Summary
A private room — not a whole house — in a real Durham home three blocks from Duke Park. The shower has its own fan club in the reviews. Five ways to make coffee in the morning, local art on every wall, and a host who has been doing this since 2017. This is where Delighted Properties began.
Space
The First Room is where Delighted Properties began. In 2017, this private primary bedroom in my Duke Park home was where I first figured out what it means to genuinely anticipate a guest — the handwritten note, the labeled shelves, the visitor’s closet stocked before anyone asks. Every Delighted Properties home since has been built on what started here. This is the original.
It is a room, not a whole house. You have a private primary bedroom and a private en suite bathroom. The kitchen, living room, front porch, and backyard are shared with me. If that sounds like the right kind of stay, read on.
The bedroom has a queen bed, a writing desk, a ceiling fan, and a full closet with plenty of storage. Original hardwood floors, large windows that fill with evening light, room-darkening shades when you need them, and walls covered in local artwork from ArtHaus’ collective of Durham artists. Every piece was chosen.
The bathroom is private and en suite, with a rainfall shower and body jets. Guests mention it more than almost anything else in their reviews. Fillaree toiletries throughout.
The kitchen is shared and fully equipped. I keep five ways to make coffee in the morning — pour-over, French press, aeropress and more — along with local coffee from Durham roasters. Labeled shelves on the cabinets, a dedicated shelf in the fridge that is yours, and everything you need if you cook.
The common spaces include a front porch made for morning coffee, a living room full of books and plants, and a backyard with outdoor seating and a gas grill. Out front and along the side of the house you will find my herb and vegetable garden, a side-stoop container garden, and a profusion of seasonal flowers. Hummingbirds visit the feeders all day long.
The visitor’s closet is stocked with the things guests reliably forget: charging cables, a hair dryer, an iron, extra toiletries, a yoga mat. If you left something behind, there is a reasonable chance it is already here waiting.
I am present and want to be genuinely helpful — the kind of host who leaves the LA Times crossword printed out for guests and who can tell you exactly where to run, eat, and spend a Saturday morning. I am also very good at leaving you alone if that is what you came for.
You walk in and it is already done. The local coffee is in the kitchen. The bed is made right. There is a handwritten note that says I saw why you are here. That is how Delighted Properties works. Be Delighted.
Neighborhood
Glendale Avenue is a designated neighborhood bikeway in Durham’s Duke Park neighborhood: 1950s ranches, mature trees, and streets quiet enough to run on. Duke Park is three blocks away — open fields, dog park, playgrounds and pickleball courts. The East Coast Greenway connects nearby for longer runs and rides. Adjacent to the park, the Durham Bike Co-op is a neighborhood institution for repairs, parts, and community rides.
The Geer Street corridor is a 5-minute bike ride or short drive — one of Durham’s most concentrated stretches of locally owned bars, restaurants, and music.
Coffee: Cocoa Cinnamon, 0.8 miles. Omie’s Coffee Shop and Roastery, 1 mile. Foster Street Coffee, 1.5 miles — across from the Durham Farmers Market.
Food and drink: All within 1 mile: Hutchins Garage (pizza, full bar), Geer Street Garden (gastropub, patio), LouElla (wine bar, bottle shop), Durham Food Hall (ten local vendors, Auctioneer Bar), Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Durham Distillery (Conniption Gin, cocktail bar, tours)
Live music and events: Motorco Music Hall, 0.8 miles — Durham’s best indie music venue, with Parts and Labor restaurant on site.
Landmark: Duke Park, 0.3 miles. Durham Athletic Park (original Durham Bulls stadium), 1 mile. Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), 1.6 miles
Durham Farmers Market: 1.5 miles — Saturday mornings, across from the Durham Food Hall and Foster Street Coffee.
Groceries: King’s Red and White, 1 mile — neighborhood grocer, cash-friendly, a Durham institution. Whole Foods, 1.8 miles.
Access
You will have full, private access to your bedroom and en suite bathroom for the duration of your stay. The following areas are shared with your host: kitchen, living room, front porch, and backyard.
Your room has a locking door, and locked or not I respect my guests privacy. I will not enter the room during your reservation unless there’s an emergency. I expect the same respect from my guests.
Interaction
We want you to have a delightful and seamless stay. I live in the home and am available throughout your visit — for recommendations, questions, or anything you need. I am also good at reading the room if you would prefer quiet. Feel free to reach out via the messaging app or by phone at any time.
Transit
Parking: free street parking on Glendale Ave. — a designated neighborhood bikeway. Guests consistently report a spot is easy to find.
Bikes available for rent at the property — a cruiser and a mountain-style bike, with helmets, locks, and lights. Ask about availability when you book.
Duke East Campus: 1.5 miles, 5 min by car, 10 min by bike.
Duke West Campus and Duke University Hospital: 3.5 miles, 10 min by car.
Downtown Durham, DPAC, American Tobacco Campus, Carolina Theater: 1.5 miles, 6 min by car.
Durham Amtrak station: 1.2 miles — guests report the walk is easy and pleasant.
UNC Chapel Hill: 12 miles, 20 min by car.
RTP (Research Triangle Park): 16 miles, 22 min by car.
RDU Airport: 14 miles, 20 min by car.
East Coast Greenway: 0.2 miles to nearest access point.
Notes
A few things worth knowing before you book — shared so the right guest finds this room and arrives knowing exactly what to expect.
This is a private room in my home — not a whole house. Your bedroom and bathroom are completely yours. The kitchen, living room, front porch, and backyard are shared with me. If you are looking for an entire home to yourselves, check my other listings on my Airbnb profile.
There is no television in the home. This is intentional and is not changing.
The home has a washer but no dryer — I hang-dry laundry. If a dryer is essential, this may not be the right fit.
Street parking only. No off-street parking available for guests. Street spots are consistently available. Except during the Beaver Queen Pageant.
This is a 1950s ranch, which means some sound travels through the walls. Light sleepers may want earplugs.
Pets are not permitted at this property due to the homeowner’s allergies. We appreciate that all guests respect this medical need. Delighted Properties has pet-friendly homes available — please contact us and we will find a great fit for you and your pet.
This listing is not suitable for children under 12. We appreciate that all guests respect this.
I compost and recycle as much as possible. Compost is picked up weekly — I will show you where everything goes.
Reservations include identity verification through our screening partner. You may receive an email from Safely — check your spam folder if you do not see it. We are happy to answer any questions before you book.
Please keep food waste out of the kitchen drain and avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper.
This address may not be used to establish residency or open accounts. Packages are welcome during your stay.
