Breakfast for life at Tiffany's Condotel

Centrally located on Topsail Island, one block from the ocean with easy beach access and pristine ocean and sound views from private balconies, Tiffany's Condotel provides the luxury and convenience of a motel with the comfort of home.

Topsail aficionados have long been returning to Tiffany's, which boasts a reputation for hospitality and a neighborly atmosphere; first run as a motel, Tiffany's has recently transformed into a condotel.

What is a condotel? At Tiffany's, it's an affordable opportunity to own a beach condo and enjoy hassle-free living. Completely furnished right down to the silverware, umbrellas and sand pails, you don't even need to bring your toothbrush to enjoy your Topsail Island vacation home.

"Nearly 25 percent of the condominiums built or existing in the U.S. are condotels and that number is growing," explained Sales and Marketing team member Rand Burchfield of The Rand Burchfield Real Estate Group of Colwell Banker Sea Coast Realty.

Tiffany's Condotel offers traditional condominium ownership. Once purchased, it's run like a hotel/ motel, falling under the umbrella of the hotel/ motel concept and classified as transient motel use. When you own a Tiffany's unit your are the only owner and receive an actual deed to your property.

"There is no other resource on the beach like this one," explained Sales and Marketing team member Kathy Burchfield.

Synonymous with southern hospitableness, Tiffany's has existed for many years. The Smiths purchased the building in 1996 and named it after their daughter Tiffany. Then, in 2005, Lisa and Boyd Taylor along with partners Kelly Bowman and Kelly Taylor of Orlando, Fla. purchased it and began breaking ground with renovations in April of 2007.

"Lisa has been the ramrod on this project; Lisa and Boyd really believe in this place," said Kathy Burchfield. "They are here every week. You will meet the owners while you're here. What other place can you say that about? Owners' investments are better taken care of with local owners."

A three-story building now adjoins the original two sound side buildings. All are two bedrooms, two bath condos with private balconies that offer salt marsh and sound views.

And all other rooms have been completely renovated, freshly painted and newly furnished with all the necessary beach accoutrements.

Amenities now include two pools, outdoor showers, an open-air veranda, elevator service to all floors of the complex, on-site laundry facilities, two check-in offices, wireless internet, an on-site property manager and daily maid service.

"Before people come in, we also have an inspector who comes in after the maid service... for the sole purpose of having a second set of eyes on the place," explained Owner Lisa Taylor. "We want to make sure everything is perfect for those checking in."

Owners can reap the benefits of a rental, families can stay for extended amounts of time, and fishermen can come wet their hooks for a day or two - what ever they prefer, Tiffany's can provide. Owners even have the option of excluding their condo from the rental pool.

"Tiffany's is a great opportunity for those looking to buy; not only will they own something, but they'll also get a return," said Rand Burchfield.

Homeowners' dues offer simplified billing - dues cover all normal expenses: cable, electric, waste removal, water, sewer, etc., including the real estate property taxes and insurance.

"Tiffany's is a southern hotel in the best sense of the word," said Kathy Burchfield. "I'm from the south and Tiffany's reminds me of those grand old southern hotels... wide verandas and porches, the sea spray and white caps. Tiffany's is reminiscent of that grandeur. I envision wicker furniture and ladies sipping tea. To see Lisa and Boyd's vision implemented is truly phenomenal."

While the original oceanside Tiffany's will be getting a face lift to match is new counterpart across the street, its rooms will remain motel rentals. These rooms are also fully furnished with built-in cabinets, under counter refrigerator, and microwave. Half of the rooms remodeling is complete and the other half will be completed before summer.

So, keeping with tradition, Tiffany's will continue to function as a motel, with the added bonus of offering individual ownership of private condominiums.

"We have so much more space for large groups to come in and stay together," said Lisa Taylor.

Discounts on the motel rentals are offered to owners who want to bring their extended families for family reunions, weddings or just a relaxing Topsail Island vacation.

Tiffany's Condotels start at $119,900. For a tour, visit Tiffany's Condotels at 1501 N. New River Drive in Surf City, e-mail info@TiffanysCondos.com or call (910) 328-5626.