Vacation Rentals by Owner

Great time welcoming home the 22nd MEU

Guest: Chris (Lawrenceburg, IN)
Date of Stay: 02/04/12 Review Submitted: 02/16/12

Excellent home and location on Topsail. Diane was a pleasure to work with. Was the perfect place to welcome home the 22nd MEU. Would highly recommend.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children.

Beautiful, with some minor imperfections

Guest: Liz S.
Date of Stay: 11/20/11 Review Submitted: 12/29/11

This vacation home is beautifully decorated. It is jaw-droppingly beautiful and the layout is great for a large group. It's located on a remote part of the beach that isn't so crowded and is a great family atomosphere. The house had every ammenity you could think of. The theater room was about the coolest thing on earth. What you see in the pictures doesn't even begin to explain the awesomeness of the 4th floor of this house. The jacuzzi tub is incredible and built to have the most amazing view and the shower had all sorts of sprayers. When we called about our air conditioning being broken, someone came out that day to fix it. While the house had every ammenity you could think of, there were flaws. We all would have liked to know ahead of time that the garbage disposal was broken and the parts were "on order," and that the king size bed that I slept in was being held up by books instead of a bed frame (parts were also "on order"). The center of the bed was sunken in due to the broken frame. There were chairs broken, and handles missing from several doors in the house. The house could have also used a good cleaning. There was a heavy layer of dust on the moldings of the doors in our rooms, it seems as though the cleaning crew was just a bit lazy. The beds need to be swept under, and the couches swept under as well. I think in all honesty it just comes down to a property management issue. Little things like checking to make sure there is gas in the grill tank is an example of poor property management. The owner answered us quickly when the property manager was out of town. The owner also made sure that when our gas(for the stove) went out the day before thanksgiving that we had gas. The owner called the gas company to make sure they got our gas fixed. All in all, it was a nice place to stay. If I had been paying the full price for peak months I would have been upset that certain things had not been fixed properly. When people only get 2 weeks of vacation a year, I think they should be fully informed about where they are staying. A good nights sleep makes all the difference, and that was difficult for us to get on our broken bed. The hot tub was also partially broken, and there was no beach stroller, which my husband and I were depending on with a 25lb baby. Would I stay here again? Yes. Would I want to be made aware of the flaws so they didn't come a surprise? Yes.

Owner response:Dear Friends, We cannot tell you how sorry we are that everything was not in top shape when you arrived. The bed, I'm afraid, had been broken and "fixed" by the prior renter and was not reported by those who made the beds. A new one has replaced it, as has a new disposal replaced the dead one in the kitchen. The beach stroller, we have learned, suffered a flat tire and was stowed in owner storage. It, too, will be rehabbed for next season. We are likewise appalled that you found the house in anything less than top form for your arrival. Of course the later the season progresses and the further removed we are from our annual, complete spring refurbishment, the more likely we are to encounter the annoyances of low fuel levels and dust build-up on doors and baseboards. Thank you so much for calling this to our attention. We will make sure it does not escape our oversight in the future, no matter how late we are in the season. Again, we apologize to you for your inconvenience, and sincerely hope that you will give us another chance to earn your trust. The Brashears

Recommended for:

Very satisfied customers

Guest: Very satisfied customer (Hackensack, NJ)
Date of Stay: 11/03/11 Review Submitted: 11/13/11

We were holding a family gathering on Topsail and rented this beautifully furnished and equiped home for some of our family. This house is a dream come true from the charming interior to the beautiful ocean views availalbe from the many decks. We spent lots of time rocking on the porch and taking in the sunrise and sunsets. I would higly recommend this property--the owner clearly loves this home and stays there too.All the bedrooms were nicely furnished and the master on the top floor provides a quiet oasis away from other family members. Hope to come back again soon.

Owner response:Thank you so much for the review! We like to get feedback from our guests and love it when we know they have enjoyed their stay and the house as much as we do. It truly is our oasis and we’re happy that others can experience it as well. We hope that you will join us ‘Beyond the Blue’ again in the near future!

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A WONDERFUL FAMILY CHRISTMAS

Guest: Mimi (Tucson, AZ)
Date of Stay: 12/21/10 Review Submitted: 01/11/11

While a beach vacation is normally reserved for summer months, our family could only manage our schedules to be together in North Topsail Beach for Christmas. And what a delightful week we had ! The accommodations for all our adult children and grandchildren made our stay so comfortable. We loved cooking together in this glorious kitchen; watching movies together in the theatre room; and enjoying our Christmas traditions in this lovely home. Walks on the beach were delightful ~ yes, sweatshirts were needed, but the ocean was beautiful and the sun was warming. Our adults sons even ventured into the ocean wearing wet-suits ... into the pool, as well. The entire family departed this wonderful home with fond memories and we look forward to another visit in the years to come.

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

My favorite place in the world.

Guest: Grant (Washington DC)
Date of Stay: 08/29/10 Review Submitted: 01/10/11

I have been travelling to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for several years now and from my first visit to your residence on North Top Sail, I have been addicteded to this perfect little corner of the world. It is the fantastic getaway that has something to offer all ages no matter if you are looking for a relaxing retreat or the opportunity to reunite old friends. It is the perfect location to offer both privacy with access to local restaurants, bars and golfing etc. Thank you for creating this perfect corner of heaven. I will continue to frequent the beach for many years to come. Grant

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

No disappointments here!

