Words left behind by families, fishermen & friends.
For years, guests have arrived as strangers and left as part of the story of this house. Below are their words — written by hand, from the heart — preserved from the pages of our original guest book. We hope their memories inspire yours.
Transcribed from the original handwritten guest book the Oettingers kept.
June 6, 2026
"You should be very proud of what you have created here."
Thirty years of Outer Banks trips, and this was their first stay in this house. It was the details that won them over — the well-stocked kitchen, the plugs for phone charging, the beautiful bedrooms. They had hoped to share the week with family, but circumstances changed; they had a wonderful week together anyway, and hope to come back.
June 1, 2026
"Hot tub under the stars was amazing."
Their first stay at the house: well decorated, a well-stocked kitchen, and the porch off the kitchen just right for grilling and sitting. "Views are awesome!" A bit of a trek down to the beach each day — "we managed; everyone had something to carry" — and a windy week, though with the last morning in the sixties they weren't too sad about heading home.
March 15, 2026
"We are hoping for a calm summer."
A strong nor'easter came through last October and drove a leak through the east-facing roof, damaging the ceiling below. Repairs were scheduled through the winter and finished this week — returning guests will notice a completely new ceiling, along with new ceiling fans. They'll be back for spring cleaning and maintenance in early April.
September 22 – October 5, 2025 · 2nd Year
"It's like stepping into a home away from home!"
Back for a second stay — and booked for 2026 before they'd even left. They loved the new modifications, and as always brought their grown children, grandchildren, and friends. Trips out to Currituck and Manteo, up to the lighthouse to watch the construction, and over to the Black Pearl in Rodanthe. Their son and daughter-in-law buy a piece of local art every year. "Hate to leave, but we will be back!"
August 3, 2025
"Another year of restoration & relaxation."
Returning guests, grateful again for a week in the house. "We can't wait to come back next year."
July 20 – 27, 2025
"Lots of OBX fun — and mostly, down time being together."
Short, and entirely joyful: "Thank you, Oettinger family, for renting out your beautiful home. It is perfect!"
July 6 – 13, 2025
"Lots of time on the beach — relaxing, fishing, reading, and watching sunrise."
From the North Carolina mountains, combining a family visit with vacation as they have since the writer was a little girl. Beautiful weather all week. The elevator was a hit with the older folks in the party, who also took advantage of the Kinnakeet pool for lap swim. The new laundry room, outside shower, and cleaning station "made our stay easy."
June 2025
"Our boys had their 11th birthday here and enjoyed every minute of it."
Longtime Outer Banks visitors who have brought their twin boys down every year since 2019. Sunrises from the upper deck, a short walk to the beach for ghost-crab hunting, and the hot tub after a long day on the sand. "This home is very cozy and comfortable — thank you for sharing it with us."
May 2025
"I want to pick up the kitchen and drop it in our home in Virginia."
One of their favorites in thirty-six years of Outer Banks visits. Praise for the attention to detail, the layout, the "stupendous view" from the upper deck and the hot tub waiting at the end of it. A much-needed respite after a year of challenges — and the resident "Grill Masters" made some killer meals on the Blackstone.
April 12 – 25, 2025
"We hope our guests enjoy the cottage as much as we do."
Down for spring cleaning and some much-needed maintenance. Over the fall and winter they completely remodeled the entry, built a laundry room, and expanded the storage room. The outside shower was moved, with a new walkway built to reach it.
September 22 – October 6, 2024
"The house was spotless when we came in — and it just felt like home!"
They booked straight off the photos on Midgett's site, and loved it on the first walk-through. Before their first week was even out they'd reserved the same dates for the next year — then said yes when Midgett called to ask if they'd take two full weeks in September 2025. "Your cottage seemed so fit for us & just felt like family."
September 8 – 15, 2024
"The care and love you've put into the cottage is evident everywhere you look."
Written straight to LeRoy and Bonnie, with particular affection for the beds and — "love, love, LOVE" — the elevator. On the location: "the perfect mix of isolation & proximity to civilization. The beach is AMAZING!" They see exactly why the family picked this lot back in the day, and promised to return if it's free on their next trip.
