2nd Row Classic Beach Cottage Ocean Views Great Location Convenient Beach Access - Vacation rental home in Holden Beach, NC

About this Property

• Sleeps 6
• 3 Bedrooms
• 1 Bathrooms
• Private vacation home
• Approximately 1100 square feet

**SUMMER 2025**

In 1961, my grandparents set out from their roots in SC to embark on a new adventure that landed them on a sandy, sparsely inhabited and largely undeveloped stretch of land in North Carolina known then as Holden's Beach. As post-war America began to take shape, my grandfather recognized the opportunity such a handsome place could offer. Charming, handsome, and a well-educated law graduate from the University of South Carolina, he swapped life in SC politics for a new career in real estate sales, and in 1962, along with my father, they bought Holden Beach Realty Corp and began marketing Holden Beach as the ideal vacation destination for families to rent and build summer homes where special lifelong memories would be made, away from the distractions of hordes, noise and bustling industry. In 1964, my grandparents constructed their own piece of heaven on Holden Beach--this modest 3-bedroom bungalow that would be their permanent residence and the place where the grandchildren and extended family gathered every Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve from 1964-2002.

Although there have been a few upgrades since 2007 such as vinyl replacement windows throughout, ceramic tile in the kitchen and bathroom, a new HVAC system in 2015, and a new roof in 2021, today, the bungalow remains much as it was: A modest 1100 sq ft 3BR/1BA whimsically furnished, open floor plan located on a favorably located 2nd-row lot, with a view of the ocean. The original wood floors, knotty pine walls, and ceilings all glow with history and the patina of 60 years of appreciate, laughter, and lives lived completely. On at least two corners of the wall down the hallway are faded hash marks from the 1970s, made by my cousins and myself, comparing our height to the years previous!
Outside, the cavernous front porch beckons for feet-up relaxation and there is the added convenience of a deeded (not maintained by the Town of HB) beach access directly across the street. There is an outdoor shower (cold water only) to rinse beach sand, a laundry room downstairs, and a roomy parking area that can accommodate 2-3 cars. We also offer a modest grilling patio and a modest entirely enclosed backyard area for family pets.

"Carolina Country" is a singular experience best suited for smaller groups of 5 or less. If you're looking for chic granite bathrooms and dry-walled bedrooms with wall-to-wall carpeting, this property is not for you. Guests of "Carolina Country" tend to be those that savor authenticity, appeal and nostalgia without sacrificing modest modern amenities such as a Keurig coffee maker (there is a conventional coffee maker included as well), outlets with usb charging stations and 2 Roku streaming tv’s. Ours is a home with a true family history that is woven within the framework of Holden Beach and we invite our guests to come experience the enchantment that few other homes on the island can still offer.

About Us:

My husband and I are Holden Beach natives and we, along with our 3 daughters, are still locals in this community. We take pride in our long-standing history at Holden Beach and in ownership of our family home so we strive to be good hosts and to offer our guests a most welcoming, comfortable, and calming vacation experience. In doing so, we choose not to delegate routine maintenance or cleaning tasks to a vacation rental company or maid service. We appreciate our guests and get excited about preparing the home! We clean, maintain and manage the property each week in anticipation of Saturday's arrival! If there is ever something we missed, we are personally available to address it immediately.

We have seen firsthand the many changes in the island since my grandparents moved here over 60+ years ago. Amid the ever-expanding size of the homes that continue to surround us, the impact of town building codes and FEMA regulations on older homes like ours prevent major constructive upgrades so, many of the older family homes end up being sold and then removed or destroyed to make way for bigger places that may be out of reach and impractical for a modest family or couple... Thankfully, our family has been fortunate enough to be able to maintain our little bungalow by the sea through 5 generations to date.
Having weathered many storms both literally and figuratively, ‘Carolina Country' stands firm as a shining example of the life and energy of the excellent family that still calls Holden Beach and this home, home.