Guest: Thos (Tucson)
Date of Stay: 07/25/10 Review Submitted: 01/11/11

This place is everything it is billed up to be & then some. The entire property is first class- from the bedrooms with a personal bathroom for each to the relaxing balconies on every level to enjoy the sun, beaches & breezes coming in off of the ocean. The eating areas & kitchen are spacious & plenty of room for cooking by our group as well as eating together. The TV/AV room is unbelievable with a massive screen & leather lounge chairs- what a fabulous relaxing/viewing area. Then the beach is just over the berms from the house with pristine sand & miles to walk up & down the ocean! It was like staying at a five star resort on an island!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Rent Now, you won't be disappointed

Guest: Bryan (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 01/13/11

We have had the pleasure of vacationing here for several years in a row. We were so impressed the first year that we made immediate mental plans for the next trip! The house is immaculate, from the sustainable/reclaimed wood floors, the quiet and cool media room, the balconies facing the ocean and a perfect view of the sunset, to the hot tub/pool and ocean. It is even more breathtaking than the pictures. Having access to the beach straight from the house is a dream. Be sure to watch for Dolphin in the early morning! The owners are a dream to work with and we could tell they really cared about our stay. I can honestly say that I would recommend this to anyone.

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

Late July Stay

Guest: Nicki (Denver, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 01/10/11

I stayed at this property with around 9-10 other people, and it was absolutely amazing. The home itself is fabulous. It is large enough to accomodate everyone and other friends that came over to hang out. We loved the theater, which also served as a business work room for many of the people that needed to find a quiet place to do occasional work. The bedrooms were beautifully decorated, and well kept. It was very nice that they all had their own personal bath. The laundry room was nicely located on the level off the lower deck, so you wouldn't have to track sand all over the house. We all loved relaxing in the hot tub after dinner, and the sunsets are amazing. The pool was wonderful, and a great change from the salt of the ocean. However, most days were spent out on the beach. We were lucky enough to enjoy some waves at the beginning of our stay, because most of the time the waters were very calm. I would absolutely return to this house and Topsail Island, and I highly recommend it to others.

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

Excellent Time Had By All

Guest: schreds (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 01/10/11

A group of friends and I went for a summer trip one year, and have been coming back ever since. It has become the thing we all look forward to the most each year. The place is perfect, and each visit I find something new to love. From meeting at the gourmet kitchen for breakfast, to heading down to the pool or beach to cool off, to ending the day watching the sunset from the front porch and finally relaxing in the movie room after a hard days vacation. I definitely have incredibly fond memories of topsail island now and I am sure that anyone who visits will too.

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

Time of my life

Guest: Graham (Denver)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 01/10/11

This house is absolutely beautiful. I have visited Topsail Island every year for past 5+ years and I stay here. Family and friends have joined me each year and also rave how perfect the house is. Great for families large and small with so many amenities and beautiful ocean view. The house is very clean and well kept. Whether you like to play in the pool with the kids, read a book on the beach, or boogie board in the ocean; this house really tailors to your vacation needs. Our group loves the large theater room to wind down the day with a movie. I can not say enough about this house and we recommend this to anyone and everyone. It even has a elevator for those with troubles going up and down stairs (quite unique). Every year we count the days until we can return.

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

Everything we were looking for.

Guest: psc (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 01/10/11

If you asked me, and you are, finding the right home is the most challenging part of planning a beach vacation. Beyond-the-Blue was everything we were looking for, and I suppose that's probably why we keep coming back. There's something untouched about the beaches here, despite the ways Carolina has recently trended with vacationers. The views from the porch will make you a believer. And there's room for company. We reserve two years out, so think ahead. I recommend getting time while you still can. There's already so little of it to waste.

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

It wouldn't be summer without a trip to Topsail!

Guest: Lpkell (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 07/03/10 Review Submitted: 01/10/11

We have been going to Topsail for the last 5 summers now (2011 will be the 6th year) and have stayed at this home each time. It is well appointed and has a wonderful floor plan that is function, elegant and effortlessly accommodates large groups. The kitchen is spectacular; great for cooking and serving large meals. The Master Bedroom is stunning and all the secondary bedrooms are comfortable and have in-suite bathrooms, a definite plus! The pool, hot tub and movie room are just a few of the other amazing features that truly make you not want to leave the house when you are there! I could not recommend this home more highly.

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

Dream House

Guest: Iola (Atlanta)
Date of Stay: 08/01/09 Review Submitted: 01/11/11

This property offers a week of feeling like you're living in your dream house! Aside from the great attributes like home theater, huge ocean view master bedroom, beach access and heated pool, the house feels like home when you're there. There's no better vacation spot. I love it!

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

This Year Was The First Of (Hopefully) Many

Guest: Rob (Chicago, Il)
Date of Stay: 07/26/09 Review Submitted: 01/13/11

This year was the first year I've ever been to Topsail. I've heard many great things about this house, but words didn't justify how amazing the home is. Our vacation was amazing. Perfect weather with a perfect home. Days began with breakfast in the gourmet kitchen, and ended with drinks in the hot tub. If you needed to get out of the sun for a bit, the spacious home theater was a perfect way to spend an hour or two before heading back into the sun and sand.

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