Here's How To Visit The Beach House From Nights In Rodanthe

Are you a fan of love stories and second chances? The Inn at Rodanthe may be instilled in your mind from George C. Wolfe's romantic drama film based on novelist Nicholas Sparks' "Nights in Rodanthe," which is associated with love and loss along the eastern coastline of North Carolina's Outer Banks. Despite nearly being swept away into the Atlantic Ocean following film production in 2008, the Victorian style beach house remains as enduring as Adrienne (Diane Lane) and Paul's (Richard Gere) love. Formerly known as the Serendipity, Debra and Ben Huss purchased the enchanting inn as a residential property in 2010. It was again listed on the real estate market in 2018 for $1.25 million, per Realtor. According to the listing, the 6-bedroom, 5-bathroom beach house is currently off the market and being utilized as a vacation rental.

With 2,933 square feet, the four-story beach manor features private decks, a hot tub, beach access, and miles of captivating shoreline; all of which you too can enjoy by spending a blissful night there. Built in 1988, the iconic Inn at Rodanthe is available for booking year-round. Guests are clearly quite satisfied with their stay, as shown by the $130,000 or so the rental grosses each year. Keep reading to learn more about how to stay at the inn!

Filming for "Nights in Rodanthe" took place in May 2007 with many of the Outer Banks' scenes captured in front of the home, and along the beaches, including the Hatteras Village ferry terminal. Originally located about a ½ mile from its current location, the inn was close to being taken over by the ocean. According to Realtor, damage was so bad that the property was deemed by local officials as condemned. But life for this house was not over yet. After purchasing the diminishing cottage, the Huss couple decided to give it a second chance.

Facing demise by the encroaching Atlantic, the magnificent beachfront property had to be moved from its original spot. Professionals at Expert House Movers, the same company that moved the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in 1999, were the ones to do it. Weighing about 83,000 pounds, it took two days to secure the structure onto a four-wheeler for its 30-minute voyage down the road to where it sits today, per Sun Realty NC.

Situated on the breathtaking coast of Hatteras Island at 23289 Beacon Road E, Rodanthe, NC, the oceanfront property's presence is impressive upon arrival. Even though the interior shots of "Nights in Rodanthe" were filmed on a sound stage, the proprietors managed to recreate the interior much like it appears in the film. The interior is quaint and cozy with traditional beach cottage wood finishes and furnishings. The main floor has an open concept with living and dining areas, including a full bath, laundry area, wet bar, and a secluded oceanfront haven. There's even a small round café table where Richard Gere's character would have eaten his dinner by candlelight. According to Outer Beaches Realty, there is also a fireplace, but it's not available for guest use.

The second floor features the well-known bedrooms from the movie. The remaining coastal style bedrooms are further up on the third floor. The top fourth floor contains the honeymoon suite, which offers the relaxing feel of a secluded retreat along with definitive views of the island. Similar features matched from the film, which were added later, are the bright blue hurricane shutters, the sea blue-green kitchen cabinets, custom double swing doors, and the vintage floral wallpaper that matches the color of the cabinetry, per Outer Banks. There are other not-to-miss decorative pieces from the film set such as lamps and the memorable oak desk too.

Make memories in the OBX. Whether you're coming in by plane or making the scenic drive, you'll need to take State Highway 12 to arrive at the Inn at Rodanthe. There are a few small airports nearby, but Norfolk International might be the best for those flying in from out of state. Outer Beaches Realty (OBR) says the oceanfront beach house sleeps up to 12 and offers wireless internet, cable/satellite TV, and an outdoor grill. It's important to note however, that the rental is not pet friendly. Once booked, information is emailed regarding the VayK Gear program, which invites visitors to rent various beach necessities during their stay like bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, and more. If you need a break from the sand and waves, you can access the OBR community pool in Avon, which is about 17 miles south. Popular for fishing, Rodanthe Pier is also just a few miles away. 

How much does it cost to stay the night? Depending on the time of year, prices will vary. The average price from December to March is approximately $350 to $450 a night, while April through August ranges from about $500 to $1000 (or more); prices decrease again in September. As the inn books ups regularly for the summer, it's best to book at least a year in advance. There is a 3-night minimum. For more information, the property is currently managed by Vacasa North Carolina, LLC, per Outer Beaches Realty.