“Eclectic Classic” 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 2024**

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 handsome 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 adore, 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 included 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 excellent 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)

Tips for getting the best Wilmington, NC vacation home experience:

When to visit Holden Beach & When to book:

• Summertime is the most expensive season in coastal NC. Book your Wilmington, NC vacation in the Fall or Spring shoulder seasons to enjoy warm weather while saving money and avoiding crowded roads, restaurants, and activities.
• Book your vacation home as early as possible. Rental schedules often become available 12 months in advance (or in September just after the Summer season ends). Many families book their Summer vacations during Christmas and Thanksgiving get-togethers. Book before these holidays for best selection.
• Some hosts offer rate reductions for active duty military and veterans. Ask your host or property manager if discounts are available for your family.
• Property managers frequently offer guests an option to add vacation insurance protection. Trip insurance, which normally will cost you 1% - 5% of the reservation price, offers visitors reimbursement of costs for any missed time as a result of personal medical-related emergencies or weather, as well as ensuing additional evacuation costs, such as an unexpected hotel or additional gasoline expenses. Trip insurance is definitely a welcome relief if the unforeseen occurs. Ask your host for specifics.
• Look for your local visitors guide upon arrival. If your rental doesn't have a copy, you can find them at local grocery stores, shopping centers, and visitor centers. In addition to great information, travel guide magazines contain discounts for local accommodations, tours and attractions.

Planning, picking, and booking the right Wilmington, NC vacation home:

• Choose vacation week and max budget.
• Decide how many beds and what type of bedroom configuration your family needs. “Eclectic Classic” Ocean Views Great Location Convenient Beach Access has 3 bedrooms and 1 bathrooms.
• Precise information regarding bedrooms and bed types is almost always available online. Otherwise, email or call the property owner before you reserve the vacation home. Note that most listings specify the maximum guest capacity, which often includes sofa beds in living rooms. You will need to determine what configuration is suitable for your group.
• If there's an individual Wilmington, NC beach you long to visit, search for homes that are either nearby, or those that cater especially to your needs.
• Suitable accessibility amenities can make or ruin a vacation for guests that require the use of a wheelchair. Confirm all required amenities are included before booking.
• Are you bringing the family pet? 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. Make sure to ask before booking, and study your rental agreement! Pet fees or costs could be applied to your invoice.

Additional considerations:

• Add the property manager's contact information to your smartphone. Take a copy of arrival/departure procedures.
• Upon check-in, note any issues with the rental property and immediately contact the property manager. Record all coorespondence.
• Property managers are great sources of help! Feel free to ask any questions during your stay.
• Respecting late-night quiet hours and parking policies can make a stay more pleasurable. Be a good neighbor. You'll enhance your chance to make local friends, and resident neighbors can be a terrific resource to find the best local restaurants, beaches, and hangouts.
• Speaking of neighbors... Ask a local resident! Locals can typically help. Who better to ask where to order delicious takeout, have a great night out, or the best spots for fishing?
• Lock your rental property while you are out! Don't let thieves spoil your trip.
• Just prior to departing, complete a final walk-through to make sure you have not forget anything. Re-check dressers, closets, and bathrooms for hidden belongings. Clean the refrigerator and take any leftovers home.
• Go through the property one final time and scan for damage. We advise walking through with the host whenever possible. If the manager isn't available, remember to take pictures of the property to record its condition at check-out.
• Did your family have a great stay? Most rental websites make it easy for customers to provide comments. If your rental property and/or host was wonderful, they always love to hear your praise. If anything was imperfect and they failed to address it within reason, or if the vacation rental wasn't described correctly, you'll want to make a note as part of your feedback.