Surf's Up

What a wonderful, spacious home for our crew of 12 to have a pre-Christmas celebration! We had three arms of extended family come together from across the country, including 5 kids under 10yr. There were ample bedrooms (with outstanding views and direct porch access on 3rd floor) and bathrooms to accommodate everyone - the kids loved the bunk rooms!
The kitchen was just large enough for a few chefs to work together and we found the separate ice maker a real plus! We did purchase a few basics: bowls for the kids as the more adult wide lipped bowls resulted in a too many cereal spills for my liking, a good large saute pan, and a couple 9x13 pans (all but the bowls went home with some of our members). The living room was comfy and very cozy with the gas fireplace going. Though at first it wouldn't work, Bluewater got someone out to get it fixed & running for us. On the main level porch we could keep an eye on the older kids scouring the beach for shells and those swimming below. Not to mention we saw pods of dolphin literally just off the beach three or four mornings in a row - what a magical experience for all of us!!
For us the first level giant rec room (ping pong, billiards, foosball, pub table & large tv + games) was fantastic. The kids took over playing games, making friendship bracelets, racing hot wheels and more while at least some adults could 'sleep in' floors above without disruption. But the true KEY to our successful vacation (other than a great group of people) was the heated pool and hot tub!!! Despite the very cold temps during the majority of our trip, kids and adults alike were suiting up for a swim or soak - the kids stayed in for hours at a time never getting truly cold.
Despite a couple hiccups, which Bluewater responded to immediately, we had a fabulous time and everyone just loved it!!

Now, a couple suggestions/tips for future renters. Bring your own?everything!
- Roku, Apple TV, etc. or you won't have much of anything to watch
- AA batteries for remotes
- Indoor shoes or slippers for everyone & enforce no outside shoes inside, otherwise there will be sand everywhere
- more beach towels than you think, we used a couple as entry rugs by each door
- household goods just like Bluewater says: I was amazed how I underestimated the amount of toilet paper & paper towels we would use

Suggestions for 4305 Ocean Dr specifically:
- repair or replace the dining room chairs (structural connecting posts were literally falling out of numerous chairs, we tried to stick them back in)
- wireless signal booster on each floor, it's a huge home and having wireless accessible in each room is important

Katherine T - Posted: 12/1/2021

The house was wonderful overall. The TVs did not work in a couple of the bedrooms but suited us fine. Loved the rec room, pool and sauna!! Will highly recommend it to friends.

Kay T - Posted: 5/1/2021

Enough room for all 14 of us.

Janet R - Posted: 4/1/2021

We really enjoyed our week at Surfs Up. The space was just right for our group of 8 adults and 4 children. The downstairs game room is the best one yet. We love being right on the beach and also having a pool to enjoy. Can't wait for our next family vacation in Emerald Isle.

Victoria B - Posted: 6/1/2019

We loved the closeness of the ocean from the house. We loved the amenities that it offered. We will have a larger group next visit so this property will not work for us. We would recommend it to others.

Teri B - Posted: 6/1/2018

The home was very nice and the location is just perfect. We had 8 adults and 6 children and they all loved it. The game room was used extensively by all, and the Televisions in each room was a nice touch. We all were very satisfied.
Mike Davis

Margaret D - Posted: 7/1/2017

Surf's Up was perfect for our Spring Break vacation. We had 7 seniors and 4 freshman and 6 adults and we had plenty of room. The game room was prefect for the kids to hang out. Easy access to the beach and the heated pool and hot tub were perfect for the cooler weather. We also loved to be able to cook/feed 17 people in the kitchen. It was a great place to make memories!

Sarah R - Posted: 4/1/2017

Beautiful home, great layout. Plenty of space for our two families to celebrate Thanksgiving. We enjoyed ourselves tremendously.

Steve J - Posted: 11/1/2015

Our family gathers each year in October to spend time together, and this home helped us to enjoy our week even more. The view from the decks are beautiful! The hot tub and pool were well used by all. The elevator made it so much easier for carrying luggage and groceries into the home. The game room kept the younger ones occupied when they were not on the beach. Everyone had a great time and we will remember this home for future vacations.

Harold S - Posted: 10/1/2015

Surf's Up is a beautiful beach house! Plenty of room for everyone to spread out and relax. The pool and dune top gazebo were great. Loved the gameroom for the evening hours and for the one rainy day we had. Great family vacation!!
The Jernigan's

Karen J - Posted: 5/1/2015