Vacation Rentals by Owner

Fall Delight

Guest: Priscilla & Tom Harrington (Luray, VA)
Date of Stay: 10/01/11 Review Submitted: 10/09/11

10/1 thru 10/7/11 Wow such a nice place. Everything is as described on line and better. Kitchen is fully stocked. The personal touches are great: umbrella, extra dog lead, picnic table on deck, gates for children/dogs, night lights (for us oldsters), motion sensor lights outside and trash pick up days and what can be re-cycled was shown, contact for house problems and a call from Darlene to make sure everything was okay. In addition, found excellent info from books in the house on local history. The design of the house is also interesting and looks to be built better than most we have stayed in. It was fun to wake one morning to lights of a shrimp boat just off shore. The monarch butterflies were heading for Mexico and dragonflies where ever they go. We were eyeing a turtle nest just 3 houses up from us and on Friday we saw the sand smoothed out with 6 inch high "walls" on either side extending 8 to 10 feet into the beach to guide the little ones to the ocean. Obviously, hatching was near. Of course, this made me even sadder to leave. Weather was wonderful, warm sunny days and cool nights. Oh, the sound of the surf! Darlene and Roger we thank you for all your efforts to provide a home away from home. Your Topsail home is inviting and comfortable consequently, "Cirrus" settled down after his ferry trauma to Cape Lookout. Keep up the good work and I hope we can make it back in 2012. Have a wonderful rest of the year.

Owner response:Priscilla and Tom, we are so glad you enjoyed our home away from home. We would love to have you back next year.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Night visit by SEA TURTLE!!

Guest: MC (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 07/30/11 Review Submitted: 09/02/11

This was our family's second stay at Answer to Prayer. We were 4 adults and 2 teens on this trip and the house is perfect for our needs. The location is ideal and the view is magnificent. We spent long quiet days: swimming, boogie boarding, building sand creatures/ castles, and doing puzzles. In the evenings we grilled and then played bocchi ball/ flew kits on the beach. This is the perfect place to get away from it all. It is hard to leave! The highlight of this year's visit was a nighttime encounter with a SEA TURTLE, who swam ashore to find a location for laying eggs, and picked the foot of Answer to Prayer's beach steps as a potential spot. My husband and I returned from an evening beach walk about 9am to find a HUGE (300#) mommy turtle nosing around and digging in the sand in front of the house. She stayed, and we watched very quietly, for about 45 minutes. After she swam back out to sea, we called the island "Turtle Squad." They happily and dutifully roped the area off until a daytime squad could test the sand pile for a nest. It turned out to be a dry run; we learned mom turtles occasionally change their minds after nosing around... swim out, go down the beach, and try again. But it was the experience of a lifetime for our family to witness. WOW! We very highly recommend North Topsail Island and Answer to Prayer. Thank you!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners.

Great Beach House

Guest: Larry M. (-)
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 03/21/12

Answer to prayer is a wonderful beach house located on a wonderful beach. We had just purchased our house Larry’s Lazy Susan next door in 1994 while Answer to Prayer was under construction. Answer to prayer is a custom designed and built house on a great lot, right on the beach with great access to a less populated beach. The owner is an architect like myself and has taken pride in providing a great family place for a relaxing carefree vacation. The house has extensive amenities to provide the tenant with luxuries that you want form a vacation rental. The house has great ocean views with a lot of glass and a spacious ocean deck with a large picnic table for outdoor dining. I have spent many nights in this wonderful comfortable home when our home has not been available due to repairs and expansions. If you need sleeping for more than can be accommodated in one house, these two houses together will provide sleeping for up to 24 people and are close neighboring properties. See VRBO #390819 or HomeAway #950750 for more information.

