The Mermaid Cottage was so much better than we had anticipated re: the poor reviews. The house was perfect for our group of 2 families with 4 under 8yo between us, and it was as clean as any of our other beach stays other than some sunscreen on a patio table.
The layout was 2 bdrms & bath in one section of the first floor (along with kitchen, dining area, and sitting area in the other section) and then 2 bedrooms and a bath upstairs. There's also the typical outdoor shower.
The decks were in great shape with plenty of chairs and great views including an ocean view from the top floor balcony (though it is off of a bedroom).
We don't go to OBX to sit inside, so the small size and well loved decor were welcome touches. When were weren't at the beach, we were in the smallish but clean pool. There were a ton of games, books, and even colored pencils and a coloring book.
The location can't be beat for the price. It didn't feel like an effort at all to walk to the beach a few times a day. The beach itself was never crowded and since it's private, we saw many of the same folks all week.
Overall one of my best beach stays and will try to book again next time we're in OBX.