‘One-of-a-kind’ NC loft among Vrbo’s most sought vacation rentals. See inside
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- The Firehouse Suite in Wilmington was named a 2026 Vrbo Vacation Rental of the Year.
- The renovated firehouse operates as a two‑bed, one‑bath loft with designer furnishings
- The property holds a 10/10 Vrbo rating and drew praise for amenities and historic charm.
An early 1900s-era firehouse may seem like an unusual pick for a vacation rental, but this spot in downtown Wilmington is recognized among the best-of-the-best, Vrbo says.
The historic Firehouse Suite was named one of Vrbo’s 2026 Vacation Rentals of the Year, joining several other top-rated vacation home rentals across the U.S.
The annual list highlights “standout” stays for travelers “seeking space, privacy, and reliable hosts,” according to the booking website. The Firehouse Suite, in particular, stood out for its “one-of-a-kind setting.”
The renovated second-floor loft is housed in the old 1915 Castle Street Firehouse, now a special event center, the venue’s website says. What was once the bunk room for the city’s firemen is now a spacious two-bed, one-bath apartment for guests eager explore the historic charm of downtown Wilmington.
Property highlights include:
- Lofty 14-foot ceilings
- Hardwood floors
- Exposed brick walls
- Designer furnishings
- Original artwork (mostly from local artists) in each room
“Our family has a passion for the restoration of historic properties and bringing them back to life again,” said property owner and Vrbo host Terry Espy.
“The Firehouse has always been a property that the Wilmington community loved but was previously occupied by an office user for 14 years,” Espy said. “When we took the building over we felt a commitment to create a space where everyone could enjoy the property.”
The building is also a popular filming location and has hosted major projects, including Fox drama “Our Kind of People” (2021) and the fifth installment of the “Scream” horror movie franchise, the Wilmington StarNews reported.
What travelers are saying
With an “exceptional” 10/10 rating, the Firehouse Suite remains a top pick for travelers.
The vacation rental earned high marks for amenities like its coffee/tea maker, plus its proximity to nearby landmarks, according to its Vrbo listing. Its historic charm was also a big draw.
Here’s what guests said about their stay:
- “If you don’t book this place you are missing out. We got lucky and met the people who run it who happened to be downstairs when we arrived, so we got a history lesson of the place. It is gorgeous and huge. And that area of Wilmington has really blossomed in the past four years.” — Sean O.
- “The firehouse was decorated with all things I would have picked (or would like to pick!) - such a beautiful place to stay. Quiet neighborhood but close to the Southside and beach.” — Amanda G.
- “It is a very unique place to stay and one that my wife and kids will remember for a long time. We had a great time and ... the owners went to every detail to make sure that your stay is comfortable. We loved the proximity to the Riverwalk and even got to see fireworks on July 4 down by the river that night.” — Kurt K.
Other top NC travel spots
Southern Living recently recognized Sunset Beach for its white sand and crystal clear waters, as well as Boone as the one place in North Carolina everyone should visit. The latter earned high praise for its “outdoor adventures, rich history, walkable downtown, nearby High Country attractions, upgraded lodging and diverse dining scene.”
The magazine also recognized Calabash, a town in the Outer Banks known as the “seafood capital of the world.”
Last year, Oak Island, Hatteras Island, Topsail Beach, Ocracoke, Duck, Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Nags Head and Wrightsville Beach landed on Southern Living’s list of 50 best beach towns in the South, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Portions of this story were previously published in The Charlotte Observer.