25-Acre Oxford Retreat | Lakefront Cabin + Hot Tub

Oxford, NC, United States

About

Escape to Castor Cottage, a charming 700–800 sq. ft. studio nestled within a private 25-acre lakeside retreat in 𝗢𝘅𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱,𝗡𝗖. Perfect for couples or small families, this intimate hideaway offers full amenities and direct lake access. Enjoy hiking trails, frisbee golf and peaceful outdoor spaces—just 30 minutes from Durham, part of Elmay’s curated three-cabin collection. ☀ Lake Access ☀ Hot Tub ☀ BBQ Grill ☀ Patio

Good to know

Discover this charming studio in 𝗢𝘅𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱,𝗡𝗖 where rustic charm meets modern comfort. It offers a cozy sleeping nook, inviting living area, fully equipped kitchenette and a private outdoor space perfect for relaxing evenings. With direct lake access and peaceful surroundings, this cottage is an ideal retreat for rest and rejuvenation. ☆𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁: ☀ Plush queen bed + designer queen sleeper sofa ☀ Single-level layout with no stairs ☀ Kitchenette with essentials for simple meal prep ☀ Modern bathroom with quality fixtures ☆𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀: ☀ Private hot tub ☀ Fire pit and outdoor dining area ☀ Patio/balcony seating ☀ Charcoal grill with barbecue tools ☀ Direct lake access for fishing and water activities ☆𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗹𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁: ☀ 25 acres of pristine lakeside nature. ☀ Hiking trails and frisbee golf. ☀ Fishing lake and open green spaces. ☀ Playground and recreation shed with pool table. ☀ Optional upgrades: private chef, guided excursions. ☆𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀: ☀ TV and Wi-Fi. ☀ Children’s toys and books. ☀ Pool table (shared). ☀ Washer and dryer in building. ☀ Towels, linens, and room-darkening shades. ☆𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 & 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆: ☀ Air conditioning, heating and ceiling fan. ☀ Smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm and fire extinguisher. ☀ Extra pillows, blankets and clothing storage. ☆𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: ☀ Free parking on premises ☀ Private entrance ☀ Pet-friendly stay ★☆ 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗯𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘅𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱, 𝗡𝗖 ☀ Thomas Person Historical Marker – 11 min drive ☀ Stagville State Historic Site – 20 min drive ☀ Horton Grove Nature Preserve – 20 min drive ☀ Lake Rogers Park – 20 min drive ☀ Sallie Mae Ligon Museum and Archives – 20 min drive ☀ Granville County Historical Society & Museum – 21 min drive ☀ West Point on the Eno Park – 27 min drive ☀ Durham Central Park – 30 min drive ☀ Museum of Life and Science – 31 min drive ☀ Duke Homestead – 32 min drive ☀ Sarah P. Duke Gardens – 40 min drive ☀ William B. Umstead State Park – 44 min drive ☀ Mordecai Historic Park – 57 min drive ★☆ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗯𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘅𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱, 𝗡𝗖 ☀ Mi Tierra Mexican Food – 10 min drive ☀ Flame & Flavor Grill – 10 min drive ☀ Lake Holt Lakeside Grill – 16 min drive ☀ Family Diner – 17 min drive ☀ House of Ribeyes – 18 min drive ☀ Taquería y Pupuseria TiTa – 18 min drive ☀ Toros Cantina – 20 min drive ☀ Angora Mediterranean Restaurant – 20 min drive ☀ Savory Seasoned Kitchen – 23 min drive ☀ Wendy's – 22 min drive ★☆ 𝗔𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘅𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱, 𝗡𝗖 ☀ Raleigh Regional Airport at Person County – 18 min drive ☀ Henderson Oxford Airport- HNZ – 25 min drive ☀ Raleigh-Durham International Airport – 42 min drive ★☆ 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘅𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱, 𝗡𝗖 ☀ Person Memorial Hospital – 27 min drive ☀ North Carolina Specialty Hospital – 28 min drive ☀ Duke University Health Service – 37 min drive 𝗨𝗽𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘅𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱, 𝗡𝗖 ☀ Columbia Food & Wine Festival — April 21 – April 26, 2026 ☀ 38th Mebane Dogwood Festival — April 24–25, 2026 ☀ Piedmont Farm Tour — April 25–26, 2026 ☀ North Charleston Arts Fest — April 29 – May 3, 2026 ☀ Burlington Carousel Festival 2026 — May 2 – 3, 2026 ☀ The Prom — May 8 – 24, 2026 ☀ Strawberry Festival — May 9, 2026 ☀ The Annual Mother's Day Market — May 9, 2026

