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 giant expanse of white sand beach, details of 75 years of history, the world’s most excellent 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.

Tips and Tricks to get the best Oak Island rental experience:

Getting the best rental home value:

• Book your rental as soon as possible. Rental schedules usually open twelve months in advance (or in September just after Summer ends). Many groups book their Summer rentals during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Eve gatherings. Reserve before these holidays for best selection.
• To get the best rental within your budget, we recommend booking in the Spring or Fall. You'll benefit from lower rental rates, greater selection, beautiful weather and the absence of large crowds at popular attractions and restaurants. Speaking of the off-season, don't overlook Winter holidays for a Wilmington, NC vacation! Who wouldn't love a holiday vacation on the coast? Thanksgiving and Christmas are great times to gather with friends and family at your favorite beach.
• Property management companies sometimes offer promotional rates for veterans. Remember to ask your property manager if rate reductions are available for your family before you book.
• Booking websites typically offer guests an option to buy trip insurance. Trip insurance, which normally costs anywhere between 1% - 5% of the base stay price, offers visitors reimbursement of costs for any missed days as a result of personal medical-related catastrophes or weather disasters, as well as evacuation costs, such as an unanticipated hotel overnight or extra gasoline expenses. Trip insurance might be a a bank account-saver if the unforeseen occurs. Ask your property manager for more information.
• Often, rental management companies and vacation rental houses supply Wilmington, NC area travel guide magazines that include coupons, either offered independently by local companies, or through a relationship between the rental management company and the business itself. You can also find visitors guide and coupon books at local grocery stores, shopping centers, and visitor centers.

Finding the perfect rental home:

• Begin by choosing your vacation dates and a max budget.
• Note the number beds and the bed configuration your family 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 rentals search.
• Precise details about bedrooms and bed counts & types is commonly available on booking websites. If not, email the property manager before you book the property. Remember that most properties list the maximum guest capacity, which usually includes pull-out couches and bunk beds. You'll need to work out what configuration is right for your vacation.
• Remember to include your furry companions! 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. Remember to ask your host before booking, and study your agreement thoroughly! Additional fees or may be applied to your contract.
• If there's a certain Wilmington, NC attraction you simply love, search for homes 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. .

Have a wonderful stay:

• We recommend storing the manager's contact information in your smartphone and wallet.
• Ask questions. You may want instructions for a hot tub, television set or coffee maker. Contact your host. They are there to help! A brief text message prevents a lot of concerns.
• Protect the owner (and your things!) by keeping the rental locked up while you are gone, just like you would back home.
• Make a record of any issues with the property at check in, and immediately send them to the property manager. We especially recommend e-mails and text messages, as they usually contain built-in time stamps that can be beneficial if there is a dispute.
• Respect your neighbors. Frequently, nearby homes are occupied by local residents. Respecting late-night quiet hours and parking regulations is the right thing to do.
• Don't forget to... Ask a local! Locals can often help you find exactly what you're looking for. 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 BBQ?
• Just prior to departing, complete a walk-through to confirm you didn't leave anything behind. Make sure to check bathrooms, dressers, and closets for hidden treasure. Clean the refrigerator and take or dispose of leftovers.
• Inspect the property one final time and look for damages to contents or the property itself. We recommend inspecting the property with the host whenever you can. If the property manager isn't available, remember to take video of the property to record its condition.
• Remember to leave a review! Property managers rely on good feedback to compel future reservations. They'll be thankful for your feedback. Alternatively, if something went awry, other vacationers will appreciate that you share your review and help them have the best future vacation. Please be fair with your feedback If something fell short of expectations, consider whether the owner could control the issue, and if so, whether they responded reasonably to remedy it.