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Tower Four - Oceanfront Historic Missile Tower - 3 BR / 2.5 BATH

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A floor plan of a 2-story house with a sun deck, kitchen, living room, and wet bar.
A beach view from a balcony with a wooden railing, a clear sky, and the ocean.
A floor plan of a 3rd floor loft at 1410 S. Shore Drive, including a queen-sized bedroom, living room, covered patio, and a low ceiling with a skylight.
A two-story building with a balcony, large windows, and a wooden deck.
A multi-story building with a balcony, surrounded by palm trees and a gravel driveway.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
Surf City, NC
  • Place, Surf City Beach
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Ohana Paddle Sports
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Surf City Pier
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪49 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Surf City

Within a short walk of Surf City Beach, this vacation home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Ohana Paddle Sports. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a balcony, and a sofa bed.

What's nearby

  • Surf City Beach - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Ohana Paddle Sports - 3 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Surf City Pier - 3 min drive - 1.7 miles
  • University of North Carolina at Wilmington - 47 min drive - 40.0 miles
  • Wrightsville Beach - 53 min drive - 37.0 miles

Getting around

  • Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Surf City Smash - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Salty Turtle Beer Company - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Cape Fear Seafood Company - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Shaka Taco - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Sear's Landing - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Tower Four - Oceanfront Historic Missile Tower - 3 BR / 2.5 BATH

Upon arrival to this historical and unique 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath pseudo-Mediterranean style home, you'll find yourself immersed in lush tropical landscaping (season permitting). Large palm trees and flowering bushes surround the beautifully renovated and repurposed cement structure originally built in 1947 that was once Missile Tower 4, an integral part of Operation Bumblebee.

Each of the three floors is open and inviting, drawing light from large windows. The main living area is on the 1stfloor with a fully appointed kitchen. The crown jewel is the oceanfront dining area, which is surrounded on three sides by floor to ceiling glass for a spectacular view. Just off the living room is a beautiful wet bar with wine refrigerator and a half bath, perfect for entertaining. If you prefer to dine outside and enjoy the views and salt air, there are two separate dining areas that seat up to 6 people easily.

Sweet Dreams: Linens are included for all standard beds for all reservations.

The King master bedroom suite is located up the spiral stairway on the 2nd floor and includes a full private bath with sumptuous details like towel warmers and a Jacuzzi tub. Large sliding glass doors let in tons of natural light. On the street side you'll find a sundeck where you'll get a great view of the fourth of July fireworks show. The spacious oceanfront sundeck has stairs to connect you to lower levels. On a clear day you can see all the way to the Oak Island Lighthouse! Here's the real treat – above the master suite is a cozy cupola/loft, perfect for a cat nap or a cozy reading spot. And take a minute to notice the embedded brass stamp in the floor. It is original to the structure and is marked “1947 - Tower Four”. One of the triangles point to true north and all corners of the home align with the points on the compass. Two more bedrooms are located on the ground floor, accessed either by the internal spiral stairway or by external door. Each is fitted with a queen platform bed. The ground floor also houses a full bath with decedent towel warmers, full size laundry and an extra den with large flat screen TV that also has a queen sleeper sofa. Each bedroom includes large windows overlooking the lush landscaping (season permitting).

King master, 2nd floor – with private full bath, private oceanfront and street side decks and cupola/loft
Queen room, ground floor, full bath adjacent
Queen room, ground floor, full bath adjacent
Extra den with queen sleeper sofa, ground floor

Unique Features:
You can still see the original tower at the center of the home, identified by the four concrete pillars, one at each corner. Additional living and dining space was created with additions on both the ocean and street sides. The home is constructed of concrete, and finished in stucco, Mediterranean tile and wood, creating clean and simple lines that pay homage to the utility of the original tower while creating a bright and cheerful home that maximizes space while minimizing changes to the original footprint.

Location:
Your beach rental is located approximately 1.5 miles south of the Surf City high rise bridge, near the central part of Topsail Island, puts you close to restaurants, shops, Surf City Pier and more! Be sure to visit some local attractions such as the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital and the Missiles and More Museum, which tells the story of our island's past.

