House in Oak Island, NC
10 guests · 4 bedrooms · 3 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 experienceA high end property in this area
About this house rental
Experience the first house built on Oak Island, a private 5-acre ocean estate — where a rare 1945 knotty pine cabin sits on the island's highest hill, reigning above virgin maritime forest, with a private boardwalk to the beach, a lookout tower with 360° views, and a dock for your boat or sunset fishing. This is not a typical rental — it’s a birdwatcher's paradise, one of the most unique and secluded properties anywhere. Small wonder guests return and return!
Folly Hills is a one-of-a-kind coastal property offering total privacy, commanding views, and a sense of history you simply won’t find in modern beach homes. Set on more than five acres of virgin maritime forest, the home is surrounded by nature, wildlife, and uninterrupted views in every direction.
A private boardwalk leads you through the trees to the ocean, while the elevated lookout tower delivers panoramic sunrise and sunset views over the water, forest, and sky. The backside of the property offers a private access to boat dock, a quiet place to fish, read, or watch the light change across the marsh.
The home itself retains its original 1945 character — simple, authentic, and deeply connected to its surroundings. This is a place to unplug, breathe, and experience the coast the way it used to be.
Review after review confirms this an owner's house, not your typical rental, with all the amenities: fully equipped, gourmet kitchen; Gigabit wifi; Sonos sound throughout; private beach access and dock; high quality sheets, mattresses and Turkish towels; beautiful plantings on wide, sunny decks; and much more.
This is a historic home, not a newly renovated luxury build. If you’re looking for marble bathrooms and wall to wall carpeting, this may not be the right fit. Folly Hills is, of course, fully air-conditioned.
If you value privacy, nature, history, and space — there are few properties like ours anywhere in the world, connecting beach with sound over the highest hill in miles in any direction. You'll have full run of the house, private pathway to the beach, a beautiful old pine cabin, undisturbed maritime forest and dock 68 stairs down behind the house. The house is on a single level, but is some 15 steps up from the parking area. The parcel is just short of 5 acres.
Bring mud boots if you're interested to explore the wilder parts of the property... and do remember the insects, chameleons, songbirds, hawks, deer, raccoons, and other animals you'll see have made their home there long before you.
4-night min with 15% off for week, 20% for monthly.
Folly Hills is a one-of-a-kind coastal property offering total privacy, commanding views, and a sense of history you simply won’t find in modern beach homes. Set on more than five acres of virgin maritime forest, the home is surrounded by nature, wildlife, and uninterrupted views in every direction.
A private boardwalk leads you through the trees to the ocean, while the elevated lookout tower delivers panoramic sunrise and sunset views over the water, forest, and sky. The backside of the property offers a private access to boat dock, a quiet place to fish, read, or watch the light change across the marsh.
The home itself retains its original 1945 character — simple, authentic, and deeply connected to its surroundings. This is a place to unplug, breathe, and experience the coast the way it used to be.
Review after review confirms this an owner's house, not your typical rental, with all the amenities: fully equipped, gourmet kitchen; Gigabit wifi; Sonos sound throughout; private beach access and dock; high quality sheets, mattresses and Turkish towels; beautiful plantings on wide, sunny decks; and much more.
This is a historic home, not a newly renovated luxury build. If you’re looking for marble bathrooms and wall to wall carpeting, this may not be the right fit. Folly Hills is, of course, fully air-conditioned.
If you value privacy, nature, history, and space — there are few properties like ours anywhere in the world, connecting beach with sound over the highest hill in miles in any direction. You'll have full run of the house, private pathway to the beach, a beautiful old pine cabin, undisturbed maritime forest and dock 68 stairs down behind the house. The house is on a single level, but is some 15 steps up from the parking area. The parcel is just short of 5 acres.
Bring mud boots if you're interested to explore the wilder parts of the property... and do remember the insects, chameleons, songbirds, hawks, deer, raccoons, and other animals you'll see have made their home there long before you.
4-night min with 15% off for week, 20% for monthly.
