Vacation Rentals by Owner

What a beautiful home!!!

Guest: Mandy (Granite Falls, NC)
Date of Stay: 04/07/12 Review Submitted: 04/17/12

What a wonderful time we had! This home is excellent. Melissa was such a pleasure to deal with and we absolutely love her home. It is honestly like having a home away from home. They have thought of everything. The horses were precious and watching them was a wonderful experience. The 4 X 4 area is by far our favorite and we hope to come again soon. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing.

Fantastic!

Guest: Coach 'D' Crew (Norfolk, VA)
Date of Stay: 11/19/11 Review Submitted: 03/09/12

We have stayed at MTB so many times over the years that we've lost count. The last was during Thanksgiving 2011. It has everything you need including two dishwashers, two refrigerators, and two microwaves (comes in handy during Thanksgiving!). Our family and friends drive up to 6 hours to meet us at this wonderful vacation destination. It's thrilling to drive up the beach and get away from it all. The views, pool, hot tub, and daily visits from the horses make this a dream home. We consider this our own private beach house even though Melissa and Bill are the owners. They are terrific people to work with and even though we've never met in person, we consider them friends. You can't go wrong with renting this home. We can't wait until we return again!

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

Another fantastic week at "Meant to Be"!!

Guest: The Powhatan Clan (Powhatan, VA)
Date of Stay: 05/27/11 Review Submitted: 06/04/11

This was our third time to Carova and our third stay at "Meant to Be" and we would never stay anywhere else. Melissa and Bill, thank you for allowing us to stay at your beautiful home--the photos do not do it justice. It is so beautifully decorated and cozy--our favorite place to be is in the Captain's Watch. That is always my first place to sit and our place for our parting photos! This time we took my parents and they loved it as much as we did. The daily visits from the horses were the high point for them, but they did enjoy the private pool. It was the first time they had swam in years! Not sure if we will get to return to the beach next year,but if we do it will be home to "Meant to Be"!! Thank you again for a truly wonderful week!!

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

Grand House Called Meant To Be

Guest: Nancy (VA)
Date of Stay: 09/25/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

Please see News paper article written by Nancy Sorrells, contributor to the News Leader. The article is copied under why we chose to build on this location". Enjoy !!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners.

Family Vacation 2010

Guest: Angie (Centerville, OH)
Date of Stay: 09/11/10 Review Submitted: 01/04/11

We had the opportunity to stay at Meant To Be in Sept 2010. I can't say enough what a wonderful stay we had. The house is exactly as described. The kitchen was well stocked with cookware and utensils and everything was clean and well-maintained. The owners were very responsive to any questions or problems that arose and Melissa even greeted us with a welcome call our first night. There were 4 adults and 5 children in our party and the house was plenty big enough to still have quiet time with wine and a book without being disturbed-the first level made a great "kid zone". The porches and captain's watch were great for viewing the ocean but the sunsets off the screened-in porch were spectacular! Being Sept, we were able to turn off the A/C and enjoy the sounds of the ocean and wildlife during the nights and mornings. In fact, we were awakened frequently by the horses in the backyard-quite a shock at 6AM! We did do some exploring in the nearby towns and dined out a couple of times, the drive gets easier every time, though driving the beach at night was quite an adventure-we even had to stop a few times to do some shelling by headlights! We saw lots of wildlife besides the horses-deer, dolphins, horseshoe crabs, a fox, a snake and even a sea turtle. There is really too much to talk about and we can't thank you enough for opening your home to us. Our time spent here was unforgettable.

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

Absolutely AMAZING!

Guest: AllieH (Hudson, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 04/24/10 Review Submitted: 05/13/10

We spent the week of April 24-May 1 at Meant to Be, with our children, dear friends, brother in law, his wife and child. While there were 9 of us in the house, we never felt "cramped" or crowded. The layout of the house, and every amenity that you could possibly think of (all the way down to plastic silverware and a first aid kit) were there! The kids enjoyed the beach, pool and hot tub (yes, it was PLENTY warm to enjoy!), and the adults as well - we all loved the ship's watch, as well as the upper deck for sunrise, sunsets and everything in between. We have already booked for next year, and made the decision to do so before we even left :) The horses visited the property at LEAST once per day, and we were lucky enough to see dolphins, and even a seal. Kids were never bored (between pool, hot tub, dvd's video games, board games and more...). An amazing and perfect vacation for all of us! Melissa and Bill, you have CLEARLY thought of everything. This never, for one second, felt like a "rental HOUSE". It absolutely DID feel like we were spending time at a friend's HOME. Thank you so much for opening your home up to us, and we cannot wait to return next year!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

I MISS YOU

Guest: Tom Linkous (Charlottesville, Va)
Date of Stay: 06/15/09 Review Submitted: 07/15/11

By far my favorite house in OBX...and I have been going there since the 70's. I just wanted to drop a note to say how much I miss being there. 2 years is way too long. The owners are the GREATEST!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/26/09 Review Submitted: 02/26/09