Other Details to Note

☀ Please note that while Castor Cottage provides private amenities, some areas of Elmay Retreat are shared with guests of the other two accommodations. We kindly ask all guests to respect each other’s privacy and enjoyment of the property. ☀ Quiet hours are observed from 8 PM to 9 AM to ensure a peaceful and comfortable stay for all guests. ☀ Check-in is self-service via lockbox at 4 PM, with check-out at 11 AM. ☀ Pets are welcome. Guests should clean up after their pets, bring their own bedding or crate for comfort, and keep pets leashed outdoors for their safety and to protect local wildlife. ☀ Guests are encouraged to be mindful of the natural surroundings and adhere to Leave No Trace principles. ☀ During freezing temperatures, we recommend leaving faucets slightly dripping to prevent pipes from freezing.

Availability

What this place offers

Amenities

Common

Air conditioning
Cleaning products
Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
Dishes and silverware
Dryer In the building, free or for a fee
Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper, and pillows
Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
Hot tub
TV
Washing Machine In the building, free or for a fee
Wifi

Outdoors

Alfresco dining
BBQ
Fire pit
Garden or backyard
Outdoor seating
Patio

Kitchen and dining

Baking sheet
Barbecue utensils
Coffee
Coffee maker
Dining table
Freezer
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Wine glasses

Common

Air conditioning
Cleaning products
Cooking basics Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper
Dishes and silverware
Dryer In the building, free or for a fee
Essentials Towels, bed sheets, soap, toilet paper, and pillows
Heating Central heating or a heater in the listing
Hot tub
TV
Washing Machine In the building, free or for a fee
Wifi

Outdoors

Alfresco dining
BBQ
Fire pit
Garden or backyard
Outdoor seating
Patio

Kitchen and dining

Baking sheet
Barbecue utensils
Coffee
Coffee maker
Dining table
Freezer
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Wine glasses

Bedroom and laundry

Bed linens
Drying rack for clothing
Extra pillows and blankets
Hangers
Room-darkening shades
Clothing storage

Home safety

Carbon monoxide detector
Fire extinguisher
Smoke detector

Heating and cooling

Ceiling fan

Family

Children's books and toys
Playground

Services

Cleaning before checkout
Long term stays allowed Allow stay for 28 days or more
Luggage dropoff allowed For guests' convenience when they have early arrival or late departure

Parking and facilities

Free parking on premises
Single level home No stairs in home

Bathroom

Hot Water

Location features

Lake access
Private entrance Separate street or building entrance
Waterfront

Entertainment

Pool table

House Rules

House Rules & Fees 🏡 📌 To ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay for all guests, please review and adhere to the following house rules. Violations will result in additional charges. ⛔ Unauthorized Guests: $500 per unauthorized guest. ⛔ Unauthorized Pets: $300 per unauthorized pet. ⛔ Smoking Violation: $500 fee for smoking inside the unit or in non-designated areas. ⛔ Misuse of Hot Tub (if applicable): $300 fee (e.g., failure to follow usage guidelines, excessive debris, or damage). ⛔ Unauthorized Late Checkout: $300 fee if checkout extends beyond the designated time without prior approval. ⛔ Excessive Trash or Mess: $300 cleaning fee if the unit is left in an unsanitary or excessively messy condition. ⛔ Unauthorized Events, Gatherings, or Parties: $500 fee for hosting unapproved events. ------------------------------ Pet Policy 🐶 📌We are a pet-friendly property! A non-refundable pet fee of $49 per stay applies, plus $19 per pet, per night to cover additional cleaning costs. Please ensure pets are well-behaved and do not cause damage to the property.

