The Mad River Cottage - Vacation rental home in Southport, NC

About this Property

• Sleeps 4
• 2 Bedrooms
• 4 Bathrooms
• Private vacation home
• Approximately 900 square feet

3-nighttime minimum stay - Step inside the Mad River bungalow and you will want to stay forever. Constructed over a century ago and surrounded by centuries-old live oaks, the two-bedroom bungalow is the ideal getaway for a week or a weekend away from home. Inside you’ll be delighted by the cheerful color pallet and comfortable furnishings. Outside you’ll have the opportunity to sip your morning coffee on the modest screened porch or dine al fresco beneath a lumbering live oak. You’ll be walking distance from everything the village of Southport offers—from boating to shopping to dining to fresh local seafood and of course all the famed spots featured in the Safe Haven movie—- all are just steps away from the bungalow. Plus, if it’s beach time you crave, you’ll be a short 15-min. drive to all the white sand and ocean waves you can imagine! Come savor one of the happiest oceanside towns in America and stay in the Mad River Cottage...it may be your first time but we’re sure it won’t be your last! Oh, and if you're wondering why it’s the Mad River Cottage check out this website: madriverdesigns.com, and be sure to stop by the Mad River Studio & Store for the best shopping in Southport. 

Please note this is not a pet-friendly property. 

Intelligent TV available (no cable).

About the Area

This vacation home is located in Southport. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Carolina Beach and popular attractions include North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher and Carolina Beach Boardwalk. North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport and Bald Head Island Information Center are also worth visiting.

Special Instructions

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Pet Policy

Pets not allowed

Southport rental home tips and tricks:

Getting the best value:

• June, July, and August are high season in the Wilmington, NC area. To get the best value, try changing your vacation to the Spring or Fall months. May, September, and even October offer excellent temperatures, , and reduced traffic. Many vacationers use this strategy to find larger homes within budget, or to reserve a beach front vacation rental that would otherwise be unaffordable during June, July, and August. Speaking of the off-season, don't overlook the 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 family and friends at the beach.
• Reserve your vacation home as early as possible. Rental schedules usually open 12 months in advance (or in September just after Summer ends). Many groups book their Summer vacations during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Eve get-togethers. Reserve before these holidays for best selection.
• Some hosts and property managers offer special rates for veterans and active duty military. Make sure to check with your host or property manager to see if special offers are available for your group before you book.
• Management companies and individual rental owners usually offer renters an option to buy trip insurance. Trip insurance, which commonly will cost between 1% - 5% of the booking price, offers visitors reimbursement of costs for missed time as a result of personal medical-related catastrophes or weather disasters, as well as ensuing additional evacuation costs, such as an unexpected hotel overnight or extra fuel expenses. Trip insurance might be a a bank account-saver if the unforeseen happens. Ask your property manager for more information.
• Look for your local Wilmington, NC area magazine upon checking in. If your rental home doesn't have a copy, you can find them at local shops and fuel stations. In addition to great local articles, visitors guide magazines contain money saving offers on local restaurants, attractions, and tours.

Use filters to search efficiently:

• Choose your dates and max budget.
• Decide how many bedrooms and what type of bedroom configuration your family requires. The Mad River Cottage has 2 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. If you need a larger or smaller rental, use our vacation rental search.
• Specific details about bedrooms and bed counts & types is regularly available on booking websites. Otherwise, email the property management company before you book your rental. Remember that most listings specify the max. guest capacity, which typically includes pull out couches in living rooms. You will need to establish which bed configuration is suitable for your vacation group.
• If there's a specific Wilmington, NC beach you are enamored with, browse properties that are either close by, or those that cater to your desires.
• Proper accessibility can make or ruin a vacation for guests that require the use of a wheelchair. Confirm all necessary amenities are included before reserving a rental.
• Some rentals allow pets, and some don't. Allowable types of family pet, weight and breeds may be restricted, and added charges may apply. Ask the property manager about allowable pet guidelines before booking.

Have a wonderful stay:

• We recommend storing the host's information in your smartphone.
• To make sure damages aren't linked to your stay, note any problem areas when you arrive. text the host immediately to record your findings. If there is a dispute about who is responsible, having the recorded concerns and contact attempts will be very helpful.
• Ask questions. You may need instructions for a garage door opener, stereo or coffee maker. Contact your host. They are there to help! A brief telephone call can prevent quite a few concerns.
• Respecting late-night quiet hours and parking restrictions can make a stay more pleasurable. You'll increase your chance to make local friends, and resident neighbors are an incredible source for finding the best local spots.
• Speaking of neighbors... Ask a local! Locals can typically help. Who better to ask where to see a beautiful sunrise or sunset, have a great night on the town, or the best spots for crabbing?
• Protect the rental owner (and your things!) by locking and securing the home when you are gone, just like you would at home.
• Re-check the property to confirm that you've packed all of your family's items on check-out day. Make sure to check dressers, closets, and bathrooms for hidden items. Clean the refrigerator and take any leftovers home.
• Record a video to document the condition of the property.
• After your trip, leave feedback! Hosts rely on excellent feedback to stimulate more bookings. They'll be grateful for your review. Alternatively, if something went wrong, other vacationers will will be grateful for your experience find their best vacation rental. Remember to be objective. If something fell short of expectations, consider whether the property manager had any control over the issue, and if so, whether they responded expeditiously to remedy it.