Vacation Homes: A Place to Make Memories

Last week I showed several beach properties on the island of Sunset Beach, NC to a couple who were looking to purchase a vacation or second home.  The day was glorious with beautiful blue skies and sunshine which I had arranged just for them!!
One of the homes we looked at was an older home which had been lovingly cared for and showed very well.  On the right side of the home was a large room which looked like a converted porch.  It ran the width of the house and then lead out onto the back porch and the roof deck.  One half of the room contained two twin beds in an "L"  and a dresser of draws for additional sleep space.  The other end had a small table and chairs and a TV.  Something about that room almost immediately took me back to my childhood and summer vacations spent with all my cousins at the beach house my grandparent's would rent every year when we were young.  Three generations would spend wonderful times together at the beach.  There were beds everywhere and it must've been those "L" shaped beds that jogged the wonderful memories of a simpler time.

  A few months ago, I had the pleasure of helping another couple purchase a second home, this time on the mainland.  Theirs was to be a vacation home for their entire family and every decision they made was with their children, and their children's children in mind.  This was their gift,- the purchase of this second home where the family would vacation together,  enjoy each other and be present in each other's lives.

Times have definitely changed but vacation homes still have the magnificent power to bring families together and strengthen the ties that bind; to make us take time to appreciate each other and form new memories that will last a lifetime and put a smile on your face.

My Vacation Memories from Days Gone By

 

 

Kayaking the Shallotte River

      In January, my husband and I rented a house in the Florida Keys right on the Gulf of Mexico for a week.  The home was a big splurge for us, but well deserved since I had not been on vacation for 2 years.  The home came with two kayaks for guests, and Hank and I very much enjoyed tooling around in the calm, beautiful waters outside the home. I think it was right then and there that my husband decided he had to have a kayak.  Hank is a man who likes to enjoy life...and he has the toys to prove it!        
     Once back home in Shallotte, NC, everyday Hank was on the computer, researching the different types, specifications and prices.  Let's say, when he wants something, he just doesn't stop until he gets it and for three months there was not a day that went by that Hank did not mention the word kayak!  That's what he does, he wears me down.  Sound familiar???
  "Kayaking would be something we could do together", he said - that's always important.   It would also be a form of exercise that we would actually enjoy doing because we'd be doing it on the water - something we love.  Another big plus, as far as I was concerned, was that kayaks don't have motors so they can't break down, they do not require a registration or insurance, or gas for that matter -  all good things,  I agreed to the purchase!  
     As mentioned, Hank had spent the last 3 months researching the subject (he's retired and has too much time on his hands) and was ready to go as soon as I said the word. We made the purchase which was a bit hefty for my taste, but I must say, I am loving it.  We got the kayaks in May and have gone for rides in the Intracoastal Waterway a couple of times.  While that was a lot of fun, dealing with the tide and currents, and the wakes from boats and jet skis speeding by, was a little challenging but I didn't mind that too much - it was a good workout.

Hank on the Shallotte River

      What I really enjoy, though, is kayaking the Shallotte River.  There is something about being able to navigate the small river streams where only fish can go that is so exciting, yet so relaxing.  We fished the river and although we had no luck, we had a spectacular time.  In the kayak, everything is at your fingertips - it has to be.  So when I wanted to fish in a spot for awhile, I just reached for my little anchor and dropped it in; cast my fishing pole and hoped for a bite.  I saw fish jumping around me, egrets and herons in the marsh grass and I know I want to go back and really try to get proficient at it...and maybe even catch some fish!

 

 

Seaside Station in Sunset Beach, NC is a perfect location for your weekend retreat or retirement home.  Just steps to every day conveniences, a quick drive across the Sunset Beach Bridge lands you on the island ready to spend a relaxing day by the sea.   If you're looking for the simple life, an affordable vacation home  where you can enjoy quality time with friends and family in a beautiful coastal setting, you can stop looking.  Welcome to 307 Dogwood Drive in Seaside Station .  Pretty as a picture, this home is now on the real estate market  for sale  and features a split and open floor plan, 3 uniquely large bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2 screened porches, and shed.  Just minutes to both Sunset and Ocean Isle beaches, area golf courses, local shops and restaurants, it's also just a short ride to Myrtle Beach.  Property taxes on this home are just $470 per year.  Call or email me or visit my website at www.CarolinaSeasideProperties.com for more details on this and other available properties in Sunset Beach.