Hi! We just got back late last night from our vacation. I wrote so much in your journal notebook at the beach house about our time, but I really wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed ourselves. It was absolutely marvelous. We are certainly beach people by heart and this was just amazing. I loved every detail that you had put into the house. All my life I have wanted something like this. Someday my dream will come true, but for now, for one week it had come true. Thank you. You had absolutely everything any one person could want or need. I loved, actually we all loved , the ships watch. I also love Nicholas Sparks. I can't believe that you have maybe the whole collection there. I chose a book and began reading. I made myself finish it Saturday. I couldn't take my eyes off of the view. It is just so beautiful. There was absolutely no one there except for the workers. One day we saw some volunteer fire fighters and talked with them for a while. We put many miles on our shoes. We ventured to the state park a couple of times and went geo caching quite a bit. It was fun. Saw some of the horses sporadically. I think it was too cold for them. We woke up to a slight snow covering on Tuesday and it rained on Wednesday. It was pretty cold all week, but we bundled up every day multiple times and strolled the beach for hours. We are used to the cold weather so it really didn't bother us. There was a blue sky and sun shine everyday, but Wed. We loved the assortment of games and put together many puzzles. We haven't done a puzzle in years!!!! My husband and son played their guitars and ukelele and had a great time. Dave did everyones taxes. Our dogs have never walked so much in their lives. We have a place on Sandy Pond on Lake Ontario and we boat over or kayak to the beach daily. There the dogs run and go for long walks but nothing beat the walking they did this week. One day we walked 10 miles. By evening the only thing they did was sleep. Thanks for allowing them to join us. Once again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for allowing us to rent your beautiful home. It was breath taking. One day I would love to return. Next year we do not have this week off from school in February, so it will not work. Thank you again so much for accomadating us with the days as well. It worked out perfect. Thanks also for the mugs. It was such a thoughtful idea and a wonderful momento. You (both) have

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/25/09

Hi! We just got back late last night from our vacation. I wrote so much in your journal notebook at the beach house about our time, but I really wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed ourselves. It was absolutely marvelous. We are certainly beach people by heart and this was just amazing. I loved every detail that you had put into the house. All my life I have wanted something like this. Someday my dream will come true, but for now, for one week it had come true. Thank you. You had absolutely everything any one person could want or need. I loved, actually we all loved , the ships watch. I also love Nicholas Sparks. I can't believe that you have maybe the whole collection there. I chose a book and began reading. I made myself finish it Saturday. I couldn't take my eyes off of the view. It is just so beautiful. There was absolutely no one there except for the workers. One day we saw some volunteer fire fighters and talked with them for a while. We put many miles on our shoes. We ventured to the state park a couple of times and went geo caching quite a bit. It was fun. Saw some of the horses sporadically. I think it was too cold for them. We woke up to a slight snow covering on Tuesday and it rained on Wednesday. It was pretty cold all week, but we bundled up every day multiple times and strolled the beach for hours. We are used to the cold weather so it really didn't bother us. There was a blue sky and sun shine everyday, but Wed. We loved the assortment of games and put together many puzzles. We haven't done a puzzle in years!!!! My husband and son played their guitars and ukelele and had a great time. Dave did everyones taxes. Our dogs have never walked so much in their lives. We have a place on Sandy Pond on Lake Ontario and we boat over or kayak to the beach daily. There the dogs run and go for long walks but nothing beat the walking they did this week. One day we walked 10 miles. By evening the only thing they did was sleep. Thanks for allowing them to join us. Once again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for allowing us to rent your beautiful home. It was breath taking. One day I would love to return. Next year we do not have this week off from school in February, so it will not work. Thank you again so much for accomadating us with the days as well. It worked out perfect. Thanks also for the mugs. It was such a thoughtful idea and a wonderful momento. You (both) have thought of everything!!!!!! Thanks again so much!!!!! Penny and Dave Scott :0) Dan, Fritz, Otto, and Bear too!!!!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/08 Review Submitted: 10/29/08

THIS HOME IS SO AMAZING!!! MY FAMILY AND I HAD AN ALL GIRLS VACATION BACK IN NOV. OF O7, WE HAD A WONDERFUL TIME WE FELL IN LOVE WITH THE HOME , WITH THE HORSES, AND WERE GETTING READY TO PLAN ANOTHER TRIP THERE VERY SOON!!!! I'VE KINDA OF ADOPTED THE NAME AS "MY MEANT TO BE", JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW MELISSA, WHAT A WONDERFUL JOB YOU HAVE DONE, AND HOW MUCH WE ENJOYED IT!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH! 12 CHICKS FROM OHIO

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Marc & Ruth Jewell (Dayton, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 09/01/07 Review Submitted: 09/13/07

We just returned from a terrific visit to "Meant to Be", and must say that this is a beautiful home. One of the things we noticed immediately is how well equipped the home is. Except for beach towels and food, virtually anything we could need was there and available. Well maintained, Bill & Melissa are excellent hosts, and would highly recommend this property. Just remember that being about 8 miles up the sandy beach you need to bring everything with you.... it's not just a quick drive to the convenience store! And yes, it's true about the wild horses, they still come strolling through the yard every day! Views are great, short walk or ride to the beach, pool and hot tub are excellent! Welcome gift a very nice touch. Would suggest bringing some drinking water. Will definitely rent again.

