2nd Row Classic Beach Cottage Ocean Views Great Location Convenient Beach Access - Vacation rental home in Holden Beach, NC

About this Property

• Sleeps 6
• 3 Bedrooms
• 1 Bathrooms
• Private vacation home
• Approximately 1100 square feet

**SUMMER 2025**

In 1961, my grandparents set out from their roots in SC to embark on a new adventure that landed them on a sandy, sparsely inhabited and largely undeveloped stretch of land in North Carolina known then as Holden's Beach. As post-war America began to take shape, my grandfather recognized the opportunity such a elegant place could offer. Charming, handsome, and a well-educated law graduate from the University of South Carolina, he swapped life in SC politics for a new career in real estate sales, and in 1962, along with my father, they bought Holden Beach Realty Corp and began marketing Holden Beach as the ideal vacation destination for families to rent and build summer homes where special lifelong memories would be made, away from the distractions of hordes, noise and bustling industry. In 1964, my grandparents constructed their own piece of heaven on Holden Beach--this modest 3-bedroom bungalow that would be their permanent residence and the place where the grandchildren and extended family gathered every Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve from 1964-2002.

Although there have been a few upgrades since 2007 such as vinyl replacement windows throughout, ceramic tile in the kitchen and bathroom, a new HVAC system in 2015, and a new roof in 2021, today, the bungalow remains much as it was: A modest 1100 sq ft 3BR/1BA whimsically furnished, open floor plan located on a favorably located 2nd-row lot, with a view of the ocean. The original wood floors, knotty pine walls, and ceilings all glow with history and the patina of 60 years of appreciate, laughter, and lives lived entirely. On at least two corners of the wall down the hallway are faded hash marks from the 1970s, made by my cousins and myself, comparing our height to the years previous!
Outside, the cavernous front porch beckons for feet-up relaxation and there is the added convenience of a deeded (not maintained by the Town of HB) beach access directly across the street. There is an outdoor shower (cold water only) to rinse beach sand, a laundry room downstairs, and a roomy parking area that can accommodate 2-3 cars. We also offer a modest grilling patio and a modest completely enclosed backyard area for family pets.

"Carolina Country" is a singular experience best suited for smaller groups of 5 or less. If you're looking for chic granite bathrooms and dry-walled bedrooms with wall-to-wall carpeting, this property is not for you. Guests of "Carolina Country" tend to be those that appreciate authenticity, appeal and nostalgia without sacrificing modest modern amenities such as a Keurig coffee maker (there is a conventional coffee maker supplied as well), outlets with usb charging stations and 2 Roku streaming tv’s. Ours is a home with a true family history that is woven within the framework of Holden Beach and we invite our guests to come experience the enchantment that few other homes on the island can still offer.

About Us:

My husband and I are Holden Beach natives and we, along with our 3 daughters, are still locals in this community. We take pride in our long-standing history at Holden Beach and in ownership of our family home so we strive to be good hosts and to offer our guests a most welcoming, comfortable, and calming vacation experience. In doing so, we choose not to delegate routine maintenance or cleaning tasks to a vacation rental company or maid service. We appreciate our guests and get excited about preparing the home! We clean, maintain and manage the property each week in anticipation of Saturday's arrival! If there is ever something we missed, we are personally available to address it immediately.

We have seen firsthand the many changes in the island since my grandparents moved here over 60+ years ago. Amid the ever-expanding size of the homes that continue to surround us, the impact of town building codes and FEMA regulations on older homes like ours prevent major constructive upgrades so, many of the older family homes end up being sold and then removed or destroyed to make way for bigger places that may be out of reach and impractical for a modest family or couple... Thankfully, our family has been fortunate enough to be able to maintain our little bungalow by the sea through 5 generations to date.
Having weathered many storms both literally and figuratively, ‘Carolina Country' stands firm as a shining example of the life and energy of the magnificent family that still calls Holden Beach and this home, home.





