The Big EaSea

Hi, I’m Erin. I’m a New Orleans native who has always believed life should be lived close to good food, great music, and the water.

A few years ago, my husband Steve and I began dreaming about building something special here on the island. What started as one small project slowly grew into a passion for restoring and creating charming coastal cottages where guests could relax, slow down, and experience the magic of Carolina Beach.

Steve brings the practical side of the dream to life, while I focus on the design and details that make each home feel warm, welcoming, and intentionally coastal rather than like a typical rental. Together we’ve worked to create spaces that feel like a true beach getaway — comfortable, beautiful, and full of character.

When we first stood on the wraparound porch of this cottage, feeling the ocean breeze and watching beachgoers wander by, we knew this place was special. Located directly across the street from the ocean and the beloved Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar, the home captures everything we love about beach life — sunshine, laughter, music, and that easygoing coastal rhythm.

We fully renovated the cottage with a bright open floor plan, spacious bedrooms, and large modern bathrooms so guests can enjoy both charm and comfort during their stay.

But the true heart of the home is the screened wraparound porch. It’s where mornings start with coffee and ocean breezes, afternoons drift by people-watching as beachgoers head to the sand, and evenings end with the sound of live music floating over from the tiki bar across the street.

For Steve and me, building our dream on this island has been about creating places where people can gather, reconnect, and make memories at the beach.

We hope that when you arrive, you’ll feel what we felt the first time we stood on that porch — that wonderful sense of relaxation that only the ocean can bring.

Welcome to our Carolina Beach cottage. 🌊

Perfectly located in the heart of Carolina Beach, this charming cottage sits directly across from the ocean, steps from the Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar, and just a short walk to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Guests love being able to walk to the beach, restaurants, live music, and the lively energy of this classic beach town.

When Steve and I first discovered this part of Carolina Beach, we immediately felt its energy and charm. The neighborhood has that perfect mix of relaxed beach living and vibrant coastal life that makes people fall in love with the island.

What drew us here first was the incredible location. The ocean is directly across the street, making it easy to walk to the beach anytime you like. Just down the road is the famous Carolina Beach Boardwalk, where you can stroll to restaurants, grab ice cream, enjoy live music, and experience the fun, nostalgic beach-town atmosphere that makes this place so special.

But what truly sealed the deal for us was this cottage itself. It had so much character and history, and we felt strongly that it deserved to be preserved rather than replaced. Saving the cottage and bringing it back to life became a passion project for us. We wanted to keep the charm of an original beach cottage while updating it so guests could enjoy modern comfort in an authentic coastal setting.

Another part of the neighborhood we love is the iconic Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar just across the street. There’s something magical about being able to walk over for a sunset drink, listen to live music, or enjoy dinner overlooking the ocean.

For us, this location captures everything we love about Carolina Beach — ocean breezes, walkable fun, lively beach energy, and the simple joy of being near the water.

We hope when you stay here, you’ll feel that same special connection to the neighborhood that made us fall in love with it. 🌊

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS
• Walk to the beach, boardwalk, restaurants, and shops
• Large wraparound screened porch perfect for people watching
• Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar directly across the street
• Enjoy Thursday night fireworks nearby during summer
• Spacious outdoor shower after beach days
• Abundant off-street parking (rare in this area)
• Classic Carolina Beach coastal cottage charm

What makes this cottage truly special is the combination of location, charm, and the authentic Carolina Beach experience it offers.

The home sits in one of the most walkable areas of Carolina Beach. From the front door you can easily stroll to the beach, the lively Carolina Beach Boardwalk, local restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Guests love being able to park the car and enjoy the entire beach town on foot.

One of the most beloved features of the home is the large wraparound screened porch. With ocean breezes drifting through and a view of beach activity across the street, it’s the perfect place for morning coffee, relaxing afternoons, or evening drinks while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the neighborhood.

Just across the street is the iconic Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar, where guests can enjoy oceanfront dining, live music, and sunset cocktails.

After a day on the sand, rinse off in the spacious outdoor shower — a favorite feature for beachgoers — before settling in for a relaxed evening.

During the summer months, guests can also enjoy the festive energy of Thursday night fireworks nearby at the boardwalk.

Altogether, this cottage offers something guests are always searching for but rarely find — true Carolina Beach coastal charm paired with an unbeatable walkable location. 🌊