Entire home

Dream Retreat near Gipson Play Plaza @ Dix Park Downtown Raleigh & NCSU and Cary

Family-friendly vacation home in Raleigh with a fitness center

Photo gallery for Dream Retreat near Gipson Play Plaza @ Dix Park Downtown Raleigh & NCSU and Cary

Property grounds
Dining
Exterior
Outdoor dining
4 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, travel crib
Escape to Country Escape, a unique retreat designed by renowned architect Robert Stern and featured in Life Magazine. Nestled on 2 acres of land, this spacious home boasts a large deck perfect for gatherings and outdoor games like badminton. Inside, unwind in the bonus room with foosball or convert the poker table into a bumper table for family fun.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 10297 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

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.

Dream Retreat near Gipson Play Plaza @ Dix Park Downtown Raleigh & NCSU and Cary


Welcome to The Dream House, a stunning retreat just 6.8 miles from downtown Raleigh and 6 miles from North Carolina State University. Situated on a peaceful 2-acre lot, this home was inspired by the iconic 1994 Life Magazine Dream House, designed by renowned architect Robert Stern. Perfect for family gatherings or a relaxing getaway, this property offers a blend of comfort, charm, and unique character.

Why You’ll Love It

    •    Outdoor Fun: Enjoy bean bag toss, or gather on the spacious deck with a dining table for 12. String lights create a magical ambiance for evening get-togethers.
    •    Indoor Entertainment: The bonus room features a relatively large smart tv, foosball, a game table, a blue ray dvd player as well as for cds, a chess set, card games and trivia for the whole family and space for all to relax.
    •    Ample Sleeping Arrangements:
    •    Main house: 3 bedrooms.PUS basement as the 4th (bedroom)
    •    Basement suite: A 500 sq. ft. retreat with a queen bed, a single bed , a private bathroom, and refrigerator.
    •    Bonus room: (attic) A cozy 340 sq. ft. attic space.
    •    Nanny room: Adjacent to the main floor master bedroom with a trundle bed (2 singles). There’s a room divider provided for you for a little privacy.

Modern Comforts

    •    Water Filtration: Enjoy fresh, triple-purified water perfect for drinking and cooking.
    •    Air Quality: Equipped with air purifiers for your health and comfort.
    •    Romantic & Family-Friendly: Gather around the gas fire pit for cozy evenings under the stars (instructions provided upon request).

The Owners & Privacy

The homeowners reside in a private mother-in-law suite (left wing part of basement) with its own entrance and will ensure your stay is undisturbed. They’re available if needed but respect your privacy fully.
Three levels set up, perfect for group privacy
Important Details

    •    No unregistered guests; additional guests incur a $30/person fee.
    •    Terms & conditions, as well as a copy of your current driver’s license, are required prior to your stay.
    •    This property does not accommodate pets due to severe allergies—thank you for understanding.

Nearby Attractions

Nestled in a quiet, secluded area, the property is perfect for peaceful walks near a local equestrian center, while remaining close to all the attractions Raleigh has to offer.

This is more than a stay; it’s a place to create lifelong memories. Book your Country Escape today and experience the charm and serenity of this one-of-a-kind retreat!

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3.5 bathrooms
  • Bidet
  • Hair dryer
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

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

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed
  • Note from host: There's a $250/n penalty for smoking in the house.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Meal delivery service

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Foosball table
  • Gym
  • Table tennis
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Winery tours 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
  • Unit size: 3,200 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Rules

No heavy drinking, No gambling, No loud music at any time during your stay. Quiet time is from 11 pm and 7 am.
Instant booking ,if no dogs/no smoking, may book & send the signed contract after booking no later than 2 weeks before arrival or risk cancellation

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: not childproof/

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
There's a $250/n penalty for smoking in the house.

