, NC

What's nearby

  • Historic Tryon House in New Bern North Carolina
    Tryon Palace
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Christmas Wreath hanging from a light post in Union Point Park, New Bern, Craven County, North Carolina
    Union Point Park
    8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • New Bern Grand Marina
    4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Pepsi Museum
    4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • New Bern Riverfront Convention Center
    6 min walk - 0.6 km

Getting around

  • New Bern Station
    7 min walk
  • New Bern, NC (EWN-Coastal Carolina Regional)
    7 min drive

Restaurants

  • McDonald's
    4 min drive
  • Crema Brew
    12 min walk
  • Brewery 99
    5 min walk
  • Taco Bell
    3 min drive
  • Thirsty Bruin Craft Beer and Wine
    3 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes?

As of 30 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes on 31 Mar 2026 start from €481, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes located?

Located in New Bern Historic District, this holiday home is steps away from North Carolina History Center at Tryon Palace and New Bern Civic Theatre. Pepsi Museum and Christ Church are also within 5 minutes. New Bern Station is 7 minutes by foot.

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Historic Downtown Gem | Walk to Shops & Dining | Fire Pit + Bikes 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. 51 out of 53 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 53 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 53 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 53 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 53 reviews

10

Cleanliness

10

Location

10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary Ann T.

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

Great Location in Downtown

House was comfortable and well appointed. Located downtown and can walk to many restaurants and shops.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shannon G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Home away from home! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in New Bern complete with modern amenities, high end linens and the charm of a home built in 1895. We were able to walk to shops and restaurants with ease and used the bikes to go a bit further. Fire pit in the backyard was a great way to relax in the evening. Watching the train go by directly in front of the home was the main attraction. We will definitely book this home again when we return to New Bern.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Grete Y.

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

Business trip as a family

Loved the house and its location! Perfect place for our family to settle for a few days.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

shelly h.

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

Great location! Excellent service and property!

It was a beautiful old home restored in a location right in the heart of downtown. Well stocked and easy to find. We loved it and would come stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jill m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The home is so cute and centrally located to all downtown New Bern has to offer. We especially appreciated being within walking distance to New Bern Coffee Roasters on Middle street--where they make a great cup of lattes, etc. We also would highly recommend The Old Pinnix restaurant/toatery and bar. The folks there are not bartenders--they are mixologists who know what they are doing, always willing to go above and beyond and are enjoyable to talk to. We went there 3 times in 2 days--first time for an espresso martini; second time for a cappuccino and some fabulous toast with procuitto, fig, and brie; and third time for a simple kailua and cream--and they are on the same street as the place we stayed, just a few blocks down. The train actually comes by several times a day, but it is not intrusive at all--just adds to the charm of the town. We had a couple of small snafus--getting the front door to unlock and getting the correct Wi-Fi password, but the Stay Above staff was very responsive.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lyn J.

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

Wonderful stay

Our family stayed in this lovely historic home and had a wonderful time. The home was spotless and comfortable, and the hosts had thought of everything. For access to beautiful downtown New Bern, there is no better location. This property has our highest recommendation, and the hosts have our deep appreciation.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lydia B.

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

Great place

Lovely home! Perfect for gathering and socializing. Lovely backyard with activities for all. Comfortable beds and well kept updated charming house.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Beth N.

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

Exceeded all expectations

Full of character, plenty of space, super comfortable beds, lots of excellent attention to details of the guest experience. We would definitely return!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary D.

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

Downtown New Bern Gem!

We enjoyed our stay at your home very much. It was beautifully decorated with interesting art work. The beds were very comfortable and the bedrooms nicely appointed. Great kitchen and eating area as well. We loved being able to walk to shops and restaurants right from the house. New Bern is a great little town with friendly people, charm and so much history. Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Doug G.

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

Higgins Downtown Depot

Great location, within walking distance of all Tryon Palace and downtown main street. Top of the line counter top appliances. Nice fenced in backyard for kids to play in. Management service was extremely responsive to all questions and request. Upon arrival the toaster would not work, they had a new one delivered the next morning.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

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

Charming House

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Property is exactly as advertised with all the necessities and furnishings required to make yourself at home. The house is conveniently located downtown next to historical attractions, restaurants, and nightlife on the same block. The entire block is rocking through the night.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher F.

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

Unbeatable Location!

We were in New Bern to visit the Tryon Palace for Christmas Candlelight. This place was only two blocks from the Palace, and two blocks in the other direction to downtown. The house itself was also great - these older houses have some quirks, but it has had a recent renovation so everything is as modern as possible. Had a great time, and will definitely be booking again!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Will and Natalie G.

