2nd Row Classic Beach Cottage 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 2025**

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 appreciate, laughter, and lives lived completely. 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 entirely 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 savor 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)

Strategies to get the best rental experience:

When to book & When to go:

• Summer time is high season in Holden Beach. Book your rental in the Fall or Spring shoulder seasons to enjoy beautiful weather while saving money and avoiding crowded roads, restaurants, and activities. Many vacationers use this method to reserve larger homes, or to reserve a beach front vacation rental that would otherwise be unaffordable during the Summer months.
• In the Wilmington, NC area, The sooner your group can book a vacation home, the easier your search will be. The best vacation rentals are booked early. Booking your vacation rental up to 12 months before your travel dates is recommended. Winter holidays are excellent times to plan and book your vacation home.
• Active Duty and veterans of the US Armed forces may be qualified for special discounts. Be sure to ask your prospective property owner or host if your vacationing group qualifies for a special rate.
• Property management companies often offer customers an option to purchase vacation insurance protection. Trip insurance, which costs 1% - 5% of the stay price, offers visitors reimbursement of their vacation costs for any missed vacation time as a result of medical-related catastrophes or weather disasters, as well as evacuation costs or charges, such as an unexpected hotel overnight or additional fuel expenses. Trip insurance is definitely a life-saver if the unforeseen happens. Ask the property owner for specifics.
• Many property management companies supply Wilmington, NC area visitor guide magazines which will include special offers, either offered directly by local businesses, or through a relationship between the property management company and the business itself. You can also find visitors guide and coupon books at local grocery stores, shopping centers, and visitor centers.

How to pick the perfect vacation rental:

• Start by having your group choose a vacation week and a budget.
• Determine how many bedrooms and the configuration your family requires. 2nd Row Classic Beach Cottage Ocean Views Great Location Convenient Beach Access has 3 bedrooms and 1 bathrooms.
• Specific details about bedrooms and bed sizes & counts is often accessible online. Otherwise, reach out to the property manager before booking the vacation home. Remember that most listings specify the max. guest capacity, which oftentimes includes sofa beds in living rooms. You will need to work out what is right for your group.
• If there's a certain Wilmington, NC destination you long to visit, browse properties that are either near by, or those that cater especially to your desires.
• Proper accessibility amenities can make or break a vacation for guests with disabilities. .
• Some properties allow pets, but some do not. Allowable types of dog or cat, size and breeds may be restricted, and additional costs may apply. Ask the owner about your furry family members before booking.

More considerations for your visit:

• Take a copy of the host's phone number and entry/exit procedures for your .
• Record any issues with the property during check in, and immediately contact the property manager. We specifically recommend e-mails and text messages, as they usually contain built-in time stamps that are valuable if a dispute arises.
• Hosts are great sources of help! Don't be shy to ask questions during your stay.
• Respecting late-night quiet hours and parking regulations can make a stay significantly more pleasurable. You will magnify your chance to make local friends, and resident neighbors can be a fantastic resource to find the best local beaches.
• Don't forget to... Ask a local resident! Residents can usually 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 out, or the best spots for fishing?
• Lock your vacation home while you are away. Keep your property safe!
• Double-check the vacation property to make sure that you've packed all of your family's items at departure. Make sure to check garages, decks, and cabinets for hidden items. Clean out the refrigerator and take any leftovers home.
• Walk through the rental a final time and keep an eye out for any damage. We suggest inspecting the property with the host whenever you can. If the host is not available, ensure that you take video of the rental to record its condition.
• Leave a review! Property owners rely on great feedback to drive new reservations. They'll be grateful for your feedback. Alternatively, if something went wrong, other vacationing families will will be grateful for your feedback find their best vacation rental. Be fair with your review. If something fell short of expectations, consider whether the property manager had any control over the issue, and if so, whether they responded reasonably to fix it.