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Carefree By the Sea at Holden Beach

Photo gallery for Carefree By the Sea at Holden Beach

Exterior
Exterior
Exterior
Open Family Room
Open Family Room

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
4 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 11

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 11)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Twin Bunk Bed, 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Bed

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 4

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Carefree By the Sea at Holden Beach

Beach AND Intracoastal Waterway access via private community walkways!
Beautiful family vacation home located between the Intracoastal Waterway and the beach in a great neighborhood. Well stocked kitchen with everything you'll need to make your meals. Plenty of space for everyone to spread out. Linens and towels are provided for 11. The beds will already be made when you arrive so you don't have to waste precious vacation time making beds. Enjoy the screened porch in the back and two outdoor decks in the front with new rocking chairs and beautiful views of the marsh and Waterway. Use the private community dock to fish and crab or just relax. Take a 4 minute stroll to the beach with access via the private community walkway over the dunes to the sand and surf (no steps to navigate!). Smart TVs in every bedroom and common rooms to keep everyone entertained when not enjoying the spectacular setting. Ground level storage space for your beach gear, a large outdoor shower with hot and cold water, a picnic table, a hammock, and a gas grill are all provided. Family memories are just waiting to be made here.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 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

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3318238
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock

About the neighborhood

Supply

Located in Holden Beach, this vacation home is by the sea. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Holden Beach and Ocean Isle Beach. Traveling with kids? Consider Magic Mountain Fun Park and Planet Fun.
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Map
Holden Beach, NC

What's nearby

  • Holden Beach - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Sailfish Park - 3 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Ocean Isle Beach - 30 min drive - 32.4 km
  • North Myrtle Beach Beaches - 51 min drive - 59.1 km
  • Barefoot Landing - 59 min drive - 67.7 km

Getting around

  • North Myrtle Beach, SC (CRE-Grand Strand) - 59 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Inlet View Bar & Grill - ‬40 min drive
  • ‪Silver Hill Grill - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪San Jose Mexican Restaurant - ‬32 min drive
  • ‪The Cove Restaurant - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Chubby Buddha - ‬40 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Carefree By the Sea at Holden Beach pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Carefree By the Sea at Holden Beach?

As of May 14, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Carefree By the Sea at Holden Beach on Sep 5, 2026 start from $664, 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 Carefree By the Sea at Holden Beach?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Carefree By the Sea at Holden Beach?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Carefree By the Sea at Holden Beach located?

This family-friendly Holden Beach vacation home is located by the sea, within a 10-minute walk of Holden Beach and Big Beach. Sailfish Park is 1.4 mi (2.2 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 66 out of 67 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 67 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 67 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 67 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 67 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Our favorite beach rental!

This is the third time we have stayed here and it is always a great stay! The location is perfect, with easy access to both the beach and the intracoastal waterway. The house is clean, comfortable, and well stocked, and the host is helpful and accessible. It remains a favorite for our family that we hope to continue to return to.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 23, 2025
It's always great to have Allison and family stay at our beach place! We're so glad you guys have a good time there and thanks for taking the time to write a review.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sherry M.

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

Summer Vacation

Our family enjoyed the Holden Beach [1st time being there] , as well as we enjoyed the rental home. Thank you for helping us to have a wonderful time together.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 3, 2025
Thanks for your review and glad you had a great time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Allison U.

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

Best beach week

Great house, well stocked, beautiful and comfortable. We loved our time here and hope to return soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 24, 2024
Allison and family were great guests and we enjoyed hosting them. We hope they'll return for another trip in the future!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Allison U.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is the perfect family friendly home away from home. We keep returning here because we love the home layout, the proximity to both the beach and the waterway, and it’s the perfect spot for our family. Holden Beach has been a favorite destination of ours for 25 years and we are so happy to have found the perfect spot to stay when we visit! Communication with the host is always very easy, as well. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debbie O.

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

Great house for a family vacation!

This lovely house includes two master bedrooms which is a very nice feature. The bedrooms are very roomy as well. The kitchen is well stocked. They also have many beach toys for the kids. Very close walk to the inlet dock and also to the ocean. A most enjoyable week for our family!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 28, 2025
We're happy you enjoyed your week at Holden Beach and our house!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa T.