Amenities:
Linens (bed & bath) are included for all standard beds for all reservations
Central Heat/Air
2 cable TVs, Roku, DVD player
Wireless Internet
Full kitchen with dishwasher & microwave
Additional Property Information:
Pet Free - No pets allowed by anyone on the premises.
Smoke Free - No smoking allowed by anyone on the premises.
Unfortunately, early check in is not available at this property.
Tower Four has been featured in Echoes of Topsail by David A. Stallman, Mayberry by The Sea by Ray McAllister, UNC TV/Exploring North Carolina and even on HGTV - Island Living.
For more information about Operation Bumblebee visit the Missiles and More Museum in Topsail Beach.

Trip Preparation:
Rental homes with Ward Realty all have minimum standards to make your stay seem as close to home, while you're away from home, as possible. All of our rentals include fully equipped kitchens, basic small appliances (microwaves, coffee makers, toasters, blenders), pillows, comforters/bedspreads, television(s), central heating/air, and much more! See our website for a helpful list of what to bring with you to your vacation rental. Please note that some vacation rentals do not come with sheets or towels. You may bring your own or rent them through Ward Realty.

Photos displayed on this website are intended to provide a general representation of our vacation rental properties and the surrounding areas. While some amenities may be pictured, they are for display purposes only. Only those amenities listed on the website description, not in photos, are available. While we strive to keep all images accurate and up to date, furnishings, décor, and amenities may change over time and may vary slightly from what is shown. Seasonal differences, weather conditions, and lighting may also affect the appearance of the property. We do our best to present each rental honestly, but we cannot guarantee that every detail will be exactly as depicted. If you have specific questions or requirements, please contact us directly before booking.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2.5 bathrooms, and a balcony or patio, and there's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a washer/dryer, a sofa bed, and a coffee maker. Limited housekeeping is available.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Limited onsite parking (max 4 spaces)

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Wet bar

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Shower

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Walkway to water

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washer/dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Limited housekeeping

Location highlights

  • In a village
  • Near the ocean
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 25

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector.

Property is also known as

64927

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do near this vacation home?

This vacation home is located in Surf City within a short 5-minute walk of Surf City Beach. You'll also find Topsail Skating Rink Topsail Beach and Southside Park within a short drive.

Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home provide breakfast?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.

How close is the airport from this vacation home?

The closest major airport to this vacation home is Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM), which is about 22.1 mi away. Another top airport is Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ), which is around 29 mi away.

Tower Four - Oceanfront Historic Missile Tower - 3 BR / 2.5 BATH Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 6 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 6 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 6 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 6 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 6 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jami V.

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

Beautiful view

The best feature of this home is the view! The oceanside dining can't be beat. The kids loved the spiral stairs, and everything was clean.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Everett H.

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

Stay at Tower 4

Overall, we loved being on the beach. Although the check in process was smooth, we were a little puzzled that this was listed on VRBO but we had to go through a realty company and sign a contract through them. The place was very nice but dated. Overall, our family really enjoyed the stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Dan G.

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

Unique beachfront rental

Loved the uniqueness of Tower Four. Family vacation to remember. Two plus decks to enjoy and plenty of room to relax. Loved waking up to the sunrise and close enough to walk to all the restaurants but far enough away to get away. Thanks!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Brent M.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice property, but no advantage renting through VRBO

The house is great and largely as advertised. The beachfront location is wonderful. We were disappointed that the tower room isn't really usable -- you can't see out the windows (some are too high and some are too low) and it's VERY warm. The spiral staircases are noted in the listing as a potential obstacle, and they are REALLY tight (tip: use outdoor stairways for taking suitcases in and out). The host was very responsive for the one minor issue we experienced. All in all, the property is great -- clean, comfortable and quite enjoyable. The reason this isn't a 5-star review is because there was no advantage renting through VRBO. We had to sign a separate rental agreement, set up an account on Ward Realty's website, make payment to Ward Realty (not via VRBO), check in at the Ward Realty office (during restricted hours) and check out at the Ward Realty office. It's just like renting directly from Ward Realty, with none of the advantages of renting through VRBO.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Annette G.

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

Peaceful & Quiet

Enjoyed my few days of quiet. Comfy beds. Spiral Staircase was a nice touch. But a little tricky for my grandmother. Plenty of outside stairs though. Dinning room view I believe is the best I have every had in my 53 years!!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Howard J.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025