Entire home

Oceanfront, Elevator, Early Check-In, Heated Pool, Step onto the Sand

Family-friendly beachfront vacation home with outdoor pool

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A wooden deck with white Adirondack chairs overlooking a beach and a pier.
A spacious kitchen with wooden cabinets, granite countertops, and a central island. There is a dining area with a black sofa and a small white bench. The room has a ceiling fan, pendant lights, and a view of the outside through large windows.
A wooden boardwalk leading to a pool area with a closed pool sign, surrounded by beach houses with white railings and a view of the ocean.
A beachfront property with multiple white buildings featuring balconies and a sandy beach in the foreground.
A beach view with waves, a wooden structure, and a chair.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms5 bathroomsSleeps 14223 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly

Explore the area

View in a map
Surf City, NC
  • Place, Surf City Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Surf City Pier
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Seacoast Art Gallery
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Airport, Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Surf City

On the beach.Steps from the vacation home, you'll find Seacoast Art Gallery and Surf City Pier. Surf City Beach and Inis Spa are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Surf City Beach - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Surf City Pier - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Seacoast Art Gallery - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Inis Spa - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Southside Park - 7 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

  • Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) - 42 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Surf City Smash - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Salty Turtle Beer Company - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Cape Fear Seafood Company - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Shaka Taco - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Sear's Landing - ‬3 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.

Oceanfront, Elevator, Early Check-In, Heated Pool, Step onto the Sand

Step onto the sand, settle in, and experience Surf City from one of its most recognizable oceanfront communities.

Ocean Watch Villas is an intimate community of just eight oceanfront townhomes in the absolute heart of Surf City. Known as the “Candy Colored Homes,” they are easily recognizable as you cross the bridge onto Topsail Island. The Atlantic Ocean is right outside your door, while restaurants, coffee and donut shops, ice cream shops, breweries, bars, the grocery store, parks, entertainment and many of Surf City’s favorite spots are all within walking distance.

Many of our guests tell us they park their car when they arrive and never use it again until it is time to go home.

But location is only part of what makes Sea For Yourself special.

OCEANFRONT LIVING

This is truly an oceanfront home. Spend your mornings drinking coffee while watching the waves, your afternoons enjoying the beach or pool, and your evenings relaxing on one of the covered oceanfront decks.

Comfortable high-top outdoor seating lets you enjoy the view above the deck railings. Watch for dolphins, keep an eye on the kids at the beach or pool, or simply enjoy the ocean breeze with a cold drink. You may find the decks become your favorite “rooms” in the house.

When Surf City celebrates with fireworks, you may discover that one of the best views is right from your own oceanfront deck.

HEATED OCEANFRONT COMMUNITY POOL

Ocean Watch Villas has its own private community pool exclusively for guests of the eight homes. The pool is heated to approximately 85 degrees from April through October, making it especially enjoyable during spring and fall as well as summer.

Step directly onto the beach when you want the ocean or relax by the pool when you would rather skip the sand.

ROOM FOR EVERYONE, WITH PRIVACY TOO

Each of the four primary bedrooms has its own private en-suite full bathroom, a tremendous convenience when several couples or generations vacation together.

Sleeping arrangements include:
• Three King bedrooms
• One bunk bedroom with a custom Twin XL-over-Queen bunk plus a custom Twin-over-Twin bunk
• One ground-floor “overflow room” with a custom Twin-over-Full bunk

Our custom bunk beds offer additional headroom and premium mattresses so they feel like comfortable sleeping accommodations rather than an afterthought.

The fifth bedroom is what we affectionately call the “overflow room.” It does not have a private bathroom but gives additional guests a real bedroom rather than requiring someone to sleep on a sofa bed in a common area.

YES, THERE IS AN ELEVATOR

Anyone who has carried luggage, groceries, coolers and beach gear through a multi-level beach house knows what a difference an elevator can make. Ours makes moving luggage, groceries and family members between floors much easier.

BEDDING MATTERS TO US
Before owning homes on Topsail Island, we rented here for nearly 30 years and learned that a beautiful house and spectacular location do not mean nearly as much if you cannot get a good night’s sleep.

That is why premium mattresses and quality bedding are priorities in all our homes. After a day of swimming, surfing, fishing, exploring Surf City or simply enjoying the beach, we want you to come home and truly rest.

A KITCHEN DESIGNED FOR REAL FAMILY VACATIONS

We have worked to make our kitchen genuinely useful, with an extensive collection of cookware, utensils, kitchen gadgets and serving pieces for guests who enjoy cooking and sharing meals together. We even have turkey roasters for big family dinners and holiday stays.

There is plenty of gathering space, with seating for 10 around the dining table plus four additional seats at the kitchen counter.

OUR “PAY IT FORWARD” PANTRY

At the beginning of the prime season, we stock our Pay It Forward Pantry with useful items such as spices, pantry basics, coffee, paper products, laundry detergent, shampoo and kitchen non-perishables.