Amenities at 1945 Coastal Retreat, 5-Acre Estate, Tower + Dock
Non-smoking
Pets allowed
Family friendly
Map of Oak Island, NC
Ratings and reviews
10 / 10Outstanding·Jun 2023
We had a wonderful stay to celebrate our daughter’s graduation! This property has everything !! A dock with access to an inter coastal waterway, a incredible open deck on a high point with 360 degree views, beautiful ocean view and beach access, multiple decks and porches, comfortable living room and fully equipped kitchen ! Perfect! Highly recommend !
10 / 10Outstanding·Jul 2021
I have been to all types of beach houses in NC for the last 40 years and can say hands down that there is nothing else out there that remotely comes close to the experience of Folly Hills. We took the whole family down for a week and had an amazing time enjoying the views from the highest point on the island, exploring the walks through the maritime forest, fishing and crabbing off the private dock, and just lounging out on the patio overlooking the ocean which felt almost Mediterranean. That’s not to mention the fact that there’s nothing between you and the ocean. Maybe best off all was the experience of being in this historic home that has stood the test of time and has clearly evolved over the decades to be both very comfortable and very functional. We were as busy as could be having a total blast all week long. If you want a cookie cutter beach mansion, look elsewhere! If you want an unforgettable experience, I promise you will never compare Folly Hills to any other beach house. 5 stars aren’t enough!
10 / 10Outstanding·Jun 2021
When we pulled into the driveway of Folly Hills, we knew we had arrived at a place of magic and wonder. The view from the driveway alone could have been a postcard from a beach in La Jolla. Never have we stayed in a rental where we enjoyed pulling the trash to the curb! Entering the home was a warm and welcoming experience. The appointments throughout the house have been carefully executed; combining traditional and eclectic styles to create a perfect combination for comfort and relaxation.
We thought long and hard throughout our trip about which door was the original front door of the house. I suspect everybody has a different opinion on this, but the truth is that it doesn’t matter which door is chosen. Every door in this home calls for friends and family to gather and celebrate. The sliding glass doors open to a deck and patio area that overlook the sound. The waterway will call you. From the kitchen door, there is the exceedingly difficult choice of whether to turn left to the waterway steps, straight to the watchtower, or right to the beach vista. Any direction you choose will lead you to the most beautiful views and rejuvenating experience. The office door leads to the screened patio, which boasts the most mystical skylines on the east coast. Don’t miss the moon rising amidst the starry night and cool breeze. Pure enchantment.
On rainy days, be sure to check out the books on the table near the fireplace and learn about the rich history of the Capel family. The house is well stocked with games and puzzles, but perhaps our most favorite part about our days indoors was listening to the sound of the rain on the red tin roof. Turn your favorite tunes on the Sonos system, breathe, and your soul will fly.
Speaking of doors, if there’s something about your stay that isn’t up to your standards, we challenge you to pick any door, step in or out, and let your heart fill with gratitude for the masterpiece on which you are standing. Perhaps the best gift about this property is that the Capel family have shared it with us. The pictures don’t, and can never, do this home justice. Those who are lucky enough to find this listing should feed their inner rock stars and book this property. No regrets on this one whatsoever.
10 / 10Outstanding·Aug 2020
This was our second summer at Folly Hills. Our family enjoyed this trip even more this summer as we were familiar with the home. The owners continue to make repairs and upgrades (like the new stairs to the watch tower, expanded Sonos system). Schuyler is an awesome host ~ quick to assist in every need our family had. Awesome, well equipped kitchen for cooking your favorite family meals. We enjoyed our morning breakfast on the screened in front porch sitting together at the large round table. This 75 year old beach cottage may not have the “glitz” of other rentals but the tranquility you’ll find here is what we love about this home. Looking forward to next summer!
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Top rated by guests
9.7Outstanding
(6 Ratings)
"We had a wonderful stay to celebrate our daughter’s graduation! This property has everything !! A dock with access to an inter coastal waterway, a incredible open deck on a high point with 360 degree ..."
Steve L.Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
