While our time in North Topsail was lovely, the property was not exactly as described--"newly remodeled, very clean and well-maintained" is quite a stretch. We appreciated direct beach access and the ability to rinse off the sand, but the check in process (having to drive to Surf City to obtain house keys) was old-school and clunky. All of the indoor and outdoor furnishings, appliances, floors, hardware, etc. show significant wear from years of use and weathering. The unit lacked real cleanliness--so much sand everywhere when we arrived, baseboards and vents and counters visibly dirty, not-clean dishes in cupboards--and maintenance is poor--light fixtures with blown bulbs, a faucet not attached to a shower unit, bedroom televisions not functioning, sliding door off the track in a bedroom, etc. We were grateful for a plethora of sand toys for our grandkids, but sad to be missing the porch swing shown in pictures. We cleaned as we unpacked (and made beds--you will need to rent your linens, so if that's a deal breaker, definitely move on), but were disappointed to be doing that as we arrived for our week-long vacation after driving 12 hours. When you're spending a couple thousand dollars on lodging, you expect hotel-like accommodations. This home, while excellently located, is not hotel-like.