Carpe Diem, Beachfront, Fun Game Room, Outdoor Hot Shower, Linens Included
House in Surf City, NC
14 guests · 6 bedrooms · 4 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
Top-tier experienceOne of the higher cost properties in the area
About this house rental
Unwind and leave the world behind as you step into Carpe Diem. Relax in the ambiance of a true Carolina beach cottage with wood walls, charming beach-themed furnishings and expansive ocean views. The beds in your spacious bedrooms will be made, and bathrooms will have towels. Step out on the deck on the way to the ocean, passing the full hot/cold enclosed outdoor shower with dry changing area. The gate at the top of the stairs keeps your furry family members enclosed in the deck area. Conveniently situated in Surf City, south of the bridge, Carpe Diem allows easy access to fun and shopping, both on and off the island.
Family and friends will lounge comfortably on the spacious deck furniture overlooking the surf. Enjoy meals prepared in the modern, open plan kitchen which is fully equipped with everything needed to create beach side feasts. Grill your catch of the day downstairs or put a cake in the oven for your oceanfront celebration, while you watch the dolphins play in the surf!
In the evening as light fades through the great room skylights, gather to play your favorite movies, TV or music in the surround sound equipment. Little ones can enjoy their own DVD entertainment, relaxing in their rooms. High speed Internet keeps everyone in touch with the folks back home. Access the hall closet for a variety of “fun and games”. Work on jigsaw puzzles, or take a trip through Candy Land, Park Place or Board Walk. If the little ones get too ‘board’ with the games, head downstairs to start your own Foosball, or Ping Pong tournament! The future young NBA stars can practice their moves with the Pop-A-Shot! Browse the downstairs closet of beach toys. Build the sandcastle of your dreams. Boogie board or try your luck with horseshoes or cornhole games on the beach. Whatever you imagine for your beach side vacation, Carpe Diem will help you make it come true.
With most living areas on one level stair climbing is reduced. The main level is a split plan with four bedrooms ( 2 king beds, 1 queen, and a pair of twins), two baths, the center of the house is a great room. Seating for eating includes a kitchen island with 3 bar stools, a 8 place dining table and a 4 place game table in the family room. We regularly host dinners with friends and neighbors. Feeding large groups is easy at Carpe Diem. Send your Barbecue heroes to the large gas grill to do some of the cooking in the patio at the front of the house.
The lower level will be happily taken over by the younger generation. There you will find two bedrooms, one with 3 twin beds and one with a queen size bed and a twin bed, as well as a full bath. The bedrooms open onto the garage which is converted into the fully equipped game room. In the game room you’ll find ping pong, foosball, pop-a-shot, a large TV, loud stereo, card table, mini fridge, built in counter and stools, game closet with beach toys, balls, bingo, etc. Please note that the lower level is connected to the main level only by the outside steps on the front entry to the house. Use the intercom on the cordless phone to call them for dinner. Maybe the kids will invite you down to challenge you to a game.
* Bed sizes: King, King, Queen, 2 Singles, Queen and 1 Single, 3 Singles.
* On 2 levels with exterior stairs only - no interior stairs between levels.
* Most living areas on 1 level.
* Central heat & air, ceiling fans, dishwasher, washer/dryer.
* 6 cable (digital service with HD programming and movie channels) flat panel TVs; home theater sound system, Blu-Ray player, 2 DVD players.
* Wired/wireless high speed internet access
* Oceanfront open deck with built-in seating, safety gate, lounge chairs, and other furniture.
* Garage provides ping pong table, foosball table for your enjoyment as well as storage space for your beach items. This area has A/C.
* Enclosed outside shower with hot water.
* Grilling allowed. Gas grill (gas provided).
* No smoking allowed in house.
* Partial weeks not allowed.
* Storage room and workshop off garage not available
Family and friends will lounge comfortably on the spacious deck furniture overlooking the surf. Enjoy meals prepared in the modern, open plan kitchen which is fully equipped with everything needed to create beach side feasts. Grill your catch of the day downstairs or put a cake in the oven for your oceanfront celebration, while you watch the dolphins play in the surf!
In the evening as light fades through the great room skylights, gather to play your favorite movies, TV or music in the surround sound equipment. Little ones can enjoy their own DVD entertainment, relaxing in their rooms. High speed Internet keeps everyone in touch with the folks back home. Access the hall closet for a variety of “fun and games”. Work on jigsaw puzzles, or take a trip through Candy Land, Park Place or Board Walk. If the little ones get too ‘board’ with the games, head downstairs to start your own Foosball, or Ping Pong tournament! The future young NBA stars can practice their moves with the Pop-A-Shot! Browse the downstairs closet of beach toys. Build the sandcastle of your dreams. Boogie board or try your luck with horseshoes or cornhole games on the beach. Whatever you imagine for your beach side vacation, Carpe Diem will help you make it come true.