Guests are welcome to use what is available. If you use the last of something, we encourage you to replace it for the next family. Have an unused non-perishable you don’t want to take home? Feel free to leave it for future guests.

Because this is a guest-supported tradition, inventory varies and specific items cannot be guaranteed.

PAY-IT-FORWARD BEACH CHAIRS

You will also frequently find folding beach chairs previous guests have left for others to enjoy. Salt, sun and sand are hard on beach equipment, so we cannot guarantee the number or condition available. If a chair reaches the end of its beach-going life, we encourage you to replace it when possible.

PREMIUM FURNISHINGS AND CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENTS

We believe furnishings matter. Rather than furnishing a rental once and forgetting about it, we continually reinvest in our homes.

From premium bedding and furniture to outdoor seating, décor, technology and amenities, we regularly upgrade and refresh our properties. Our goal is for you to walk through the door and immediately feel that someone has thought about the details.

The home also features 10-foot ceilings, substantial trim work and quality flooring and finishes. The construction and insulation provide greater separation and quiet, especially appreciated when several generations or families vacation together.

NEED TO CHECK IN WITH THE OFFICE?

We hope you can leave work behind, but we know that is not always possible. The home includes a small dedicated workspace with a desk, chair and computer monitor, plus a commercial-grade router for reliable internet service throughout the home.

Then close the laptop and get back to the beach.

FREE 1:00 PM EARLY CHECK-IN

Your vacation should start as soon as possible, so we offer complimentary 1:00 PM early check-in.

Get unpacked, put away the groceries, change into your swimsuit and start enjoying the beach while much of the afternoon is still ahead of you.

DOG-FRIENDLY FOR RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERS

We know that for many families, vacation would not be complete without their dog. Sea For Yourself welcomes dogs from responsible pet owners, subject to our pet policies.

The pet fee is $250 per dog, per week. Only dogs belonging to registered guests are permitted. Visiting pets are not allowed in the home, on the decks or elsewhere on the property, and all dogs must be properly declared as part of the reservation.

Please review the complete pet policy and rental agreement before arrival.

PARKING

Covered parking beneath the home accommodates three vehicles. While four compact vehicles may occasionally fit, it is a very tight fit, so guests should plan for a maximum of three vehicles.

Vehicles cannot extend into the driveway or park in Ocean Watch Villas common areas, where towing restrictions are enforced. Paid public parking for additional vehicles is conveniently located across the street.

SECURITY & PRIVACY

For the safety and protection of our guests and property, a Ring doorbell camera is located at the home’s exterior entrance. There are no cameras inside the home.

TRAVELING WITH A LARGE OR MULTIGENERATIONAL GROUP?

We own three of the eight homes within Ocean Watch Villas: Sea For Yourself, Hook, Wine & Sinker and Sea-King Refuge.

This provides larger and multigenerational groups the unusual opportunity to vacation together while still enjoying the privacy and convenience of separate homes.

For groups requiring even more room, we also own an eight-bedroom oceanfront home with an elevator and private pool approximately four blocks away in the 400 block of South Shore Drive.

THE BEST PART? YOU ARE IN THE HEART OF SURF CITY

Walk out one direction and you are at the ocean. Walk the other and Surf City is waiting.

Walk for coffee or donuts in the morning, head back to the beach, stroll to lunch, visit local shops, enjoy a brewery or cocktail, have dinner nearby, or take the kids for ice cream or to one of Surf City’s seasonal community activities. No loading everyone into cars every time someone wants to go somewhere.

That freedom is one of the reasons we fell in love with Ocean Watch Villas.

We spent nearly 30 years vacationing on Topsail Island before we had the opportunity to own here, and those years taught us what makes a vacation rental truly enjoyable.

A spectacular location gets you here. Comfortable beds help you rest. Thoughtful amenities make life easier. Beautiful outdoor spaces help you slow down. And the ocean just outside your door reminds you why you came.

Our goal is to put all of those things together so that when you arrive at Sea For Yourself, you can simply unpack, relax and start making your own Topsail Island memories.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool
  • Heated pool
  • Massage
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Self parking on site (surcharge)

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Premium bedding
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 4.5 private bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry detergent
  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Computer monitor
  • Computer station
  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 4 pets total (up to 999 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Note from host: NO SMOKING in the home or on the decks.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Meal delivery service

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a river
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • Near the ocean
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • 4 outdoor pickleball courts
  • Bicycle parking
  • Bicycles
  • Cooking classes
  • Heated pool
  • Kayak
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Spelunking nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Whale watching nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Deadbolt lock
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

General

  • Bicycle parking
  • Bicycles
  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • Composting
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Living plant wall
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Recycling
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Unit size: 2,400 square feet
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 1:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

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

We have parking for up to 3 cars. Cars must be parked under home or they will be towed at car owner's expense
There is no smoking or vaping in the home, on the decks or near the pool. This is a smoke free community.
Please be honest and pay you pet fee. Guests with undisclosed pets subject to immediate eviction without refund. Dogs only. No other pets allowed

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 4 (weight limit: 999 lbs per pet)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed
Parties are not allowed under any circumstances

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
NO SMOKING in the home or on the decks.

