Vacation Rentals by Owner

Wonderful experience!

Guest: Craig W.
Date of Stay: 07/23/11 Review Submitted: 02/11/12

This was our first time trying anything like this, and it was a great experience. The house was all we hoped it would be -- quaint, well furnished, quiet, and clean. Having all the amenities of home is nice, so you can cook (if you prefer that to eating out), do laundry as needed, etc. The dock is really nice, although in late July you really don't want to be out there after 9 am or before 7 pm - it's just too hot! The location is perfect. The beach is a short walk away, and this is a section of the beach that doesn't see as much use as the main Folly Beach area. Not having to load up the car, drive somewhere, find parking, hike to the beach, and then reverse the process on the way home is grand! Note that this section of beach is frequented by surfers. It was not a problem sharing the ocean with them. We ate at several of the Folly Beach restaurants, including the Crab Shack, Lost Dog Cafe, Rita's, Tokyo Crepes, and Locklear's (listed in our order of preference). Downtown Charleston is readily accessible via Highway 30, the James Island Expressway. Dealing with the owner was pleasant and with no hassles.

Owner response:It is always a pleasure to know our guests have enjoyed their stay at The Fort. We strive to provide an enjoyable experience for everyone. When we receive a review like the one Craig sent it inspires us to continue to improve and and continue to ensure The Fort remains the unique experience it has become for so many of our guests.

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Your Own Piece of Paradise

Guest: Joan (Michigan)
Date of Stay: 07/31/10 Review Submitted: 05/15/11

We visited here last summer and really enjoyed the place. It was like we were on our own little island. My kids enjoyed fishing and crabbing off the dock and there was always something interesting to see as the tide rolled in and out. It was a short little walk to the beach and we found we were far enough down to be away from the crowds. The cottage was just the right size with plenty of places to relax and read a book. We had problems with the a/c while we were there but they had a maintenance person in that afternoon to fix the problem. This was a great vacation place!

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

Nothing better on Folly

Guest: Brooks & Martha (Spartanburg, SC)
Date of Stay: 06/19/10 Review Submitted: 06/29/10

We just spent a week at The Fort in the Classic Folly House and it proved to be more than expected. We were looking for a quiet, secluded beach experience within reach of the frivolity of Folly Beach. Turns out, we didn't need the frivolity, but it's there if need be. The solitude of the Fort won over and we experienced the relaxation of a classic beach vacation. Very easy access to the beach and great views of the broad marsh. Constant breezes and great surf. Birds galore, even a hawk enjoying it's meal within 20 feet of the deck. In this day of extravagant coastal development, it was a pleasure to experience the refined, rustic feel of the Fort at Folly.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: maryann g. (Chester, NJ)
Date of Stay: 07/17/09 Review Submitted: 07/17/09

The Fort at Folly Beach is a naturalist's dream. Surrounded by acres of undeveloped land, ocean to the front of the property and river behind, this spot is nothing short of a magical place. Be prepared for sightings of beautiful local birds and gorgeous sunsets over the river and marsh. Words really can't capture this spot's natural richness of plant and animal wildlife as well as it's natural beauty. The Classic House is a very comfortable and clean home, complete with conveniences and everything in working order. Peter and his family are lovely! So pleasant and helpful! They really made us feel very welcome. Since returning home, we haven't been able to stop talking about our time at The Fort! In short our experience here surpassed our expectations and my family (including our Berner, Sasha!) and I really look forward to returning to The Fort!

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Guest: The Brady's (Greensboro, NC)
Date of Stay: 07/02/09 Review Submitted: 07/02/09

We stayed at The Fort Ole House last week and were very impressed with the amount of privacy, cleanliness, and comfort of the house. The Fort was more like a private island with a private drive and dock. Because of it's location on Folly it provided a tranquil and relaxing week. The short walk to the beach was also rewarding as we did not encounter high beach traffic. The Fort is only a mile and a quarter to the North end of Folly, which made getting to the Morris Island Lighthouse lookout very easy. Access back to downtown is very easy, but with the wonderful beach, fishing of the dock, surfing, beautiful beach and dunes, wonderful breeze for kites, and wildlife galore (expect to see fiddler crabs, blue crabs, turtles, sandpipers, seagulls, etc), it's hard to tear yourself away to head into town. We fell in love with the Fort and my son did not want to come home.

