Summary
A private chalet on 1.3 acres in SW Durham, 10 miles from Duke. Eighteen-foot ceilings, exposed timber beams, an iron chandelier, and a leathered marble kitchen built for a real dinner. No neighbors visible. Army Corps land on two sides. Local coffee in the kitchen.
You walk in and feel like you hit the jackpot. That feeling is the point.
Space
The Rafters was built in 1977 and has been quietly getting better ever since. Walk through the front door and the room opens up: eighteen-foot ceilings, exposed timber beams, an iron chandelier, and a wood-burning fireplace with formal seating arranged around it. This is not a cabin. This is a private chalet.
Great room. The fireplace is brick, the floors are hardwood, the light is warm. Upholstered sofa and accent chairs face the wood-burning fire. This is where the evening starts — before dinner, after dinner, at any point when someone suggests one more glass.
Loft. Above the great room, a leather L-shaped sectional and a large-screen TV. This is where the group reconvenes after dinner, where the game gets watched, where the night gets longer than anyone planned.
Kitchen. Leathered granite counters, gas range, dishwasher, wine fridge, and enough cookware and space to handle Thanksgiving. In-unit washer and dryer. Little Waves Coffee in the kitchen — drip and Keurig both stocked.
Dining room. A substantial wood trestle table seats 8, open to the great room and kitchen. Built for the kind of dinner that goes long.
Bedrooms. First floor: one king and one twin room sharing a full bath with tub. Second floor: a king suite with private bath and frameless glass walk-in shower. Two kings, one twin room, six guests, two bathrooms.
Workspace. Dedicated private workspace. Reliable fiber internet. The kind of quiet that makes a full work day feel effortless.
Outside. 1.3 owned acres, plus Army Corps of Engineers public land on the west and north. Fire pit with stocked wood. Gas grill. Outdoor dining for six. No neighbors visible from anywhere on the property. The deer come through. You are welcome to walk the Corps land.
The arrival. Your entry code works at the back door, but send everyone else in through the front the first time. The room earns it.
The gate. Gated entry. Six parking spaces. Private in a way that most properties near Durham cannot offer.
You walk in and exhale. The local coffee is in the kitchen. The bed is made right. There is a handwritten note that says we saw why you are here. That is how Delighted Properties works. Be Delighted.
Neighborhood
The Rafters sits on NC-751 in SW Durham, in the corridor between Southpoint and Jordan Lake. It feels removed. The city is eight miles away, which is close enough and far enough at the same time.
Coffee
Little Waves Coffee is stocked in the kitchen. This is not a walkable neighborhood — you are in the trees. Plan ahead or enjoy what is already waiting for you. For a sit-down option, Bean Traders in the Homestead Market on Highway 54 is the closest local roaster.
Restaurants and bars
Southpoint Mall 3.2 miles north: First Watch, Firebirds, Ted’s Montana Grill, Town Hall Beer and Burger. Hope Valley Commons 4.2 miles: local pub and essentials. Harris Teeter 3.7 miles for a proper grocery run before you settle in.
The landmark
Old Mill Farm is immediately adjacent — a family-owned century farm operating since 1906. Fridays at the Farm runs spring through fall: live music, farm animals, food trucks, beer and wine on tap. Free entry for guests of The Rafters. This is the kind of neighbor a listing cannot invent.
Access
You’ll have the entire home and property to yourself, including off-street parking for up to 6 cars.
Entry is private, simple and secure with keyless self check-in.
Interaction
We want you to have a delightful and seamless stay. While we respect your privacy and will not be on the property during your visit, we are readily available to assist you. Please feel free to reach out via the messaging app or by phone if you have any questions or need recommendations.
Transit
RDU Airport: 14 miles, 20 minutes.
Duke University Hospital: 12 miles, 15 minutes.
VA Medical Center: 9 miles, 17 minutes.
Duke West Campus (Cameron Indoor Stadium, Wallace Wade Stadium, Duke Chapel): 10 miles, 16 minutes.
Downtown Durham (DPAC, Carolina Theater, American Tobacco Campus): 10 miles, 18 minutes.
Research Triangle Park: 10 miles, 15 minutes.
UNC Chapel Hill (Dean Smith Center, Kenan Stadium): 14 miles, 22 minutes.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area: 8 miles, 14 minutes.
Southpoint Mall: 3.2 miles, 7 minutes.
A car is required. There is no public transit access at this property.
Parking: private gated driveway, six spaces. No street parking needed.
Notes
A few things worth knowing — we share these not as a warning but because guests who know what to expect tend to have the best stays.
You are in a rural setting. Insects, spiders, and the occasional small creature are part of life on this land. The home is well maintained, but this is the countryside — some guests find a stink bug or spider indoors from time to time. That is nature, not neglect. Guests who love the outdoors tend to love this property.
There is a Ring camera at the front door exterior. No interior cameras are present anywhere on the property.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome with prior registration. A pet fee applies. Up to 2 dogs.
Families are welcome. This home is not child-proofed and does not include baby equipment.
The wood-burning fireplace and outdoor fire pit are available for use. Firewood is stocked.
This property is on a private septic system. Please do not flush anything other than toilet paper. Wipes, sanitary products, and paper towels can cause blockages.
This property uses a private well for water. The water is tested and safe to drink. Water pressure may vary slightly — this is normal for well systems.
Hunting is permitted on the Army Corps land adjacent to the property in season. If you walk the public land during hunting season, wear bright colors.
The garage is not accessible to guests. Six parking spaces are available on the driveway.
Reservations include identity verification through our screening partner, Safely. You may receive an email to complete this step — check your spam folder if you do not see it. We are happy to answer any questions before you book.
This address may not be used to establish residency or open accounts. Packages are welcome during your stay.
Stays of 29 nights or more are available at this property and may incur additional fees. Please contact us before booking a stay of this length so we can confirm the best available terms.
