Outer Banks NC help

[SpecialK]

We're looking to rent a beach house next summer and I am completely at the mercy of the internet. Has anyone ever done this? Any info/help would be appreciated. I don't even know if this is the best area to be considering or if I should be looking elsewhere. Anyone?

 

[postesf]

Check out this site... Brouchure looks very helpful. I would suggest maybe Corolla or Duck. The Outerbanks is wonderful. You can't go wrong.

http://www.outerbanksrentals.com/

 

[BoyLovesBuzz]

I have a relative that owes a home there, and manages it with these folks:

http://www.kittydunes.com/

We prefer the northern portion (Corolla and Duck) over the southern portion (Nags Head, Kitty Hawk and Hatteras) .

 

[tinkntraining]

We like both the northern beaches and the southern beaches -- if you want real seclusion, try Waves... over July 4th week one year, we were the only ones in sight!

Over the years, we've used 2 realtors to find rentals:
Surf and Sound Realty and Joe Lamb, Jr. I think they both have websites. Neither were cheap, but we got a wonderful house with a private pool and hottub -- one was oceanfront and one was soundfront. Both were goregeous!

Have fun searching!

 

[agentpleakley]

We like both the northern beaches and the southern beaches -- if you want real seclusion, try Waves... over July 4th week one year, we were the only ones in sight!

Over the years, we've used 2 realtors to find rentals:
Surf and Sound Realty and Joe Lamb, Jr. I think they both have websites. Neither were cheap, but we got a wonderful house with a private pool and hottub -- one was oceanfront and one was soundfront. Both were goregeous!

Have fun searching!

I second WAVES -- this was our absolute favorite location on the Outer Banks (and we've been everywhere). Close enough for day trip to Ocracoke - which is a must do -- but still not too far away to Nags Head. I loved being able to walk from ocean to sound in about 5 minutes. (We stay near the DQ).

 

[shortbun]

We've been there 7 years in a row. I soo prefer Hatteras over the northern areas. It's much more remote and 50's like for family vaca. Much, much less developed than Nags Head and Kitty Hawk areas. I've probably searched and looked at every house on the island. The real estate agencies are:
www.midgettrealty.com
www.hatterasrealty.com
www.surforsound.com
www.outerbeaches.com
www.dolphin-realty.com

Rodanthe, Salvo and Waves are the first villages on Hatteras. There are a few homes with actual views of the ocean in rodanthe. Fewer in Salvo and Waves. Also few restaurants and activities in these areas but Avon is close and has it all so no worries. Look at the decor of the homes, look for homes that say 'easy beach access' or 'boardwalk' or 'direct beach access' so you don't have to climb two dunes over and back each time you want to go to the beach. There is also the excellent choice of choosing a soundfront home which has great water views and lots of birds, kayak entry access and good windsurfing access or views. We've been staying on the sound side for the last 3 years because it has wonderful water views and is much less expensive. Then there's Avon. Avon has Kinakeet Shores development with many homes that are gorgeous but not on the water or with canal and small lake views. Kinakeet has two clubs with pools, one is oceanfront. They also have tennis. Many homes in Avon are not in the Kinnakeet development. Avon has great restaurants, the only movie theatre for a rainy day and lots of souvenir shopping - also the largest grocery on the island which is mobbed on weekends. A long scenic drive from Avon is the Buxton/Frisco area. The Hatteras Lighthouse is on the edge of Buxton. Some of the best surfing and fishing is done in this area too. The Hatteras lighthouse overlooks Buxton swim beach and the NPS does loads of free programs here. The development is minor as loads of this area is National Park. We've grown to love the sound development of Brigand's Bay between the two villages because it's so family friendly-always kids on bikes, dogs being walked, great sunsets over the sound and birds everywhere you look because all the homes are either on a canal or on the water. Just a little further is Hatteras Village-home to the big docks for deep sea and sound fishing(come around 4pm to see them bring in their catch), the Ocracoke Ferry(free), some of the most deluxe rental homes on the island and Hatteras Village. Between Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Village, there are great restaurants, a Native American Museum, the only golf course on the island, an airport for private craft, scooter rentals, the Orange Blossom Bakery(home of apple uglies-google them) and last but not least two great pizza spots - Angelos(get the calzones) and the Gingerbread House. Don't pass up the Natural Art Surf shop or Eddie's custard and minature golf either. The golf is ok, the landscaping is adorable. Email me about your group and your house preferences- I can probably give you some names of houses as I've helped dozens of families find places to stay!

 

[Jestocost]

We've stayed in Corolla, at the far north of the OBX (at least as far as the road goes) for the past 10 years and love it. Here's where we've rented our houses from for the last few years:

Corolla Classic Vacations

 

[SpecialK]

WOW! I just checked back and I'm really thrilled with all the responses. This gives me great info to start my search. Thanks, everyone!

 

[Mrs.Toad]

Just to give you even more to research , we stayed in Duck about 4 years ago and rented through Southern Shores Realty. The house was clean and beautiful, and exactly as described.

Before renting, be sure you understand how the beach access works. Some ocean view (as opposed to ocean front) homes may be just steps from the beach, but access may be blocked by private land, and you could have a long walk to the beach. So if you don't want to pay for ocean front, make sure the home is close to beach access.

Also, many vacation homes don't come with linens, so you either bring or rent them. We rented from Money's Worth Beach Rentals. Very convenient and easy.

We had a great trip. I hope you do too!

 

[All American]

That's funny, I asked a similar question year ago and just today I saw a car with an OBX sticker on it. Well, it's funny to me.

Anyways, I was given alot of great advice. One person recommended the website carolinadesigns.com. Oh my goodness! There are some amazing places to stay!

Don't worry, you'll get some good advice. Happy planning!

 

[agentpleakley]

Here's another one -- cape escape realty -- hatteras properties. They were great for us because they were pet friendly. Honestly, we've never had a problem with any of the homes we've rented.

Check out the pirate cruise leaves from Oden's Dock in Hatteras - http://www.breakwaterhatteras.com/Headboat.html

This was awesome and I have to highly recommend this excursion for young and old alike.

This thread is making me sad -- we couldn't go this summer due to work schedules.