Entire home

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

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

A wooden deck with lounge chairs, overlooking a residential area with houses and trees.
A spacious kitchen with a dining area, a staircase, and a ceiling fan.
A modern living room with two leather armchairs, a wooden coffee table, and a staircase in the background.
A two-story house with a covered porch and a staircase leading to the upper level.
A wooden staircase leading to a sandy area surrounded by dense greenery.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
Accommodating 8 guests, this vacation home features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It offers water views and a patio for outdoor enjoyment. Experience motorboating and swimming nearby, along with attractions like Surf City Beach and Topsail Skating Rink Topsail Beach.

Highlights

  • Top rated beach location

    Discover paradise at this top rated beach location.

  • Centrally-located

    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

  • Discover nearby landmarks

    Walk to Surf City Beach
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Deck or patio
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
Topsail Beach, NC
  • Place, Surf City Beach
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Topsail Skating Rink Topsail Beach
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Sea Turtle Hospital
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Airport, Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪59 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

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 and shams
• 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.

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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 5 days prior to arrival and released 5 days after departure

Must follow all house rules including but not limited to no smoking and no parties

Important information

You need to know

Property # 2979877vb
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

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 Ohana Paddle Sports are also worth visiting. Looking to get your feet wet? Power boating and swimming adventures can be found near the property.
View more Holiday homes in Topsail BeachOpens in a new window
Map
Topsail Beach, 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
  • University of North Carolina at Wilmington - 57 min drive - 72.2 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬30 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Shaka Taco - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Camino Real - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬27 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is How it Usta Be |4BR |2BA Topsail Beach Cottage pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at How it Usta Be |4BR |2BA Topsail Beach Cottage?

As of 18 September 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at How it Usta Be |4BR |2BA Topsail Beach Cottage on 2 October 2026 start from NZ$1,372, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at How it Usta Be |4BR |2BA Topsail Beach Cottage?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at How it Usta Be |4BR |2BA Topsail Beach Cottage?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at How it Usta Be |4BR |2BA Topsail Beach Cottage?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is How it Usta Be |4BR |2BA Topsail Beach Cottage 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. Ohana Paddle Sports and Surf City Pier are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 20 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 20 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 20 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 20 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 20 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

2.0/10

Amenities

2.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

8.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

8.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
We enjoyed our time in the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rooms were very nice beds and pillows were awesome. Wonderful awesome balcony loved the outdoor swing reminds me of grandma place. Communication was very good and really like the area. 2 thumbs up for vacation place.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was well prepared and we enjoyed our stay. Check in and out were simple, but the AC in all but one room was not up to par after the first day. Overall we were happy with the price especially considering it was a holiday weekend. Our main goal was beach proximity and the walk was short and sweet! But would have definitely enjoyed it being slightly cooler. Thanks again! Would come back!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Great Stay

Thank you for providing our group with a low stress vacation in a great location.
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
We loved the neighborhood and location we stayed at, however, there were some issues. First off, it isn't anywhere on the listing that this rental is half of the unit pictured and that both decks(even the one off the bedroom) and laundry are shared, I think that is important to note. It also says they have window A/Cs but there is no A/C in one of the upstairs bedrooms and it was hot! Lastly, the A/C in the main living space was known to not be working before we arrived but we were told nothing. We arrived Saturday night, I texted Sunday and heard nothing, I texted Monday and was told a new on was on order, I texted Wednesday and finally got the unit switched out with the one next door which was unoccupied on Thursday. We left Friday morning so it took almost the whole trip to get working A/C. I was very frustrated with the lack of transparency and communication when we had an issue.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We absolutely loved our stay here it was perfect for our family of 7 that went our only issue was the upstair toilet didnt flush and one of the lights wouldnt work everything's else was absolutely great!!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

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!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful experience

Wonderful all around. Enjoyed our time spent at How It Usta Be and loved the location. Money well spent. Will definitely reserve again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Time together

We came in for the weekend to do some fishing with my family.Thanks for accommodating us
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

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.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our stay but the weather didn’t cooperate. The house is clean and definitely dated - the name fits the house perfectly. No ice maker or dishwasher. It was kind of fun seeing some of the old cups and plates and things in the kitchen - reminded me of my grand parents. Definitely not a house to rent if you are cooking for a large family for a week. Washing dishes is not exactly what I want to do on vacation. I would rent again for a weekend. Beach is pretty close and neighborhood is great for walking.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

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.
Verified review

4/10 Poor

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

4/10 Poor

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Second time staying here. Beautiful 10 out of 10 best place to take your baby for their first beach trip. Ours had a great time!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

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

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