Original 1945 Cottage on 20 Very Private Acres. - Vacation rental home in Oak Island, NC

About this Property

• Sleeps 10
• 4 Bedrooms
• 3 Bathrooms
• Private vacation home
• Approximately 2500 square feet

My grandfather was a man for adventure. In the summer of 1946, having bought a remote property on Oak Island accessible only by ferry, then by Jeep, he loaded up a crew from his rug mill in Troy and constructed a cabin on the highest dune for hundreds of miles.

At the close of World War II, America was excited by the promise of development; today we seek visitors who will savor the originality that this property represents. Above the home the lookout tower retains a remarkable 360 degree view of ocean and river, original live oaks, distant lights, blinking water towers and fireworks — from Bald Head Island to the South Carolina border. The home overlooks more than a quarter-mile of undeveloped, south-facing beachfront with nearly half a mile behind of undisturbed, original maritime forest, with new stairs down the hill to access our dock on Davis Creek. The intracoastal waterway beckons beyond..

The bungalow remains as it was, four bedrooms and three baths. Knotty pine walls and oak floors glow with 70 years of patina. A screened front porch runs the full width of the home. Tall windows open in every room, one with a big sink installed to wash a new infant, my mother, Blanche. The kitchen and back porch were refreshed in 2005, with heat and air-conditioning installed throughout the home.

Folly Hills is a singular experience for up to 10 people. If you’re looking for dry-walled bedrooms, wall-to-wall carpeting and granite bathrooms, this is not your home. If you want to open the windows and let the warm ocean breeze blow through, appreciate sunset beverages on the lookout tower, go crabbing from the dock behind the home, walk down your private access to a giant expanse of white sand beach, details of 75 years of history, the world’s most incredible outdoor shower — this is an enchanting experience of original North Carolina beach like you’ll find nowhere else.

About the Area

Located in Oak Island, this vacation home is on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Caswell Beach and 57th Place West Access Park, while Smith Island Museum of History and Franklin Square Gallery are cultural highlights. Bald Head Island Information Center and North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport are also worth visiting. Snorkeling, water skiing, and windsurfing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby.

Special Instructions

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

Pet Policy

Note from host: Dogs are permitted for $30/day pet fee.

Tricks and tips to get the best rental experience:

Find your perfect vacation home:

• Book your vacation home as soon as possible. Rental schedules often open 12 months in advance (or in September just after the Summer season ends). Many families book their Summer rental homes during Christmas and Thanksgiving get-togethers. Book before these holidays for best selection.
• Summer months are high season in the Cape Fear area area. Reserve your vacation home in the Fall or Spring to enjoy warm weather while saving money and avoiding crowds. Many vacationers use this method to reserve larger homes, or to reserve a beach front vacation rental that would otherwise be unavailable during the Summer months. Speaking of the off-season, don't overlook Winter holidays for a Cape Fear area vacation! Who wouldn't love a holiday on the coast? Thanksgiving and Christmas are great times to gather with family and friends at your favorite beach.
• Active Duty and veterans of the US Armed forces may qualify for special discounts. Be sure to ask your prospective property management company or host if your family qualifies for a special rate.
• Booking websites usually offer their guests an option to buy trip insurance protection. Trip insurance, which will generally cost between 1% - 5% of the booking price, offers visitors reimbursement of costs for days missed as a result of medical-related emergencies or weather, as well as ensuing additional hurricane evacuation charges, such as an unanticipated hotel or extra gasoline expenses. Trip insurance can be a a life-saver if the unforeseen occurs. Ask the property owner for details.
• Often, management companies and vacation rental houses supply Cape Fear area area travel guide magazines which include special offers, either offered directly by local companies, or through a relationship between the management company and the business itself. You can also find Cape Fear area visitors guide magazine and coupon books at local shops and grocery stores.

Selecting the best rental home in the Cape Fear area area:

• Select a group lead, choose your vacation week, and select a max budget.
• Note the number bedrooms and the bed configuration your group needs. Original 1945 Cottage on 20 Very Private Acres. has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. If you need a larger or smaller rental, use our Cape Fear area vacation rental search.
• Precise details about bedrooms and bed types is usually available on booking websites. If they are not listed, email the property owner before reserving the vacation property. Note that most property listings specify the max. guest capacity, which usually includes pull out couches in living rooms.
• If your group is bringing pets, you'll need to search for a rental that allows animals. Make sure to ask for information on breed, weight, and type restrictions. Often, property managers charge additional pet fees.
• Are you visiting for a specific attraction or event? Try a map search to browse nearby rentals.
• Proper accessibility amenities can make or ruin a vacation for guests that require the use of a wheelchair. .

Know before you go:

• Put the owner's information in your smartphone and wallet.
• Ask questions. You may want instructions for a fireplace, stereo or thermostat. Contact your property manager. They are there to help! A brief telephone call prevents lots of concerns.
• Lock your vacation home while you are away. Protect the owner's property and your stuff!
• Upon arrival, record any issues with the rental property and immediately alert the property manager. Record all correspondence in case a dispute arises.
• Respecting late-night quiet hours and parking rules can make a stay more pleasurable. Be a good neighbor. You'll enhance your chance to make local friends, and resident neighbors are usually an incredible resource to find the best local scenic spots.
• Speaking of neighbors... Ask a local resident! Locals can often help you find the best spots in town. Who better to ask where to find the fresh catch of the day, have a great night on the town, or the best spots for bird watching?
• At departure, complete a final walk-through to confirm you did not forget any personal items. Re-check garages, decks, and cabinets for hidden belongings. Clean out the refrigerator and take any leftovers home.
• Please make sure to walk through the property a final time and keep an eye out for damages to contents or the property itself. We advise inspecting the property with the host whenever you can (often this isn't possible). If the host is not available, remember to take photos and video of the property to record its condition.
• After your trip, leave a review! Property managers rely on excellent ratings to inspire future bookings. They'll be grateful for your feedback. Alternatively, if something wasn't as described, other families will appreciate that you share your review and help them have the best future vacation. Remember to be objective. If something fell short of expectations, consider whether the owner could control the issue, and if so, whether they responded expeditiously to fix it.