Owner response:Larry we are so thankful to have nice neighbors like you. I trust we will enjoy the comfort of each others house.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Guest: guests from Columbia, MD
Date of Stay: 07/17/10 Review Submitted: 08/08/10

We just finished a week at Answer to Prayer. The house looks exactly like the photos on the web site and was a comfortable spot to pull our family together. We loved the ocean front location, it made it easy for our multi-generational family to go to and from the water. This was our first visit to Topsail Island and we loved the relaxed vibe. Midway through the week I said to my husband that Topsail was the kind of place where you dress up by putting on your flip-flops. Otherwise we lived in bare feet and swimsuits all week. Thanks for sharing your beautiful place

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Guest: Barb Bliss (Dayton/Columbus, OH)
Date of Stay: 09/21/09 Review Submitted: 09/21/09

This house was my residence for my second week's vacation this year. Having visited and stayed at many beaches, from India to Venezuela to Europe, this is one of the best vacations I've ever had. The home is "warm" with muted colors, tastefully furnished. Complete with all amenities - vacationing made easy, the owners were always willing to go the extra mile to afford whatever was wanted to supply a wonderful vacation. The spacious deck affords a fabulous view of the ocean, the sunrises are breathtaking. Fishing Pelicans and jumping dolphins seen from the deck! The bedrooms are quite far apart affording each bedroom a wonderful privacy - great for a little space from the kids or a vacation for friends - 4 couples!! I loved my time there...I come for the surf and sun. This island has wonderful surf: no beach "dropoff" at high tide like in the Outerbanks, but wonderful waves to bodysurf (or float around in) despite lack of jettys (as at the Jersey shore). It was a very relaxing and fun experience. I highly recommend this house for any vacation, you won't be disappointed!!!

Owner response:Barb is a true delight to have stay as our guests. She brings a beaming smile and a house load of friends and family and then leaves the place in better shape than when she came. You are always welcome as our guest.

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Guest: Carol Laymon (Hartville, OH)
Date of Stay: 09/08/09 Review Submitted: 09/08/09

Hi, This doesn't seem like the place for my questions because we will SOON be staying at Answer To Prayer but have not yet done so. Sorry I can't find the right place for what I need now. My questions just involve the kitchen supplies. The web site says "kitchen utensils" are provided. Would that be silverware? Are there any plates, cups, glasses, pots and pans? What about coffee pot or toaster? This is our first time for such a rental and I just have no idea what to expect to be there. Oh what about pillows? The bed looks like it has them in the photos but want to make sure . I guess you can see that I would appreciate as much detail as possible. Thank you so much. We are so looking forward to this family vacation at your lovely home. We have had it's picture on our frig for several months now. Thank you again for any info you can give me. Carol (also from Ohio)

Owner response:Hi Carol, Normally you could either email me at smorrison9999 - at -yahoo dot com (put the word "beach" in the subject line) or call me at 919-454-7701. But let me answer your questions here also since it is the first time you are renting from a private owner. Yes, "kitchen utensils" means knives, spoons, forks, plates, saucers, cups, glasses, etc. There are pots and pans. You can make all kinds of summer food here. If you want to cook a 25 pound turkey, you might need to bring a large pan, baster and special items. There is a coffee pot and toaster as well as a microwave, dishwasher, stove and oven. There are pillows, bed spreads and blankets (light ones). There are several TVs and wireless internet. You should bring towels, sheets and pillow cases, beach towels, tissue & toilet paper. There are usually standard spices but you might want to bring any special spices you like (like low country boil or organic cayenne). Also, bring sun tan lotion and your favorite beverage - but there are grocery stores and an ABC store nearby. You won't need a smile, because we have plenty of those for you down here. Steve Morrison

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Guest: Steve and Karen Schriml (Springboro, OH)
Date of Stay: 07/08/09 Review Submitted: 07/08/09

This oceanfront home was perfect for a large family. We have six children ages 15, 13, 8, 6, and two year old twins. The older children could stay at the beach while we put the little ones to bed. We could keep eyes and ears on the children all the time. From the moment we stepped in the house, I was swept away by the panoramic views from every corner of the main living areas. The bedrooms were spacious and gave everyone room to spread out and enjoy their privacy. The ocean was so convenient we made multiple trips in and out every day-- first the sunrise or a jog, then surfing the waves with the kids, after lunch for sand castle building or reading under an umbrella, again to take a walk at sunset, and finally looking for crabs by flashlight at late at night. I highly recommend paying a bit extra for the oceanfront living! You will find yourself out to the beach twice as much as usual. We thoroughly enjoyed this house and the attentive service of the owner. Darlene checked in on us during our stay and contacted us afterward about clothes we left behind. I am so charmed by this personal touch! We are already planning our return in 2010...

