Vacation Rentals by Owner

Fantastic Rental

Guest: 5 families 10 kids (Palo Alto, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/01/12 Review Submitted: 04/09/12

Our family reunion at The Sanctuary was spectacular. Carol Ann has a lovely home and does a spectacular job of keeping it up. This house was perfect for our gathering with guests ranging in age from 6 months to 70 years old. We have stayed in some very nice well maintained rental properties and this was probably the best we have encountered so far. While this would not be a rental I would recommend for the younger set looking only to "party," any family or adult gathering would find this home top notch.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Fantastic House!!

Guest: Susie (Asheville)
Date of Stay: 11/09/11 Review Submitted: 11/14/11

Well, let me just start with...... this house is Beautiful!! I came down with my 7.5 ladies combo tennis team to play in a State tournament and we had such a wonderful time staying at this house!! I think it brought us good luck as we won the State Championship!! Carol Ann has thought of everything, so you are never left wondering how to operate something in the house. It was easy to get to, and the location was fantastic!! I watched the sun rise over the ocean every morning we were there from our balcony...... breathtaking!! Thank you again for being so accommodating and easy to work with.

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

Serenity plus

Guest: Marzie (Hillsborough, NC)
Date of Stay: 10/14/11 Review Submitted: 11/02/11

I was lucky to be able to spend time at the Sanctuary and enjoyed crystalline skies and beautiful beaches. The house is restful, tastefully decorated, very clean and well-equipped. If you hate to cook, there are a variety of good restaurants nearby. This area is great for walkers and bikers and those who enjoy reading a good book by the surf, or on one of the decks. Don't worry: there is cable and wi-fi if you can't unplug. This house fosters relaxation and great conversations.

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

Fantastic Vacation!

Guest: LIVON (Virginia)
Date of Stay: 09/16/11 Review Submitted: 11/06/11

I spent a holiday with my friend & her 2 sons at this beautiful lagoon beach villa. We enjoyed our stay very much. The home is beautifully decorated & appointed with luxury detail throughout. The bathrooms are exquisite and the gourmet kitchen beyond any decorator showcase house. The owners seem to think of everything. The kids loved the Kayaks & our day on a nearby island using the motor boat. Walking to the beach is a short distance. All in all, a perfect getaway destination for much larger groups than ours.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway.

The Ultimate Getaway Property - Best in Wrightsville Beach

Guest: Erika (Chapel Hill, NC)
Date of Stay: 08/26/11 Review Submitted: 10/23/11

We feel so fortunate to have discovered this Sanctuary on the shore. Our whole family loved our Wrightsville Beach vacation. We have travelled extensively and think this home is the best we have vacationed in anywhere. The owner has created an ideal balance of beachy and glamorous. It is laid back with a shot of chic. The location is perfect. Peaceful views of lagoon, marsh and ocean (which is only a couple blocks away). There is a lot of appeal to being in a serene setting which also offers a super short walk to the vibrant beach and town. Each evening we watched the sun set over the golden marsh with a glass of wine on the master bedroom balcony. While the casually elegant decor really suited our taste, we also appreciated the top-of-the line appliances, well-stocked kitchen (dish ware, cookware, sharp knives, silverware, utensils, etc.), new large screen TVs, comfortable beds and pillows, stylishly appointed bathrooms, steam shower, swimming dock, elevator for loading and unloading our belongings and outdoor shower. With plenty of room for larger gatherings/lounging, the layout also offers many indoor and outdoor spaces one can getaway for private relaxation or just to revel in the view. The bunk beds were a huge hit with the kids. This was our second visit and we plan on The Sanctuary being our go-to place when we vacation at the beach.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

BEST RENTAL IN WILMINGTON

Guest: Happy family (Chapel Hill, NC USA)
Date of Stay: 07/01/11 Review Submitted: 07/22/11

We have rented The Sanctuary several times, this last vacation was early July. It is a beautiful home, very relaxing, with fabulous views. From the third floor balcony we can see as far as downtown Wilmington with all the July 4th fireworks. The house has every amenity, even a cuisinart for food prep, griddle for morning pancakes, kayaks for paddling around the lagoon and near-by marshes. The mattresses are so comfortable. We love the outdoor shower after a day at the beach. The house has two separate living areas, on main floor and mid-level - great for our large group. We think this is the best vacation rental in Wrightsville.

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UNBELIEVEABLE!!

Guest: Amy (Winnabow)
Date of Stay: 05/19/11 Review Submitted: 06/06/11

This beautiful home was the perfect place for our family reunion. My guests and I were so relaxed and comfortable we didn't want to go home. The fishing and golf crowd was happy; the eating and drinking and enjoying the beach and the deck crowd were delighted; the cooks were impressed with how well appointed the kitchen was. But I got the bonus! Master Bedroom had a Jacuzzi tub and Temperpedic bed that was fantastic. Just what I needed to totally relax. Thank you so much for a great vacation. Would love to come back again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

UNBELIEVEABLE!!

