SUMMER SALE Clean "Topsail" Author Home 1½ Blocks to Beach, Fenced Yard for Pets

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Entire home

One of Surf City's scenic canals, viewed from back deck

Public beach access one-and-one-half (1-1/2) blocks from home

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

9.8

Exceptional

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6121 sq m

Popular amenities

Pet-friendly

Kitchen

Barbecue grill

Air conditioning

Washer

Dryer

Explore the area

Surf City, NC

Surf City Pier5 min drive
Ohana Paddle Sports5 min drive
North Topsail Beach10 min drive
Jacksonville, NC (OAJ-Albert J. Ellis)53 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Balcony

Outdoor play area

Dining Area

About this property

Beautiful, Clean "Topsail: Mayberry by the Sea" Author Home,
Only 1½ Blocks to the Beach, with a Fenced Yard for Pets
We hope you enjoy your stay in SURF CITY'S 5-STAR HOME! . . . at a bonus:
SUMMER SALE: Remaining summer weeks are priced at 15-25 percent rate below 2023 rates!

'5 STARS: We found perfection. ... a perfect place for a family with a dog.'

'5 STARS: Very nice and clean. The front porch is wonderful and the dog loved the fenced-in backyard.'

'5 STARS: Like home only better with the beach so close by and the sound of the waves as we slept!'

'5 STARS: Absolutely Wonderful!!!! ... I cannot say enough about the house and location.'

'5 STARS: This rental was everything it said it was.... It was perfect.'

'5 STARS: It doesn't get any better. ... Don't miss this great rental!! 6 Stars'

'5 STARS: Highly recommend. Perfect for anyone with a pet....Very clean, well kept, well appointed.'
'5 STARS: Fantastic Vacation Home!!!... You will not be disappointed!'

'5 STARS: Living area is huge.... The beds were VERY comfortable.'

'5 STARS: Great home in a great location. ... Recommend highly!'

'5 STARS: My Wife and I are planning to make this one of our annual vacation spots.'

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RENTAL NOTES:

CLEANING: Professional cleaning service provides extra cleaning and disinfecting before your arrival.

CANCELLATION: 14 days' notice for full payment return (7 days for 50%), lowest requirement in the industry.

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THE HOME:

TOPSAIL ISLAND is wonderfully slow-paced and family-friendly. This beautiful modern beach home, recently updated, is owned by the author and photographer of 'Topsail Island: Mayberry by the Sea.' It is in a residential neighborhood in northern Surf City, near North Topsail Beach. The home is one-and-one-half (1½) blocks from the beach and just one-half (½) block from one of Surf City's scenic canals, lined with boats and large homes and visible from the decks. It is 2 miles from the shopping/restaurant center of the island.

THE ONE-LEVEL HOME has a large, spacious living/dining room with vaulted ceiling. A big kitchen opens to it. There are three bedrooms sleeping a total of six, including large master suite with king bed, all with ceiling fans, and two full baths. (You provide towels and bed linens: your own or try either Me and Mom Cleaning or other companies that deliver/pick up.) Coastal-style furniture, seascape paintings/prints and other island art decorate the home. (No smoking, please.) Pergo Boathouse flooring is in the living areas.

THE BACKYARD IS FENCED, a Topsail rarity. This is perfect for anyone with young children or pets (up to two well-behaved dogs are allowed). Other amenities: keyless electronic door lock; large covered front deck with rockers and ocean breezes, perfect for waiting out any occasional showers; two long driveways, partially covered; outdoor shower; gas grill on back patio; ceiling fans inside throughout; high-speed wireless internet; 72-channel cable.

YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE with both Topsail and this home!

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Home, built in 2000, is continually updated:

NEW FOR 2024 (thus far): Rear storm door, paint in two bedrooms, air fryer (as of June 15).

NEW FOR 2023: Luxury queen bed for 2nd Bedroom, toilet for master bath, pillows for all bedrooms, larger TVs in all locations, replacement rocker for front porch, replacement back door.

NEW FOR 2022: Chest of drawers for 2nd Bedroom, pillows for all bedrooms, 2-seat Adirondack bench for front porch, replacement rocker for front porch.

NEW FOR 2021: Luxury king bed for master, 2 twin beds, back-deck breakfast table and benches, gas grill, cordless door blinds, 12-cup coffeemaker (companion to existing Keurig single-cup maker), pots/pans, all smoke alarms, hot water heater.

NEW FOR 2020: Kitchen Faucet, 2nd Bathroom Toilet, Master Bedroom Bed Covering, Keurig Coffeemaker, Back Deck Rockers, Front Deck Rocker Pads.

NEW FOR 2019: Living Room sofa and love seat, Roof.

NEW FOR 2018: Trane air conditioning/heat pump.

NEW FOR 2017: Pergo Boathouse flooring in living areas.