With most living areas on one level stair climbing is reduced. The main level is a split plan with four bedrooms ( 2 king beds, 1 queen, and a pair of twins), two baths, the center of the house is a great room. Seating for eating includes a kitchen island with 3 bar stools, a 8 place dining table and a 4 place game table in the family room. We regularly host dinners with friends and neighbors. Feeding large groups is easy at Carpe Diem. Send your Barbecue heroes to the large gas grill to do some of the cooking in the patio at the front of the house.
The lower level will be happily taken over by the younger generation. There you will find two bedrooms, one with 3 twin beds and one with a queen size bed and a twin bed, as well as a full bath. The bedrooms open onto the garage which is converted into the fully equipped game room. In the game room you’ll find ping pong, foosball, pop-a-shot, a large TV, loud stereo, card table, mini fridge, built in counter and stools, game closet with beach toys, balls, bingo, etc. Please note that the lower level is connected to the main level only by the outside steps on the front entry to the house. Use the intercom on the cordless phone to call them for dinner. Maybe the kids will invite you down to challenge you to a game.
* Bed sizes: King, King, Queen, 2 Singles, Queen and 1 Single, 3 Singles.
* On 2 levels with exterior stairs only - no interior stairs between levels.
* Most living areas on 1 level.
* Central heat & air, ceiling fans, dishwasher, washer/dryer.
* 6 cable (digital service with HD programming and movie channels) flat panel TVs; home theater sound system, Blu-Ray player, 2 DVD players.
* Wired/wireless high speed internet access
* Oceanfront open deck with built-in seating, safety gate, lounge chairs, and other furniture.
* Garage provides ping pong table, foosball table for your enjoyment as well as storage space for your beach items. This area has A/C.
* Enclosed outside shower with hot water.
* Grilling allowed. Gas grill (gas provided).
* No smoking allowed in house.
* Partial weeks not allowed.
* Storage room and workshop off garage not available
Amenities
Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Family friendly
Map of Surf City, NC
$$$$
Ratings and reviews
10.0 / 10.0
The house was very nice.we had a great time.but was I was most impressed with was the owner. Thank you Kevin
10.0 / 10.0
Carpe Diem was a perfect fit for our family vacation! The cousins loved having their own space to retreat to, and called it their cousin clubhouse. With all of the game choices they never even thought to watch TV or go on iPads. The kitchen was well stocked, and beds and furniture were comfortable. House while looking small from the outside was very spacious for the number of people we had. View was amazing. We will definitely book at Carpe Diem again!
10.0 / 10.0
Had a wonderful family stay at Carpe Diem! Right on the beach and the house had all of the amenities you could possibly think of. Well stocked, clean and a great game room to boot.
10.0 / 10.0
My family and I had a wonderful week vacation at Carpe Diem. Awesome location that is right on the beach. We loved how convenient it was to the beach and pretty much everything else on the island. Outside of the location, the top 2 amenities were the game room for the kids on the 1st floor: axe throwing, ping pong, foosball, and arcade basketball-my grandsons broke all of the high scores on the basketball game. The other great part of the house is the kitchen. We have stayed on Topsail for over 15 years is this house was by far, the most equipped kitchen we have ever had. You name it, it was included. This house was a lucky find and a great time!
10.0 / 10.0
Vacation home was perfect for a family looking to stay right on shore. We had zero complaints or issues. Little steep trek to the beach which could be difficult to some people. But if you have no accessibility concerns, you'll love your stay! Contact with the host was simple, probably one of the best I've had staying in vrbo properties.
10.0 / 10.0
Kevin and Rebecca are great at communicating.
My friends and I have been renting in Surf City for about 15 years. First time at Carpe Diem, won’t be the last.
Highlights:
All linen supplied except for beach towels.
Best kitchen utensils, pots and pans that we have ever had at a rental
A welcome bag with toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags etc so you don’t have to run out to the store. Brilliant idea!
A gas grill, with extra tank if needed, on a patio area out front (many rentals will not let you use a grill)
The game room in the basement.
Really comfortable beds and pillows
Clean, clean, clean!
Great location
Fantastic for a multigenerational family
Plenty of loungers on the deck
TV in every room
Lots of kids buckets and spades
Our week was the beginning of May. One of the times you hope the weather is good, it was.
