About us
Asked questions
We highly recommend travel insurance. We have used and benefitted from travel insurance on some of our vacations.
When unexpected problems arise, travel insurance can help make things right. A travel protection plan from Allianz Global Assistance can safeguard your trip investment, reimburse covered emergency medical costs, and give you 24-7 access to Assistance services, among other benefits. Learn more about Allianz Travel.
- If you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason, travel insurance can reimburse you for your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs. Without insurance, you could lose your vacation investment.
- If you experience a covered medical emergency, travel insurance can help ensure you get high-quality care and reimburse you for covered medical costs. Without insurance, you may have to pay out of pocket when traveling overseas.
- If you have a covered travel delay, travel insurance can reimburse you for necessary, eligible expenses like hotels and meals. Without insurance, delays can be expensive.
- If you face an unexpected crisis, travel insurance gives you access to 24-Hour Hotline Assistance for expert help and advice. Without insurance, you’re on your own.
Learn more about our 2022 beach nourishment projects on the Dare County website.
There are always events, markets and fun activities going on during our summer months. We recommend following our Facebook Page to see the latest news and activities.
Additionally, see the Outer Banks Visitor Bureau website for an event calendar.
Your closest beach access and amenities are in our ‘Welcome Booklet’ at each of our cottages. For other accesses and amenities, visit OBX Beach Accesses.
There are a number of companies that rent gear from baby gear to golf carts, surf boards or paddle boards and even cabana setup waiting for you on the beach! Most rental companies will drop off gear to the house and pick up at the end of your rental.
Rock A Bye Baby – baby rental equipment
Yes! The Outer Banks Tourism Bureau has a compilation of all the live beach cams. Check them out here!
This is a great idea! Professional photos are one of our favorite keepsake items. We use two local photographers frequently for our family photos.
Look we are great people and understand plans change and accidents happen. Please give us the opportunity to help you with issues that arise during your stay.
Now, if a group has received a warning from us for noise complaints, neighbor complaints or ongoing issues that compromise the safety and security of our property, our area allows to to receive assistance from our local Sheriff’s Office to perform an expedited eviction.
No Parties or Events
None of our locations are suitable for parties or events. Please be respectful of our neighboring property owners and visitors during your stay especially in the outdoor areas. There is a noise ordnance that restricts volume permitted outside from 10:00 pm – 8:00 am.
Tenant Age Restrictions
All renters should be 25 or older prior to bookings. This does not apply to families traveling with children under 25. We do not discriminate with respect to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, familial status, sexual orientation or gender identity in accordance to the Fair Housing Act and our personal human decency. We welcome all guests and are dedicated to welcoming you to our area!
No Smoking
No smoking or vaping inside of the property or on the decks. Guests will be fined for breaking this rule. If you smoke outside, properly dispose of all cigarette butts. Do not litter cigarette butts on the beaches.
Pets
Pets are permitted at Grand Dowdy and Write Off The Beach cottages. As fellow pet-lovers, we expect all dogs and dog owners to be respectful of the property. Our goal is for all of our guests traveling with or without pets to be equally comfortable at our cottage. All pets should be house broken. All pets should be flea and tick free prior to arrival and on flea and tick preventative. If the property requires pest treatment, the guest will be penalized. Do not allow animals on the couches. Couch covers are provided at Grand Dowdy. Pick up pet waste from the yard. Do not leave pets unattended for long periods of time. Know that sand and asphalt heat can hurt your pet. Mornings and evenings are safer times to take your pet to the beach. No pets in the pool and/or hot tub.
Septic System
NO garbage disposal. Our cottage, like most on the Outer Banks, has a private septic system in our front yard. Our personal septic system is located in our yard. Please do not flush any items other than toilet paper. Do not allow food debris down the kitchen drain. Keep drain catch in the sink.
Heating and AC
Please do not run AC lower than 68 degrees. Per the manufacturer this can lower performance or damage the HVAC system. AC programmed at 68 degrees or higher is ideal for most HVAC systems. For additional comfort, we have added fans to each bedroom and the two living areas. Aside from the bunk room due to safety precautions.
Hot Tub Safety
Children under 12, elderly persons, pregnant women, and anyone with any health or medical condition should NOT use the hot tub. Don’t go in the hot tub if the water is cloudy or discolored. Tie up long hair to keep it out of drains. Don’t use the hot tub if under the influence of alcohol or sedating medication. Keep hot tubs covered and the covers locked when not in use. Don’t spend more than 15 minutes at a time in a hot tub. Don’t allow babies, children or pets in the hot tub. Don’t get into a pool or hot tub if there is lightning. If you find drain covers or other equipment is broken, do not enter the pool or hot tub, please contact owners immediately.
Pool Safety
Never leave children unattended. Follow all posted rules and regulations. Do not go in the pool if the water is cloudy or discolored. Know how to swim. Do not rely on water wings or other flotation devices for safety. If your children can’t swim, always stay within reach of them. Children should never go in the pool area alone or swim alone. Never run, push, jump or horseplay in or around the pool. Never take your eyes off children in the pool, even for a moment. If you have a big group, take turns being in charge of watching everyone in the pool. When you’re watching the pool, keep your full attention on the water. Avoid distractions like reading or talking or on the phone. Tie up long hair to keep it out of drains. Never dive into the pool. Do not use pool if under the influence of alcohol or sedating medication. Keep pool gates closed and locked at all times. Don’t disarm any pool alarms that have been installed. If you find drain covers or other equipment that is broken, do not enter the pool or hot tub. Contact owner immediately. Learn CPR for babies, children and adults. Never enter a pool if there is lightning.
Ocean Safety
Never swim alone. Carefully watch children at all times. Never enter the water when red “No Swimming” flags are flying. It is always best to swim in front of a lifeguard station. Always feel free to ask the lifeguard about water conditions and safety risks. Don’t swim at night. Obey all posted rules and regulations. Stay 300 feet away from fishing piers. Avoid swimming near anglers casting their lines. Avoid swimming near surfers. Don’t turn your back on the waves – watch what is coming. Check the weather before heading to the beach. Seek shelter immediately when you hear thunder or lighting. Do not wait out a storm on the beach.