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Sandy Paws Cozy Beach House and direct ocean front on Figure Eight Island

Photo gallery for Sandy Paws Cozy Beach House and direct ocean front on Figure Eight Island

Cozy ocean front frequently called "A REAL beach house!"
Lots of space
Good dunes with white sand
Exterior
Ocean is close!

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Massages in spa
  • Porch or lanai
  • Barbecue grill
  • Internet access
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Wilmington, NC
  • Place, Figure Eight Island
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Wrightsville Beach
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Place, Johnnie Mercer's Pier
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Airport, Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪29 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 5

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Outdoor shower

Spaces

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

About this property

Sandy Paws Cozy Beach House and direct ocean front on Figure Eight Island

Our house is on a secluded, uncrowded private island, directly on the ocean with a white sandy beach and clear ocean water. The clean water provides excellent fishing and surfing. We are ardent conservationists and have managed to preserve the natural vegetation around the house. We have lots of beach grass and sea oats. The birding around the house is fabulous and we have fall visitors who come just to bird watch. Surf fishing is very good in front of the house because of a slew that has been there for at least 30 years.

The Beach House is a cozy, older oceanfront home. The home was built in 1969 by Paul and CoCo Foster on Figure 8 Island close to Wilmington North Carolina. The design is a mix of Caribbean, Central American and historic Carolina style coastal homes. Our furnishings are eclectic with many 1950's pieces copied from the famous 1952 Herman Miller catalog while the Fosters were living in Central America. Google map it: 126 Beach Road S, Wilmington,


Our house has five bedrooms and two full bathrooms. There is a warm water outside shower which is the most popular bathing area in the summer. The kitchen is fully equipped including a microwave and all the cookware a chef would want. We left the natural vegetation so there are plenty of sea oats and a growing maritime forest. The birds love it!

The house is located on Figure Eight Island just north of Wilmington, North Carolina. It is a private island and a gated community, accessible only to land owners and their guests. There are no public facilities on the island. It has the only privately owned bridge over the Intercostal Waterway. We have clean and white sandy beaches with blue-green ocean water. Multiple loggerhead turtle nests hatch yearly. The beach is not crowded since the public is not allowed on the island.

Our house is light and airy and very relaxed. This is not a luxury home, but a functional beach house. Sandy toes are not a problem! Smoking is permitted outside, but must be carefully controlled because of the high winds and fire hazards. We have had several houses burn down on the island due to cigarette butts left burning in the sand or on the porch.

Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 35

Check out before 10:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

The railings are pre-code but safe.

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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings

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Pets

No pets allowed

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:

Start the dishwasher

Strip any used beds and gather used towels

Remove personal items and take out the rubbish

Turn off the lights

Put used linens on top of the washer.

Return furniture to original location

Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

No fireworks or jet skis on the island. Fires can be bad at the beach so be careful with the outside grilling and smoking.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number 12356
Property # 186708
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
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 that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Wilmington

Located in Wilmington, this holiday home is on the beach. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Live Oak Bank Pavilion, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Wrightsville Beach and Surf City Beach. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Trask Coliseum or Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College. Scuba diving and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and ecotours nearby.
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Map
Wilmington, NC

What's nearby

  • Figure Eight Island - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • University of North Carolina at Wilmington - 27 min drive - 32.5 km
  • Wrightsville Beach - 31 min drive - 26.4 km
  • Johnnie Mercer's Pier - 31 min drive - 26.4 km
  • Carolina Beach Boardwalk - 50 min drive - 59.5 km

Getting around

  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Nori Asian Fusion & Sushi Bar - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Yaya's Bowl - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Buffalo Wild Wings - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Sandy Paws Cozy Beach House and direct ocean front on Figure Eight Island pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Sandy Paws Cozy Beach House and direct ocean front on Figure Eight Island?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sandy Paws Cozy Beach House and direct ocean front on Figure Eight Island?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Sandy Paws Cozy Beach House and direct ocean front on Figure Eight Island located?

This Wilmington vacation home is on the beach, steps from Figure Eight Island, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Eagle Point Golf Club and Ogden Park. Wrightsville Beach Museum of History and Screen Gems Studios are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 105 out of 112 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 112 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 112 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 112 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 112 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joel F.

Liked: Location
Great family spot. True beach houseOwner’s could not be more accommodating & easy to work with. Always a great time & space
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house is a classic beach house and it has beautiful views. We very much enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michele B.

Always a great time!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robin G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The perfect Beach House with the perfect ocean front view
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michele B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Always the best time!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Izabel R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our second time staying at Sandy Paws and we had a great time! The house is perfect for our family and has all the amenities and we need. The beach and neighborhood is quiet and safe for little ones too!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa D.

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

Thanksgiving

We had an amazing time and the beach house was perfect! Will definitely stay there again.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joel F.

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

Memorial Weekend

Great location & property as usual.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Moisha P.

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

Amazing location. Comfortable classic beach house. We’ll be back for sure.

Smooth and easy
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jon F.

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

Fantastic time

Great place with the best beach views/access on the island. Would recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Not many old school beach houses left these days! This property is in a prime location with wonderful views and charm!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verda G.

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

Perfection

This was the most relaxing, comfortable beach vacation we have ever gone on. The host was exceptional!I wish we were still there.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alice Y.

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

Great place

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. This was our second time to stay at Sandy Paws. We Hope to stay there again. Host came and welcomed us. A great fit for our family.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

4/10 Poor

Melissa R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
There were dead and live bugs in the house.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Apr 24, 2026
Thank you for letting us know! We do spray for bugs often. Oddly this tenant wanted to stay two nights instead of the minimum of three and be financially compensated even before they arrived.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Todd K.

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

Great getaway

Been renting this place for years and it never disappoints
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Judy Z.

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

A truly special place

We enjoyed our stay. So much charm and to sit on that porch and take in the ocean….just nothing like it! Convenient to shopping and restaurants and all Wilmington has to offer.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lauren H.

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

2nd visit

Great beach house!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy T.

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

Wedding weekend

We loved this house!! The location is perfect and the house is a true surf shack in the best way. Has everything you need plus great vibes.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy Q.

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

Lovely fall break

Beautiful ocean front view. Most relaxing.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melissa C.

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

Absolutely perfect!

We’ve stayed several times and each time we are sad to leave. We look forward to our next stay in the most perfect beach house on a beautiful and peaceful island.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Will G.

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

Outstanding beach getaway!

This is a wonderful beach house with great character and charm. Although the house is old, it has been very well maintained and appointed. We hope to return again soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Monica C.

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

Family Beach Trip

Loved our visit sooo much! Loved every single thing about the house and property in general! Our children said it ranked as one of our best trips! Thank you for sharing!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer B.

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

Beautiful beach

Perfect beach house for quick access to one of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast. We would definitely come back.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve B.

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

Birthday Beach Trip

The home is as advertised. Nothing fancy, but beautiful natural surroundings and everything you need for a great time.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa D.

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

Fishing adventure

I had stayed at this house for many years approximately 15 years ago and it was the absolute perfect beach house! We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

About the host

Hosted by Paula Bushardt

Host profile image

My father and mother built this house to retire in. They spent almost 30 years there and loved every minute, except maybe the hurricanes. I love our house and hope you do too!

Why they chose this property

Our house is special because it is a real beach house. No worries about sandy paws here! Just enjoy the beach and the house the old fashion way. We don't even mind if you cut the AC off and open the windows!

What makes this property unique

The island is unique in its privacy and is in a pristine state. You will love walking on the miles of beach with beautiful birds and dunes.

Languages:

English, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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