Nauti Mermaid, the newest addition to our rental offerings at North Topsail Rentals, is finally complete! This new construction home features ocean views, an elevated pool, ha ot tub, luxury kitchen, and 4 spacious bedrooms. The owners, Shellie & Chris, along with their team, have been hard at work for the past ### creating this beautiful vacation home.
We caught up with Shellie to ask her about the inspiration, process, and favorite features of this one-of-a-kind coastal getaway. Here are her replies:
🧜♀️Why the Name "Nauti Mermaid"?
It all started with a little spark of wordplay. “We saw a house in Florida called Nauti Knot and loved the clever twist,” they shared. “We liked the ‘Nauti’ part—it felt beachy, fun, and a little playful. From there, we just tried out different names until we landed on Nauti Mermaid. It instantly felt right.” And with a name like that, you know you’re in for something memorable.
🤩 A Vision Brought to Life
The design journey began after touring homes in the area. “We found a floor plan we really liked, but we knew we wanted to tweak it to make it our own,” they explained. “So we purchased the plans, made a few adjustments, and started building our dream from there.” The result? A bright, modern, and comfortable home that effortlessly blends style with functionality with a specific focus on being most comfortable for families, friend groups, or couples looking for a quiet coastal escape.
🔨 The Build: A Labor of Love & Teamwork
When asked who took the lead during construction, Shellie didn’t hesitate: “Chris and Rob oversaw the start, everything from pilings to framing, but after that, they were fully hands-on the rest of the way. Frank chipped in part-time, and we’re incredibly thankful for D’s Interiors, who handled the finishing touches with so much care. New River Cabinets also helped us create a kitchen we absolutely love.”
✨ Favorite Features & Thoughtful Touches
While the whole home is full of details worth appreciating, there’s one standout feature that sets Nauti Mermaid apart: “The elevated pool is definitely one of our favorite things, it really just adds that extra something guests are looking for on vacation.”
❤️ Memories in the Making
For the homeowners, the building process wasn’t just about bricks and blueprints. It was about transformation. “Driving up each day and seeing the changes take place, it was exciting every single time. Watching a vision slowly come to life is something we’ll always remember.”
🌅 Best Seat in the House
When asked about her favorite spot in the home, Shellie said: “The front porch, without a doubt. Sitting up high, watching the ocean roll in, and listening to the waves… it’s our little piece of peace.” And if you’re an early riser? Bring your coffee. “The porch is the best place to catch the sunrise. The colors, the calm, the sound of the surf, it’s the perfect start to any beach day.”
👉 Book Your Stay at Nauti Mermaid
Whether you’re planning a summer getaway or a fall retreat, Nauti Mermaid offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and coastal charm. And now that you know the story behind it, it’ll feel even more like home.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Book your stay at Nauti Mermaid and start your own story by the sea.
The talented team that brought Nauti Mermaid to life!:
✨ Decor + Design: @D's Interiors
🔨 Construction: Chris Barnhill & Rob Harkness
🎨 Special Thanks: Frank & Demetrio Diaz for their expert painting and finishing touches