There are two things you just can't beat about the Gar Brooks house - #1 it's crazy close to the ocean and #2 it's dog friendly on an all-day-long dog friendly beach!

Our week long stay was positive all around. If you are looking for a simple, clean, easy rental for a few people and a couple of pups then you've found the right place.

You won't find over the top amenities and the furnishings are dated, but all of the basics are covered. The simplicity of the accommodations, including parking, makes it an extremely comfortable stay for two or three people and a couple of pups.

Other notable benefits:

-It's a very clean house. Even the blinds were dusted, and no dust bunnies under the sofa (discovered when retrieving a ball for the wiener dogs)

- It's all on one floor (read: easy to unload and reload your car) making it nice for older folks and small dogs

- Parking right beside the house (literally walk out the kitchen door and your vehicle is there)

- House key pickup is on location from a lock box combo, so no need to arrive on schedule and deal with a property manager

- Beds are comfortable

- Variety of kitchen supplies (except a dishwasher, but we ate seafood out each night so no biggie for us)

- Clothes line outside to dry towels (helps since you don't have a washer/dryer)

- Shower and faucet outside to get the sand off

- Nice sitting area at the top of the dune before you head down to the beach

- Life guard stand nearby

- Quiet area with easy access to OBX activities

No complaints from but here are a few things to consider:

If you run the AC lower than 71 it freezes up, but it's comfortable in that little house (coming from a girl who keeps her home on 68 all the time). The room with the double and bunk beds stays the coolest and you can adjust one of the vents. I was very concerned after reading the house instructions pertaining to the AC, but was happy that it turned out to be fine.

No dish washer, dryer or washing machine but you have a toaster, a clothes line, microwave, coffee maker and more.

If you have more than one person in a room there's not a lot of space for alone time since the overall house is on the small side, but the layout of the living room gives each person enough space.

WiFi is spotty at times (maybe 10% of the time) and it's not super high speed but it was enough to get me by for a couple of days work.