First the bad --- the company that manages the place is an Oregon company, and any issues must go through them first, so I had a few --- what turned out to be --- minor issues which went unresolved because of the difficulties in communication. There were numerous long waits, and transfers from one person to the next, when the issues in question could have been resolved within a few minutes with a local contact familiar with the property. To be fair, the company did make good on the inconveniences by waiving a few fees and some other perks, so they acknowledged some issues and tried to make things right. Those issues did get resolved eventually. As for the property itself ---- HIGHEST POSSIBLE RATING! Old school, quaint, cozy, but oh man! Perfect location! They have lots of DVDs for the children, lots of books for the adults, board games and a lot of room including a back yard. Two or three small families would be fine here. I had a friend stop by for the afternoon, with her two 4 year-olds and they wanted to stay at the house all afternoon instead of go to the beach! But Location --- the beach is a 5-minute walk. This place is virtually ocean-front without the view. 5 Miles north is a beach which I walked on in the evenings --- not a soul in sight in either direction for over an hour. Food Lion, the only one on the Outer Banks, is 2 and a half miles. Lots of good restaurants within a bike ride or 5 minute car ride. A fresh seafood market, again, right down the road. Numerous off-road beaches within a few miles, including sound side beaches. I travel a lot and stay in comfortable vacation-style settings, and I have to say this place may be the best I have stayed at. Not the lap of luxury, not the most contemporary, not for people who want to be pampered --- just the best. After I packed up, I remained at the house till the last possible moment, soaking up the comfort and peace of the environment. I nearly got emotional leaving, and when I returned home, I wanted to be back again. I look forward to returning for a longer stay. The "Beach Box" is pure heaven, a gem of a place in the perfect location for the definitive Outer Banks location.

Close to beach walk, safe area just off Hwy 12 which can be hectic. Yard for a dog near to shops, restaurants & food store.

Only problem we had is the thermostat for the a/c is controlled remotely by someone else. 74 on the stat was really 79 in the living room. We had to call a few times to have it adjusted only to have it revert back at night. I would recommend setting a few setpoints so people can relax.