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Beautiful, clean "Topsail" Author Home, 1½ Blocks to Beach, Fenced Yard for Pets

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"Mayberry by the Sea" Beach Home in Surf City
One of Surf City's scenic canals, viewed from back deck
Living room area
Public beach access one-and-one-half (1-1/2) blocks from home
Beach from steps of access.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61302 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Surf City, NC
  • Place, Surf City Beach
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Surf City Pier
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Wrightsville Beach
    ‪56 min drive‬
  • Airport, Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪56 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Twin Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Beautiful, clean "Topsail" Author Home, 1½ Blocks to Beach, Fenced Yard for Pets

Beautiful, clean "Topsail" Author Home, 1½ Blocks to Beach, Fenced Yard for Pets

We hope you enjoy your stay in SURF CITY'S 5-STAR HOME! . . . and new for 2025:
LINENS AND TOWELS: Bed linens and towels are provided at no extra charge!


  • '5 STARS: We found perfection. ... a perfect place for a family with a dog.'

  • '5 STARS: Very nice and clean. The front porch is wonderful and the dog loved the fenced-in backyard.'

  • '5 STARS: Like home only better with the beach so close by and the sound of the waves as we slept!'

  • '5 STARS: Absolutely Wonderful!!!! ... I cannot say enough about the house and location.'

  • '5 STARS: This rental was everything it said it was.... It was perfect.'

  • '5 STARS: It doesn't get any better. ... Don't miss this great rental!! 6 Stars'

  • '5 STARS: Highly recommend. Perfect for anyone with a pet....Very clean, well kept, well appointed.'
  • '5 STARS: Fantastic Vacation Home!!!... You will not be disappointed!'

  • '5 STARS: Living area is huge.... The beds were VERY comfortable.'

  • '5 STARS: Great home in a great location. ... Recommend highly!'

  • '5 STARS: My Wife and I are planning to make this one of our annual vacation spots.'




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RENTAL NOTES:

  • CLEANING: Professional cleaning service provides extra cleaning and disinfecting before your arrival, as well as linens and towels.

  • CANCELLATION: 14 days' notice for full payment return (7 days for 50%), lowest requirement in the industry.


==================================



THE HOME:


TOPSAIL ISLAND is wonderfully slow-paced and family-friendly. This beautiful modern beach home, recently updated, is owned by the author and photographer of 'Topsail Island: Mayberry by the Sea.' It is in a residential neighborhood in northern Surf City, near North Topsail Beach. The home is one-and-one-half (1½) blocks from the beach and just one-half (½) block from one of Surf City's scenic canals, lined with boats and large homes and visible from the decks. It is 2 miles from the shopping/restaurant center of the island.



THE ONE-LEVEL HOME has a large, spacious living/dining room with vaulted ceiling. A big kitchen opens to it. There are three bedrooms sleeping a total of six, including large master suite with king bed, all with ceiling fans, and two full baths. Bed linens and towels provided at no extra charge. Coastal-style furniture, seascape paintings/prints and other island art decorate the home. (No smoking, please.) Pergo Boathouse flooring is in the living areas.



THE BACKYARD IS FENCED, a Topsail rarity. This is perfect for anyone with young children or pets (up to two well-behaved dogs are allowed). Other amenities: keyless electronic door lock; large covered front deck with rockers and ocean breezes, perfect for waiting out any occasional showers; two long driveways, partially covered; outdoor shower; gas grill on back patio; ceiling fans inside throughout; high-speed wireless internet; 72-channel cable.



YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE with both Topsail and this home!


==================================




Home, built in 2000, is continually updated:

  • NEW FOR 2026 : Master bathroom remodel with walk-in shower.

  • NEW FOR 2025 : Refrigerator-freezer with icemaker, Luxury mattress toppers for king and queen beds, front storm door. New service: Bed linens and bath towels provided at no extra charge.

  • NEW FOR 2024: Rear storm door, paint in two bedrooms and bathroom, air fryer, replacement kitchen faucet.

  • NEW FOR 2023: Luxury queen bed for 2nd Bedroom, toilet for master bath, pillows for all bedrooms, larger TVs in all locations, replacement rocker for front porch, replacement back door.



