About this Property

Welcome to “Sunspot”, a freshly redone shorefront condominium on superb Fripp Island. Sunspot is in the Captain John Fripp Villas, centrally located on the Island, with the very choice stretch of beach – whether at high tide or low! Unlike public beaches, such as Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach, Fripp Island is cloistered and serene. Even during the high season, the beach is not too busy to spread out a family’s worth of towels, chairs, coolers and umbrellas, and still have room to build a sandcastle! This charmingly refreshed condo has two bedrooms and two thoroughly updated full bathrooms upstairs, and a half bath on the first floor. Wake to ample vistas of the Atlantic Sea. The master bedroom (which has the sea view) has a impressive queen bed and an en suite bath with a astonishing shower and plenty of vanity storage. The guest room has a queen bed and gorgeous constructed-in bunk beds. The additional full bath is just off the hallway. This bathroom is striking, with updated fixtures and a generously tiled tub/shower combination. Each bedroom has a flat screen TV, and the guest room t.v. has a DVD player constructed in! There is bounteous closet space and plenty of storage for clothes in chests of drawers in each room.

The first floor includes a laundry room with washer and dryer. We do give a modest supply of washing detergent upon your arrival. The kitchen is completely supplied, with plates, glasses, flatware, cookware and silverware, with a dishwasher for your comfort. There is a half bath on the first floor (not available in many of the two bedroom condos); a dining area which can seat up to eight; and a comfortable den with a generous, fresh couch, a roomy accent chair and a 54” flat screen TV for your viewing comfort. Right outdoor the sliding glass door is a patio with a charcoal grille and a dazzling wrought iron table and chair ensemble with a enormous patio umbrella for shade. Parents can sip coffee in the morning, or libations in the evening, and appreciate the sea vista while modest children cavort on the grassy yard directly behind the villa. The convenient boardwalk to the white sand beach is just steps away. The John Fripp Villas complex has a private pool for residents and visitors, if one wants to take a new water dip or just relax in the sun without the sand!

We do not give a golf cart with our rental home. I seriously considered making that an option, but after weighing the pros and cons, decided it was most superb to let visitors rent from one of the local companies. I could give it myself, and then increase costs for the guest to cover the costs of buy, use, maintenance and insurance. However, if there were a problem with the cart, it might take multiple days (or even weeks) for me to be able to get the cart repaired. It is not smooth for an individual to get a cart attended to during the busy season, as all the commercial companies are concerned with their own repairs/replacements, etc. If a guest rents a cart themselves, they are assured that the golf cart company will get a replacement cart to them very quickly if there are any problems.

Located 19 miles east of Beaufort, South Carolina, Fripp is a private, 3000 acre nature preserve, which includes two spectacular golf courses; a Racquet club with eight Fast-Dry clay courts and two hard courts; 7 pools; a full-service Marina; land and water units including golf carts, bicycles, mopeds, Carolina Skiffs and kayaks; and guided trips on the “Fripper II”, the Island pontoon cruiser. There are six eateries on the island, as well as the “Beach Club Food Court”, serving everything from fine dining to burgers and chicken fingers. There are also numerous fun “watering holes” for the adults to savor!

One can enjoy a alluring beach holiday at Fripp easily playing in the sand and surf, cycling, hiking, fishing, and visiting with family and friends in a peaceful and handsome ambience. However, in order to use the eateries, rent equipment, play golf or tennis, or use the various pools on the island (other than the private pool at our Villas), anyone over the age of twelve must have an comforts card. FROM MEMORIAL DAY THROUGH LABOR DAY, when you rent “Sunspot” for the week (seven nights) , we give two complimentary niceties cards with your rental. Additional cards can be bought through us, and picked up with your two complimentary cards upon your arrival on the island. The price for weekly cards is $50.00 per person during the summer or “high” season. In the fall/winter/spring seasons, the weekly (5-8 days) cards are $35 each. There are also Four-day cards available in the fall/winter/spring seasons, for $25 each.