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

Beautiful family getaway

Our family loved the beautiful, clean home. Beds were comfortable, the kitchen had everything we needed (including lots of pantry space!) and the fishing pier access was wonderful. Our kids enjoyed fishing on the pier and we enjoyed sitting and watching the boats go by. We loved our stay and hope to return!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 1, 2024
We're so happy you enjoyed your stay and we hope you come back again in the future for another vacation!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emily G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is beautifully maintained and the location is perfect. Short walk to the beach and we loved walking out on the boardwalk to the waterways. We had an issue with the AC being tripped due to some power surges from a thunderstorm and Mike was super responsive and quick with getting it fixed. Perfect family trip to celebrate my daughter’s birthday!
Sunset from the back porch
End of the boardwalk to the waterways
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff C.

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

Outstanding property

This is a beautiful home and situated a short walk to the beach. It has a very well equipped kitchen and the screened in back porch was great to sit on.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 28, 2023
Thanks for the review and we're glad you had a nice vacation.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sue B.

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

Good location

Loved being able to go out on the dock at the end of the street. My grandson loves fishing. Not too far to walk to the beach. Had plenty of room. Well equipped kitchen. Nice outside shower
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 28, 2025
So glad your family liked your time at our house!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniella T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean - well stocked kitchen area and beach accessories - comfy bed & sheets/blankets!!! - quiet street - family friendly - Saw a deer at night - close walk to beach with private access & marsh - we are so grateful to have stayed in this beach home. Will be booking again!!! :)
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Allison U.

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

Second time renting and hope to be back!

This was our second time renting this great house, and we hope it’s the second of many future Holden Beach stays here. The house was clean, roomy, and had everything we needed. The homeowner went above and beyond and we could not have enjoyed our stay more. Highly recommend this house for a wonderful stay at our favorite NC beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

meg b.

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

Perfect location

Wonderful location, close to the beach and hours spent on the inter coastal pier. Wonderful view of many 4th of July fireworks displays from the dock. Owners are ver responsive and accommodating. House is well equipped and comfortable.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 28, 2023
Thanks for the comments and it's great you enjoyed the visit!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emily N.

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

Heaven at Holden Beach

We've stayed at this home for many years, and it continues to be our favorite rental. The location between the beach and the marsh is perfect. The home is very well-equipped; there are many beach items and, even on rainy days, there are tons of games to keep the kids occupied. This property feels like home!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 10, 2023
So great to hear that you enjoyed your visit to our home in Holden Beach. We hope you’ll continue coming back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica H.

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

Another wonderful week in Holden!

While our week wasn’t ideal weather wise, our group felt comfortable and safe while Debby rolled through. Having four bedrooms and three Full bathrooms makes it spacious and accommodating for two families together. We love our time at Holden and hope to be back again next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Krista S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was immaculate. We cook most our own meals and the kitchen had quality appliances and was stocked with the utensils needed. It was a five minute walk to the beach but a wagon was provided to out your beach stuff. A bonus was access to a pier out into the marsh and inter coastal waterway. This was our 18th year in a row to stay at Holden Beach and this was one of our favorite houses with a very helpful owner through VRBO.
Sunset over the Inter coastal.
Driving over the bridge view
Marsh walkway with a deer visitor
Shark teeth
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 30, 2025
We’re so happy you enjoyed our house and your stay at Holden! Thanks for the kind words.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie P.

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

Wonderful

Our annual vacation with family including 2 adult couples with 6 kid cousins. We have tried many beaches in NC and Holden Beach is our favorite so far! We like lots of quiet family time, cooking at home and one night at a good restaurant. Holden Beach is the perfect place if you like a classic family vacation full of beach memories and beautiful views from porch sitting with family.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica H.

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

Carefree by the sea it was!

We had a great stay at Carefree by the sea! Weather was perfect and allowed us 5 solid beach days with our rest day spent in the rain at Fort Fisher Aquarium. Kids enjoyed the bunk room, crabbing on the pier, and hosting their wiffle ball World Series while at the beach. Very accommodating kitchen and space for our two families to be together and sleep comfortably. Loved enjoying a quiet morning/evening on the screen porch! We will be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 7, 2023
Great to hear you all enjoyed your stay! We'll be very happy to see you come back in the future!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jesse F.

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

HB in June

Mike was very responsive to my inquiries. We loved staying at this property. It is set at the end of the island (less traffic). The house layout was great for us. It is spacious and best of all - it is not cluttered. The kitchen is well stocked and functional. Nice gas grill and picnic table under house. The walk to the beach is short and access to ICW dock for fishing and crabbing!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 28, 2023
Thanks for your review and we're happy to hear you enjoyed your trip!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynn A.

