Entire home

Terrapin Station: Oceanfront Home for Vacation Rental, Pet Friendly, Sleeps 10

Photo gallery for Terrapin Station: Oceanfront Home for Vacation Rental, Pet Friendly, Sleeps 10

Property grounds
Exterior
Beach
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Smart TV, DVD player, books, video library

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10186 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet friendly
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor Space
  • Air conditioning

About this property

Entire place

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

Terrapin Station: Oceanfront Home for Vacation Rental, Pet Friendly, Sleeps 10

*NEW* To make planning a vacation at Terrapin Station more stress-free, you may cancel within 7 days of making the reservation, as long as the reservation is made at least 90 days in advance of the stay date. This allows you to hold the week you want while you coordinate with the parties in your group. Just ask for a refund within the 7-day period and it will be granted at no charge.

This Topsail Island home is in Surf City, NC with direct access to the beach. Terrapin Station is just over a mile from the center of Surf City, which is "big enough to be competitive, small enough to be happy!" Uncrowded beaches with gentle surf make it ideal for families of all ages. The high season is June - September, but this home is available year round. An off-season rental is especially affordable and relaxing. With plenty of restaurants, shops, and other attractions, you can do as much or as little as you like. The one traffic light that was in the center of town has been removed, so forget about traffic. Leave the mainland behind by crossing the new, high-arch Surf City bridge with dramatic views of the sound, island, and ocean, and you're on Topsail Island.

The views from the Terrapin's two-level oceanfront deck are equally impressive, with the Surf City pier to the south and North Topsail Beach to the North. The pictures have been updated since Florence decided to do some remodeling! Outdoor dining tables and chairs on the upper deck let you enjoy a meal or drinks in the sun or under the stars, and the lower deck is available to lounge in the shade while looking out over the ocean. Be on the beach in moments with your private access, which has a shower for after your swim.

The modern yet comfortable interior is two-floors, with three bedrooms and two baths on the first floor. A king bed and private bath are in the owner's suite, and each bedroom has a separate sliding door onto the lower deck. A queen bed is in a bedroom with direct access to the second bath, and the third bedroom has a total of four twin beds in two bunk-bed units. Each bedroom has closet space and is fully furnished. A full-size washer and dryer is also on the first floor.

The upstairs great room has a vaulted ceiling and a bank of windows looking out to the beach. There is tremendous natural light, a spacious living room area, large dining area, and full kitchen. The kitchen is completely outfitted for those who choose to prepare a meal during their stay, with smooth-top range, oven, microwave, and extra-large refrigerator with filtered water. The cookware and implements go well beyond what is normally found in a vacation rental, and basic spices and staples are available. Ample tableware is provided for 10 people.

The upstairs bedroom has a queen bed, closet, a dresser, and a sliding door out onto the upper deck. This bedroom is adjacent to the upstairs full bathroom.

The house is equipped with high-speed WiFi, and there is a cable-equipped television in each bedroom in addition to the great room. A stereo and DVD player are provided in the living room area. A two-zone air conditioning system keeps the house comfortable on both levels whatever the weather. Cars may be parked in the two-car garage, and/or in the private driveway. A second refrigerator for guest's use is in the garage.

Tips on booking Terrapin Station:

The master calendar is kept on the Vrbo site to avoid any possibility of double-booking. To check availability and pricing, go to Terrapin Station on Vrbo:
https://www.vrbo.com/7560655ha

Unfortunately, it is not possible to see a calendar with availability and pricing on Vrbo. This has to be done by trial and error, but using the "flexible dates" option can help find something that meets your needs. Note: during the high-season (mid Apr - Oct) all rentals are Saturday - Saturday. During the off-season, the minimum stay is 3 nights, and guests can choose any day of the week to check in and out.

Please note that the linens, cleaning, and pet fees are not included in the Vrbo quote due to limitations in how the Vrbo software collects and remits fees and taxes. The cleaning fee ($145) and the fee for a full set of linens ($204.33) will be collected via an additional payment request. These charges are the same for any length stay. Linens are optional, and if linens are not needed for any or all of the beds, the fee will be reduced to what is actually charged by the vendor. Bath linens come as a set with the bed linens.

Pets are welcome, but must be approved by the owner. We allow a maximum of two moderate-sized dogs. We do not allow cats. The pet fee is $170 per pet per stay. After booking and approval of your pet(s), an additional payment request will be made. The pet fee is a fee and not a security deposit.

We regret that the Vrbo software is not capable of producing a single, all-inclusive quote at this time. The fees discussed above are currently the only fees not included in the original Vrbo quote for the stay. After the additional payment requests are made, the cost will be reflected in your Vrbo quote. You may pay the additional payment requests in any manner that you would make any Vrbo payment, and the payment is held by Vrbo until after your stay commences. The Vrbo quote can be difficult to read; should you have any questions please contact us.

