From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Allison W.
24 April 2025
Entire home
How it Usta Be |4BR |2BA Topsail Beach Cottage
Photo gallery for How it Usta Be |4BR |2BA Topsail Beach Cottage
Experience the nostalgic charm of Topsail Beach at this cozy 4-bed, 2-bath beach cottage. With 'starter' essentials provided for your convenience, such as coffee and linens, you'll feel right at home. Enjoy amenities like a pack and play or high chair available upon request.
Reviews
8.88.8 out of 10
Excellent
Entire home
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8
Popular amenities
- Kitchen
- Washer
- Dryer
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Outdoor Space
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
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.
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.
Property amenities
Internet
- Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
- Car recommended
- Parking on site
Kitchen
- Coffee/tea maker
- Cookware, dishware, and utensils
- Microwave
- Oven
- Refrigerator
- Stovetop
- Toaster
Dining
- Dining table
Bedrooms
- 4 bedrooms
- Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
- 2 bathrooms
- Bathtub
- Bathtub or shower
- Hair dryer
- Shower
- Towels provided
Living spaces
- Dining table
Entertainment
- TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
- Patio
Laundry
- Laundry facilities
- Washing machine
Comfort
- Air conditioning
Pets
- No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
- Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
- Concierge services
Location highlights
- Near the bay
- Near the sea
Things to do
- Motor boating nearby
- Swimming nearby
Safety features
- Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
- Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
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Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 23
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
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
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property
About the neighborhood
Located in Topsail Beach, this vacation 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 Surf City Beach and Holly Shelter Game Land. Topsail Skating Rink Topsail Beach and Thomas Tackle and Seafood are also worth visiting. Looking to get your feet wet? Motor boating and swimming adventures can be found near the property. Visit our Topsail Beach travel guide
View more Vacation Homes in Topsail Beach
Topsail Beach, NC
What's nearby
Surf City Beach4 min walk - 0.4 km
University of North Carolina at Wilmington60 min drive - 64.0 km- Topsail Skating Rink Topsail Beach16 min walk - 1.4 km
- Missiles and More Museum18 min walk - 1.5 km
- Sea Turtle Hospital19 min walk - 1.7 km
Getting around
- Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM)58 min drive
Restaurants
- Shaka Taco27 min drive
- Oasis Bar21 min drive
- Starbucks27 min drive
- The Lbc Bottle Shop & Beer Yard28 min drive
- Camino Real27 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 is parking?
Onsite 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?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is How it Usta Be |4BR |2BA Topsail Beach Cottage located?
Situated by the sea, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Surf City Beach, Missiles and More Museum, and Topsail Skating Rink Topsail Beach. Thomas Tackle and Seafood and Ohana Paddle Sports are also within 6 mi (10 km).
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How it Usta Be |4BR |2BA Topsail Beach Cottage Reviews
Reviews
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 10 out of 14 reviews
10 - Excellent
10
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 14 reviews
8 - Good
1
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 14 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 14 reviews
4 - Poor
2
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
8.6
Cleanliness
9.8
Location
2.0
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Victoria S.
25 July 2024
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.
Victoria S.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Madison T.
10 June 2024
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.
Madison T.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Jenn M.
8 June 2025
Great Stay
Thank you for providing our group with a low stress vacation in a great location.
Jenn M.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ashley S.
1 October 2025
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!!
Ashley S.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Heather H.
8 June 2025
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.
Heather H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ken S.
23 June 2025
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
Ken S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Shannon H.
13 August 2025
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.
Shannon H.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
4/10 Poor
Jeff
29 May 2023
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.
Jeff
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Georganne C.
25 June 2023
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!
Georganne C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified
4/10 Poor
Christophe P.
20 July 2023
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
Christophe P.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth M.
21 June 2023
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.
Elizabeth M.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Verified
6/10 Okay
John H.
11 August 2025
John H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Shayla A.
11 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Shayla A.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025