NEW FOR 2016: Luxury carpeting in all three bedrooms.

Keywords: Beach House, Island Home, Fenced Yard, Pets, Dogs, Wi-Fi, Camp Lejeune

VRBO DETAILS:

Property manager

Ray McAllister

Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

2003 S Shore Dr (Windward [Int. Ext.]) - watermarked-49

Kitchen

Washer

Pet-friendly

Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)

Up to 2 well-behaved pets ($33 EACH PER NIGHT).

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Pet fees: Up to 2 well-behaved pets allowed w/ fee

FLEXIBLE CANCELLATION POLICY. Beginning 2020 with

SUPER-CLEAN: Now EXTRA cleaning and DISINFECTING b

Important information

You need to know

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

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Surf City

Located in Surf City, this holiday home is near the beach. Seacoast Art Gallery and Missiles and More Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Ohana Paddle Sports and Thomas Tackle and Seafood. Mia's Marketplace and The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing, kayaking and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling.

Surf City, NC

What's nearby

Inis Spa - 4 min drive
Surf City Pier - 5 min drive
Southside Park - 5 min drive
Ohana Paddle Sports - 5 min drive
North Topsail Beach - 10 min drive

Getting around

Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

‪Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar - ‬8 min drive
‪Buddy's Crab House & Oyster Bar - ‬5 min drive
‪The Peak Tap Room - ‬5 min drive
‪Maine Lobstah Shack - ‬5 min drive
‪Shaka Taco - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is SUMMER SALE Clean "Topsail" Author Home 1½ Blocks to Beach, Fenced Yard for Pets pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at SUMMER SALE Clean "Topsail" Author Home 1½ Blocks to Beach, Fenced Yard for Pets?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at SUMMER SALE Clean "Topsail" Author Home 1½ Blocks to Beach, Fenced Yard for Pets?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is SUMMER SALE Clean "Topsail" Author Home 1½ Blocks to Beach, Fenced Yard for Pets located?

Situated near the beach, this holiday home is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Surf City Beach and within 3 miles (5 km) of Back in Touch Massage, Yoga, & Lomilomi and Inis Spa. Escape Spa and Seacoast Art Gallery are also within 3 miles (5 km).

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Laurie M.

15 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

June 2024

The property was very nice and the fenced in yard was great for the dogs. Very close access to the beach and great location.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christine O.

24 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect home

Our 3rd time staying here and looking forward going back next year!!

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thomas L.

3 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cousins at Mayberry by the Sea

Way a perfect week for me and 2 cousins. Ray was the perfect host. We’ll be back.

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elihau G., Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

18 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A pleasant and airy beach cottage.

This house is spacious, full of light and convenient to the beach. It has a large living room, and kitchen. Dining area with a large table. Comfortable beds. Front porch with chairs and back porch with a table and chairs. The enclosed back yard is ideal for your dog and the enclosed outdoor shower with hot water is great for the (mandatory) rinse off when returning from the beach. We had a very enjoyable stay.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steve S.

15 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Totally Enjoyed Vacation

This home we stayed at was great, the only complaint I have is with Mother Nature, Mon - Wed the waves were to strong for boogie boarding!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Valerie C.

30 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice and relaxing

Although our stay was short, it was very relaxing. The place is absolutely beautiful and dog friendly. There are very detailed instructions about how things work in the house, such as hot/cold knob to the shower, you just have to read :). Overall a great place and we highly recommend!

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Courtney E.

17 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mayberry by the Sea

Each year we take two beach trips. One with our parents/in-laws and one with the our family of four. This was our first trip taking a pet and our first trip to Surf City. The house was the perfect place to relax and spend time with our family. The walk to the beach was easy. The backyard was perfect for our furry friend to play fetch and we loved the sunset views of the water. We came home and didn’t sleep because our bed isn’t as comfortable as those in the house. I will say, it is the coldest beach house we have ever stayed in. We ended up having to turn the air up. My husband says we are coming back next year for two weeks and may potentially buy property in the area.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Mike S.

3 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sully’s

Nice home. Clean, bright, convenient to beach. Our family of 6, plus dog, very much enjoyed our stay. When not at the beach, hung out on the front porch a lot and read some of the books-plentiful, provided by Ray owner. Mike

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

James D.

19 June 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

3 generation family vacay

Great location and dog friendly home. Huge/beautiful front porch with afternoon shade was one of the highlights of the vacation.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brian P.

23 May 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Medium Rare

Like a perfectly cooked steak it was medium rare. As a family who likes to travel with their dogs it is rare you can find a house in this particular location with a nice shaded fenced in yard for the pups. House had all the necessities to host and entertain family, and friends. Ray was a pleasure to deal with during the check in process.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maureen R.

