Welcome to The Roanoke Island Inn
A historic, boutique hotel located in quaint and beautiful Manteo, the heart of North Carolina's Outer Banks, where the porches are wide, the picket fences are white, and Southern Charm and Hospitality abound. Just steps from downtown Manteo’s boardwalk, at The Roanoke you will find breathtaking water views and over an acre of serene gardens. Our large breezeway porch overlooking Shallowbag Bay is the perfect place for rocking away and enjoying the salt air. Those looking for something quieter may prefer to take in a good book while listening to the relaxing trickle of the koi pond or escaping to the shade in our Folly. All of this without ever having to step foot off the property. While children are welcome in our Bungalow and Family Suites, all ages will appreciate taking our courtesy bikes for a spin. You may find yourself never wanting to leave the grounds, but venturing out could not be easier as bike trails will take you all the way to Fort Raleigh and some of Nags Head’s finest beaches are only a five minute drive. With courtesy towels, chairs, umbrellas, and a full library all you have to do is put on your favorite bathing suit and enjoy your Outer Banks vacation.
A Manteo NC Waterfront Outer Banks Inn
Since 1937, island folks have welcomed visitors into their homes. In that tradition, the Roanoke Island Inn - welcomes you. Originally a simple island house, it was built by Asa Warren Jones in the 1860s. Over 100 years later, the main house grew into its current layout by previous owners, John Wilson (Jones descendant) and Billy Parker. In 1990 The Roanoke Island Inn as it is seen today on the Manteo Waterfront was born. Though The Roanoke has only been in operation since 1990, the original house has a history of boarding going back to the early 1900’s. Deeply rooted in the island’s history, the property once housed the post office, provided housing for the Lost Colony play, and remains a staple of the community. In 2017 Lauren and Jason Borland purchased the Inn to become the first outsiders to live on the property where they continue to welcome guests to the island with the same spirit Roanoke Island has for the last century.
In its present incarnation, THE ROANOKE is the only property in Manteo featuring both a water view and nearly 1.5 acres of serene gardens all located in the heart of downtown Manteo. Guests will enjoy the privacy of outside entrances and the comfort of a lobby as well as amenities such as the indulgence of a well-stocked innkeeper's pantry and free bike rentals. The second-floor breezeway overlooks the Roanoke Island Marshes Lighthouse and Manteo’s acclaimed Waterfront, where visitors can stroll along the boardwalk to shops, restaurants, charter boats, and the historic Pioneer Movie Theater — all the quaintness and friendliness that a small town can offer. And the beaches, lighthouses, and sun-filled activities of the Outer Banks are just across the causeway.
About Us
For generations both of our families have visited the Outer Banks and finding a way to live here has been a dream we have shared as long as we’ve known each other. In 2017, we packed up from Northern Virginia and set off to live out that dream. When you call or walk in the door you will typically be greeted by either Jason or Lauren, though we are lucky to have the help of many of the folks who have been here for years as well. You may also see the “little innkeepers”, JB and Caroline helping in the yard and feeding their fish in the koi pond. We pride ourselves in welcoming guests into our home, and making them feel like family. Though the Inn keeps us pretty busy, in our free time we can be found across the street with our lines in the water off the boardwalk or across the bridge with our toes in the sand!
Site Photos by Simply You Photography