September 1 – 8, 2024
"You feel (and see) the heart and soul you put in your OBX home."
A Virginia peninsula native who first came to Hatteras as a teenager in the early '70s — and after fifty-plus years and many Outer Banks houses, has "never stayed in a nicer or cleaner home." The week brought a Labor Day beach day, then wind that sent them to the Kinnakeet Shores pool and over to the sound, and rain at the end. High marks for the elevator, the Blackstone grill, the well-stocked kitchen, and the beds. "The cleanliness was the icing on the cake."
October 7 – 19, 2019 · 20th Annual
"Such a nice place — the storm is here, the road opens, and we are gone. See ya next year!"
The new driveway addition got high praise. Mid-week a storm offshore caused high tides and overwash that cut Highway 12 at Rodanthe — but they still managed seven blues and one trout. "Glad you have dunes here — south of here, not as lucky." Daughters Sarah, Jordan & Jamie joined for the weekend; the last day brought blues, specks, black drum, and a flounder just over the dune.
May 25, 2019 · 20th Visit to the Outer Banks
"A beautiful week, but much too short!"
Had fun walking the beach and looking for shells, relaxing in the hot tub at night under the stars, resting in the comfortable beds, and enjoying food and laughter with friends. The Oceana Bistro has wonderful food, and the shops are fun to visit. "May God bless you for blessing others!"
April 20 – 27, 2019
"Definitely the best house we have stayed in at the beach!"
A very relaxing week. The house is beautiful and comfortable, and everything in the area is so convenient. Enjoyed the beautiful weather and long morning walks on the beach, with delicious meals at Ketch 55 and Oceana's Bistro.
April 14 – 19, 2019
"Absolutely perfect week. Nothing but blue skies and sunshine all week."
"Couldn't have asked for a better time. Great house — we will be back."
March 2019
"We hope our guests have safe and healthy vacations."
Annual spring cleaning and maintenance completed. New this year: a 65-inch TV with sound bar, new carpet and hardwood flooring, and an expanded driveway to accommodate more cars. "Please leave us a note in this book!"
October 21 – 28, 2018
"Truly comfortable and convenient — the layout was really super for us."
Grateful for a home where they no longer have to bounce up and down stairs. Comfortable and well-suited to their group's needs.
October 7 – 19, 2018 · 19th Annual
"This house weathered the storm well — we were rocking and rolling but very secure!"
Day 1: Ramp 38, wind, weed, rough — no fish. Mid-week, Tropical Storm Michael came through with gusts to 75 mph and sustained 55. Daughters Sarah, Jordan & Jamie joined for a weekend. By Day 6: three pompano and one spot — Sarah caught them all on her new rod. A great week anyway.
September 10, 2018
"This would have been our 11th year in this house — we love it!"
They looked forward to this week all year, only to have it cut short by Hurricane Florence. Leaving tomorrow — sorry to miss out, but safety comes first. "Maybe next year!"
July 22 – 29, 2018
"We had a great first time here and hope to come back again."
It rained all but two days, but they made the most of every moment — beach time, exploring town even when the roads were flooded, and the kids hunting seashells. "Thank you!"
July 15 – 21, 2018
"Your home is beautiful — we loved the location, the décor, and access to the Koru Klub."
A family with over 25 years of OBX summers and five years on Hatteras Island. Their first year in this home — and their favorite. The house was spotless and the beds so comfortable. "Thank you again — we will be back next year."
June 16, 2018
"Love this place! Clean, equipped & convenient."
"The only thing that could be better is if wine came out of the taps!" Thank you!
June 10 – 17, 2018
"Out of all the homes we have stayed in over the years, the Oettinger is our favorite — we will be back!"
A family with 25+ years of OBX summers booked this house after staying on Hatteras Island for five years. They found it just as beautiful as it looked online, and it housed their big family perfectly. Loved the amenities and the ocean views from the deck — and especially the elevator, so their son with cerebral palsy finally has access to every floor of the house. "Thank you and bless you!"
May 6 – 13, 2018
"We've been coming down from NY for the past 35 years — this is the best place we've stayed."
Very, very clean. Everything worked, and that means a lot. "Your cleaning staff is super." Would recommend to friends and family.