Keywords: Beach House, Cottage, Vacation, Beach, Family, Pet-Friendly, Kids, Last-min. vacation

About the Area

Located in Holden Beach, this vacation home is near theme parks and near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Holden Beach and Ocean Isle Beach. Magic Mountain Fun Park and Planet Fun are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Special Instructions

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Know Before you Go

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Pet Policy

1 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Tricks and tips to get the best Cape Fear area rental experience:

Money saving strategies:

• Booking a rental in Fall or Spring is an excellent way to save on your vacation. Rates are lower, and you'll find a better selection of desirable homes. Many vacationers use this method to find larger homes within budget, or to book a beach front rental that would otherwise be unavailable or unaffordable during the Summer months. Speaking of the off-season, don't overlook the holidays for a Cape Fear area vacation! Who wouldn't love a holiday vacation on the coast? Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years are great times to gather with friends and family at your favorite beach.
• The earlier you can reserve a home, the better your selection will be. The best vacation homes are booked early. Reserving your vacation property 6-12 months before your vacation is recommended. Winter holidays are excellent times to plan and reserve your rental property.
• Some hosts offer promotional rates for veterans and active duty military. Remember to ask your host or property manager if special offers are available for your group.
• Management companies and individual rental owners often offer renters an option to add vacation insurance protection. Trip insurance, which costs anywhere between 1% - 5% of the base reservation price, offers visitors reimbursement of their vacation costs for any missed vacation time as a result of medical-related issues or weather disasters, as well as evacuation charges, such as an unexpected hotel stay or additional fuel expenses. Trip insurance can be a a bank account-saver if the unforeseen occurs. Ask your host for program terms and fees.
• Many rental management companies and vacation rental houses supply Cape Fear area area visitors guide magazines which will include coupons, either offered independently by local companies, or by way of a relationship between the rental management company and the business itself. You can also find Cape Fear area visitors guide magazine and coupon books at local grocery stores, shopping centers, and visitor centers.

How to pick the best vacation home:

• Choose a group leader, choose your trip dates, and choose a budget.
• Note the number beds and what type of bedroom configuration your family requires. 2nd Row Classic Beach Cottage Ocean Views Great Location Convenient Beach Access has 3 bedrooms and 1 bathrooms. If you need a larger or smaller rental, use our rentals search.
• Precise descriptions of bedrooms and bed counts & types is almost always accessible on booking websites. If you don't see them listed, email or call the property management company before you reserve your home. Remember that most property listings specify the maximum guest capacity, which oftentimes includes pull out couches in living rooms.
• Are you visiting for a single event or attraction? Try a map search to browse nearby rentals.
• Suitable accessibility can make or ruin a vacation for guests that require the use of a wheelchair. Remember to confirm all required amenities are included before reserving a rental
• If your family is traveling with pets, you'll need to book a pet-friendly vacation rental. Get information on breed, weight, and type restrictions. Be aware that some hosts require additional pet deposits and fees.

More tips for your stay:

• Review arrival and departure procedures before traveling. Take a printed copy, and add a note with the instructions to your phone.
• To make sure that no damages are linked to your stay, inspect the property for any problem areas when you arrive. Speak to the rental manager immediately to document any damages. If there is a dispute about legal responsibility later, having the recorded concerns and contact attempts will be valuable.
• Property managers are there to help! Feel free to ask questions during your stay.
• Respect your neighbors. Often, adjacent homes are filled by local residents. Respecting quiet hours and parking policies can make a stay significantly more pleasurable.
• Don't forget to... Ask a local resident! Local residents can frequently help. Who better to ask where to charter a fishing boat, have a great night out, or the best spots for fine dining?
• Lock your rental home while you're out. Protect the owner's property and your things!
• Don't leave anything behind! Before you drive away, walk through the rental property to confirm you've collected all personal belongings. Remember to check bathrooms, dressers, and closets for hidden items. Clean out the refrigerator and take or dispose of leftovers.
• Record a video to document the condition of the property.
• After your trip, leave a review! Property owners rely on great reviews to stimulate new bookings. They'll be thankful for your review. Alternatively, if something wasn't right, other families will appreciate that you share your experience and help them have the best future vacation. Please be objective. If something fell short of expectations, consider whether the host had any control over the issue, and if so, whether they responded quickly to remedy it.