Owner response:Steve and Karen, Thank you so much for the kind words. We believe Answer to Prayer is a beautiful place and we're glad we can share it with you. Please visit us again.

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Guest: Dennis Gregory1 (craigsville, wv)
Date of Stay: 06/14/09 Review Submitted: 06/14/09

Another fabulous year at Answer to Prayer. Darlene made sure that everything was perfect. The house was perfect with everything in working order. Great view and seen dolphins every day. Another year of our family bonding together at Topsail. We got excellent fresh seafood from the SHRIMP LADY at Shrimp Lady lane. We had an in house seafood night with shrimp, grouper and Scallops. This is be a yearly event at our stays in the future. Great weather all week only rain 1 night. I would like to personally thank Darlene for making our yearly trek to Topsail one to remember once again. We are already making plans to come back next year. Darlene is fabulous to work with and makes sure you are happy and will make any accomodations that you need during your visit to make it a memorable one. My girls love the house and look forward every year to go to the ocean and look for shells. This is definitely an answer to our prayers as it allows us to be together as a family with no disturbanaces. I wish that we live on island time all year around. See you Topsail June 2010. Thanks, Gregory Family.

Owner response:Thank you Dennis. We love having your family be our guests. The shrimp lady has great shrimp. Please visit us again.

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Guest: Andrea84 (Oneonta,AL)
Date of Stay: 01/27/09 Review Submitted: 01/27/09

Dear Darlene & Roger, 1-17/1-20-09 Thank you so much for renting your house to use under such short notice. Steve was great to work with and I appreciate his help. Our stay was short but sweet. I also appreciate your grounds keeper for turning on the heat and checking on us. Thank you for the thoughtful card sitting on the counter for our Marine. We enjoyed spending time with him before his deployment. The house was a perfect size and very convenient to the back gate of Camp Lejeune. We enjoyed watching the ocean and yes we did see dolphins too. Although we didn't swim in the ocean or lay in the sun, we ejoyed our family time together. I would highly recommend this house and yes it truly was an "Answer to Prayers".

Owner response:Andrea, We are proud of the service your young man provides for our country. Thank him for it. Let us know when he returns home safely. He and the rest of our men and women will be in our prayers.

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Guest: Nancy Schimelfenig (Holly Springs, NC)
Date of Stay: 12/16/08 Review Submitted: 12/16/08

My family of 6 plus our dog stayed at Answer to Prayer in July of 2008. There was more than ample room and TVs. The weather was beautiful and I fully enjoyed my mornings and evening out on the deck watching the birds and dolphins. To be able to bring our dog was a big PLUS. We could not have been more pleased with the proximity to the beach and the privacy was fabulous. We could watch the kids from the deck and if anyone wasn't feeling "beachy" that day we were all still close enough to enjoy the day. The expansive windows along the whole "beach side" of the house made everyone feel as though you were right on the beach...incredibly relaxing. The locks were a little tricky until you got used to them. We can't wait to go back. Thanks Darlene and Roger!!! Note: also thanks for contacting me and returning our "left behind" property!

Owner response:Nancy, It was a delight to have you and your family as our guests. The beach is so relaxing. Please come again.

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Guest: Dennis Gregory (Craigsville, WV)
Date of Stay: 11/07/08 Review Submitted: 11/07/08

Answer to Prayer is an absolute slice of heaven. My family has enjoyed Topsail beach for the past 2 years and will come back every year when we can. My two daughter just love walking the beach and watching dolphins. The house is great. It is perfect for relaxation and to get away from the hectic everyday activities. Darlene is such a nice lady to work with and will always try to satisfy your needs. We brought some of our extended family this year with us and they absolutely loved Topsail. If you have any questions about Answer to Prayer or Topsail, feel free to contact me. I do apppreciate Darlene sharing this house with us and making us feel like it is our own house. Thank you Darlene and my two daughter and wife thank you as well.

Owner response:Dennis is one of our many repeat guests and we love having him and his family. Come again!