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

Carefree by the Sea

We had such a great time at your house in Holden Beach! We thoroughly enjoyed the boardwalk to the ICW! It was easy to get to the beach also! Kitchen was supplied with many needed items. If you need a suggestion, a meat platter would be helpful. The place was spotless and the pack and play and booster seat were very much appreciated! Holden Beach is a beautiful family beach!! Thank you for the opportunity to stay! We had a blast! The Allens and The Speas Charlotte, NC
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 28, 2023
Thanks for the suggestion about the platter. We just rented a VRBO in the NC mountains and that house didn't have one either. Definitely a handy dish to have when you're cooking a large meal! We'll be taking a large platter to the house the next time we get there. So glad your trip was fun!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley D.

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

Felt like home

The location and home were just lovely. Normally with young kids, they have a hard time adjusting to sleeping in a new place but this home was just perfectly comfortable that both my children slept wonderfully. In fact our whole family did. The access to the boardwalk on the waterway was great for my children to have freedom to explore and we loved watching the birds and crabs! The access to the beach was a short walk and the beaches were filled with beautiful sea shells and sand dollars! Everyone we met was so friendly! We look forward to making it a yearly family trip!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 5, 2023
We’re so glad your family enjoyed your visit! We look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

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

Family Spring Break

Beautiful and well maintained in a peaceful setting. There is plenty of room to spread out but yet be together. We have friends that own nearby and she said, "I have house envy." And they are considering renting it for their family when they come to Holden. It was perfect for my husband and I, our 3 kids, and 4 of their friends. It's a short walk to the beach and a gorgeous walk out to the sound on the private pier. Lots of birds to spot on the way out to the intercoastal. Could not have been better.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 19, 2021
Awesome family - left home in great shape and great communications. Highly recommend!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katelyn P.

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

Beautiful Beach House

We absolutely loved this beach house - it was spacious and beautifully decorated - exactly as pictured (main level - kitchen, dining room, living room, half bath, and king suite - while having a front porch and a screened-in back porch. Upper level has another covered porch, king suite, laundry room, full bath, queen bedroom and bunk room - three twins and one full). Everyone enjoyed it! Mike was fantastic to work with and was always prompt, friendly and helpful. The neighborhood is very nice and the proximity to the beach is a short walk away. It was never crowded and the water was around 80 degrees. Shells are plentiful as are the shark teeth if you look closely. It was our first time to Holden Beach and will definitely not be our last. Typically, I like to try out a new place on return stays, but I can honestly say I would stay at this house again without looking elsewhere. We hope you enjoy the house as much as we did! Wonderful stay and superb hosts!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 3, 2025
We're so happy your family had a wonderful time at our Holden Beach house! We hope you'll come back again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jaime H.

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

Fabulous Week

This was our second time staying at this location, first with the new owner. The house was perfectly clean upon our arrival. The kitchen has everything you would need. The loft at the top of the stairs was perfect for our teenage children to have their own space. We loved our time on the decks of this beautiful house. The pier to the waterway was used daily and we met some very friendly families (fellow travelers as well as locals). The beach is a short walk from the house with a ramped boardwalk over the dunes at the end of the street. This week I was able to see turtle tracks for the first time (unfortunately it turned out to be a false crawl), find a sand dollar in the surf and found many sea biscuits and small conch shells. It was a fabulous week and can’t wait to come back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 12, 2023
We're so glad your family had a great week!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lucy C.

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

Columbus day weekend review

Really liked location to beach and walkway to waterway. Nice size bedrooms and bathrooms! Plus extra 1/2 bath on first floor. Nice house- I would stay there again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Molly G.

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

Wonderful!

We had an amazing experience and the house was perfect. Our favorite was the view and the convenience to the beach!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

About the host

Hosted by Michael Brady

Host profile image
Mike and Becky have always loved vacationing at the beaches of North Carolina. They would spend at least a week each year plus a few weekends renting various homes with their families. After dreaming about a beach place of their own for many years, they found just what they were looking for at 123 By the Sea in Holden Beach.

Why they chose this property

Carefree By the Sea offers both beach and Intracoastal Waterway access! There's a short, 3 or 4 minute walk to a private neighborhood walkway over the dunes to the beautiful beach. And just out the front door is the private neighborhood pier out to the Waterway. There is an observation platform with benches at the midpoint and benches and a floating dock at the end.

What makes this property unique

Two separate covered front porches look out over the marsh to the Intracoastal Waterway. A screened porch in the back is perfect for relaxing in late afternoons while the sun sets.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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