Oscar's House Bed and Breakfast is located on Ocracoke Island, off the coast of North Carolina. The island is only accessible via small planes or through barges. It is famously known as the location of the last fight and subsequent death of the pirate Blackbeard. Oscar's House Bed and Breakfast is said to be haunted by the ghost of the man who built it: Joseph Burrus. There are four guest accommodations at Oscar's House Bed and Breakfast. Each room is decorated with a beach-inspired theme. A complimentary breakfast is served every morning, and bicycles are available for guests to use to get around the island free of charge.
On the east coast of North Carolina is a stretch of island ground roughly 25 miles from the coast. At the center of this continuous string of land rests Ocracoke Island, home to less than 1000 permanent residents. The island setting is what drives most of Oscar's House Bed and Breakfast's themes and decorations. The property is full of beach decorations of differing styles and histories. There are four rooms available for reservations at Oscar's House, each of which can accommodate two people. The property is most-known as a honeymoon or anniversary destination, drawing in couples seeking a romantic getaway.
Amenities offered at the property include private half-baths in each room, the main bath with a large shower, bikes to use at no additional cost, and complimentary breakfast at 8:30 each morning. The breakfast is a rotating menu chosen by owners Robin and Chad Macek. However, they are in the habit of asking guests for any dietary needs or preferences upon their arrival to the property. Typical dishes served at Oscar's House Bed and Breakfast include quiches, eggs, sausage, pancakes, waffles, and fruit. For vegetarian visitors, they adapt the pancakes and waffles so that they are made of chick-peas instead of typical ingredients.
They also serve couscous, which is a tiny form of pasta customarily made with wheat or barley. Chad does much of the cooking, and the breakfasts at Oscar's House are one of its most noteworthy features. Due to Ocracoke Island's small nature, it can only be accessed by small planes or barges. There are a few benefits mentioned by Robin about the island's smaller size. Guests will have virtually no need for a car while on the island because walking/biking to any one location in the area only takes a few minutes. The reclusive location of the bed and breakfast also allows for visitors to visit the beach frequently, and "they are never crowded," Robin explains. Oscar's House Bed and Breakfast is open year-round, though things slow down notably after October.
One substantial aspect of Oscar House's culture is that of the ghost that is reported to haunt the premises. Oscar's House was built by Joseph Burrus, who was the last lighthouse keeper of Ocracoke Island. After his death, his spirit is said to have remained on the property. That fact has gained Oscar's House a bit of notoriety over the years. However, Robin Macek—co-owner of the property with her husband Chad—explains that Joe's ghost is nothing to fear. "Don't worry," she says. "He's a friendly spirit." Guest reviews of the property don't mention Joe or any sort of supernatural presence.
Instead, they speak of kind hosts, tasty meals, and a relaxing atmosphere. "Stumbled upon this gem while searching for a last-minute room. Robin and Chad were such amazing hosts. We got on the island late and we were still greeted and shown around even though we were late. The rooms were cozy along with the rest of the house. The homemade breakfast and chats were something I will never forget." Robin and Chad strive to be "warm and welcoming." Their personal motto and goal are that people can "come as strangers and leave as family." Oscar's House Bed and Breakfast is the oldest bed and breakfast on the island. It is also recognized in the historic registry.
Ocracoke Island has a reputation for two main elements: the paranormal activity on the island and being the final resting place of the infamous pirate Blackbeard. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is a few miles from Oscar's House. Once a year (in October), a pirate festival is held. People come from many different places to reenact and roleplay as pirates, specifically Blackbeard. Apart from those few attractions, however, the island is generally known for its seclusion and peaceful environment. The beaches on Ocracoke Island are federal property, so no one has permission to build structures on it.
Due to this—and to a lack of people—the beaches on the island are relatively empty and available for guests' enjoyment. Before taking over ownership of Oscar's House, Robin made and sold jewelry such as bracelets, rings, watches, necklaces, and earrings. The crafts were made with materials such as beach stones, gemstones, and hand-sewn beaded leather. She saw an opportunity to sell the same products in conjunction with the bed and breakfast, and so her wares are easily purchasable by guests.
Oscar's House Bed and Breakfast was first built in 1940 by Joe Buris, who was the last lighthouse keeper of Ocracoke Island. He named the property after his son Oscar, though at the time, the building was simply a residential area for his family. It wasn't until decades later—in 1984—that the home became a bed and breakfast. In 2012, Robin and Chad Macek were simply residents of North Carolina seeking vacation opportunities. They were pointed in the direction of Oscar's House Bed and Breakfast for their anniversary. They were welcomed by the owner at the name: a woman named Ann Ehringhaus. Robin and Chad felt very comfortable at the property, so they started to visit more frequently. Robin explains that "every time we left the island, we felt like we were leaving the place we were meant to live."
In 2018, Ann was ready to sell the property, and knowing how much Robin and Chad had fallen in love with the place, she approached them with an offer. The couple took it happily, and have been the owners of Oscar's House Bed and Breakfast from that time onward. In 2019, Oscar's House was featured on the TV series Most Terrifying Places on the Travel Channel. The first season's fourth episode, titled "Graveyard of the Atlantic," talks about the story of Joseph Burrus, who supposedly haunts the very house he built. Robin personally thought that the premise was a little silly, because in her opinion, "He's a friendly spirit." Ocracoke Island is historically famous for being the location of the final battle of Blackbeard's lifetime, which ended with him being slaughtered and subsequently decapitated.
104 Live Oak Road
Ocracoke, North Carolina 27960
United States
Bed and Breakfast
Robin & Chad Macek
Ann Ehringhaus