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Guest: Rebeca Assad1 (Gatineau, Quebec, Canada)
Date of Stay: 10/25/08 Review Submitted: 10/25/08

My husband and I have vacationed at "Answer to Prayer" on North Topsail Island, North Carolina twice. The home is very well maintained and to us it is obvious that the home owners take great pride and effort in keeping the home in pristine order. The versatility of this vacation spot is quite unique, as it is large enough home to comfortably house several families if need be, with enough room for privacy. Or, it is big enough to house one large family. The incredibly close proximity to the beach is fantastic. Less than a 30 second walk and you are in the warm Atlantic ocean or on the soft white beach. The beach is so inviting as there is no need to "fight" for your "beach-space". At Topsail it is a popular spot for vacationers, but not too popular. This is ideal for us. There is a plethora of activities that one can do, from just relaxing on the beach, to boat tours, fishing, golfing, dinning and many other choices that are conveniently listed on the website. So one can be as busy or relaxed as one chooses to be. There are plenty of outdoor chairs on the patio to soak up the sun if one chooses not to get too "sandy". Walking up and down the beach is always a delight as one can hear the rolling waves come to shore and look for your favourite sea shell or polished rock or coloured sea glass or even a shark tooth or two! There is plenty of beach that one can get away from the hustle and bustle of life and breath in the fresh air of the ocean breeze. This is a place where you can clear your head and start a fresh. You also may also see the pelicans glide against the rolling waves and the dolphins friskily jump in and out of the ocean water. Now that is a delight to see! As well there are several nicer shops in the vicinity that one may frequent to bring some beach memories home or find a "beachy-type" gift for a special someone. One can also buy fresh fish or crustations from the local fish markets. We would come back to "Answer to prayer" as it is easy access to the Highway and to the airport, which makes it quite convenient for those that do not drive directly to the location. The home is tastefully decorated and yet it is done in a way that you still want to utilize the furniture. There is ample parking and all that one may need to vacation is in the home. The architecture in the home is lovely and the views that one gets of the sunrise or sunset are breathtakingly beautiful.

Owner response:Wow, Rebecca. thank you for the lovely comments and explanation. You are always welcome.

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Guest: Retta anad Jerry Lewis (Scott Depot, WV)
Date of Stay: 10/22/08 Review Submitted: 10/22/08

We have been coming here for eight years sometimes twice a year and all but one time we stayed in this house. "Answer to Prayer" is just that to us! it's like home. We love the beach and the area is great. We walk up and down the beach every day and find shark's teeth and nice shells. We are so happy we can stay in this house.

Owner response:Retta and Jerry - Thank you so much for being our guests. You are always welcome.

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Guest: Rebeca Assad (Gatineau, Quebec Canada)
Date of Stay: 10/20/08 Review Submitted: 10/20/08

My husband and I have stayed twice at this location. It is easy access from the airport with many fun and interesting things that one can do on Topsail Island and nearby. Answer to prayer is very clean and it is obvoius that the owners take pride and care in their home. Access to the ocean is just feet away and the ocean is lovely. The beach is not overcrowded. The ammenities at the site are above average and we would return to this location with no problem.

Owner response:Rebecca, you are so sweet. We love it when you and your husband come down. Do come down again.

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Guest: Vicki Ridgway (Strasburg, OH)
Date of Stay: 10/15/08 Review Submitted: 10/15/08

I have been vacationing in Topsail Island for the last 20 years and have stayed in many homes. It meets all the criteria of a elegant beach home. I have never been so pleased. If you are looking for a great home this is the place for you. And the fact that you can bring your children (my dogs) it is perfect. So perfect that I am renting it again for next year.

Owner response:Thanks Vickie. We do hope you and your family wil return again.

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Guest: Darlene Thompson (Hilliard, OH)
Date of Stay: 10/15/08 Review Submitted: 10/15/08

Comment Text: We bought Answer to Prayer three years ago, wanting a place for our family and friends to be able to vacation together and relax. It takes us about a day to get into beach time and just enjoy the beach. The house is right on the beach so the views are fabulous. I am an architect and so was very excited with the large windows across the front as well as the cathedral ceiling. When I first saw the house it was out of our price range, but as I waited and prayed the price came down. The master bedroom is huge with three double closets, a jacuzzi tub and a magnifying make-up mirror. It is our escape from the busy life styles we live and a place to rest and be refreshed. I pray that you too will be refreshed at Answer to Prayer on Topsail Island.

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