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Guest: The Brady's
Date of Stay: 08/22/04 Review Submitted: 08/21/04

We LOVED the house!!! The pool was alot of fun. We had beautiful weather & many fun times at the beach. We saw dolphins, horses, frogs, toads, a goat, ospreys, pelicans. We want to come back for 2 weeks next year.

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Guest: The Pepe's
Date of Stay: 08/22/04 Review Submitted: 08/21/04

I couldn't think of a more wonderful place to get away and spend New Year's Eve than this house. Melissa & Bill, you have thought of every detail to make this house beautiful and it was worth all the work. We hope to come back down to the Outer Banks in the future. Thanks again for this beautiful house.

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Guest: The Painters
Date of Stay: 08/22/04 Review Submitted: 08/21/04

A beautiful home! We enjoyed our stay & the secluded location. Saw several deer as well as the horses. Pool and hot tub were fun and very relaxing. Porch swings were a nice treat. Loved the layout of the house. We have many wonderful memories that we'll bring home with us.

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Guest: Fair Family
Date of Stay: 08/22/04 Review Submitted: 08/21/04

What a great spot for a vacation. I loved the animals but I loved the seclusion the most. The house was great. Very pretty down to the last detail (like the sea animal knobs on the cabinets) Thank you for building it. The pool was a special bonus we enjoyed much more than I thought we would. The house is beautiful, the view fantastic.

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Guest: The Nicholls
Date of Stay: 08/22/04 Review Submitted: 08/21/04

Another wonderful 2 weeks here in "Meant to Be." We once again loved staying here. Two weeks was alot better. Thank you for your help in the resolution of the broken washing machine. See you next year.

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Guest: The Haswells and Mazenhos Familie
Date of Stay: 08/22/04 Review Submitted: 08/21/04

Thank you for sharing your beautiful home. Our family enjoyed every moment of it. The weather was great and wild life was such an experience for the kids. Your decorating is lovely. Ship's watch area we loved. We enjoyed the pool, great water temp. Thank you for all the wonderful ammenities, they were VERY helpful - well stocked. That means alot!!! Love the hammock, it rocks! My father in law was found there often. Jacuzzi was a nice extra. Thank you, Thank you.

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Guest: The Hentes
Date of Stay: 08/22/04 Review Submitted: 08/21/04

Once again another great week, we hate to leave! It's nice to come back (our 2nd yr. in your lovely home) and the finishing touches you added. You've stocked so well we've had everything we needed. Tthank you. It is apparent much love and thought went into the building and furnishing of this home. The pool has been great for the afternoons when the beach got too hot...or evenings...or whenever. Tthe horses feeding in the yard are a delight. Again THANK YOU for such a wonderful week.

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Guest: The Vanderlinden & McGill Familie
Date of Stay: 08/22/04 Review Submitted: 08/21/04

To the owners of Meant to Be, We really enjoyed staying in your beautiful home. The vacation went by too fast! We looked at your photo album of the construction of your home, that was a great idea. This house is absolutely beautiful from top to bottom. The adults as well as the kids enjoyed our week from top to bottom. This is our second year vacationing in the Outer Banks. I think we found our permanent vacation spot!! This is definitely one of the best times we had in awhile. It's definitely worth coming back to.

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Guest: The Lyons
Date of Stay: 08/22/04 Review Submitted: 08/21/04

We had lots of fun in your "Beautiful" home! Your home was equipped with everything - we couldn't have aked for more. 4 wheeling on the beach was fun - my husband loved it. Thank you so much for allowing our dog to join us - she had a blast at the beach! Thank you for sharing your home with us and we wish you many good memories in the years to come.

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Guest: Mr. & Mrs. Hannah
Date of Stay: 08/22/04 Review Submitted: 08/21/04

Dear Homeowners, We (my husband & I) are only halfway through our honeymoon and we don't want to go home. We were married in October but decided to put our honeymoon on hold in order to enjoy the spring/summer weather of the Outer Banks. We have enjoyed swimming. We found gorgeous shells on the beach, the chair/ottoman in the ship's watch is my favorite place, so comfy and a great place to read. My hair turned Oscar the Grouch green from the chlorine in the the pool. After a frantic call to my hairdresser who recommended baking soda, which I found in your refrigerator ( and replaced) I was back to a blond, with the brains of a bruinette. Wow - what a beautiful home, fabulous location. Tank you for your part in my honeymoon. I hope my honeymoon is a sign of things that are "Meant to Be"

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Guest: Karen Kemp
Date of Stay: 08/22/04 Review Submitted: 08/21/04

Thanks so much for a beautiful house to spend our time in - 5 Stars. Enjoyed walking on the roads and beach - saw the wild horses on an early morning walk. The view of the ocean is great and what an experience it is driving on the beach.

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