Keywords: Beach House, Island Home, Fenced Yard, Pets, Dogs, Wi-Fi, Camp Lejeune






VRBO DETAILS:

Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)
Up to 2 well-behaved pets ($33 EACH PER NIGHT).
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Pet fees: Up to 2 well-behaved pets allowed w/ fee
FLEXIBLE CANCELLATION POLICY. Beginning 2020 with
SUPER-CLEAN: Now EXTRA cleaning and DISINFECTING b

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property

About the neighborhood

Surf City

Located in Surf City, this vacation home is near the beach. Seacoast Art Gallery and Missiles and More Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Ohana Paddle Sports and Thomas Tackle and Seafood. Mia's Marketplace and The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing, kayaking, and snorkeling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling.
View more Vacation Homes in Surf CityOpens in a new window
Map
Surf City, NC

What's nearby

  • Surf City Beach - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Surf City Pier - 4 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Camp Lejeune Main Gate and Visitor Center - 46 min drive - 64.6 km
  • University of North Carolina at Wilmington - 54 min drive - 57.5 km
  • Wrightsville Beach - 56 min drive - 60.2 km

Getting around

  • Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Buddy's Crab House And Oyster Bar - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Tortuga’s Nest - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Sear's Landing - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Daddy Mac's Beach Grille - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Shaka Taco - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Beautiful, clean "Topsail" Author Home, 1½ Blocks to Beach, Fenced Yard for Pets pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Beautiful, clean "Topsail" Author Home, 1½ Blocks to Beach, Fenced Yard for Pets?

As of Mar 28, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Beautiful, clean "Topsail" Author Home, 1½ Blocks to Beach, Fenced Yard for Pets on Jun 27, 2026 start from $475, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Beautiful, clean "Topsail" Author Home, 1½ Blocks to Beach, Fenced Yard for Pets?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Beautiful, clean "Topsail" Author Home, 1½ Blocks to Beach, Fenced Yard for Pets?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Beautiful, clean "Topsail" Author Home, 1½ Blocks to Beach, Fenced Yard for Pets located?

Situated near the beach, this vacation home is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Surf City Beach and within 3 mi (5 km) of Permuda Island and Back in Touch Massage, Yoga, & Lomilomi. Inis Spa and Escape Spa are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 146 out of 161 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 161 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 161 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 161 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 161 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

LISA C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyed the stay! Great beach house in a lovely area and the backyard is perfect for vacationing with a dog.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chandler W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed our stay at the “Mayberry by the Sea.” The beach was easily accessible and the fenced in back yard was great for the dog.Hopefully we will return again next summer.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Nancy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean. Exactly as advertised.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ryan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome stay!! Ray McAllister was a huge help and answered every question that I had !!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charles T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very pet friendly, fenced in backyard is ideal. Ideal to stay in Topsail because of location. Very clean, beautiful home. Could not have had better accommodations. Highly recommend and I’m going to buy the book on Amazon about the history. Hope to return soon!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melanie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was nice to have a fenced back yard for our dog. The location was great, but it was unfortunate that it rained the whole time we were there. We will definitely try to come back, though!Ray was a very kind and gracious host!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bobbi D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a great find! Super close to the beach. The home was clean and comfortable.Ray was amazing with responding to communication. I was surprising my sister for her birthday and he was so helpful in making it happen. We had a great time here.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were very pleased with our stay. It was clean, check in was easy, the walk to the beach was short, the owner was friendly, easy to reach and responded quickly, and the house had several extra things our kiddos enjoyed (books, games, toys). The fenced in yard was nice for our little dog and the outdoor shower was nice after a day at the beach. We will definitely be booking this house again for our next trip.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful beach house!

The home was lovely, well appointed, and close to beach access #2. The front porch was great, and the neighborhood was friendly and easy to access. Ray was a fantastic host, very responsive and helpful! The kitchen was well stocked for cooking. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and highly recommend this home!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect home

Our 3rd time staying here and looking forward going back next year!!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

3 generation family vacay

Great location and dog friendly home. Huge/beautiful front porch with afternoon shade was one of the highlights of the vacation.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house!