Rental of the villa is contingent upon direct communication between the guest and the homeowner. No rental will be considered complete and valid until a signed rental agreement has been received by both events! Although we adore dogs and cats (we have numerous of our own), we do not take our family dogs and cats, and we do not accept visitors to bring pets to the villa. No, dogs, cats, feathered friends, turtles, lizards, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, hedgehogs... nada! We have outfitted our villa with very delightful furnishings, and we expect our visitors to take good care of our holiday home.

Fripp Island is just a brief distance from the historic towns of Beaufort and Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia. One can effortlessly visit any or all three of these phenomenal and appealing locations to enjoy antiquing, historic tours, retail shopping, and meticulous dining. Many blockbuster movies such as “The Big Chill”, “The Prince of Tides”, “Forrest Gump”, and “The Jungle Rent” have been filmed in the area because it provides the ideal combination of natural beauty, historic significance, and innate Southern magic.

Money Saving Rental Tips

• Many property management companies and rental properties provide Beaufort, SC area promotional catalogs which include deals, either offered independently by vendors, or through a relationship between the property manager and the merchant itself. These guides provide an excellent start to your rental search.
• Flexible about when you might take a trip? Off-peak times provide considerable discounts.
• Are you a military veteran? Some rental companies provide price cuts to vets and active-duty forces. Be sure to ask property owner to see if your travelling gang qualifies for a reduced price.
• Is there a certain activity you are mainly anticipating ? You'll receive the most value from a rental which most closely suits your ideal trip setting, even if it costs a little more.
• Management companies and individual rental home owners often offer their customers an opportunity to buy trip insurance coverage. Trip insurance, which generally will cost you anywhere between 1% - 5% of the basic term price, offers guests reimbursement of their rental costs for any days missed as a result of personal health emergencies or weather, and additionally ensuing additional hurricane evacuation costs or charges, such as an unexpected hotel stay or additional fuel. Trip insurance might just be a bank account-saver if the unforseen happens (heaven forbid!).

The Rental Process

Many people are surprised to learn how many properties can be found in Beaufort, SC. Vacation home accommodations have gained in popularity with the rise of worldwide research sites like Homeaway and VRBO.

Vacation rentals are often owner operated or managed by property management companies. Property management companies leverage scale, systems and working experience to provide painless operational administration on behalf of the owner..

Seasoned Beaufort, SC vacationers have identified a number of tips and tricks throughout the years when it comes to renting rental homes, however many beginners will be delighted to learn that several "methods" are in plain sight, if you understand how to look.

Finding and booking the best rental home:

Do you believe "A sweet spot at the Beach! FALL & WINTER DISCOUNTS/SNOWBIRD SPECIALS" is the perfect rental property for your next family vacation? Browse through this checklist to confirm it fits your needs.

Search Early and Frequently

Like many trendy destinations, In Beaufort, SC the best rental homes are booked early. To find the best selection, begin your planning and search Six-12 months before your trip. Holiday gatherings can be a popular time for family groups to plot their Summer family vacations..

Pick a Community and Date

Oftentimes, the toughest portion of scheduling your vacation is choosing where to go, and when. When the big decisions are hammered out, the rest is simpler.

Just How Many Bedrooms?

Keep a list of attendees. How many beds and bedrooms will you be needing? Try to remember that most rentals advertise maximum guest capacity, which oftentimes includes sofa beds in the living area. It is important to determine what is most appropriate for the family. Specific descriptions of bedrooms and beds are usually available online. Otherwise, contact the property manager before you reserve the home.

What Exactly Are You Prepared to Shell out?

Check to make sure "A sweet spot at the Beach! FALL & WINTER DISCOUNTS/SNOWBIRD SPECIALS" satisfies your budget *during your desired dates*. Make sure that you get cost-sharing commitments from family and friends well before booking a costly rental. A single individual in your company will need to be in charge of gathering contributions and accepting responsibility for the complete rental fee at time of booking.