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
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

City Living Rural Community Ncsu/downtown Raleigh Cary House
City Living Rural Community Ncsu/downtown Cary House
City Living Rural Community Ncsu/downtown Raleigh Cary
City Living Rural Community Ncsu/downtown Cary
City Living Rural Community Ncsu/downtown Raleigh Cary House
City Living Rural Community Ncsu/downtown Cary House
City Living Rural Community Ncsu/downtown Raleigh Cary
City Living Rural Community Ncsu/downtown Raleigh Cary House
City Living Rural Community Ncsu/downtown Cary House
City Living Rural Community Ncsu/downtown Raleigh Cary
City Living Rural Community Ncsu/downtown Cary
Retreat Near Downtown Raleigh/ncsu/cary
Forget the "yellow Brick Road" Look for the Yellow House
Forget the "yellow Brick Road" Come to the Yellow House Instead

About the neighborhood

Map
Raleigh, NC

What's nearby

  • Historic Yates Mill County Park - 6 min drive - 4.8 km
  • Lake Wheeler Park - 7 min drive - 5.4 km
  • Crossroads Plaza - 7 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Lake Johnson - 7 min drive - 7.3 km
  • North Carolina State University - 10 min drive - 10.7 km

Getting around

  • Raleigh Union Station - 17 min drive
  • Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) - 23 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Bojangles - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Dream Retreat near Gipson Play Plaza @ Dix Park Downtown Raleigh & NCSU and Cary pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Dream Retreat near Gipson Play Plaza @ Dix Park Downtown Raleigh & NCSU and Cary?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Dream Retreat near Gipson Play Plaza @ Dix Park Downtown Raleigh & NCSU and Cary?

Check-out is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Dream Retreat near Gipson Play Plaza @ Dix Park Downtown Raleigh & NCSU and Cary located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly vacation home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Lake Wheeler Park, Crossroads Plaza, and Cary Towne Center. Lake Johnson and Amb Day Spa are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Dream Retreat near Gipson Play Plaza @ Dix Park Downtown Raleigh & NCSU and Cary Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 151 out of 164 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 164 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 164 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 164 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 164 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Richard H.

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

Amazing!

Linda and her husband were awesome hosts and the property was perfect for us to celebrate our oldest's sons wedding! Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angela F.

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

Lots of space

We had multiple generations stay together for a high school graduation. The house had plenty of space and bathrooms!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew B.

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

Amazing getaway!!

From the beginning of the booking process to walking out the door at the end of the week the property owner was very professional. The house was very warm and welcoming when you first walk in. It had more than enough room to accommodate our family of 8 and then family that came to visit as well. We have already talked about heading back next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Madison H.

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

Great Visit! Loved quiet neighborhood!

Had a great stay here- Tons of space and we basically spent all of our time on the back patios, back decks, and outside. It has incredible outdoor space. We hope to go back next year!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tricia M.

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

GREAT

Great stay and ease to work with manager
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stacey Z.

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

Big Yellow House

It was perfect for our needs. There were 9 of us. Plenty of areas to relax, ample space for us to eat together as a family and a relaxing atmosphere. Would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Virginia C.

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

Christmas stay 2024

This was a wonderful home with plenty of room for all. Our only surprise was the Nanny Room was only an alcove off the the kitchen, not a private bedroom. Owners were very responsive to questions we had. Beautiful natural surrounding s.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie P.

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

Picked this property to stay for my Anniversary. Accommodation for out of town guests .

Great anything I didn't know I was helped by the owner. Won't disappoint. Beautiful home n property
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kali B.

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

Beautiful Home in a Great Neighborhood

This house was absolutely amazing, it’s super clean, the beds were very comfy, it has everything you need, plus some and there was more than enough space for our group of 9. We were in NC for a baseball tournament and if we ever play here again, we will definitely book this house again!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda S.

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

Family birthday

The house was plenty big for the 8 of us. The area had plenty of places for us to choose to eat! We will definitely recommend it and stay there again if we are in that area. Thank you Linda for making it perfect!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carl M.

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

Awesome Place!!!

We were in town for a family wedding, stayed Wednesday thru Sunday. Great area, very close to everything, quiet neighborhood and all of the amenities you would ever need. Everything about the trip was made easy! I absolutely recommend that you try this place. Fantastic experience!!! 5+ Stars for sure!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tremayne G.

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

Beautiful Home

Mrs. Linda and her husband are the two sweetest people you can ever meet. There home is beautiful and very accommodating and they make sure to be there with whatever you need to have a full experience. We loved the house and hopefully we get to stay again soon. Thank you
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer A.

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

Cul-de-sac Delite!