23 Oct 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location - Great House - Great Time

Really enjoyed staying at Mayberry! The master bedroom w/bath was separated from the two guest bedrooms and bath by the dining room/family room. The open floor plan for the kitchen, dining room and family room flowed well. The front porch was great for shade and the back porch for sun. The fenced in backyard was perfect for the dogs as was the front porch with a gate to block the stairs. Very close to the beach, shops and restaurants on the island. Would definitely stay here again!

Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

10 Oct 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great fall break

We enjoyed our stay. It was fun to read Ray's book and then check out some of the spots that were mentioned. The beach is close by, very nice, and was not crowded. Ray's communication was excellent. Thanks for a great fall break!

Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christine O.

28 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay

It was our second time staying at this home. It’s in a perfect location and not far from the beach. The house is clean, accommodating, and perfect for us and our dogs. The fenced in yard is a big plus!

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Thomas W.

7 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great home for family and pets

Wonderful place for family and pets. Awesome to have a fenced in yard!

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

1 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet neighborhood

Property was clean and the beach was a block away. Plenty of off-street parking. Owner was easy to reach.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Judy H., Oklahoma City and Greensboro

28 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful and close to the beach

The Mayberry by the Sea beach house was true to its name; family and pet friendly. The neighborhood is quiet with not a lot of traffic. The home was awesome, just what we were looking for. Must remember to bring your own sheets and towels but everything else met and exceeded our expectations. Rat was especially nice and accommodating answering multiple questions very quickly. We would definitely stay her again.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tim L., Bermuda Run, USA

21 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location and super nice place!

Ray was great to communicate with. The 1 1/2 block distance the wonderful and quiet beach is perfect. The easement to the beach lands you away from the main access points so we had tons of room. and the neighborhood is really quite off the main road. The fenced backyard was fabulous for the dogs! Easy walk to restaurants, and if so inclined a walk down to the Trailer Bar is a fun stop in. Would definitely stay here again.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Karen A.

5 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beach Getaway

This property was very nice and accommodating. Short walk to beach.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kristen H.

9 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful location

We had a fantastic time staying at Mayberry by the Sea. The location was perfect! The public beach access was right across the street. We were able to walk on the beach every morning and play in the ocean every afternoon. Ray is a wonderful host. He was very responsive and available by phone and email. If we weren't moving to Surf City next month, we would definitely stay here again!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Martina R.

8 June 2022

Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy

It suited our event

Nice location however a bit busy with loud cars

Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Glenn S.

6 June 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Well maintained property

Easily accessible, attractive and clean. Close to food and beaches. Management responds back quickly to any questions or concerns. We would certainly stay there again

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dominique Y.

25 May 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enjoyed

I really enjoyed the location and had fun with family

Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

Ann M.

20 May 2022

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location and Good Bones

We enjoyed being close to the beach and having the canal views at night. Loved having a front and back porch for different times of the day. A fenced yard was perfect for our pups! The house has a great layout (just could use some comfy couches that would accommodate 6 adults and a good deep clean- vents, fans, garbage disposal(I am a little OCD in this area). Overall a great experience and would stay again.

Stayed 8 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Josh G.

7 May 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Property

This was my first time renting a property. The process was easy and we had a great time at the property. The house was very nice and clean and the owners were nice and willing to answer any questions that I had. We enjoyed being within walking distance of the beach and hope to go back again.

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michelle R.

18 Apr 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mayberry by the sea

Perfect property for pets,,very quick walk to beach

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

About the host

Hosted by Ray McAllister

Ray McAllister is the author of four award-winning North Carolina coastal books among the six books he has written, including "Topsail Island: Mayberry by the Sea," which has published in an entirely new edition for 2021, plus books on Wrightsville Beach, Hatteras Island and Ocracoke. Vicki, his wife, is the photographer for the books, as well as for framed prints and note cards. A former long-time newspaper columnist, who then edited a popular magazine, Ray now also publishes the works of other authors through Beach Glass Books.

Why they chose this property

FROM AUTHOR: 'Topsail Island is wonderful, and we all know that. But when we were looking for a beach home on Topsail, we had to go up and down the island with a Realtor, visiting dozens that might be within our price range, to find even a few that were both clean and modern. But the clincher was this: Only this home -- and I do mean only -- also had the perfect layout. When we first walked in, we were struck, as everyone is, by how large and open the main room is and by how large and open the connected kitchen is. Finally, we had found a house that was designed for the way families on vacation actually use a beach house. It is a joy to be in.'

What makes this property unique

--Very large, open main room for family use.
--Large, open kitchen adjacent.
--Fenced-in backyard ideal for dogs and/or young children.
--Large covered front porch with 4 rockers, bench, lounge.
--Short walk (1-1/2 blocks) to the ocean.
--Shorter walk (1/2 block) to scenic canals.
--Residential area, but only 2 miles from shopping/restaurants.
--Inviting beach-house feel.