Again I have to repeat, best supplied kitchen EVER!
Thanks guys! We’ll be back.
10.0 / 10.0
I have rented several vacation houses from NC to Florida and this house is now at the top of my list and we will definitely be staying here again. The house was clean, looked even better in person than in the pictures and is close enough to the bridge that you don’t have to drive 30 minutes to get somewhere. If you have a cart it’s easy to get on the beach with just a few steps to go down to get on the beach. Plenty of entertainment downstairs for kids and adults if it happens to rain as well.
10.0 / 10.0
This was the best place we have stayed on vacation yet.You get everything advertised in the listing and more. We enjoyed every minute of the time we had here even though our stay was cut short by tropical storm Ophelia by one day. We probably could have stayed, but we were cautious as no one knew exactly what might be coming. Any way, we highly recommend this place and the owners couldn't have been more gracious and accomodating.I keep thinking that one of my adult children will want to do their own thing with their children someday,but If we are fortunate enough to vacation as a family again next year, I hope this place is available when it's time to make the reservation.
10.0 / 10.0
Property Great! Well stocked kitchen, great lay out. We enjoyed the game room, and loved location of house. Cant wait to come back.
10.0 / 10.0
We just returned from a wonderful week at a beautiful ocean front property at Surf City, NC. We have been coming to Topsail Island for over 40 years watching our three girls grow up and now have their own families. This year we stayed at Carpe Diem for the first time and could not be any more pleased. From the very beginning, Kevin & Rebecca were very responsive to any questions and extremely welcoming to our family. The house suited our needs perfectly and was immaculately furnished and supplied with anything we could need. We would highly recommend Carpe Diem for anyone who appreciates attention to detail and being able to take a few steps out the back sliding doors and put their toes in the sand.
10.0 / 10.0
Kevin & Rebecca, Thank you for allowing us to stay at your rental! It was a beautiful experience. Your property was EXACTLY what we needed!!!
10.0 / 10.0
Our family thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Carpe Diem!
The view is great, the house is very well equipped for a relaxing and fun family week!
10.0 / 10.0
Great place! We enjoyed our stay! Perfect for our group. Great access to beach. We had 7 boys in our group so the game room was perfect! We definitely stay again! Host very responsive and helpful with any questions
10.0 / 10.0
We really enjoyed this rental. Easy to keep clean. Great spaces for all ages. My only suggestion would be to provide better pillows. Note: the walk from the steps to the beach is through very thick sand and the incline is very steep. It was difficult for my parents and me (following recent foot surgery) to make it up and down. This is due to the beach renourishment and outside of the owners control. Someone tied a thick rope with knots to a neighboring public walkway.
10.0 / 10.0
House was fabulous. It had everything you could think of in the kitchen, plenty of beds and right on the beach. We watched the sun rise every day. Plenty of seating in the dinning room for a large group. We had a a wonderful time and would recommend this house to anyone. Owners were great, friendly, and helpful throughout the entire rental proses
10.0 / 10.0
We had a fabulous and peaceful. Carpe Diem is a wonderful place to stay!! The house, nautical decor, fully stocked kitchen, outside hot shower. The view from the kitchen and living room is phenomenal—the BEACH is the BACKYARD!! Just a few steps and your toes are in the sand!! This area is quite and not very populated. We had our private area everyday and anytime we decided to go on the beach. We’ve stayed on Topsail for the week and had to pay for linens to be provided. Carpe Diem provides linens. Only another thing we love about it!! The kids & young adults enjoyed staying downstairs playing games. It’s an absolutely perfect location.
We had 13 people of our extended family on vacation, ages 1 year old granddaughter to 80 year old great-grandma. EVERYONE enjoyed our family vacation! Hope to stay here again next year!!! Thanks Kevin & Rebecca for sharing your home!!
10.0 / 10.0
This property was perfect for our family. Adults had the upper floor and the children had the lower floor. The children (all cousins) enjoyed their time together playing Foosball, Ping Pong and Basketball as well as games.
10.0 / 10.0
This was a great rental experience. The owners answered questions promptly and we had the best time!
10.0 / 10.0
Carpe Diem
Carpe diem did not disappoint, what a beautiful home with outstanding views. Spent the week with the whole family enjoying and relaxing. Home was clean and had any amenity you could think of or need. Host was super responsive and helpful anytime we were in touch. Thanks for the great week!
