Great little place for a couple on the beach if you have dogs. The house was clean but could use updating and some new furniture. But, overall great for the price! We've gone back several times now.

703 By The Sea was the perfect ocean front cottage for our vacation! My husband and I enjoyed the week!

My lady and I decided that we wanted some beach time only 4-5 weeks ahead of when we wanted to go, so knew the best places were already gone. It was just the 2 of us so we didn't need much space, and didn't need to spend a fortune. The pictures for this place are pretty well done, but if you look closely you can see some issues. I understand how homeowners renting beach properties may want to limit expenses so it keeps them viable until they're ready to sell or live at the beach in retirement, but I think that this place is pushing the envelope on that phenomena and it could be costing the owners. There were a number of areas of peeling paint on the exterior, and the interior could also use some paint over the panelboard walls (not tongue and groove) to brighten the space up. The kitchen is motley crew of assembled cabinets and needs an overhaul. The bathroom wasn't palatial but was nicely remodeled and shows what's possible for a place like this. I'd recommend a ceiling fan in the bedrooms, LR and Kitchen, which could cut the owner's AC cost. Although the furniture wasn't our style, it was comfortable and sufficient. The sunroom area had half of its windows replaced, which allowed for them to be opened so the surf could be heard and felt - very nice. More costly projects would be to expand the front deck to span the face of the house (cuts off halfway) and provide a shaded area (we rigged a pop-up vendor tent on the deck, which worked great. The place was of simple construction, which would be fine for me if I was buying a beach house. I just think they may want to give it a little more TLC, although I recognize that the dollars need to work so apologize to the owner if you've had a tough time swinging the expenses lately. If you like to fish off a pier or be walking distance to a few restaurants and mini-golf, you would be in the right place. Would I return to rent it again? I doubt it, since it didn't bowl me over and I'm the type who likes to try new experiences when possible - there's plenty of beaches to be had in NC! In the end, if you're planning a last minute beach vacation for you and your lady and perhaps another non-demanding couple or some kiddos, and you want a beachfront house in a chill beach town (which likely requires that you prepare some of your own meals or go to the same restaurants a lot), this could work for you. We enjoyed our stay, but know that we could have enjoyed it more if some of the aforementioned were present.

Place was great for us. Views spectacular inside house as well as porch and deck. Loved the enclosed front porch and outside deck. We went end of March. Weather can be iffy. Front porch was great when afternoon breeze picked up. The place is very retro but very comfortable, cozy, and decorated nice. Could use a bit of TLC. We picked it because it was pet friendly, simple, and economic. Bathroom is updated. Everything was clean. Its like a cottage on the ocean. Topsail Beach is beautiful.

This was perfect for what we wanted. We wanted a place to take our two doggies to the ocean. This little house is right there! Steps to the ocean. It is a small place and not fancy but cute. A few things needed some upkeep and updating but again, it served our purpose perfectly. The hose to the outdoor shower was broken and the fridge defrost leaked a bit. The view is spectacular but windows on front sun porch didn't open. Walking distance to a few great eating places and grocery store. We had a great stay and will be going back again soon!