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The Retro Haven: A Private 1953 Sanctuary Near NCSU & Lake Johnson

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Terrace/patio - The Retro Haven: A Private 1953 Sanctuary Near NCSU & Lake Johnson (Raleigh)
The Retro Haven: A Private 1953 Sanctuary Near NCSU & Lake Johnson provides laundry facilities and more. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroom

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

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About this property

Entire place

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

The Retro Haven: A Private 1953 Sanctuary Near NCSU & Lake Johnson

Welcome to The Retro Haven, where soulful mid-century character meets the modern convenience of Raleigh’s most strategic location. This home is more than a rental; it is a labor of love. As your host, my goal is to provide a "restorative home base"—a place where the linens are high-end, the Wi-Fi is professional-grade, and the atmosphere encourages you to truly exhale.

Built in 1953 and thoughtfully curated with a "Retro-Modern" aesthetic, this property offers a level of personality and privacy that hotels simply cannot match. Whether you are here to support a family member at a nearby hospital, attending a high-stakes meeting at Research Triangle Park, or cheering on the Wolfpack at NC State, you’ve found your sanctuary.

The Bedrooms: Symmetrical Comfort (Two Queens)
Unlike many homes where guests have to "compete" for the better room, The Retro Haven offers equal luxury for everyone.

- Dual Queen Suites: Both bedrooms feature high-end Queen-sized beds, premium cotton linens, and plush pillows designed for deep, restorative sleep.
- Thoughtful Details: Each room includes bedside charging stations, luggage racks, and blackout options to ensure you wake up on your own schedule.
- The Aesthetic: Expect original hardwood floors, soft lighting, and curated vintage touches that honor the home’s 1950s heritage.

Work From Home & Tech (Fiber Powered)
We host many relocating professionals and remote workers who need "office-grade" reliability.
- The Connection: Stay connected with Ultra-Fast Fiber Internet. Whether you are leading a Zoom call or streaming 4K movies, the bandwidth is seamless.
- The Workspace: A dedicated, sun-filled desk area is positioned in a quiet corner of the home, providing a professional and stylish backdrop for your virtual meetings.

The Living Experience: Soulful & Private
The Living Room: Step into a space designed for conversation and comfort. Features include mid-mod inspired seating, local artwork, and a large 4K Smart TV.
- The Kitchen: This is a "real" kitchen, not an efficiency. It’s fully stocked with stainless appliances, a dishwasher, and a dedicated Coffee Station (Keurig, French Press, and complimentary coffee).
- Our Hosting Touch: You’ll find the home stocked with the small things that matter—from pantry staples like olive oil and spices to high-quality laundry pods.

Outdoor Peace: Your Private Nature Escape
- The Porch Swing: There is no better way to start a North Carolina morning than with a coffee on our classic front porch swing.
- Walk to Lake Johnson: One of the home’s best features is its proximity to Lake Johnson Park (less than 1 mile away). Guests love walking to the lake to enjoy the 3-mile paved loop, natural hiking trails, or sunset boat rentals.
- Wooded Seclusion: The property is surrounded by mature trees, creating a natural privacy screen that makes you forget you are in the heart of the city.

Strategic Location (The "10-Minute" Rule)
The Retro Haven puts you at the "center of gravity" for the Triangle:
- NC State University (NCSU): < 5 minutes. Ideal for campus visits and Wolfpack game days.
- Lenovo Center (formerly PNC Arena): ~4 miles. Catch a Hurricanes game or a world-class concert with an stress-free commute.
- Downtown Raleigh & Cary: 10 minutes to the best dining and nightlife in both cities.
- Medical Travel: Minutes to WakeMed Cary and UNC Rex Hospital. We pride ourselves on providing a quiet environment for recovery or medical staff.
- Corporate Hubs: 10–15 minutes to SAS, Epic Games, and RTP via easy I-40 access.

Why I Host: My Commitment to You
I believe that a great stay is about more than just a roof over your head; it’s about the peace of mind that comes from a host who cares. Every corner of The Retro Haven has been prepared with the guest experience in mind.

Pet-Friendly: Well-behaved companions are welcome! The neighborhood is incredibly walkable and dog-friendly.

Easy Logistics: Large private driveway for multiple cars and seamless Smart-Lock self-check-in.

Book your stay at The Retro Haven today and experience the perfect blend of 1950s charm and 21st-century comfort.

Zoning Permit: ZSTR-000455-2024

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only
  • Up to 9 kg per pet

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 2 accessible parking spaces
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

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

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 22

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

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds, gather used towels and store extra beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
- Log out of any streaming services you used. - Remove any dog waste from the yard and place it in the outside trash cart.
- Let us know about any minor or accidental damage that may have occurred during your stay.
- Send us a quick message so we can notify our cleaning team.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total (up to 9 kg per pet)

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
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

About the area

Southwest Raleigh, a neighbourhood in Raleigh, is home to this holiday home. Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek and Raleigh Little Theater are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include North Carolina State Fairgrounds and WRAL Azalea Gardens. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Lenovo Center or William Neal Reynolds Coliseum. Visit our Raleigh travel guide
View more Holiday homes in Raleigh
Map
Raleigh, NC

What's nearby

  • 0_65015416
    North Carolina State University
    18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Early morning sun peeks through the blooms in a field of daffodils at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh North Carolina.
    Dorothea Dix Park
    3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • McKimmon Center
    10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • WRAL Azalea Gardens
    2 min drive - 1.7 km
  • William Neal Reynolds Coliseum
    3 min drive - 2.1 km

Getting around

  • Raleigh Union Station
    11 min drive
  • Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
    18 min drive

Restaurants

  • McDonald's
    14 min walk
  • Cook Out
    19 min walk
  • Ruckus Pizza & Bar
    3 min drive
  • Taco Bell
    15 min walk
  • Circle K
    20 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is The Retro Haven: A Private 1953 Sanctuary Near NCSU & Lake Johnson pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet.

How much is parking at The Retro Haven: A Private 1953 Sanctuary Near NCSU & Lake Johnson?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Retro Haven: A Private 1953 Sanctuary Near NCSU & Lake Johnson?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Retro Haven: A Private 1953 Sanctuary Near NCSU & Lake Johnson?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Retro Haven: A Private 1953 Sanctuary Near NCSU & Lake Johnson located?

Located in Southwest Raleigh, this holiday home is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from McKimmon Center and within 3 miles (5 km) of North Carolina State University and Raleigh Convention Center. James B. Hunt Jr. Library and WRAL Azalea Gardens are also within 1 mile (2 km).

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The Retro Haven: A Private 1953 Sanctuary Near NCSU & Lake Johnson 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. 1 out of 1 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 1 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 1 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 1 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 1 reviews

10

Cleanliness

10

Location

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Priscilla S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a great little find. First it’s super clean and well decorated. Everything is really cozy and comfortable from the beds and linens to all of the provided coffees and teas. Even the checkout directions are written thoughtfully - showing what needs to be done (which was minimal) and what they would like done if you have time. I would definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026