10.0 / 10.0
Family Reunion
This is a nice space with a big, open main area. The bedrooms are large compared to other places we've stayed. We had fun coming together for family and beach time. Super nice outdoor shower, lots of dishes, and other small things that most rentals do not provide. The owner is great to work with, and the beach is very, very close. Enjoy it.
10.0 / 10.0
Amazing and Perfect!!
Location- Perfect
Cleanliness -Perfect
Host - Perfect
Wow what can I say our family of 14 fit perfectly in this house. The kitchen has every utensil one could possibly need and more.
The view was spectacular. We felt like we were floating on the ocean which was just steps from the house. The house was extremely well maintained and beautifully decorated. Our family enjoyed game time in the lower floor game room with ping pong to name just one.
The hosts were just a text message away however we did not need to contact them as the accommodations were flawless. The beds were super comfortable. All appliances + (two coffee makers) great working order.
We never felt crowded for space. And I just have to say the house has such a warm wonderful feeling it just made us all calm and happy!! Great job I wish I could give this house and its host more than five stars..
10.0 / 10.0
Magical!
Wonderful house, beyond gorgeous setting… an unforgettable week.
10.0 / 10.0
This is it!
If you are looking for a vacation home that has gorgeous ocean views and is steps from the sea…this is it! If you are looking for a tastefully decorated, functional, clean, well maintained vacation home…this is it! If you want a place you can send the kids off to play yet monitor their ‘playing’… and even find yourself becoming a bit addicted to ping pong and foozeball….this is it! If you like to cook and are looking for a superbly appointed kitchen with more gadgets and utensils than most restaurants have….this is it! If you want folks that are immediately responsive and assist with making your experience the best it can be…this is it! I want to add here that it is difficult to find a comparable place that allows dogs but let’s keep giving them reasons to continue allowing our best friends to join us by respecting their home…our dog absolutely loved it there! Porpoises swimming by daily…comfortable beds…shells to peruse…lull of the ocean….this is it! Thank you Kevin and Rebecca for sharing this wonderful home with those of us who needed exactly what you’all provided. You both are it!
10.0 / 10.0
Amazing place with great owners
What a gem Carpe Diem is. One reason we chose this was the coziness of the place -- we (all adults) stayed on the top floor, where hanging out was so easy, but where we could retreat to our own bedrooms for naps and reading and just quiet times. The moment you walk in the door you're struck by the view to the beach. From anywhere in the main living area you feel that you're right there, watching the waves crashing on the sand and the dolphins cavorting just off-shore. We spent much of our time (when we weren't walking on the beach) on the deck, all times of day. (Great stargazing at night!). Kevin and Rebecca were so responsive when questions arose and were good-natured about even the silliest of inquiries. We recommend Carpe Diem to everyone and will look into booking this cottage again next fall for much needed rest and relaxation.
10.0 / 10.0
The perfect beach house
This house was perfect for us. Loved having everything we needed on the main floor. By far, the most stocked kitchen we have EVER seen in any rental we’ve ever stayed at. Comfortable beds, very clean throughout. Great communication with the owners. This will definitely be our place to stay when we come back to Topsail. Thank you!
10.0 / 10.0
Perfect
This was the best well equip property, I have ever stayed in from essential items from paper products to coffee starter and dish tabs, enough plates, silverware and utensils and pots, pans etc in good condition. Location was amazing, and beach was perfect. Even our dogs did not want to leave.
Rebecca & Kevin, responded promptly to any questions or concerns.
I would recommend this home, to anyone who loves the beach.
10.0 / 10.0
Terrific Location and Access to Everything
The whole week was a breeze when it came to checking in, cooking in the kitchen, hanging on the beach, or heading to the grocery store. The house is right on the ocean, and the deck chairs are in great condition for relaxing and watching the waves. The lower level was good for the kids to catch a nap and there are games down there if you have older ones. The kitchen was well stocked with coffee mugs, plates, silverware, pots/pans, and really anything that you could need for a week at the beach. It was my first time to the area and I was pleasantly surprised how close we were to grocery stores (Publix, Harris Teeter, Walmart, Food Lion) and we were only about a mile or two to the restaurants and pier. Overall, I would recommend the property to anyone looking to visit the Topsail/Surf City area.
10.0 / 10.0
Amazing
We just returned from our family vacation at Carpe Diem. Everything was just perfect! From the booking, communication with the owners and of course the house and beach. The house was a perfect size four our large family. There were 13 of us. Our kids, their spouses and our grandchildren. Everyone had a very comfortable bed to sleep in and each family had their own private bathroom. There was a welcome bag with a few essentials upon arrival and the house was stocked with everything that you could possibly need. The kitchen had everything!! There were also beach chairs and beach toys. There were games, books and movies. And the game room was a fun place to get out of the sun!! I had forgotten how beautiful the beach was and enjoyed the beach, surf and sand. We will be back . It was an absolutely amazing vacation. Thanks Kevin and Rebecca for your beautiful home for our vacation.
