I'll start by saying the location is perfect. Easy access to the expansive sandy beach, and beautiful views from the decks. My wife and I rented this for ourselves and did not make full use of the property, but the rental is great for four groups of people who want their own private bedroom and bathroom suites. The kitchen is well appointed, and the furniture is comfortable throughout. The large windows on the main floor are perfect to enjoy the ocean view when sitting inside.
Now for the negative aspects:
- We have rented waterfront homes annually for 30 years, and we have never felt more unwelcome to a home than we did with this rental, due to contract provisions. All homes specify check-in and check-out times ... no problem, and we always abide by them. But this one states that early arrival or late checkout will be considered trespassing. Heavy handed and unnecessary. They also nickel and dime you for things like bedding, leaving a clean dish in the dishwasher or a piece of trash in a wastebasket. There is a charge for everything. They made us so uneasy that we took pictures in all rooms before unpacking in case we needed to dispute a charge. This beach has an abundance of rental homes, so next time we will try Holden Beach Vacations or Hobbs Realty to see if they are more hospitable than Proactive Vacations.
- We also were surprised by some items that were not provided, bathroom and kitchen towels being our biggest concern. We drove to NC, but this would be more challenging after flying into town. The type of rentals we book typically provide those.
- The windows facing the ocean on the upper floor will not stay open. Either they are broken, or the owner removed the counterweights that hold them open. Ocean-front properties always benefit from open windows for the breeze and sounds of the surf. It also is dangerous as we thought a window was staying open only to slam shut violently nearly catching a finger. The windows facing the street did not have this problem.