Experience a one-of-a-kind, secluded vacation retreat at Big Thunder Farm.
> Renovated century-old farm house, original wood floors & architectural features.
> Gourmet kitchen - 3 ovens!
> Year-round screened porch w/heater
> 4 Bedrooms, sleeps up to 8 guests
> 20 minutes to Downtown Durham, 5 minutes to trails
> Girls weekends, writers retreats, family holidays and more!
> More photos coming!
We love sharing our home city with guests - and we're busy exploring it ourselves! Our friend Emily will be your main contact from booking through your stay - she & her team are in Bahama and Durham if you need anything.
You get to be in a neighborhood of your own! You will have a couple of neighbors down the road, but you truly are in the country at Big Thunder Farm.
You'll have full, private access to the entire house and surrounding property.
The pond and interior of outbuildings are off limits (for obvious safety reasons!)
Please note: While we welcome visitors to Bahama Bluebs across the street in season during open hours, the Blueberry Farm is not included in your reservation.
Welcome to your new favorite place...anywhere! This 1918 farm house has been renovated to include modern amenities without sacrificing its classic charm. Every nook holds something new to discover. You'll love relaxing in this warm, eclectic home - and on the extraordinary grounds.
Formerly home the Architectural Trees Nursery, the grounds are planted with a variety of unique and unusual specimen trees. Can you name them?
KITCHEN
- All new, top of the line Fulgor Milano appliances. Truly a cooks paradise.
- 3 ovens: 2 Wall ovens, 1 in the range
- Fully stocked to make the simplest, or most complex meals.
- Eat in kitchen with table and enormous island with plenty of stools for everyone.
LIVING ROOM
- Giant TV & lounging sofa
- Games, puzzles & books galore
FORMAL DINING ROOM
- Expandable table for up to 8
- Gorgeous chandelier
SCREENED PORCH
- Ceiling fan for warm summer days
- Whole space heater for cool winter evenings
- Dining table for up to 10
- Couch & chairs for relaxing
- 6-burner gas grill (just outside the porch)
BEDROOM 1 -Downstairs
- Queen bed
- Blackout shades
BEDROOM 2 - Downstairs
- Twin day bed with twin trundle
- Blackout shades
- Private Powder Room
- Work-from-home space
BATHROOM 1 - Downstairs
- Full tub & Shower
- Double Vanity
- Extra toiletries, First Aid Kit, Hair Dryer
LAUNDRY - Downstairs
- HE Washer/Dryer
- Full sized iron & board
EXTERIOR - so many spaces to choose from!
- Front porch w/rocking chairs
- The Sunset Bench - you'll get it when you get it...
- Firepit at the pond
- Wander among the specimen trees and old tobacco barns
- NOTE: the pond is for wild flora & fauna only, not for people. Entering any of the old buildings (aside from the house) is also prohibited for safety reasons.
ACCESS
- Second floor bedrooms and bathroom require stairs
- Porches require 3-5 steps each to access entry doors
Location, Location, Location!
- 0 minutes to peace, quiet & starry nights
- 3 miles to Stagville State Historic Site
- 3 miles to Horton Grove Nature Preserve Trails
- 10min to Spruce Pine Lodge & Lake Michie Park & Marina
- 20 min to Major the Bull - the center of Downtown Durham
- 25min to Duke University & Hospital
- 30min to RDU & Research Triangle Park
- 40min to UNC Chapel Hill
- 11 min to Food Lion, 15min to Harris Teeter, 25 min to Whole Foods
PARKING
- Free off street parking for up to 5 vehicles
- No on-street parking
- Big Thunder guests are not permitted to park at Bahama Bluebs across the road.
PLEASE NOTE:
Smoking/Vaping of any substance is not permitted on the property
Pets are not permitted on the grounds, no exceptions.
Swimming in the pond is prohibited.
Entering any of the outbuildings is prohibited.
Please see House Rules for complete permissions, restrictions and local laws. These are reproduced in the Rental Conditions Agreement all guests are required to sign.
You'll have parking for up to 5 cars comfortably in the private drive. Please do not use the Blueberry patch lot across the street.
Bahama, north of Downtown Durham, is the best of both worlds - far enough to be peaceful, but close to all the conveniences! You’ll be in easy proximity to:
Durham - 20 min
So many good things, we can't even begin to list! But we'll try: Museum of Life & Science, Carolina Theater, Durham Performing Arts Center, Durham Bulls, Saturday Farmer's Market, Lemur Center, Parker & Otis, Duke University, and food - oh, the food!
Oxford - 25 min
Home of Strong Arm Bakery!
Hillsborough - 30 min
Quaint main street with delicious restaurants
Chapel Hill - 40 min
Home of UNC Chapel Hill, the oldest public university in the country.
Feeling the need to get outside and move? The Horton Grove Nature Preserve, Stagville State Historic Site, and Lake Michie Park & Marina are all within a 10 minute drive. Not to mention Durham County's extensive network of parks & trails. Check out the Durham Hike and Bike Map online or in your Welcome Basket for a complete guide to Durham’s 80+ trails and parks.
As you plan your travel to, from and around the Triangle, some helpful distances:
RDU Airport is 30 miles (about 30 minutes) away
Durham Amtrak, Bus Station and MegaBus pick up are downtown, 13 miles away
I-85, with access to I-40, Hwy 70 & NC 147/885, is just 10 min away
It’s easy to get to Raleigh (45mi), Chapel Hill (30mi), or RTP (25mi).
As stated in the house rules, there is an automatic minimum $250 service fee for any violations of house rules that require additional cleaning and/or cause damage. We have tried to make it comfortable for you and all future guests, and have been thoughtful in the amenities we provide. We appreciate you for exercising the same level of thought and care when staying here.
* We do ask that guests are relatively quiet after 10 PM, as a courtesy to neighbors. Parties and loud groups are not permitted. Thanks for helping us be good neighbors - even out in the country!
* Smoking or vaping of any substances is not permitted on the premises.
* Pets are not permitted on the premises, no exceptions.
* Reservations of over 29 days are subject to additional fees. These are dependent upon length of reservation, and will be discussed when an inquiry or booking is made.
* Monthly rates are available for bookings over 29 nights. Please inquire!
* We use Safely as a third party screener for the safety of all of our guests and neighbors. As part of the reservation you will agree that: "I give permission to the property manager to use a third-party to screen my identity and check criminal databases to confirm my reservation." Complete terms regarding the guest screening can be provided by the property manager. You may receive an email to complete your screening. Please check your spam inbox for this email and contact the property manager if you have any questions.
* We do not permit any Airbnb Services or Experiences of any kind at this property. This includes third-party bookings made through the Airbnb Experiences platform. Any guest who attempts to host or bring an Airbnb-related Service or Experience onto the premises without our prior written approval will have their reservation cancelled immediately, with no refund issued.
If you're interested in having services or experiences during your stay, please reach out to us directly!
