Entire home

How it Usta Be |4BR |2BA Topsail Beach Cottage

Photo gallery for How it Usta Be |4BR |2BA Topsail Beach Cottage

Outdoor dining
Property grounds
Terrace/patio
Property grounds
Outdoor dining

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Holly Ridge, NC
  • Surf City Beach
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Topsail Skating Rink Topsail Beach
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Sea Turtle Hospital
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪58 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

How it Usta Be |4BR |2BA Topsail Beach Cottage

Welcome to “How it Usta Be” | 4BR | 2BA | Classic Beach Cottage | Topsail Beach, NC

Looking to relive those simple, special beach vacations from childhood? “How it Usta Be” is the cozy 4-bedroom, 2-bath cottage that brings back the nostalgic charm of classic Topsail Beach getaways. If you remember summer trips to a beloved beach house—where memories were made, shells were collected, and laughter filled the salty air—this is that house.

Simple, comfortable, and true to its roots, this cottage offers everything you need to unwind and reconnect with what matters: sun, surf, and time together.

Cottage Features:
• 4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Sleeps up to 8
• Classic coastal décor with vintage charm
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Comfortable living space for family meals and late-night board games
• Outdoor area for relaxing after a day at the beach
• Just steps from the ocean and shoreline strolls

Included Starter Supplies from Sol Searching Properties:
We provide thoughtful starter items so you can relax from the moment you arrive:
• Coffee, sugar, creamer, sugar alternative, and filters
• Dish towel, washcloth, new kitchen scrubber
• Dish soap, powdered laundry soap
• Bar soap per bathroom
• Paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags, ziplock bags
• CLEAN linens including comforters, shams, and beach towels
• Pack & Play, high chair, noise machines available upon request (first come, first served)

Booking Details:
• $200 security deposit and signed rental agreement required through Ownerez
• Renter must be at least 23 years old, with valid ID and matching credit card
• No smoking or parties permitted. Quiet hours apply after 9:30 PM



Managed by Sol Searching Properties, a boutique, locally owned rental company specializing in curated, comfort-forward vacation homes with a personal touch. We’re here to help you create new memories—and share the hidden gems of Topsail along the way.

Book your stay at How it Usta Be and experience the timeless charm of beach vacations the way they used to be.

Property manager

Betsy Powell
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Water view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 23
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Must sign rental agreement upon booking
A security hold that will be placed 2 days prior to arrival and released 7 days after departure
Must follow all house rules including but not limited to no smoking and no parties

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Topsail Beach

Located in Topsail Beach, this holiday home is by the sea. Escape Spa and Inis Spa are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Holly Shelter Game Land and Surf City Beach. Topsail Skating Rink Topsail Beach and Thomas Tackle and Seafood are also worth visiting. Looking to get your feet wet? Power boating and swimming adventures can be found near the property.
Map
Holly Ridge, NC

What's nearby

  • Surf City Beach - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Topsail Skating Rink Topsail Beach - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Missiles and More Museum - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Sea Turtle Hospital - 19 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Surf City Pier - 12 min drive - 10.1 km

Getting around

  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.) - 58 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Oasis Bar - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬30 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Oval & Ale - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬27 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is New Listing “How it Usta be” pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at New Listing “How it Usta be”?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at New Listing “How it Usta be”?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is New Listing “How it Usta be” located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Surf City Beach, Missiles and More Museum and Topsail Skating Rink Topsail Beach. Thomas Tackle and Seafood and Ohana Paddle Sports are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 5 out of 7 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 7 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 7 reviews

6.6/10

Cleanliness

2.0/10

Amenities

2.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

6.0/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

7.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Allison W.

Nothing Fancy but all you need!

House was clean and stocked with what you need. It was a pleasure to stay here and will stay on my list of rentals!
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Victoria S.

NICE PLACE

We really like the house because is close to the beach, the neighbors are nice and is a calm and quiet neighborhood. We love the top balcony more at night. We enjoyed our vacations a lot.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Madison T.

Great older style beach house!!

Me and my family had the best time at the beach house. Reminds me of the beach house that we had growing up. We spent a lot of quality time and the house provided a lot of things that made our stay much easier. We had forgotten beach chairs, and it was really awesome Just show up and see that not only was their beach chairs, but many other great things that were useful. If you’re looking for a cottage style beach house that will remind you of how things were 20 years ago I recommend this house. So many memories were made.

4/10 Poor

Jeff

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Perhaps, at one time the property "Usta be' nice and cared for unless it always looked and felt run down.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Georganne C.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy

Shower

Wonderful but outside shower and first floor shower could use repairs. We had to use upstairs shower the whole week!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

4/10 Poor

Christophe P.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Communication, listing accuracy

Meh

No central AC, uncomfortable beds, no dishwasher... One ac window unit not repaired... Won't go back
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

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

Wonderful!

We had a great time staying at How it Usta Be. It was a VERY short walk to the beach and the sound - and an easy walk to "downtown" Topsail Beach. The house was clean, the furniture and beds were comfortable, and we had everything we needed. Screen doors and decks were great!! Plenty of dishes and pots and pans and nice sink for washing. Air conditioning for the separate spaces was nice-we don't agree on temperature! (Master bedroom shares the ac for the main living space. )There is a nice yard below with a grill and a porch swing-and lots of birds. How It Usta Be was simple-and simply lovely! We see why the owner's cherish this Topsail Beach legacy.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

About the host

Hosted by Betsy Powell

Host profile image
Sol Searching Properties is a small boutique type rental management company, one that has all the fine details worked out. We are local to the island and enjoy sharing some of the island’s best kept secrets with you. Please look us up and give us a shout out.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests