Southern Cross: an extended family's vacation reunion

Guest: Jay (Raleigh, NC)
Date of Stay: 08/20/11 Review Submitted: 09/05/11

The annual reunion of our extended family found the perfect place to gather at "The Southern Cross". It was clean, modern, and accommodated our family of children, grandchildren, and grandfather. Beds for all and ample BATHROOMS. The views can not be beat with full ocean front on the beach side and beautiful views of the intracoastal waterway and marsh from the rear. The reverse layout with the master (for grandpa) and large living room space on the top floor allowed the family to gather for meals and conversation while the other bedrooms and an ample media room on the lower level provided a secondary retreat for separate activities. Dual full length porches on the beach side (one at each level) added further to the spaciousness of the home. The owners were courteous and attentive to our needs. Being there during the end of August gave us an opportunity to watch out for turtle hatchings at numerous nests along the shoreline. No baby turtles this time during our short stay, but next year is another opportunity. We loved our stay there and look forward to a chance to vacation at the Southern Cross.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing, families with young children.

Excellent Vacation Home in Great Location!!

Guest: Beach Fans (Manassas, VA)
Date of Stay: 08/13/11 Review Submitted: 08/21/11

What a BEAUTIFUL, SPACIOUS and COMFORTABLE house this is!! This was our 8th summer on Oak Island and staying at Southern Cross made it our best yet. The location at nearly the end of the island is very private and the access to the beach and views from the house superb -- we were comfortable allowing our children (ages 2-16) go to the beach on their own as we could easily see them and go down to join them quickly. The house is very well equipped and nicely arranged, giving us plenty of room to spread out and great space to gather for games and meals. The owners could not have been nicer; not only were arrangements made easily, they checked in with us by phone shortly after our arrival to welcome us. We truly felt at home at Southern Cross and look forward to visiting again!

Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children.

Heaven at the End of Oak Island!

Guest: Paige12 (Charlotte, NC)
Date of Stay: 05/20/11 Review Submitted: 06/18/11

Utterly spectacular weekend! We could not have found a more comfortable and tranquil summer sanctuary to stay in for our five member book club getaway. Tucked away at the end of this peaceful island, the Southern Cross has absolutely stunning views from all sides, from the wide expanse of ocean lapping at the broad beachfront seen from two decks, to the resplendent setting sun moving across the creeks and marshes toward the west. The house is immaculately maintained, impeccably decorated, ideally laid out, luxuriously appointed, and has every convenience of home. We've been searching for the perfect spot to return to for our annual retreat. I think we've found it!

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

Thanksgiving Stay

Guest: TKR (Charlotte North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 11/24/10 Review Submitted: 11/29/10

Our family found the Southern Cross to be an exceptional home to stay in for our Thanksgiving Family get to gether. The weather was beautiful so we were able to enjoy the porches and rockers as well as walk on the beautiful beach. The house was in immaculate condition and we were very impressed with all the accomodations. The owners were very easy to work with and even called us when we arrived to make sure that everything was OK. I would certainly recommend this property to family and friends and hope to be able to come back sometime during a summer vacation with our children and grandchildren to enjoy the area even more.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing, families with young children.

Thank you for a wonderful vacation

Guest: Laura N (Gastonia, NC)
Date of Stay: 06/19/10 Review Submitted: 07/05/10

We spent our second year at Southern Cross (6/19/10 - 6/26/10) and once again it was WONDERFUL. This house is gorgeous and the amenities are great. Its location is beautiful and you never have a problem with walking right out to the beach with your chair and planting it down for the day. The house is beautiful and I love the layout. The owners recently updated the upholstery and the decor is beach chic. The two decks make it nice whether you want to sun, stargaze, or spend some time in the porch swing in the shade. If you don't take advantage of the wonderful outdoor shower you are missing out on an experience. The kitchen is equipped with everything you would possibly need. There is plenty of room for the kids to spend time watching tv or playing games while the adults enjoy time listening music and having a real conversation over a glass of wine. One of the things that is very convenient is that the owners will arrange for you to have your towels and linens delivered to the home before you arrive. They will also arrange for maid service if you wish. Let's face it, when you're on vacation, cleaning up is the last thing you want to have to think about. You can also have the local rental services bring chairs and umbrellas right to the house. The owners are very accommodating and extremely nice people. You honestly feel like they truly want you to enjoy yourself in their lovely home. If this home were mine, I would have a hard time renting it out because I would want to stay there all the time myself. In fact, I have already made the arrangements to have it for the same week next year. If you choose to rent Southern Cross you will not be disappointed!

Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, sightseeing, families with young children.

Not what was listed

Guest: midwest & south (Rock Hill, SC/USA)
Date of Stay: 04/01/10 Review Submitted: 04/09/10

The owner was very nice and easy to communicate with. We arrived to the rental property and found that construction was going on along the road. Unfortunately they started up at 7:00am and continued until 6:00pm. We would have liked to have been informed as we were there to relax and not hear the sounds of digging and drilling. The outdoor water was not turned on; therefore, sand was tracked into the house. The cable was not working with promises that it would be repaired (never happened). There wasn't a grill as it was listed that there was one. The owner asked us to purchase one and we would be reimbursed (never happened). Overall, the house was okay but some of the ammenties listed were not available. We aren't picky people, but when we pay the money and take the time for a vacation, we look forward to relaxing and not having to deal with property issues. Just wanting to make others aware as they make decisions about their beach vacation.

Owner response:In response to the comments made by our April 1, 2010 to April 6, 2010 renters: We have ongoing sewer construction on the island which is 7 miles long - we can't predict when they will be in our area. Outdoor shower was not connected because it was too early in the season - however, there was an outside water faucet on the downstairs deck to wash off sand. Cable service interruption was also due to the construction. Time Warner was notified immediately of the problem. As far as the grill disappearance - we authorized tennant to buy a new grill and contrary to the claim that they were not reimbursed - a check for the full amount was sent on April 13. We regret their inconveniences and hope that they had some enjoyment in our beautiful, ocean front home. Respectfully submitted, The Owners

Recommended for: