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 drinks on the lookout tower, go crabbing from the dock behind the home, walk down your private access to a humongous 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.

Finding the best rental home experience:

When to book & When to go:

• Book your vacation rental as soon as possible. Rental schedules often become available a year in advance (or in September just after Summertime ends). Many groups book their Summer rentals during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Eve gatherings. Book before these holidays for best selection.
• June, July, and August are high season in the Southport area. Reserving a rental home in Fall or Spring is our best tip for saving money on your vacation home. Rental rates are lower, and you'll find a larger selection of suitable homes. Speaking of the off-season, don't overlook Winter holidays for a Southport vacation! Who wouldn't love a holiday vacation near the ocean? Thanksgiving and Christmas are great times to gather with friends and family at the beach.
• Veterans and Active Duty Military members may qualify for special discounts. Be sure to ask your prospective property management company or host if your group qualifies for a special promotion or discount.
• Booking websites usually offer customers an option to add trip insurance. Trip insurance, which normally will cost anywhere between 1% - 5% of the reservation price, offers visitors reimbursement of their vacation costs for days missed as a result of medical-related emergencies or weather, as well as ensuing additional hurricane evacuation costs, such as an unexpected hotel overnight or additional gas expenses. Trip insurance might be a a welcome relief if the unforeseen happens. Ask your property manager for specifics.
• Many management companies and vacation rental houses supply Southport area travel guide magazines which often include special deals, either offered directly by local companies, or through a partnership between the management company and the business itself. You can also find Southport visitors guide and coupon books at local gas stations and shopping centers.

Use filters to search efficiently:

• First, have your family select vacation dates and a budget.
• Decide how many beds and the configuration you need. Original 1945 Cottage on 20 Very Private Acres. has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.
• Precise descriptions of bedrooms and bed counts is regularly available on booking websites. If you don't see them listed, reach out to the property manager before reserving the vacation home. Remember that most properties list the maximum guest capacity, which oftentimes includes pull-out couches.
• Do your family pets travel with you? Although a number of vacation homes allow pets or animals, guidelines and costs vary per property. Type of pet, size and breeds may be limited. Ask your host before booking, and study your agreement thoroughly! Pet fees or costs may be applied to your contract.
• Are you visiting for a specific attraction or event? Use a map search to browse nearby properties.
• Suitable accessibility amenities can make or break a vacation for those with limited mobility. Confirm all necessary amenities are available before reserving a rental.

Additional considerations:

• We recommend storing the owner's information in your smartphone and wallet.
• Property managers are great sources of help! Don't be shy to ask questions before, during, or after your stay.
• Protect the property owner (and your stuff!) by locking the rental when you are out, just like you would at home.
• To make sure damages are not linked to your stay, inspect the property for any problem areas upon your arrival. Make contact with the rental manager immediately to report any pre-existing damages. If there is a dispute about who is responsible, having a record of issues and contact attempts will be valuable.
• Don't forget to respect your neighbors. Often times, nearby homes are occupied by local residents. Respecting quiet hours and parking rules can make a stay significantly more pleasurable.
• Don't forget to... Ask a local! Local residents can often help. Who better to ask where to get the best breakfast in town, have a great night on the town, or the best spots for bird watching?
• Don't leave anything behind! Before departing, walk through the rental to confirm you've collected everything. Re-check dressers, closets, and bathrooms for hidden belongings. Remove everything from the refrigerator and take any leftovers home.
• Walk through the property one final time and keep an eye out for any damage. We advise inspecting the property with the host whenever possible. If the property manager is not available, remember to take pictures of the rental to record its condition at check-out.
• Remember to leave a review! Property owners rely on great ratings to propel new bookings. They'll be thankful for your feedback. Alternatively, if something went wrong, other families will appreciate that you share your feedback find their best rental home. Please be objective. If something fell short of expectations, consider whether the host could control the issue, and if so, whether they responded reasonably to fix it.