• Vacation rental houses are popular along the Outer Banks.family on vacation image by Larry Roberg from Fotolia.com
  
  Oceanfront rental properties are popular with travelers looking for a relaxing vacation in North Carolina's Outer Banks. The vast majority of houses along Topsail Island---which includes Topsail Beach, Surf City and North Topsail Beach---are multifamily properties designed to accommodate groups of 10 or more. These higher-priced and larger homes are among the few rentals with private pools. Single-family rentals typically share a community pool.
  
  

Topsail Beach Rental

• Vacationers appreciate private beach access from rental homes.To the beach image by ArniLia from Fotolia.com
  
  The only four-bedroom home on the island with a private heated pool, "Splash Landing" (3634 Island Drive) is among the most sought-after properties on Topsail Island. The house, originally built in 2000, has been renovated and includes a hot tub, panoramic views of the ocean and a private walkway to the beach. There are two covered decks with a hammock and swing facing the pool and ocean. Inside the house, a TV and DVD player are in each bedroom with a Playstation 2, Nintendo 64 and wireless Internet also in the house. As of August 2010, the rental price ranged from $1,595 to $4,995 per week. Additional pool and hot tub fees may also apply.
  
  Treasure Realty
  
  PO Box 389
  
  Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
  
  800-762-3961
  
  treasurerealty.com
  
  

Surf City Rental

• The price of vacation rental properties varies by season.sandy beach image by Adkok from Fotolia.com
  
  An oceanfront house on Topsail Island located in Surf City, rental property 186933 through HomeAway Inc. vacation rentals, provides a luxurious space steps away from the beach. With five rooms on the first floor, it has an elevator to reach the master suite on the second level and the third floor to relax with the best ocean views. A large kitchen, dining and living area creates enough relaxing space for the house to hold up to 16 guests. In 2009, the owners added a private pool as the showcase amenity. Rates for the house range from $2,195 to $5,495 per week, as of August 2010. Renters may be required to book a minimum two-week stay.
  
  HomeAway Inc.
  
  1011 West Fifth Street, Suite 300
  
  Austin, TX 78703
  
  512-493-0382, option #2
  
  homeaway.com
  
  

North Topsail Beach Rental

• Amenities at vacation homes continue to grow.beach image by Mindaugas Tamulis from Fotolia.com
  
  HomeAway Inc.'s property 173688 has a tropical island feel throughout its eight bedrooms and palm-tree lined, vaulted Tiki Great Room. The rental has a bathroom for each bedroom, and has a full-scale game room with pool and air hockey tables, a Playstation 2 and wet bar. Outdoor activities on-site include a 15-foot children's playhouse, sand box and swing set, while the adults have access to a heated pool, grill, lanai and private walkway to the beach. As of August 2010, weekly rates ranged from $3,095 to $6,595.
  
  HomeAway Inc.
  
  1011 West Fifth Street, Suite 300
  
  Austin, TX 78703
  
  512-493-0382, option #2
  
  homeaway.com