10.0 / 10.0
Awesome house!
We’ve rented several houses over the years and this was the very best! Right on the beach, great communication with Kevin and so well stocked! Lots of dishes, glasses silverware and pots! We never ran out and with 10 people, we ate a lot and had tons of dishes! Definitely recommend this property and plan on returning!
10.0 / 10.0
Excellent property!
Best appointed kitchen I have ever seen in a vacation rental. Excellent view and perfect beach! It was more like a home then a rental...very nice!
10.0 / 10.0
Beautiful, clean and well appointed home!
We loved this house! It was so well equipped, we couldn’t believe it. The kitchen had everything you would need and the generous flatware, dishes, coffee cups and wine glasses were all matched sets and there was plenty of everything. Every switch was labeled, the bedding soft, the artwork colorful and delightful. The game room downstairs was perfect for our three generations of family and we had the best time! Kevin was very responsive and helpful and the location can’t be beat! We highly recommend Carpe Diem!
10.0 / 10.0
Thanksgiving weekend with large family
House very clean and organized! House has everything you need to have a great time! Playroom was great for kids of all ages! Owner is very attentive to all needs on a timely manner. I would definitely stay again!
10.0 / 10.0
Great location and house
Everything was perfect, kitchen well equipped, comfortable beds. The only thing is the AC doesn’t work as well on one side of the house. 2 bedrooms were very cold and 2 bedrooms were warm. A note should mention that you cannot leave anything on the beach overnight or it it will be removed and dispose of. The rest was great, loved it.
10.0 / 10.0
Carpe Diem Getaway
The house exceeded our expectations. It was perfect for our group. The owners thought of everything! Plus they were amazing to deal with. The view, the comfort, the experience, were second to none at this amazing home on the ocean!
10.0 / 10.0
Family reunion
We have visited Topsail Island many times and we love this location. This house was perfect for our family in size and amenities. Probably the best stocked kitchen ever. The one floor plan was great for our elderly parents and only 10 steps to the beach .
10.0 / 10.0
LIL PIECE OF HEAVEN ON EARTH
Imaculate property, literally steps to the ocean, Omaha, Georgia & SC Family vacation.
This amazing house has everything you could ask for.
The owners went above and beyond be excellent hosts!!!
10.0 / 10.0
Wonderful Week in Surf City
From beginning to end, our experience with Carpe Diem was excellent! This beach house is very comfortable and has all the amenities you could ever need. Loved being right on the ocean which made things so easy and the view was awesome! Planning on returning!!
10.0 / 10.0
Location, location, location!
If you are looking for easy access to a great beach - this is it! You could not ask for a better view of the ocean. When traveling with kids - this house is perfect! No one has to feel like they are "stuck" at the beach longer than they want (who does that???!!!???)... you can easily come and go because the beach is literally your backyard!
The house itself was great too! Very clean, well equipped, and adequate entertainment options for everyone. Internet was strong enough to support many streaming devices at once with no problem too! Floor plan is split, which is also nice.
The only feedback I would give is that overall the house could use a little updating. Again, it's very clean and well maintained for what is there... but it is just a bit outdated and worn. Nothing that stopped us from thoroughly enjoying our stay though.
Would definitely stay at Carpe Diem again!
10.0 / 10.0
Best Stocked Kitchen
This was the first house I’ve rented out of many that actually has everything a cook would need (including lots of sharp knives!)
House is right on beach, great amenities for the beach, etc. definitively a great house large families!
10.0 / 10.0
Outstanding property
This is a wonderful property. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The location is perfect. The house was clean, stocked generously with everything needed to make our stay comfortable. And the owner was very responsive to our questions. We’ve stayed in a half-dozen HomeAway type properties over the years. This property has been the best!
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Surf City?
The average price for a rental in Surf City is $443 per night. This rental is $365 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Carpe Diem, Beachfront, Fun Game Room, Outdoor Hot Shower, Linens Included. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Carpe Diem, Beachfront, Fun Game Room, Outdoor Hot Shower, Linens Included pet friendly?
Yes! This house is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Carpe Diem, Beachfront, Fun Game Room, Outdoor Hot Shower, Linens Included?
We found 10 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, and parking.