The cancellation policy for this property is not correctly reflected in the summary the Vrbo site uses. Please refer to the Vacation Rental Agreement for the actual policy. In the event you must cancel your reservation after 7 days, get in touch with us as early as possible. Our policy is to issue a full refund if we cannot provide the accommodation due to a Government order. Otherwise, we will give you a full refund if we can re-rent the property at the usual rate.

About Topsail Island and Surf City:

Topsail Island is a barrier island on the North Carolina coast south of Emerald Isle and North of Wrightsville Beach. We enjoy surf fishing in the 25 miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreline, and fishing on the sound, which is part of the Intracoastal Waterway. Most any water sport imaginable is available as well as cruises, rental boats, and deep sea fishing. On a trip to the gulfstream on a friend's boat, we came home with a 50-lb cobia!

In the summer the water is warm and generally calm, with just enough wave action to be fun. Paddleboarding is popular both on the ocean and the sound, and when the wind kicks up a bit you'll see the kite boarders and surfers come out. People swim from May to October, with brave souls (and those with wetsuits) out during the rest of the year when the wind and surf is up. Even in the summer the beach is relatively uncrowded, but happening enough to be fun.

Terrapin Station is in Surf City, which is roughly the central third of the island. To the south is the town of Topsail Beach, and to the north is the town of North Topsail Beach. There are several guide books for Surf City and the surrounding area in the house. On the Island there are restaurants, shops, and live music, and unique to the area are the Turtle Hospital and the Missiles and More Museum. For restaurants, our favorites are the Shukin' Shack (Oysters, seafood, and general fare); Diver for smoothies, coffee, and sandwiches; Miss Pho (Vietnamese, in Sneads Ferry, about 10 miles away), JM's on the water (Seafood, burgers), and Low Tide (Steak and excellent house-made burgers). The best Mexican place nearby is Cancun in Sneads Ferry, but Margarita's is not bad and within a mile. For a walk-up kind of meal, try Fast Fish for Poke bowls or Shaka Taco, both in Surf City. Both are about a mile away from the house, and are local favorites.

Topsail Island is a renowned sea turtle sanctuary (see https://www.seaturtlehospital.org/), with nesting season between mid-May and August. Volunteer spotters walk the beach to find and mark off nests buried in the dunes. The hatchlings come out as a group, following the moonlight into the ocean. Loggerhead turtles have nests on the Island during the summer, and if you're lucky you could witness a hatch!

With a bicycle you can explore the length of the island (about 25 miles), with bike lanes along the major north-south road. Last April your host (a novice rider) did the 26-mile ride to benefit breast cancer research, which is held by the "Reel Housewives of Topsail Island." Bicycles and all manner of sporting and beach equipment are available for rental at numerous places on the island.

For golfers, there are a number of good local courses at reasonable rates, and for a real challenge Myrtle Beach is just two hours away. North Shore Country Club is open to the public and is just off the island over the northern bridge, about 15 minutes from the house. There are many more courses within a half-hour in the Hampstead area. Miniature golf for the kids is just 10 minutes away by car.

There is a famous indoor/outdoor skateboard park (the Skate Barn) in Hampstead, about 20 minutes away. The Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington is a unique self-guided tour of a decommissioned WWII ship that is a must-see for folks interested in that sort of thing. Wilmington is about 45 minutes away, and there you will also find the closest movie theater and about any kind of store you would imagine in a fair-sized city.

The house has puzzles, cards, and games for a rainy or rest day, and the Surf City pier and the center of town is about a mile walk. A fun and scenic thing to do is to walk or bike the Surf City bridge. There are both pedestrian and bike lanes laid out on the bridge, and there is parking on the mainland side and in Soundside park on the island. Come and enjoy! We have been coming here for 15 years and haven't run out of things to do!

Property manager

Tony Andrews

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car not required
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

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

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Washer/dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

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

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing 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)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 2,000 square feet

Similar properties

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Policies

Check-in

Minimum check-in age: 25

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: A fee of $170 is charged for each pet per stay

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
MONETIZATION_ON

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 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 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

We should mention

A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Map
Surf City, NC

What's nearby

  • Back in Touch Massage, Yoga, & Lomilomi - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Surf City Pier - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Ohana Paddle Sports - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Southside Park - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
  • The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center - 6 min drive - 5.0 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Buddy's Crab House & Oyster Bar - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Salty Turtle Beer Company - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Sears Landing Grill & Boat Docks - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Shaka Taco - ‬14 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Terrapin Station: Oceanfront Home for Vacation Rental, Pet Friendly, Sleeps 10 pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

Where is Terrapin Station: Oceanfront Home for Vacation Rental, Pet Friendly, Sleeps 10 located?

Situated by the ocean, this vacation home is within a 10-minute walk of Surf City Beach and Back in Touch Massage, Yoga, & Lomilomi. Inis Spa and Seacoast Art Gallery are also within 15 minutes.