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Guest: David R. (Athens, OH.)
Date of Stay: 04/27/09 Review Submitted: 04/27/09

The 'Ole House' at The Fort is what visiting the beach is all about. The house has a sense of history and South Carolina charm. This house represents what staying at the beach was like before the condo/McMansion invasion. The house is very comfortable with a great sitting porch. The property is unbelievable- peaceful, private yet convenient to the beach and historic Charleston. Folly Beach is a great laid back, dog friendly beach town. Peter is a wonderful host who cares about the quality of your stay.

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Guest: Lark Hiser (Charleston, SC)
Date of Stay: 02/15/09 Review Submitted: 02/15/09

I rented the Ole House for our relatives when my son graduated from The Citadel in May 2008. They absolutely loved it! It is private and peaceful and only a short walk to the beach.Also, a short walk or drive to other ammenities. I would rent the Ole House again.

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

We stayed in the Ole House the last week of July and truly loved it. The house was very nice and clean and comfortable. I loved the privacy of the house but yet still so close to the beach! It was definitely worth it and we would stay here again.

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Guest: Darcy Wallace (Asheville, NC)
Date of Stay: 09/15/05 Review Submitted: 09/15/05

The Fort has the best of both worlds, the quiet, peacefulness of the marsh and the energy of the local beach. Since it is right accross the street, it is perfect for an after dinner walk. The sunsets off the private dock were beautiful. We were able to catch fresh crab right off the dock. The house is fully equipped and comfortable. The property is truely unique and magestic. A true gem!

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Guest: Sally Marshall (Washington, DC)
Date of Stay: 09/09/05 Review Submitted: 09/09/05

A wonderful beach house on a very special property. The house is a classic, and full of charm and lots of comfortable furniture. The dock is a beautiful retreat at all times of day - the kids caught shrimp and blue crabs. The beach is a short walk down your private causeway and the surfers are lots of fun to watch. The beach was practically empty the last week in August and we found lots of neat shells. You'll fall in love with Folly like we did!

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Guest: The Sherbert's (Mauldin, SC)
Date of Stay: 08/30/05 Review Submitted: 08/30/05

My husband and I rented our first ever beach house for vacation in August 2005 and the Ole' House at the Fort turned out to be a great experience for both of us. The beach is great and you can ride your bike all over the island or walk anywhere. The house is secluded and private, yet you are just 100 yards from crossing the road and being on the beach at the "Wash Out" where the surfing is fine. We had fun fishing, reading, biking, and relaxing. Our first beach house rental experience was great and we cannot wait to go stay at the Ole' House at the Fort again soon.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/06/05 Review Submitted: 07/06/05

My family and I stayed in the Ole’ House at The Fort this past weekend and loved it!The house is nostalgic and cozy. The island is bird haven. They start to sing as the soon as the sun comes up. The dock is perfect for fishing (the kids caught foot long sharks using cut mullet purchased from Bert’s market in town),crabbing, kite flying and gazing at the magnificent views of Folly River and the Morrison lighthouse. The view is incredibly different between low and high tides. There is no water a dead low tide and all you can see is oyster beds, the outline of the river beds and fiddler crabs everywhere. At high tide there is at least 8 feet of water the end of the dock. The view has to be seen to be believed! The short walk down the cause way and across the Ashley Avenue to the Beach is worth the stay alone! Low tide provides more beach than you can imagine. Porpoises are easy to spot too! If you need anything there is Bert’s Market located on Ashley Avenue about a mile or so back in town. Bert’s is a local grocery store that carries it all from Beer to bait to fresh vegetables. They are open 24/7 with music playing inside and out! This place is the Folly Beach vacation experience!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/28/05 Review Submitted: 04/28/05

I've spent many a wonderful weekend at The Fort! A great place to unwind, rest, read and bicycle. A true gem of an island retreat!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/20/05 Review Submitted: 03/20/05

This property is unbelieveable. It is an isolated small island off the road, but only 100 yards from the surfing-swimming beach and walking distance from the town and lighthouse. Basic, but comfortable old beach fashioned house. Porch view of ocean and marsh. Good beds/AC.

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