Keywords: Beach House, Cottage, Vacation, Beach, Family, Pet-Friendly, Kids, Last-min. vacation

About the Area

Located in Holden Beach, this vacation home is near theme parks and near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Holden Beach and Ocean Isle Beach. Magic Mountain Fun Park and Planet Fun are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Special Instructions

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Know Before you Go

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Pet Policy

1 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Tricks and tips for getting the perfect vacation rental experience:

When to book & When to go:

• Book your vacation rental as early as possible. Rental schedules often become available a year in advance (or in September just after Summer ends). Many groups reserve their Summer rentals during holiday gatherings. Book before these holidays for best selection.
• Summer time is high season in Holden Beach. Reserve your vacation home in Fall or Spring months to enjoy warm weather while saving money and avoiding crowds. Many vacationers use this strategy to find larger homes within budget, or to book an oceanfront vacation rental that would otherwise be unavailable during June, July, and August.
• Some owners offer special rates for veterans. Remember to ask your property manager if discounts are available for your group.
• Booking websites usually offer their guests an option to purchase trip insurance. Trip insurance, which normally will cost you 1% - 5% of the reservation price, offers visitors reimbursement of their vacation costs for any missed vacation time as a result of medical-related catastrophes or weather disasters, as well as ensuing additional evacuation costs, such as an unanticipated hotel stay or additional gas expenses. Trip insurance might be a a welcome relief if the unforeseen happens. Ask your host for details.
• Find a copy of your local Cape Fear area area magazine when you check-in. If your rental doesn't have one, you can find them at local shops and visitor centers. In addition to great local stories, visitors guides have money saving offers on local accommodations, tours and attractions.

Make a plan and choose your Cape Fear area rental:

• First, have your family decide on vacation dates and a maximum budget.
• Note the number beds and the bed configuration your family needs. 2nd Row Classic Beach Cottage Ocean Views Great Location Convenient Beach Access has 3 bedrooms and 1 bathrooms.
• Precise descriptions of bedrooms and bed counts is generally accessible on booking websites. If you don't see them listed, contact the property manager before reserving the vacation property. Note that most properties list the max. guest capacity, which usually includes pull-out couches.
• If your group is vacationing with pets, you must reserve a pet-friendly rental. Ask for specifics on breed, weight, and type requirements. Be aware that some property managers charge additional pet fees.
• Visiting for a single attraction? Try a map search to browse nearby rentals.
• Appropriate accessibility can make or break a vacation for those with limited mobility. Confirm all required amenities are included before reserving a rental.

More tips for your stay:

• Take a copy of the property manager's contact number and arrival/departure procedures for your .
• Hosts are great sources of help! Feel free to ask any questions before, during, or after your stay.
• Lock your rental while you're out and about. Protect your property!
• Document any issues with the rental at check in, and immediately contact the property manager. We especially recommend texts and e-mails, as they usually contain time stamps that can be very helpful if damages are assessed.
• Be a good neighbor! You wouldn't like troublesome visitors disrupting your peace. Practice the golden rule for common sense. Happy residents may even recommend great restaurants and places you would have never otherwise known!
• Speaking of neighbors... Ask a local! Locals can typically help you find exactly what you're looking for. Who better to ask where to go for the best drinks, have a great night on the town, or the best spots for bird watching?
• On check-out day, take a final walk-through to confirm you have not forget any personal items. Remember to check dressers, closets, and bathrooms for hidden items. Remove everything from the refrigerator and take any leftovers home.
• Go through the property one final time and look for damage. We recommend walking through with the property manager whenever you can (often this isn't possible). If the property manager isn't available, take video and pictures of the property to record its condition at check-out.
• Did your family have a terrific time? Many rental home management companies make it easy for clients to provide comments. If your rental property and/or host was terrific, they would love to hear it. If anything was inoperable and they failed to address it reasonably, or if the vacation rental wasn't described correctly, you'll want to make a note as part of your comments.