Guest: Amy (Winnabow)
Date of Stay: 05/19/11 Review Submitted: 06/03/11

This is the most fabulous house and my guests an I had a wonderful time! The location and appointments can't be compared to anyplace I have rented. Well equipped kitchen was a plus. Just the master bedroom alone, with a Jacuzzi and Temperpedic Bed are unbelieveable!! Not to mention the view from the deck, the dock for fishing and the beach. The host and staff were beyond helpful. Will be back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Spacious and great location

Guest: anonymous (Virginia)
Date of Stay: 05/11/11 Review Submitted: 07/16/11

Great location, nice house, but numerous limitations on facilities. Not as clean or maintained as expected for price. Recommend thoroughly inspecting house upon arrival. Neighbors tend to be a bit intrusive. Suitable property for quiet, low-impact renters.

Owner response:I am sorry these guests did not appreciate The Sanctuary as much as our other guests. Despite the landscape sprinkler system and our manicured grounds, they set up a tent in the rear yard so some of them could sleep outdoors. They were disgruntled that they were asked to remove the tent (intrusive neighbors?) and thus they write in general negative terms about a home that gets consistent rave reviews. In terms of cleanliness, our cleaner spent extra time removing their grease from the Wolf cooktop. I think our property was not a match for them.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+.

Wonderful!!

Guest: Bruce (Chapel Hill, NC)
Date of Stay: 05/01/11 Review Submitted: 05/25/11

My wife and I just spent a fabulous week at The Sactuary. It was perfect. The first part of the week we invited some of our good tennis friends to join us and the last part of the week we had some of our family with us. We kayaked, fished and crabbed every day, plus took long walks on the beach. The main level porch was probably the most popular gathering place although this house has many options. Each evening we went up to the top balcony for the beautiful sunset toward Harbor Island. The last day we had a crab feast outside with all the crabs we caught. It was a big hit and delicious. Suggest getting the $5 book in Reddicks that tells all about how to catch, store, steam and eat crabs. Signs in the area say not to harvest oysters, clams or mussels, but fish and crabs are fine. We love Wrightsville over the most secluded, remote beaches in the area. There is so much to do in Wrightsville/Wilmington and all the conveniences of home including excellent restaurants within a short drive. Age range in our group was from 65 to our 2-1/2 yr old granddaughter.

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

Guest: Caroline
Date of Stay: 11/21/10 Review Submitted: 01/08/11

Hey there and yes we had a wonderful time @ your place. We had just come off a very stressful weekend and being @ The Sanctuary was just the medicine. Your house is beautiful!

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A true Sanctuary

Guest: Demi (Maryland)
Date of Stay: 11/11/10 Review Submitted: 01/09/11

We had a most wonderful stay at your home in Wrightsville Beach. It is a true Sanctuary. The view is spectacular and peaceful at the same time. We were in Wilmington for my niece's wedding. My niece got dressed in the master bedroom with her bridesmaids. They were so excited. I will send you a pre-wedding picture when they are ready. Thank you again for allowing us to stay in your home.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Regina
Date of Stay: 10/12/10 Review Submitted: 01/08/11

We had a wonderful time! Your home is beautiful. And we love Wrightsville beach. It was our first time there...

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Wow!

Guest: Jack (Roanoke VA)
Date of Stay: 10/08/10 Review Submitted: 01/09/11

What a weekend! The Sanctuary was amazing! Everything was perfect … including the weather. It has been a pleasure working with you and I hope we can rent from you again in the future. Thank you again for everything.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Best place ever

Guest: Brenda (Raleigh NC)
Date of Stay: 10/04/10 Review Submitted: 01/09/11

Our 70th birthday stay at the sanctuary could not have been more perfect!!! You must have done a lot of research on the correct placement of the home for sunrises and sunsets. Last week was perfect weather and full enjoyment of all the surroundings as we celebrated together. Thanks again for the BEST place ever for a special gathering!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Sarah
Date of Stay: 09/17/10 Review Submitted: 01/08/11

Carol Ann, We loved the Sanctuary. It was spacious and very lovely. My family had a blast! The area is a great place to visit also. As my son would say, it was mega tight! You may use my comments. Thanks again for the lovely accommodations.

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The house was amazing!

Guest: Duke University students/staff (Durham NC)
Date of Stay: 09/10/10 Review Submitted: 01/09/11

Our students and staff has such a wonderful time there. The location was convenient for beach-going and we were close to grocery stores and other convenient stores. It was such a great experience for us. We are so thrilled to have been able to spend a weekend there!