April 29 – May 6, 2018
"This will be the place we come to whenever we return!"
Fantastic weather. Enjoyed beach walks, the fantastic views from the upper deck, and peace and quiet — all sorely needed by their group. "P.S. Thanks too for the gym membership — two of our group enjoyed it this year."
April 1 – 8, 2018 · Spring Break
"We really loved the house and appreciated the nice touches."
Sunny and warm for two days, then windy and brisk — they enjoyed it all. Favorite lunch: Buxton Munch. Breakfasts at Stu's and Muffins & Scones. Fun dinners at Ketch 55 and Pangea Tavern. Missed the Apple Uglies at Orange Blossom — always sold out! The well-equipped kitchen, labeled light switches, great bathrooms, and comfortable beds all got high marks. "We would totally stay here again, and hope to."
October 29 – November 3, 2017
"We truly feel refreshed and grateful for this time away."
A much-needed reprieve from family medical challenges back home. Enjoyed mornings fishing off the pier, spotting seasonal birds, and noticing an abundance of butterflies still lingering. "We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and generosity. Hope to be back next spring and fall."
October 11 – 20, 2017 · 18th Annual
"I hooked the biggest drum of my life — a 5-minute fight that took every last inch of line off my reel!"
Day-by-day log: a few mullet and bluefish early, then the big one at Ramp 25 (possibly a shark!). Back the next day with new line — another big fish broke it. Old friends and family visited mid-week, including one not seen in 35 years. Great house, great weather.
September 17 – 24, 2017
"Always love coming to this home. It's so accommodating — it's been 10 years now."
The first few days were rough thanks to Hurricane Jose, but after that — beautiful. Rough surf with rip tides kept beach fishing off the agenda, but relaxing on the beach was just as good. Many wonderful meals, especially at Ketch 55. "Hope to come again next year — hopefully no hurricane or flooded streets!"
August 20 – September 3, 2017
"Thanks for providing a swell spot for a fine vacation."
OBX regulars for 25 years, this house fit their family beautifully — a son, daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters. The seniors appreciated the elevator; the ladies loved the well-stocked kitchen (fresh fish, fresh fruit, conch & chocolate-chip cookies!); the guys enjoyed fishing trips. Old favorites: The Mad Crabber and Captain's Table. Plans are already in progress for next summer!
July 2 – 9, 2017
"Sat on the beach, read, and relaxed — a perfect vacation."
Good weather for five days, a bit windy the last couple. A lovely home with spacious bedrooms and baths. "Wonderful time."
June 18 – 25, 2017 · 4th Year Back
"Thanks again for sharing your lovely home with us."
Weather was iffy at times but they had a great time nonetheless. Used the Koru gym and pool. "Loved it!!"
June 11 – 18, 2017
"What a lovely week! Perfect weather and superb company!"
Lots of beach time — especially Charlie's (3) joy in jumping waves yelling "cannonball!" and "belly-flop!" Played cards, cooked fabulous meals (thanks for the well-equipped kitchen), took walks, rode bikes, and enjoyed the hot tub under a sky full of stars. Robyn and Mike biked to Ocracoke for a great day. "Thanks for the puzzle books too — I read four of them!"
April 30 – May 7, 2017
"Another glorious week at the beach!"
This has become their favorite spot for rest and relaxation. The gym facilities were especially appreciated on the rainy days. "We look forward to next year."
April 15, 2017
"Beautiful house and a beautiful week at the beach!"
Loved pier fishing and painting pottery, and enjoyed all the beach-house amenities — new appliances, hot tub, gas grill, and premium TV. "Thank you for allowing us to make great family memories here."
March 28, 2017
"We hope our guests have safe and healthy vacations."
The Oettingers came down for their annual spring cleaning and maintenance — installing a new hot tub, replacing the grill, upgrading to LED lighting, and refreshing the kitchen appliances. Their favorite local spots: Oceana's Grill, Ketch 55, and Dinky's in Hatteras for a fine-dining treat.
Undated
"We know where we will be staying next spring!"
Thanks so much!
Stayed with us? We'd love to hear about your week. Entries are reviewed before they're posted.
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