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
Note from host: Parties are not allowed under any circumstances
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    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. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Note from host: Parties are not allowed under any circumstances Long-term renters welcome. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property

Frequently asked questions

How close is Oceanfront, Elevator, Early Check-In, Heated Pool, Step onto the Sand to the airport?

This vacation home is 32.3 mi (42-min drive) away from the Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Oceanfront, Elevator, Early Check-In, Heated Pool, Step onto the Sand have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

How close is Oceanfront, Elevator, Early Check-In, Heated Pool, Step onto the Sand to the beach?

This vacation home is on the beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Oceanfront, Elevator, Early Check-In, Heated Pool, Step onto the Sand offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Oceanfront, Elevator, Early Check-In, Heated Pool, Step onto the Sand?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

What time is check-in at Oceanfront, Elevator, Early Check-In, Heated Pool, Step onto the Sand?

Check-in begins at 1:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Oceanfront, Elevator, Early Check-In, Heated Pool, Step onto the Sand?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home. Self parking is available for a fee.

Does Oceanfront, Elevator, Early Check-In, Heated Pool, Step onto the Sand have a pool?

This vacation home features an outdoor pool.

Does Oceanfront, Elevator, Early Check-In, Heated Pool, Step onto the Sand have a spa?

This vacation home doesn't have a spa, but it does offer massages.

How close is Oceanfront, Elevator, Early Check-In, Heated Pool, Step onto the Sand to downtown Surf City?

This vacation home is 0.2 mi away from Surf City.

Oceanfront, Elevator, Early Check-In, Heated Pool, Step onto the Sand Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 111 out of 119 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 119 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 119 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 119 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 119 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect spot for family gathering and vacation. Home was perfect for large families, multiple decks with beautiful coastal views. Pool location and access to beach were awesome. Communication with owner was superb. Definitely recommend!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay, very responsive host
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Been coming to Topsail/Surf City for over 20 yrs. Rented several properties but this VRBO location is the only one I will stay at in the future. This property has been our family’s spring break for the last 4 yrs. Everything you could want and more. Ted Waltz is an excellent communicator and the property is immaculate and the perfect location for dining out, beach, pool and shopping.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect Vacation Spot

Great location in the beach, plenty of room for everyone!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice owner. Perfect location!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Surf City

Great location great home
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This house was perfect for us! Fantastic location and perfect for those lazy days on the beach. We love that we have access to a pool as well. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Location Location

Fantastic place to stay with perfect location across from Shaka Taco
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Good stay with family

Prime walkable location
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was such a wonderful beach experience. Loved being so close to the beach and pool. Would like to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had a wonderful time ! The house was beautiful and worked out perfectly, everyone enjoyed the pool .The hosts were excellent in keeping us updated and were available if we needed anything or had questions .
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The place was wonderful and everyone love the trip. close to everything and only drive the car once because it is all close by. Will come back again!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful week! Convenient to everything, we can leave the cars parked and walk anywhere we need to go. Great location for kids, they can be in the pool or on the beach- all in easy view.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Always the best stay!

We have a wonderful time staying at Ted‘s property every year. We love the house and he is a great host, very responsive and always on top of things.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful property and great host

Great location! Beautiful home with great views!! Highly recommend this property! Host was amazing!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Amazing Oceanfront Stay

Our stay was great! The owner was accessible to deal with a check in issue. Kids and adults loved bring steps from the ocean. Would stay again!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Love Surf City

Love our week at the beach! The home is great, location is perfect and couldn't have had better weather!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful beach house!

The location was great! The beds were super comfy. Ted was absolutely fabulous! We couldn't be happier with our choice to stay here. Highly recommend this place.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thanksgiving at the sea

The position of this rental is key to our stay. We can walk to everything! The beach and the eats. Perfect for our kind of beach stay!💗💗💗💗
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Vaca

Loved everything about it
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Birthday Beach Bash

This place is classy and comfortable. Everything you need, and right where you want to be.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great stay in Surf City

Our second year at this great property. Everything is as promised, and the pay-it-forward policy is very handy for arriving and nice to not have to trash good food and supplies when leaving. Convenient to most stores and eateries by walking, and the hosts are tops!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had a great time. House was great, great location and parking was easy with a large truck, full size van and a mid sized SUV. Only downside was accessing the beach was a challenge because of mobility issues. The elevator made the house very comfortable and accessible.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great time as always

Great location and early check in is the best! Will be back again. Ted is a great host
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great house, great location

You can walk to most everything and you’re steps away from a pool and the beach. Doesn’t get much better!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023