Large house with everything you need! Big yard, quiet neighborhood and lovely hosts at this house. Great location for families needing a place to stay for an event at The Meadows at Firefly Farms. Only 5 minutes from this wedding venue. Was a great option for our group of 3 couples and 3 children versus hotel rooms farther away from the wedding we were attending. Distinct separate areas in the house for multi-family needs!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Amy W.

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

Great outdoor deck

The outdoor deck is a great asset of this house. It is private and accommodates a large group. The house was clean with comfortable beds in the bedrooms, nice bathrooms, and a kitchen stocked with all that we needed. It comfortably sleeps 8 people with 4 full beds. The only downfall is that we didn't find the day bed and pullout couch to be comfortable so this is something to consider if you have to sleep more than 8 people. Otherwise, we enjoyed this home.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Katherine S.

Great rental in the Raleigh Area!!

We rented this wonderful house during a family reunion. The family member hosting the reunion was about 10 minutes away so this was a great location. We didn't want to stay in the local hotel and that was the perfect choice. We had so much room and a beautiful kitchen to have a nice relaxing breakfast in every morning. The whole family had plenty of space. This is in a rural community but you are only minutes from some nice stores and restaurants. The smells and the sounds of the surrounding woods were great! Linda was great with answering questions before we arrived and especially while we were booking the rental. We also met the owners upon arrival. Overall a great experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Dory P.

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

LOVELY! Wam and Comfortable

This home is absolutely lovely. The owners have thought of everything to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Everything about this home felt warm and welcoming and as if they were grateful we chose them to stay with. It's clean and fresh, but doesn't feel 'cold or sterile'. The owners are close by, so they're there if you need them and yet you'd never know it unless you asked. You have your privacy but feel the safety of having them near. They're thoughtful in every way. From every lovely decoration and amenity in the home, to answering questions and being quickly available if needed. The bathrooms! Wonderful!! Great water pressure in each one and big, spacious and clean with the nicest showers and jet tub. Towels are clean and soft and thirsty and anything you might need has been thought of and available for you. The beds and pillows are perfect. It's just really a comfortable place to stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Such a wonderful experience staying here. We came for a neices wedding and Linda and Glenn were gracious to allow us to host a family get together for 4 generations. It was the first time the entire family had been together in decades, coming from Tennessee, California and North Carolina. The home was absolutely perfect for entertaining, with a large kitchen and beautiful deck overlooking the woods. The family enjoyed eating and catching up with ample places to sit and gather. The toys and kitchen in the nanny room were a huge hit for the youngsters while the adults enjoyed games usrtairs as well as outdoors under the shady front lawn. The bathrooms were stocked with toiletries, bed were comfortable and the whole process for check in/out was a breeze. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lori p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Steve B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
The location was beautiful! The house was ok - it could use some updating for more relaxing spaces and furniture. I wasn't expecting to have the owners on the property so that made things feel different from any place I had stayed before. I won't ever rent a place where the owners are living down stairs. The lighting inside needs updating - and the kitchen is not outfitted as well as we thought it would be. It didn't have the vibe we hoped for.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan G.

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

Wedding trip

We needed a place in Raleigh to stay (9 people) and a place for my daughter and her bridesmaids to get ready for the wedding. The house was perfect for our needs! We had a great time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is our second time staying at this property and it was just as amazing as the first time. The house is gorgeous. There was room for everyone in our family. The hosts were VERY quick to respond to any needs that arose. We would absolutely stay here again. Thanks so much!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel S.

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

We had a great time!

We had a wonderful time and greatly enjoyed the outside dining area and beautiful view.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim W.

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

NC State Graduation

Perfect location. Less than 20 minutes to graduation ceremonies. Well appointed home in a great neighborhood. Perfect for our big family. The owners are kind and helpful - even put up a congratulations banner for my daughter.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Larry D.

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

Five Stars all Around

We enjoyed this wonderful property in a great neighborhood during our weekend activities in Raleigh. Our group consisted of four men in our 70's from around the eastern half of the country. The bedrooms were comfortable with well appointed and ample bathrooms. We utilized the big screen TV upstairs to stream the Saturday night race from Rockingham. Check in and out was a breeze and their was ample parking for our 4 cars. I would highly recommend this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carla B.

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

Raleigh horse show

Great set up. Kids had a blast in the downstairs sweet.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025