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

Modernized historic home in downtown New Bern

The perfect place for our stay in New Bern! This historic home has been beautifully modernized and stocked with anything you could possibly need. It's also in the perfect location - just 1-2 blocks away from all the attractions and dining New Bern has to offer. The house was spotless when we arrived, the beds were extremely comfortable, and there were several office spaces in the house for those of us who needed to work remotely. We will absolutely stay here again next time we visit New Bern!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Douglas S.

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

EXCEPTIONAL

This is probably the best VRBO I stayed in years! Everything is top quality! Excellent. Every detail has been thought of in the place. I would recommend to everyone. There customer service it’s outstanding.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joy C.

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

Awesome house!

The house was extremely well appointed in period pieces. The kitchen was beautiful and perfect. There was nothing missing! Loved the train running out front (out once and not late). We enjoyed the bikes as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melinda S.

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

Higgins Downtown Depot -

My friends and I stayed here for a Girl's weekend. It was extremely clean and has THE most well equipped kitchen you can imagine! All the rooms were beautiful decorated and comfortable. We walked everywhere. This location is a short walk to lots of fun in and around downtown New Bern. Only saw the train once but it was awesome! The property contacts were extremely responsive.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sophia P.

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

Great location

House was as advertised and in good condition. Check in and check out were easy. It is really fun to learn about the history of the home. It has been renovated nicely. Be sure to make note of the bathroom situation when booking, however. There are 2 bathrooms in the home- one downstairs in the hall with a shower and one upstairs near all the bedrooms in the hall but with only a clawfoot bathtub. Otherwise, great location and everything went great. Will be staying there again
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sophia P.

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

Perfect place to stay for camp dropoff or just vacation!

The house is very clean and comfortable. We stayed here for both drop off at camp and pick up. The location is so good- we rode our bikes everywhere we needed to go around the town. We easily could have walked as well. The house has been renovated adorably, all the bedding is very comfortable. One thing that the management does that goes above and beyond that we so much appreciated is they stock the kitchen with trash bags, dish soap and dishwasher soap (and hand soap) so that you don’t have to go to the store and buy all that stuff. Communication with host is very easy and responses are very quick. We will stay here every year without a doubt!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristin H.

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

Great home and location

We stayed with friends at this home and really enjoyed the home and the location. We were able to walk everywhere we needed to and had comfortable living rooms and bedrooms. Just caution that as listed the bathroom upstairs does not have a stand-up shower, while it does have a shower handle for in the tub. All 4 adults and 4 kids shared the downstairs bathroom shower. Kitchen was fabulous and wonderfully supplied. Host was responsive for needs. Loved seeing the train go by, was not loud and enjoyed seeing it pass by. We will definitely consider this again next time we are in New Bern. Thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley P.

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

AMAZING HOME

This home was nothing short of spectacular! So many details were thought of and provided for. We were blown away with how well the home is appointed (excellent hair dryer, so many appliances in the kitchen, condiment packets, coffee, sugar, etc). If we weren't planning on cooking meals, we literally only needed our clothes and makeup. We fully enjoyed the backyard with the cornhole boards and firepit and were blessed to see the train several times as well. The beds were incredibly comfortable, the bedding was so cozy and the towels were plush. Even the paper products were what we'd purchase for home, not the super cheap stuff that I've found is normally provided in rentals. And also the response time of the rental agency was literally within seconds or minutes and so easy through text. By far the best VRBO I've stayed in and we will definitely reserve again!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katrina

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This house is so special to us and we will always try to stay here when we visit New Bern! My husband and I were staying here years ago when we got engaged and love it so much. Can’t wait to come back! Perfect for the whole family
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Terry S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful time and LOVED the house! Friends for 50 years, we were visiting our high school choral teacher. Everything was perfect and the kitchen is amazing...want to go back for a longer stay to cook with family and friends! The train was an added bonus!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Jeremy M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location, plenty of room for the 5 of us.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cory H.

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

Best VRBO we have visited, loved our trip to New Bern

We loved our stay! The house is cozy, charming, and beautifully furnished — everything felt comfortable and welcoming. The historic character gives it great personality, and the kitchen was well-stocked with everything we needed to cook and enjoy meals as a family. The location is ideal: just a short walk to restaurants and close to the heart of a lovely downtown area. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tai C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great! Just smelled a little closed up.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025