Hi, friends- Payton here! I help manage social media for our North Topsail Rentals properties. I recently stayed at Runaway Bay so that I could experience what it's like for our guests. I know... such a tough job! 😏😉😂 All jokes aside though, my husband and I really enjoyed our very first stay at this property! Here are a few of my takeaways that you might find helpful...
The Location is Unbeatable 🏘️
We could not get over how peaceful and quite the area was. Even being one of the first houses in the neighborhood, it still felt like we were in our own little world. We walked to dinner one night, and anything else we wanted or needed was less than 15 minutes away. The corner lot property is amazing, with a big front, side, and backyard, there is plenty of room for pets and children to run around. My husband and I played cornhole with the provided boards and set up in the driveway.
The Master Suite 🛏️
Ahhhh! The Master Suite - private, large, convenient, and who doesn't love a good soaking tub? And don't get me started on the private balcony. I couldn't get enough of the sunsets in the evenings. If you love a cloud-like bed, you'll sleep with sweet dreams on the king size bed.
Beach Access is a Breeze 🌊
Before my stay - based on the photos - I assumed it would take a good few minutes to get to the beach access from the home. But goodness, I was wrong! Even strolling casually, my husband and I were at the ocean in no time (2 minutes maybe). If you are reluctant to book Runaway Bay because it is not technically "oceanfront", I would not let that stop you. It's so close and such an easy walk - there's hardly a difference. Plus, you have views of the ocean and the intercoastal waterway from the private balcony.
The Pool is a Gem 💎
The in-ground community pool area is fenced in and surrounded by nice landscaping. My photographer's eye could not stop thinking that the pool house is a seriously underrated backdrop for family photos. It has a beachy look without having to drag the family through the sand. The pompas grass and cattails around it add to the casual beachy feel.
Full Cabinets and Plenty of Linens 🍳
I planned to cook a few meals during our stay, but honestly was nervous there wouldn't be what I needed to make my meals in the house. Turns out, I had no reason to fret as there were a plethora of pots and pans, bakeware, utinsels, and spices filling the cabinets and drawers for my use.
Four (4) Balcony's ☀️
I mean, is there really any more to say? The balcony's were positioned on all sides of the home, so no matter what time of day you want to sit outside, you can choose to sit in either direct sunshine or in the shade. And there are plenty of outdoor seating options too - lounge, swing, rocking chairs, tables.
The Outdoor Shower is a Luxury 🚿
We first used the outdoor shower as a place to rinse off quick after coming back from the beach. But after our first shower outside, the entire rest of the trip this became our first choice. Our mid-September stay had beautiful weather. Taking a hot shower amidst cool air was the perfect combination for ultimate relaxation!
5⭐ Experience
Overall, we had everything we needed in a clean and comfortable environment and couldn't get over how relaxed we felt the whole vacation!