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Terrapin Station: Oceanfront Home for Vacation Rental, Pet Friendly, Sleeps 10 Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 143 out of 149 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 149 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 149 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 149 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 149 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tammy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay and beautiful views
We had a wonderful time and thank you for letting us bring our family dog.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful property right on the ocean
We really enjoyed our stay and the house had what we needed to get away from everything.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great off-season getaway
Having stayed in the Topsail/Surf City area multiple times in recent years, this location was the best without a doubt. Oceanfront, plus walkable to almost everything else we wanted to do. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lenny L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
The kitchen had everything you could ask for and more. Very clean and a great location. We will likely return.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brandy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beach getaway
Such a wonderful beach house! Beautiful, spacious, clean, and right on the beach! Would definitely rent again!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Samantha A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing beach vacation
Such a wonderful stay! Beautiful view of the sunrise, and the best part was being able to walk out the door onto the beach.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jill B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing location and views!
This gem in Topsail was perfect for my family to get away. The location was perfect and the views were amazing. The place had everything we needed. Easy to cook, relax, and feel home away from home. Would highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

william s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house and experience
Outstanding location, love 2 decks,well stocked kitchen just overall great experience
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Diane H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful oceanfront home
The house is not only in a great location close to Surf City, but is also well stocked which is an important factor for those of us who drive quite a distance. The oceanfront views never disappoint at this beach house!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bridget S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Spring break
This is my second visit at this house! My family and I love it! Beautiful house, very clean, and a great location!!!! I plan to come back !
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hank H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Vacation
Six adults 3 children The house was clean, decorated nicely, and in a great location! If you want ocean front it doesn't get any better.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jodi S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect getaway
Terrapin Station is truly a wonderful home to stay in Surf City. The location is fabulous and the home has a perfect layout. The owners have everything you need in the kitchen for utensils and dinnerware. Nothing beats the sound of the ocean lulling you to sleep
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Christmas at the beach
The house is laid out to give every guest privacy and the gathering areas are roomy and comfortable. Beautiful views and the ocean setting make this a perfect spot to land for a family gathering. We spent lots of time walking on the beach and then prepared our meals together with lots of laughs.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ashley W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Review
We all really enjoyed this house, thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joni L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Vacation 2023
It was a very relaxing week. The house was beautiful, well stocked and very clean. We throughly enjoyed our vacation. We have reserved it for next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter S., Whitman MA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Beachfront Property
This was our second time at Terrapin Station and we're already planning to come back next year. House has plenty of room and is well furnished throughout, including the bedrooms and kitchen. View of the Ocean from every room is the best part. Can't wait to go back.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

sally O., West Cornwall CT

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous!
Our family truly enjoyed all aspects of Terrapin Station. The accommodations were great, it was well stocked, well organized and the location perfect for our holiday gathering. We've put this house on our wish list to return to. Anthony quickly responded to any questions we had and the process to booking and entry was easy. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael P., Hartford, VT

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic as usual
Tony's attentiveness to making our stay as pleasurable as possible never ceases to amaze me. From early check-ins to updated furniture, Terrapin Station is the place to be.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Allison G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely vacation
We had a wonderful week in Topsail at Terrapin Station! The house was perfect for our family (3 adults and 3 children). Plenty of space, everything was nice and clean. Location was perfect. Loved being able to step off the porch onto the beach! Short drive to restaurants and the mainland for groceries. Overall, great experience!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melanie T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nothing compares
We count down the days all year long until we get to visit this property again. It’s hands down the best rental property we’ve EVER rented. And we’ve rented quite a few. The house is always extremely clean & very well stocked with anything at all that you might possibly need. The owner is wonderful and responds quickly if you may need him. It’s also a fantastic location! We are yet again counting down the days till we get to go back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect!
Clean, spacious, and felt safe. Lots of windows and multiple access points to decks. Views were fantastic. Especially enjoyed the comfortable Captain chairs on upper deck. Looking forward to gathering here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janice C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent place to stay
The house was beautiful, right off the water. The decks were amazing to sit on, especially the upper deck early in the morning and after the sunset. All the rooms had a beautiful view of the water and the sand which made it calming. There was sun light all through the house, the kitchen had all updated appliances and lots of room for a family of 10 to sit and enjoy their meals. All in all it’s a wonderful place to enjoy a vacation with your family.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael P., Hartford, VT

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exactly what we needled
Nothing short of an excellent stay as usual. Thanks Tony!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Samuel W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
50th trip
You’ll never find more gracious hosts! Great communication and super helpful. We’ve stayed in a good many properties over the past 50 years, but Terrapin outshines them all. From a fabulous view, to great kitchen appointments, to so many more. Including dolphins with your morning coffee.
Stayed 21 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robin K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic Property
The best stocked kitchen I’ve ever seen. Super clean. Updated. Comfortable. Very responsive host. We loved our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023