***We will be taking spring/summer/fall 2023 bookings as of January 1, 2023. Looking forward to having you stay with us in 2023.***
“I’ve been coming to Topsail Island for years and this truly was the absolute best vacation home I have ever booked” – Rebecca, April 2022
Welcome to The Zen Escape, a 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath oasis located directly on the beach in classic Surf City, NC. This is the ideal home to recharge and refresh with friends or family. It’s been specifically designed to provide the best experience possible.
"It’s very "zen"...people have told me that they become relaxed as soon as they arrive."
– Beata
"From the moment you open the door & look through to the three sliding doors overlooking the ocean, you KNOW you’ve just stepped into someplace special & won’t want to leave! I really don’t think you could get much closer to the water unless you stayed on a boat." – Jennifer
KITCHEN AND DINING:
Step through the front door of The Zen Escape and into the newly redone open-concept kitchen. Fully equipped with new stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, an ocean facing sink and a large eat-in counter island, this kitchen is designed so the chef can always see the ocean and enjoy the party!
Kitchen & Dining Amenities:
• Suite of Stainless Steel appliances
• Stocked kitchen & pantry
• Coffee Station with Drip, Keurig and Coffee Grinder
• Eat-in kitchen counter (seats 4)
• Formal Dining table (seats 8)
• Charcoal grill
• Outdoor seating for 8 in three different locations
Just beyond the fully stocked kitchen and pantry, the space opens up to the dining and living areas – all with expansive views of the ocean. Take your morning cup of coffee or grab a glass of wine or a Salty Turtle beer and step out onto the extensive balcony that features 8 captain’s chairs, placing you above the deck railing to take in those unobstructed views! This is the perch where you can wave to schools of dolphins plowing the waves or watch an amazing sunrise or sunset!
"The location can't be beat. The views were amazing. The house was great. We will definitely be back!" -Luke
LIVING SPACES:
You can also settle in to enjoy the evening or a rainy day in the cozy living room and luxuriate in the views, the beach-y vibe, and the beautiful décor. This is the perfect spot to play a board game or host a movie night!
Living Spaces Amenities:
• Samsung Smart TVs with Spectrum Live including the full Sports package and on demand in all bedrooms and living room
• Games & Books
• Washer/Dryer
• Central Heat/AC
"I didn’t think it could get any better than the pictures, but it honestly did. It was immensely clean, beautifully decorated, with views that cannot be beat…"- Rebecca, 2022
BEDROOMS AND BATHS:
And, after a long day spent in the sun, sink into a bed with freshly laundered linens and turn on your favorite movie. Each bedroom includes a Smart TV with Spectrum streaming, so the viewing options are endless. Fresh towels are provided for each of the bathrooms. If you happen to have a few extra guests, The Zen Escape has two additional mesh cots with mattresses. We have determined these are much more comfortable and more flexible than a sleeper sofa as they can be used in any room in the home - even on the deck if you’re the adventurous type!
Bedroom & Bathroom Amenities:
• Master oceanfront King bedroom with ensuite bathroom boasting an exquisitely tiled shower and deck access
• Bedroom #2 with King bed, ocean views from the window and direct front porch access
• Bedroom #3 with Bunk room with a Twin XL over Queen bunk and a Twin XL trundle
• Full Bathroom in hallway
• Travel Crib and High Chair
• Linens, towels, toiletries all provided
"We have stayed at many, many places. This one tops them all. Not only is it true ocean front property. It’s full of everything you need but your own clothes and tooth brushes!" – Nicole
OUTDOORS:
Outdoors -
The Zen Escape is also designed to accommodate every aspect of the outdoor experience. A particularly unique feature of this property is the 600 square foot covered and fenced in entertainment area under the house – with its own breathtaking views of the ocean!
This outdoor space features a charcoal grill for the chef in your group, along with pub seating for 8 people around a pub height table and an additional high-top long table which seats 8 that both face the ocean. You can play a rousing game of cornhole, get competitive with giant Jenga, or relax in the 6.75’ x 6.75’ Nordic whirlpool hot tub after a big day of sand and surf.
Your fluffy four-legged friends will appreciate the 10’ x 10’ shaded gravel garden that they can roam all within the confines of the fully fenced in space. With the beach as your backdrop, this is your coastal hideaway for rainy days or breaks from the mid-day sun. Note: On this level there’s also an additional half bath and laundry room, and a huge enclosed outdoor shower! No need to run upstairs to use the loo.
"I liked that it was fenced in so I didn't have to worry about my 1-year old trying to take off." – Jacqueline
Steps away is the beautiful Topsail Island coastline and the Atlantic Ocean with its crashing waves and endless views. For your enjoyment Zen provides beach towels, beach chairs, a beach umbrella, and a variety of beach toys so every day is the perfect Beach Day.
"Waking up to sunrise on the beach while having our pups with us was absolute heaven!" – Jules
THE LOCATION:
The Zen Escape is in the ideal location to explore Topsail Island. With restaurants and shops less than a 5-minute walk away, the opportunity to revel in the beauty of quaint and quiet Surf City is easy and accessible. Make sure to walk out on the pier to get the full experience!
Take it from the locals for the best recommendations:
• Sugar Island Bookshop – for sweets and pastries and our favorite coffee!
• The Daily Grind (a 2 minute walk away) is also in the running for best coffee in town!
• Salty Turtle Beer Company
• Shaka Taco (a 3 minute walk away) for fresh seafood and tacos
• Surf City Shopping (a 6 minute walk away) including my favorite BumbleBee Market
• Karen Beasley’s Turtle Sanctuary
• Surf City Surf School
• Surf City Ocean Pier
• Historic Operation Bumblebee – the Missiles and More Museum
And if you’re looking for fun activities:
• Swimming
• Boogie Boarding
• Paddle Boating
• Kayaking
• Surfing
• Wind-surfing
• Snorkeling
• Fishing
• Golf
• Cycling
• Birdwatching
• Sailing
• Boating
• Jetskiing
• Spas
• Shopping
GETTING HERE:
Fly into Jacksonville (OAJ) Airport and take a 20-minute drive to Topsail Island. Or, fly into Wilmington Airport, just an hour drive away and enjoy the scenic ride along the coastline. With either airport, you can rent a car, take an uber, or order a car service. RDU (Raleigh Durham International) is about 3 hours away.
The gravel driveway is overly spacious and can accommodate at least 6 cars, or even an RV. This single-family home means that all of the driveway space is accessible for the guests. No one else will be using the driveway but you!
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE:
Both bathrooms are brand new. New flooring has been installed throughout the home and it has been freshly painted, with new decor, new linens, new furniture, and new sheets and towels.
The Zen Escape provides the ideal beach house experience. Each group’s stay will also include a fully stocked kitchen and pantry, including spices and other essentials, laundry detergent, hand soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, toilet paper, and paper towels. Your stay here is designed for you to relax and decompress, with most of the preparation already done for you.
We are dog-friendly at The Zen Escape, but consider each dog on a case-by-case basis so please tell us about your pup. If you are looking to bring your fluffy friend, we request a $200 refundable pet fee. Plus, please provide us with some details so we can discuss our pet rules further (no dogs on the beds, please). We cap the pet stay at 2 dogs, and at this time are not equipped to allow cats in the home.
We do not offer discounts of any kind. We offer an extremely high level of service, flexibility and a ton of amenities not found in most beach rentals. If you have a specific request, we will do what we can to accommodate you.