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 appreciate 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, savor 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 marvelous 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.

Getting the best rental experience:

Cost saving strategies:

• Summer time is high season in Oak Island. To get the best value, consider changing your group's vacation dates to the Spring or Fall months. May, September, and even October offer pleasant weather, less crowded beaches, and reduced traffic. Many vacationers use this method to find larger homes within budget, or to book a beach front rental that would otherwise be unavailable or unaffordable during the Summer months. Speaking of the off-season, don't overlook the holidays for a Cape Fear area vacation! Who wouldn't love a holiday vacation on the coast? Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years Eve are great times to gather with loved ones at your favorite beach.
• Book your vacation home as early as possible. Rental schedules usually become available 12 months in advance (or in September just after Summer ends). Many groups reserve their Summer vacations during holiday get-togethers. Book before these holidays for best selection.
• Some owners offer rate reductions for veterans. Remember to ask your property manager if special offers are available for your family.
• Property managers frequently offer guests an option to add trip insurance. Trip insurance, which commonly costs between 1% - 5% of the base reservation price, offers visitors reimbursement of their vacation costs for missed time as a result of medical-related issues or weather, as well as ensuing additional evacuation costs, such as an unanticipated hotel or additional fuel expenses. Trip insurance can be a a welcome relief if the unforeseen happens. Ask your host for program terms and fees.
• Often, rental management companies supply Cape Fear area area travel guide magazines which include coupons, either offered directly by local businesses, or through a partnership between the rental management company and the business itself. You can also find Cape Fear area visitors guide magazine and coupon books at local grocery stores, shopping centers, and visitor centers.

How to pick the perfect rental in Oak Island:

• Begin by choosing your vacation dates and a max budget.
• Decide how many bedrooms and what type of bedroom configuration your group needs. Original 1945 Cottage on 20 Very Private Acres. has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.
• Specific descriptions of bedrooms and bed sizes & counts is almost always available on booking websites. Otherwise, reach out to the host before reserving the property. Remember that most property listings specify the max. guest capacity, which usually includes sofa beds in living rooms.
• If there's a specific Cape Fear area attraction you are enamored with, search for properties that are either close by, or those that cater especially to your requirements.
• Appropriate accessibility can make or ruin a vacation for persons with disabilities. Make certain to ask about wheel chair entry, pool lifts and specialized equipment needs.
• Some rentals allow pets, but others don't. Acceptable types of pet, weight and breeds may be restricted, and added charges may apply. Ask the owner about your furry family members before booking.

Know before you go:

• Be sure you get the property manager's contact number and check in/check out procedures for your .
• Document any issues with the rental upon arrival, and immediately contact the property manager. We specifically recommend texts and e-mails, as they usually contain built-in time stamps that are helpful if a dispute arises.
• Ask questions. You may need instructions for a garage door opener, elevator or coffee maker. Contact your owner. They are there to help! A brief text message prevents lots of issues.
• Respecting quiet hours and parking policies can make a stay significantly more pleasurable. Be a good neighbor. You will increase your chance to make local friends, and resident neighbors are often a fantastic resource to find the best local beaches and restaurants.
• Speaking of neighbors... Ask a local! Locals can often help. Who better to ask where to order delicious takeout, have a great night out, or the best spots for BBQ?
• Protect the owner (and your things!) by locking and securing the home while you are away, just like you would back home.
• Don't leave anything behind! Just before you drive away, walk through the property to reconfirm you've collected all belongings. Re-check bathrooms, dressers, and closets for hidden treasure. Clean the refrigerator and take any leftovers home.
• Record a video to document the condition of the property.
• Did your family have a wonderful vacation? Many rental websites make it easy for customers to provide reviews. If your rental and/or property management company was terrific, they always love to hear your praise. If anything was imperfect and they failed to correct it in a reasonable manner, or if the vacation rental wasn't as described, you'll want to make a note as part of your feedback.