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 magnificent 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.

Strategies to get the very best Wilmington, NC rental home experience:

Sticking to a rental budget:

• To find the best value, consider shifting your family's Wilmington, NC vacation to the Spring or Fall seasons. May, September, and October offer pleasant weather, , and reduced traffic. Speaking of the off-season, don't overlook the holidays for a Wilmington, NC vacation! Who wouldn't love a holiday near the ocean? Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years Eve are great times to gather with loved ones at your favorite beach.
• Book your vacation rental as soon as possible. Rental schedules usually become available 12 months in advance (or in September just after Summer ends). Many groups reserve their Summer rentals during holiday gatherings. Reserve before these holidays for best selection.
• Some property managers offer special rates for veterans and active duty military. Check with your property manager to see if discounts are available for your family.
• Property management companies usually offer guests an option to obtain trip insurance. Trip insurance, which normally costs 1% - 5% of the booking price, offers visitors reimbursement of their vacation costs for missed time as a result of medical-related catastrophes or weather disasters, as well as hurricane evacuation charges, such as an unanticipated hotel stay or extra gasoline expenses. Trip insurance might be a a life-saver if the unforeseen happens. Ask your host for additional information.
• Many rental management companies supply Wilmington, NC area travel guide magazines that include coupons, either offered directly by local businesses, or by way of a relationship between the rental management company and the business itself. You can also find Wilmington, NC visitors guide and coupon books at local shops and grocery stores.

Use filters to search efficiently:

• Start by having your group agree to date ranges and a spending budget.
• Decide how many bedrooms and the bed configuration your family requires. Original 1945 Cottage on 20 Very Private Acres. has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.
• Specific information about bedrooms and bed counts is usually available online. Otherwise, email the property manager before you reserve the vacation property. Remember that most property listings specify the max. guest capacity, which oftentimes includes sofa beds and bunks.
• Is your family looking for unique amenities? Most websites include amenity lists and search filters. Filtering by amenity will allow you to quickly find your ideal rental.
• Proper accessibility amenities can make or ruin a vacation for persons with disabilities. Confirm all required amenities are available before booking
• If your group is vacationing with pets, you must reserve a property that allows animals. Ask for specifics on breed, size, and type requirements. Often, hosts require additional pet deposits and fees.

Advice for a great stay:

• Take a copy of the host's phone number and check in/check out procedures for your rental home. Put the manager's contact information in your smartphone.
• At Check-in, note any damages to the property and immediately alert the host. Record all coorespondence.
• Property managers are there to help! Feel free to ask any questions before, during, or after your stay.
• Be a good neighbor! You wouldn't like disrespectful visitors bothering your life at home. Apply the golden rule for common sense. If they like you, locals might even recommend great restaurants and places you would have not otherwise known about!
• Don't forget to... Ask a local resident! Local residents can frequently help you find exactly what you're looking for. Who better to ask where to get the best breakfast in town, have a great night on the town, or the best spots for fishing?
• Protect the rental owner (and your stuff!) by keeping the rental locked up when you are away, just like you would at home.
• Don't leave anything behind! Before departing, walk through the property to confirm you've collected all of your things. Check bathrooms, garages, and back yards for hidden belongings. Clean the refrigerator and take any leftovers home.
• Inspect the property one final time and look for damage. We suggest walking through with the host whenever you can (often this isn't possible). If the property manager isn't available, take video of the rental to record its condition.
• Did you have a wonderful time? Most vacation rental websites make it easy for customers to provide reviews. If your rental property and/or host was terrific, they will likely appreciate your kind words. If anything was defective and they failed to address it within reason, or if the vacation rental wasn't as described, you'll want to make a note as part of your review.