Resident Showcase: Amy Abbey of Oak Island, NC

Oak Island resident Amy Abbey shares her story on how she ended up living in Brunswick County!

Where did you live before relocating to Brunswick County and what was your occupation?
I lived in New Albany, Ohio, and had a vacation home on 75 acres in northwest Pennsylvania that was formerly a Girl scout camp. We renovated the circa 1900 home on the property and turned it into a family gathering spot for the holidays. I worked for a large law firm in Columbus, Ohio.

Why did you choose to move here and did you previously have friends or family here?
I am from North Carolina. I grew up in Fayetteville and went to school in Chapel Hill and have been coming to this island my whole life. I have family and friends in the area, and my husband and I previously had a home at Caswell Beach.

What community did you decide to move to and why?
I left a gated community in Ohio and knew I did not want that again down here, so I bought in the middle of Oak Island. Literally! I feel strongly that the HOA restrictions and guidelines don’t make for the most hospitable and welcoming community, and they truly don’t represent the best of Southern hospitality. If I was this close to the beach, I wanted to be on the island within walking distance to the ocean.

What is your job or what are your hobbies here?
I am six years retired. I buried a husband and a child in Ohio and it was time to come home. I host a private room on Airbnb and have been doing it for three years and love the people I’ve met. Many have become friends, and we stay in touch regularly. I love to cook and bake, I have four adorable pugs and between them, Airbnb and working in my yard, I am as busy as I want to be.

How long have you lived here?
October 1st marked four years.

Who built your home and why did you decide to build with them?
Todd Tanck of Seacoast Homes was my builder. I bought a spec home, and it was love at first sight. He had so many more upgrades than other builders’ homes I looked at, and I loved this floor plan. It still takes my breath away every time I walk in the door. I was specifically looking for a home on pilings and a corner lot. I got everything I was looking for and more!

What’s your favorite thing about southeastern North Carolina?
I love everything about southeastern North Carolina. The friendly people, the food, the laidback atmosphere, all the local artists and the ocean. Always the ocean.