Its All About Amenities

What amenities is your group trying to find? Do you simply desire a property with a swimming pool, spa tub or volleyball court? Will the unit need to be beach front, the downtown area, or in close proximity to shopping? Are extras like beach chairs, gas grills, beach umbrellas, buggies or coolers at your disposal and included with your rental charge? Build a list of priority conveniences to guide filter your search.

Accessability

Appropriate accessibility could make or ruin a trip for the less-mobile. If wheel chair accessibility, elevators, pool lifts or other specialized devices are necessary, include that into your search. Nearly all vacation rental listings include a list of amenities.

Take the Dog

Remember to include your furry family members. Pet policies are different at each rental property. Read descriptions thoroughly. Type of pet, size and dog breeds could be limited. Examine your contract carefully! Additional fees or costs may be applied to your contract. Ask questions *before* you reserve!

Searching the Internet

When the location, dates and guests are decided, search multiple resources to find the best vacation home selection. Besides Homeaway, VRBO and Tripadvisor, we advise searching Google for "Beaufort, SC local rental properties" for local vacation home management companies. Local rental management companies take pride in an exceptional rental experience.

Negotiate

Re-read the description to be sure the vacation rental has everything that you need. If something is missing, the home management company might know of very similar properties that better fit your style and budget..

While not true for all properties, many owners and property managers will negotiate rates. If the rate isn't negotiable, the number of nights might be. Negotiating rates is more effective during the off-peak season when many vacation rentals sit empty.

Study the Contract

Read the entire agreement and make sure you are aware who is liable for:

• Power bills
• Internet Connectivity
• Long Distance Phone Service
• Pool and hot tub heating
• Pay Per View Movies
• Daily Cleaning (If Available)
• Trash collection
• Maintenance policies
• Key exchange
• Parking Fees

Ensure that your price includes all taxes and fees.

Cancellation Policies

Cancellation policies vary with each rental. Many rental property contracts include an option for trip insurance. Trip insurance shields the renter against emergencies and weather events, It gives reassurance should disaster strike.

Reserve It

Once you feel you've found "the one", start the reservation process. You will likely have to submit a security deposit at time of reservation.

Know Who to Call

Put the rental manager's contact info into your smartphone and wallet for convenient access to answers during your trip.

Congrats! All that is left is enjoying your vacation!

During your Stay

• Photograph at your arrival. Take notes of any damage when you arrive. If you find problems, or if fixes are required get in touch with the rental manager right away. If there is a difference of opinion about responsibility later, having the recorded problems and contact attempts will probably be incredibly helpful.
• If there is any ambiguity about vehicle parking, rules of the property, house access, pool functions, etc... we advise you ask the property manager immediately. A quick phone call eliminates many problems.
• Don't forget to respect your neighbors. . Remember the golden rule and treat others the same way you'd like to be treated by visitors next to your residence.
• Ask a local. Natives may point you in the right direction.
• Don't forget to protect the owner (and your stuff!) by keeping the property secured while you are away, exactly like you would in your own home.

Leaving Paradise

• Clean up a lttle bit. Regardless of whether you're having to pay a housekeeping fee, The vacation home needs to be in sound condition. Kitchen sinks filled with pots and pans, excessive beach sand on the floors and sticky messes should be taken care of before you leave.
• When your things are all out, perform a walk-through of the property to make sure no damage occurred during your stay. We suggest walking through with the property manager wherever possible (often this isn't possible).. If the property owner is not available, make sure that you take photos of the property to record its condition.
• How was your trip? Many rental management companies and rental search sites permit customers to provide reviews. If the vacation rental and/or property manager was top notch, they'll appreciate your praise. If something went wrong, we advise being understanding but straightforward regarding your experience. The best property owners and managers will work hard to fix the situation.

Learn and Improve

Hold a meeting with your family. Does everyone want to go back? If everything was exceptional, next year's family vacation planning will be quick. Maybe the rental wasn't quite right, and you will better recognize how to filter your search for the next vacation.