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

Amazing week

Guest: Kelly (Connecticut)
Date of Stay: 07/26/10 Review Submitted: 08/02/10

Thanks for sharing your home with us! We had an amazing week, the house was beautiful and we truly enjoyed spending time on the lagoon ~ the kids had a blast kayaking and fishing! Hope we can do it again sometime!

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

Better than anticipated

Guest: Susan (Santa Rosa CA.)
Date of Stay: 06/25/10 Review Submitted: 08/01/10

The house was better than "perfect"! We had a lovely time, took many wonderful pictures and were able to create many wonderful meals in that beautiful gourmet kitchen. I think we all left fat, well rested and very happy.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

Thank You

Guest: Pat (Lancaster PA)
Date of Stay: 03/23/10 Review Submitted: 08/01/10

Thank you so much for opening your home in Wrightsville Beach for renters. We had a great week at Wrightsville Beach and thoroughly enjoyed staying in your home. Our son’s wedding was wonderful and we all had a great time together in your home. Thanks again for helping to make our “wedding week” a happy memory.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/05/10 Review Submitted: 02/05/10

Your place is pristine and lends itself to quality family interaction. I would add that Sanctuary was extraordinarily well located, well designed, well decorated, and well kept. The total package creates an inviting atmosphere where you can't help but create wonderful memories.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/16/09 Review Submitted: 12/16/09

We loved The Sanctuary. The house was perfect in every way. I can't think of one thing I'd want to change. We have never been in a rental that felt like a private home - beautifully furnished but comfortable also. I didn't know how peaceful a lagoon setting would be, and great for the kids' swimming. I wasn't sure about the walk to the beach, but it was just as described - and made easy with that beach cart. I was happy to be close to everything but away from it all in that quiet neighborhood. We hope to come back next year!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/16/09 Review Submitted: 12/15/09

The Sanctuary was the perfect setting for our December friends' reunion. With the cold and rain, we were forced to stay inside. But that was perfect, because your fabulous home is so spacious, well planned and furnished- and with that calm lagoon view so close by. By the way, your kitchen is the BEST of any rental at Wrightsville! Great for cooking and perfect for convivial hanging out. We had one gourmet cook, and she was in heaven- which meant that we were too! Thanks so much.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/07/09 Review Submitted: 12/07/09

On behalf of the RBA Staff I must say our stay in your WONDERFUL HOME was just what we needed! We all agree that your choice of “Sanctuary” is a most appropriate name. Though we worked hard we also were surrounded by a peaceful setting that allowed us to have moments of rest, relaxation and re-creation.I trust Kris found everything as it should be after we were gone. She was great! I do hope that in the future we will be able to schedule staff retreats at the Sanctuary. Roger

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/07/09 Review Submitted: 12/07/09

Your home was the perfect setting for our family reunion- lots of space to be together plus ample privacy. And of course, as everyone says, those casually elegant furnishings are like a private home - not a rental. As a gourmet cook, I must say I loved your kitchen. Wow. Hope to come again.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/07/09 Review Submitted: 12/07/09

This was the best house yet of all of the rentals we have tried at Wrightsville Beach. The lagoon setting is so peaceful, and great for swimming! Your furnishings are comfy and elegant. Hope to return next year. Sed and Al

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/07/09 Review Submitted: 12/07/09

We had a wonderful family vacation at your beautiful home in Wrightsville Beach. We found your home to be very well appointed. We especially enjoyed the kitchen and the dining areas. The entire house is furnished elegantly, comfortably. Thank you for renting to us; we are interested in renting it again next year. Brenda

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/07/09 Review Submitted: 12/07/09

Thank you, Carol Ann, for sharing your very special home with us. It is such a perfect spot, on the lagoon, so close to the ocean, and with a fabulous interior- better than the photos. We hope we are able to return next summer. Jackie

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/07/09 Review Submitted: 12/07/09

What a wonderful house...the whole family loved it and felt it was the best house yet even over the one 2 years ago that had an indoor pool! They are hoping when we do it again 2 years from now it will still be an option! Caroline

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Guest: Susan and Jim1 (-)
Date of Stay: 11/11/09 Review Submitted: 11/11/09

You are right, The Sanctuary is extraordinary! Our families loved spending time there, inside and outside. That lagoon is a real jewel -both to look at, swim in and fish in. The dock accomodated our boat very conveniently. Thanks again, Ms. Zinn!

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Guest: Sandy54 (-)
Date of Stay: 11/11/09 Review Submitted: 11/11/09

The Sanctuary is the perfect name for this beautiful vacation home, offering serenity and a place for family memories to be formed. The kitchen is a dream come true - a place to prepare and eat delicious meals and still offer an open environment for fellowship and conversation. The rest of the house is elegant and at the same time very functional - perfect for families with young children.

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