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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
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61302 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Surf City, NC
  • Southside Park
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Surf City Pier
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Ohana Paddle Sports
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • 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 Single 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. (You provide towels and bed linens: your own or try either Me and Mom Cleaning or other companies that deliver/pick up.) 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 2025 (thus far): 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.

  • NEW FOR 2022: Chest of drawers for 2nd Bedroom, pillows for all bedrooms, 2-seat Adirondack bench for front porch, replacement rocker for front porch.

  • NEW FOR 2021: Luxury king bed for master, 2 twin beds, back-deck breakfast table and benches, gas grill, cordless door blinds, 12-cup coffeemaker (companion to existing Keurig single-cup maker), pots/pans, all smoke alarms, hot water heater.



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







VRBO DETAILS:

Property manager

Ray McAllister
Premier Host

Languages

English
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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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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

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Surf City

Located in Surf City, this holiday 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 snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling.
Map
Surf City, NC

What's nearby

  • Inis Spa - 4 min drive - 3.7 km
  • Southside Park - 5 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Surf City Pier - 5 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Ohana Paddle Sports - 6 min drive - 4.6 km
  • North Topsail Beach - 11 min drive - 12.0 km

Getting around

  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Buddy's Crab House & Oyster Bar - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Salty Turtle Beer Company - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Sears Landing Grill & Boat Docks - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Shaka Taco - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Trailer Bar - ‬10 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is FLASH SALE! JULY 16-19. S899, Clean home,1½ Block to Beach, Fenced Yard for Pets pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at FLASH SALE! JULY 16-19. S899, Clean home,1½ Block to Beach, Fenced Yard for Pets?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at FLASH SALE! JULY 16-19. S899, Clean home,1½ Block to Beach, Fenced Yard for Pets?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is FLASH SALE! JULY 16-19. S899, Clean home,1½ Block to Beach, Fenced Yard for Pets located?

Situated near the beach, this holiday home is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Surf City Beach and within 3 miles (5 km) of Permuda Island and Back in Touch Massage, Yoga, & Lomilomi. Inis Spa and Escape Spa are also within 3 miles (5 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. 140 out of 154 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 154 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 154 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 154 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 154 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Kristen H.

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

Wonderful location

We had a fantastic time staying at Mayberry by the Sea. The location was perfect! The public beach access was right across the street. We were able to walk on the beach every morning and play in the ocean every afternoon. Ray is a wonderful host. He was very responsive and available by phone and email. If we weren't moving to Surf City next month, we would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Katherine M.

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

Perfect home layout

We loved our stay here - one level living was so nice and unique compared to most rentals in the area. Kitchen had almost everything we needed and we made most of our meals. We couldn't find a grill brush so we picked one up and left it under the kitchen sink. Hopefully the next guests enjoy as much as we did! My only hesitation in giving a glowing review is that we'll have trouble booking again! Truly enjoyed.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elihau G.

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

A pleasant and airy beach cottage.

This house is spacious, full of light and convenient to the beach. It has a large living room, and kitchen. Dining area with a large table. Comfortable beds. Front porch with chairs and back porch with a table and chairs. The enclosed back yard is ideal for your dog and the enclosed outdoor shower with hot water is great for the (mandatory) rinse off when returning from the beach. We had a very enjoyable stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

John P.

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

Topsail is best in September

This property had everything we needed. The space was very comfortable for five adults, three of them worked a couple days remote. The outdoor shower was perfect to rinse off the sand. We had room in the kitchen to cook together and we spent a lot of time on the two open air porches. The sliding gate on the front porch gave our older lab a chance to be outside by herself, along with the fenced in backyard. A beautiful added touch were the roses and Cana Lillies that surround the front stairs. Thank you Ray for sharing this home with us.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian P.

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

Medium Rare

Like a perfectly cooked steak it was medium rare. As a family who likes to travel with their dogs it is rare you can find a house in this particular location with a nice shaded fenced in yard for the pups. House had all the necessities to host and entertain family, and friends. Ray was a pleasure to deal with during the check in process.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Courtney E.

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

Mayberry by the Sea

Each year we take two beach trips. One with our parents/in-laws and one with the our family of four. This was our first trip taking a pet and our first trip to Surf City. The house was the perfect place to relax and spend time with our family. The walk to the beach was easy. The backyard was perfect for our furry friend to play fetch and we loved the sunset views of the water. We came home and didn’t sleep because our bed isn’t as comfortable as those in the house. I will say, it is the coldest beach house we have ever stayed in. We ended up having to turn the air up. My husband says we are coming back next year for two weeks and may potentially buy property in the area.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terry A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

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

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

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests