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Beautiful, clean "Topsail" Author Home, 1½ Blocks to Beach, Fenced Yard for Pets

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A two-story house with a balcony on the upper floor, a front door, and a small garden with pink flowers.
A white wicker TV stand with shelves and a flat-screen TV.
A porch with three rocking chairs and a wooden deck.
A marina with docked boats, waterfront houses, and a clear sky.
A wooden boardwalk leading to a beach with a clear view of the ocean.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61302 sq ft

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
Surf City, NC
  • Place, Surf City Beach
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Surf City Pier
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Wrightsville Beach
    ‪54 min drive‬
  • Airport, Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪51 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 Permuda Island. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a balcony, and a fenced private yard.
View more Vacation Homes in Surf CityOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Surf City Beach - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Surf City Pier - 5 min drive - 2.7 miles
  • Camp Lejeune Main Gate and Visitor Center - 46 min drive - 39.9 miles
  • University of North Carolina at Wilmington - 49 min drive - 41.1 miles
  • Wrightsville Beach - 54 min drive - 38.0 miles

Getting around

  • Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Surf City Smash - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Salty Turtle Beer Company - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Cape Fear Seafood Company - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Shaka Taco - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Surf City Line - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Entire place

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

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.'




==================================

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. Bed linens and towels provided at no extra charge. 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 2026 : Master bathroom remodel with walk-in shower.

  • NEW FOR 2025 : 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.



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






VRBO DETAILS:

The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a balcony, 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 washing machine, a fenced private yard, and a coffee maker.

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Single level property
  • Smoking not allowed

Location highlights

  • In a village

Things to do

  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Recycling
  • Unit size: 1,302 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 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

Rules

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

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Dogs and cats only
  • 2 total pets
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Note from host: Up to 2 well-behaved pets ($33 EACH PER NIGHT).

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 indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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: 3:00 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 private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • 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 smoke detector.

Frequently asked questions

What can I see near this vacation home?

This vacation home is located in Surf City within a short 8-minute walk of Surf City Beach. You'll also find Sea Haven Beach and Permuda Island within a short drive.

Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?

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

Is there 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.

Does this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?

Although cats and dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.

Where is the closest airport to this vacation home?

The closest major airport to this vacation home is Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM), which is about 25.8 mi away. Another top airport is Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ), which is around 27.1 mi away.

Beautiful, clean "Topsail" Author Home, 1½ Blocks to Beach, Fenced Yard for Pets Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 153 out of 168 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 168 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 168 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 168 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 168 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tabitha B.

Liked: Location
The host is friendly. It's nice to be able to find a place that is pet friendly. This property has a fenced in yard that gave my pups the feeling of home. The house is kid friendly with twin beds, toys and beach supplies! Perfect distance from shore, it was only a 5 minute walk to the beach access.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

LISA C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyed the stay! Great beach house in a lovely area and the backyard is perfect for vacationing with a dog.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Chandler W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed our stay at the “Mayberry by the Sea.” The beach was easily accessible and the fenced in back yard was great for the dog.Hopefully we will return again next summer.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

ryan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome stay!! Ray McAllister was a huge help and answered every question that I had !!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Nancy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean. Exactly as advertised.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Charles T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very pet friendly, fenced in backyard is ideal. Ideal to stay in Topsail because of location. Very clean, beautiful home. Could not have had better accommodations. Highly recommend and I’m going to buy the book on Amazon about the history. Hope to return soon!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Melanie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was nice to have a fenced back yard for our dog. The location was great, but it was unfortunate that it rained the whole time we were there. We will definitely try to come back, though!Ray was a very kind and gracious host!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bobbi D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a great find! Super close to the beach. The home was clean and comfortable.Ray was amazing with responding to communication. I was surprising my sister for her birthday and he was so helpful in making it happen. We had a great time here.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bill L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay at Holly Ridge from May 30 - June 6, 2026 in Surf City was excellent. The house is well stocked, very clean, and the fenced in backyard was great as we had our dog with us. The walk to the beach is very sort with good public access. The view from back deck of the canal at sunset is a great spot to wind down the day and the front porch provides a great intro to the day as the sun rises. If you enjoy walking, the roads around the house are excellent and you can easily avoid the main road. The location is excellent and close to Surf City shops and restaurants and the bridge to get on and off the island. It is also an easy drive if you explore north and are headed to Snead’s Ferry as I was to golf. Ray did a great job of communicating with me through the entire process. He was also very understanding that one of dogs passed away and quickly worked to get that pet deposit refunded. Ray’s books, which are in the house, provide a great history of Topsail Island and Surf City which added to the trip as we had never been to Topsail or Surf City. I highly recommend Holly Ridge and Ray as a excellent host.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2026
Verified review

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
Verified review

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