Very well-equipped and comfortable home. We really enjoyed our stay and the proximity to the beach. The fenced-in backyard was perfect for our dogs. The homeowner was very responsive when we texted him. We would recommend this home and would stay again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay

House is beautiful. Property owner very responsive and wonderful! Book this house. !!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mayberry by the sea

House was perfect for what we needed. Close to the beach, clean, in great neighborhood
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome location - great house

Loved the location. Quiet neighborhood. Back deck has views of the canal. House is well appointed, clean and beds really comfy.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cecilia C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Grammy camp

Every year at the end of the school year we take our grand kids for a week. We call it Grammy camp. This year they picked Topsail. We had a great week at the beach.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laurie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

June 2024

The property was very nice and the fenced in yard was great for the dogs. Very close access to the beach and great location.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Totally Enjoyed Vacation

This home we stayed at was great, the only complaint I have is with Mother Nature, Mon - Wed the waves were to strong for boogie boarding!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great fall break

We enjoyed our stay. It was fun to read Ray's book and then check out some of the spots that were mentioned. The beach is close by, very nice, and was not crowded. Ray's communication was excellent. Thanks for a great fall break!
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Valerie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice and relaxing

Although our stay was short, it was very relaxing. The place is absolutely beautiful and dog friendly. There are very detailed instructions about how things work in the house, such as hot/cold knob to the shower, you just have to read :). Overall a great place and we highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cousins at Mayberry by the Sea

Way a perfect week for me and 2 cousins. Ray was the perfect host. We’ll be back.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Holly B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful time at Mayberry By the Sea. We spent 10 days taking in this beautiful beach! The house had everything we needed, beautiful landscaping, beds were comfortable and communication with Ray was super easy. The house is overall very clean and well taken care of. I think a deep cleaning of the walls/baseboards would take it over the top! This house was SO comfortable for the 5 of us and our 2 dogs, they loved the back yard! We will absolutely be booking this house again next summer.
Stayed 10 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great pet friendly Place!

Home was clean and it was pet friendly. Needs a lot of updating, but that did not bother us. Would stay again! Make sure you bring your own linens as they are not provided! I personally forgot, but that was my fault.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Mike S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sully’s

Nice home. Clean, bright, convenient to beach. Our family of 6, plus dog, very much enjoyed our stay. When not at the beach, hung out on the front porch a lot and read some of the books-plentiful, provided by Ray owner. Mike
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Thomas K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Disliked: Location

Clean Inside

Needs a little updating and exterior cleaning but overall good for our needs
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2019

About the host

Hosted by Ray McAllister

Host profile image
Ray McAllister is the author of four award-winning North Carolina coastal books among the six books he has written, including "Topsail Island: Mayberry by the Sea," which has published in an entirely new edition for 2021, plus books on Wrightsville Beach, Hatteras Island and Ocracoke. Vicki, his wife, is the photographer for the books, as well as for framed prints and note cards. A former long-time newspaper columnist, who then edited a popular magazine, Ray now also publishes the works of other authors through Beach Glass Books.

Why they chose this property

FROM AUTHOR: 'Topsail Island is wonderful, and we all know that. But when we were looking for a beach home on Topsail, we had to go up and down the island with a Realtor, visiting dozens that might be within our price range, to find even a few that were both clean and modern. But the clincher was this: Only this home -- and I do mean only -- also had the perfect layout. When we first walked in, we were struck, as everyone is, by how large and open the main room is and by how large and open the connected kitchen is. Finally, we had found a house that was designed for the way families on vacation actually use a beach house. It is a joy to be in.'

What makes this property unique

--Very large, open main room for family use.
--Large, open kitchen adjacent.
--Fenced-in backyard ideal for dogs and/or young children.
--Large covered front porch with 4 rockers, bench, lounge.
--Short walk (1-1/2 blocks) to the ocean.
--Shorter walk (1/2 block) to scenic canals.
--Residential area, but only 2 miles from shopping/restaurants.
--Inviting beach-house feel.

Languages:

English

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