When I first toured Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, it checked all of my boxes for a wedding venue: a country club vibe in a quaint town, a gorgeous ballroom, a golf course for my husband and his groomsmen, and an option for an outdoor ceremony. However, I needed a place to get ready the day of the wedding, and we didn’t want to shell out $1,500 per night for a suite at the hotel that only slept two people. So I started browsing Airbnb and found The Old Church of Pinehurst. Just from the listing, I fell in love with the modern yet classic vibe of the home, and was already envisioning my photos within its high arched ceilings. We booked the Airbnb before even signing the wedding contract with the resort.
A few weeks after booking, I received a message from the hosts with contact information for a personalized concierge, Wally, who was able to assist with golf tee times, stocking the fridge, dining reservations, and more. Because we wanted to host a bridesmaids luncheon the day before the wedding, Wally helped recommend local caterers and linen rental companies, and even offered us a home tour ahead of our stay.
When my mom, my aunt, and I first walked through the doors, we realized the photos didn’t do it justice. With four true bedrooms and an upstairs loft, we knew there would be plenty of space for my family to sleep before the wedding. We were impressed with the architecture of the former church, which operated as an Irish Catholic house of worship in the community before being turned into a private residence. It features hardwoods and stained glass windows mixed with more modern design accents like gold chandeliers, exposed brick, a pool table, leather couches, and a projector screen. The open living space boasts a chef’s kitchen, massive dining table, bar area, and plenty of seating. Outside, the home features a basketball hoop, a fire pit, and a dining area.
During our three-night stay, the Old Church wore many hats. It served as the place eight of us slept throughout the weekend, a hangout for out-of-town guests to eat pizza and watch Thursday night football, the venue for my bridesmaid luncheon, the base camp for me and my girls before heading to the ceremony, and the haven my family walked home to following the reception. Wally, the concierge, was also instrumental in our weekend. He stopped by (never unannounced!) to make sure we had everything we needed, and helped us get a group of 40 people into Pinehurst Brewing Company during busy hours.
Of course, we had a very specific reason for renting the property, and while they’re open to hosting small events, it would also be the perfect place to stay for a golf outing, a spa weekend, or a family gathering in the charming town of Pinehurst, North Carolina. And while its beauty is obvious, it was also a comfortable, pleasant place to sleep. The beds were comfortable and the rooms were dark and spacious.
Courtesy Airbnb
Courtesy Airbnb
However, one thing to note: While the Sandhills area is home to more than 40 golf courses, if you’re hoping to play the iconic Pinehurst No. 2, which is the site for the 2024 U.S. Open, or the No. 4, you must be staying at Pinehurst Resort. Other resort course tee times for non-hotel guests are subject to availability.