Accessibility

Neighborhood

Our charming cabin is tucked away in a secluded natural paradise, offering the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Nestled within a sprawling 25-acre property, you'll find yourself surrounded by pristine wilderness, with a private lake as the centerpiece of this tranquil retreat. On the property, you'll discover: - A serene, swimmable lake stocked with fish for catch-and-release adventures - Expansive woods and open fields perfect for nature walks and exploration - Portable Frisbee golf equipment for casual outdoor fun anywhere on the property - Ample spaces for yoga, meditation, and reconnecting with nature - A playground for family entertainment While our property offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and relaxation in its natural, undeveloped setting, you're also conveniently located near several charming towns and vibrant cities: - Durham (30 minutes away): Immerse yourself in this lively city's thriving culinary and cultural scene. Explore historic districts, indulge in world-class dining, or catch a live performance at renowned venues. - Oxford (20 minutes away): Experience quintessential small-town charm. Stroll along the picturesque main street, browse locally-owned boutiques, and savor farm-to-table eateries showcasing the region's agricultural bounty. For additional outdoor exploration: - Eno River State Park: Discover miles of scenic hiking trails and excellent fishing spots. - Falls Lake State Recreation Area: Enjoy boating, swimming, and water sports in this expansive recreational paradise. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat in nature, a cultural immersion in nearby cities, or a perfect blend of both, our cabin's enviable location provides easy access to a wealth of experiences. From the tranquility of our private lake to the excitement of Durham's urban offerings, your stay promises unforgettable adventures and cherished memories. Remember, while you have the freedom to explore our entire 25-acre property, including its beautiful woods and fields, we kindly ask that you respect the privacy of our other guests in the two additional cabins on site. Our staff is always available to provide local tips and help you make the most of your stay in this beautiful corner of North Carolina.

Guest Access

Guests will have access to the entire place including all private and shared amenities.

Reviews

Oscar

April 2026 · Airbnb

We loved the place! It was clean, and the view of the lake was wonderful! It is fully stocked, and the cabin is spacious! My kids enjoyed it, and we will definitely be back.

Kylie

March 2026 · Airbnb

We stayed at Benjamin's cottage for one night, but wish we had booked it for longer. It was so serene and just what we needed on our road trip. We went fishing, used the charcoal grill to cook dinner, enjoyed the peace of the hot tub in the evening, and played a round of pool in the game room. If you need quick supplies, snacks, beverages, or bait, we recommend Mangum's convenience store a few minutes away.

Jamie

March 2026 · Airbnb

We had a wonderful stay with Benjamin! He is a very responsive, friendly, and helpful host! The location was just as peaceful and gorgeous as the photos made it seem to be! While the cabin was definitely in an isolated area it was reassuring to be on the property with others close by. The cabin had no lack of privacy and we really appreciated the thoughtful touches throughout! Will definitely be back next time we are in the area!

Samsara

January 2026 · Airbnb

This is and was the perfect getaway for my partner and I. Peaceful, private, and cozy. The host is responsive, friendly, and helpful all around. 10/10 experience. We’re looking forward to not only booking our future stay here again but at their other listings as well, it’s definitely worth it.

Find us

Getting Around Our secluded cabin retreat offers a perfect escape into nature, and with that comes some considerations for transportation: Personal Vehicle: A car is essential for your stay. Our property is located in a rural area, and having your own transportation will ensure you can fully enjoy both the seclusion of our retreat and the attractions of the surrounding area. Parking: We provide complimentary parking right next to your cabin for your convenience. Property Exploration: While your immediate cabin area is fenced for privacy, you're welcome to explore our entire 25-acre property on foot. Wander through woods, meander across open fields, or stroll along the lakeshore—all within the boundaries of our retreat. Nearby Attractions: Durham: 30-minute drive Oxford: 20-minute drive Eno River State Park: Approximately 40-minute drive Falls Lake State Recreation Area: About 35-minute drive Local Services: The nearest grocery stores, restaurants, and basic services are about a 15-minute drive from the property. Rideshares: While services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, availability can be limited due to our rural location. We recommend relying on your own vehicle for transportation. Airport Access: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is approximately a 45-minute drive from our property. Bicycle Rentals: If you're interested in exploring the local area on two wheels, we can recommend bicycle rental services in nearby towns. Just ask us for details! Remember, part of the charm of our retreat is its secluded nature. While this means you're away from the hustle and bustle, it also requires a bit more planning for trips off the property. We're always happy to help with directions or suggestions for the best routes to your desired destinations. For guests with specific accessibility needs or questions about getting around, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to ensure your stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

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Approximate location. Full address will be provided on booking.