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 savor 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 modernized 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, appreciate sunset beverages 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 incredible 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 Bay Beach, 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

• Pets allowed
• Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Tricks and tips to get the best vacation property experience:

Money saving strategies:

• Summer months are high season in the Wilmington, NC area. Reserve your Wilmington, NC rental property in the Spring or Fall to get the benefit of warm weather while saving money and avoiding crowded roads, restaurants, and activities. Speaking of the off-season, don't overlook Winter holidays for a Wilmington, NC vacation! Who wouldn't love a holiday on the coast? Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years are great times to gather with loved ones at your favorite beach.
• Reserve your rental as early as possible. Rental schedules often open a year in advance (or in September just after the Summer season ends). Many families book their Summer vacations during holiday get-togethers. Reserve before these holidays for best selection.
• Some hosts offer discounts for active duty military and veterans. Ask your property manager if discounts are available for your family before you book.
• Management companies and individual rental owners frequently offer their guests an option to purchase trip insurance. Trip insurance, which costs between 1% - 5% of the base booking price, offers visitors reimbursement of costs for missed vacation time as a result of medical-related emergencies or weather disasters, as well as ensuing additional hurricane evacuation charges, such as an unexpected hotel or extra gas expenses. Trip insurance is definitely a bank account-saver if the unforeseen happens. Ask your property manager for specifics.
• Look for your local Wilmington, NC visitors guide magazine when you arrive at the rental property. If your rental property doesn't have a copy, you can find them at local shops and fuel stations. In addition to great information, travel guides have discounts for local shops and restaurants.

How to pick the best rental home in the Wilmington, NC area:

• First, have your family decide on date ranges and a max budget.
• Decide how many bedrooms and what type of bedroom 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 Wilmington, NC vacation rental search.
• Precise information about bedrooms and bed counts is usually accessible on booking websites. Otherwise, reach out to the property management company before you reserve the home. Note that most properties list the maximum guest capacity, which often includes pull-out couches.
• Are you visiting for a single event or attraction? If so, use a map search to find nearby rentals.
• Proper accessibility amenities can make or ruin a vacation for persons with a disability. Confirm all required amenities are available before booking.
• Some rentals allow pets, but some don't. Acceptable types of dog or cat, size and breeds may be restricted, and added costs may apply. Ask the host about allowable breeds and types before booking.

Tips to have a smooth stay:

• Get the host's contact number and check in/check out procedures for your rental. Put the manager's contact information in your smartphone.
• At Check-in, record any issues with the rental property and immediately alert the property manager. Keep records of all correspondence just in case a dispute arises.
• Hosts are there to help! Feel free to ask any questions before, during, or after your stay.
• Respecting quiet hours and parking policies can make a stay more pleasurable. You will increase your chance to make local friends, and resident neighbors are often a terrific resource to find the best local attractions.
• Speaking of neighbors... Ask a local! Local residents can often point you in the right direction. Who better to ask where to order delicious takeout, have a great night on the town, or the best spots for crabbing?
• Lock your vacation home while you're away. Protect your property!
• Don't leave anything behind! Just before you drive away, take a walk through the rental to make sure you've collected all personal items. Make sure to check garages, decks, and cabinets for hidden items. Remove everything from the refrigerator and take any leftovers home.
• Inspect the rental one final time and look for damage. We recommend inspecting the property with the property manager whenever you can (often this isn't possible). If the manager isn't available, take pictures of the property to record its condition.
• Did your family have a great time? Many rental websites make it easy for vacationers to provide comments. If your property and/or host was wonderful, they always love to hear your praise. If anything was defective and they failed to address it in a reasonable manner, or if the vacation rental wasn't as described, you'll want to make it a point as part of your comments.