Loggerhead Inn & Suites in Surf City to Change Ownership in Record-Breaking Topsail Island Sale
One of Topsail Island’s most iconic lodging properties is preparing for a major transition. The Loggerhead Inn & Suites, a historic boutique motel located at 622 N. New River Drive in Surf City, will soon be under new ownership. According to outgoing owner Richard Stroupe, the sale is expected to set a new benchmark as possibly the highest-dollar hotel transaction ever recorded on Topsail Island.
The announcement follows Stroupe’s decision to shift his focus to Saltwater Suites, a newly constructed luxury hotel that opened over Memorial Day weekend after 15 months of development. With the responsibilities of managing two separate lodging brands, Stroupe and his family determined it was the right time to consider offers for Loggerhead.
A New Vision Leads to a Major Sale
Stroupe originally planned to incorporate new suite-style units under the Loggerhead Inn name. However, the creation of a separate brand—Saltwater Suites at Topsail—ultimately made more sense for the new concept he envisioned.
“After analyzing Loggerhead’s history and the direction we wanted to go with the new property, we felt it was best to give Saltwater Suites its own identity,” Stroupe explained. “When we considered the challenges of running two hotels, we decided it was time to explore offers for Loggerhead.”
That decision appears to have led to a landmark deal. According to the LoopNet listing, Loggerhead Inn & Suites was priced at $7 million, and parties involved confirm the sale ranks as the largest purchase on Topsail Island to date.
The buyers are Carolina Resort Company, LLC, and the Harrington family, both established names in coastal hospitality.
Harrington Family Steps In: A Familiar Name Returns
The new ownership group is led by Mike Harrington, former owner of Carolina Retreats, a company known for managing boutique coastal accommodations. Harrington is no stranger to Loggerhead Inn—his company has managed the 30-room property since 2018, giving him extensive familiarity with its operations.
“Richard and I worked together on this project since the beginning,” Harrington said. “He was looking to sell, and we were in a good position to buy. It felt like the right fit.”
The Harrington family already operates notable properties across the region, including The Beach House at Oak Island and The Tranquil House Inn on the Outer Banks. Loggerhead Inn will become another strategic addition to their coastal lodging portfolio.
“It seemed like a really great investment from our standpoint,” Harrington said.
Business Will Continue with the Same Loggerhead Name and Amenities
Despite the change in ownership, guests should expect business as usual at Loggerhead Inn.
Stroupe noted that Harrington has “done a fabulous job” managing the property in recent years and understands the unique value Loggerhead brings to both the community and vacationers. Harrington confirmed that the Loggerhead brand and guest experience will stay intact.
Plans include:
- Maintaining the Loggerhead Inn name
- Keeping current staff and branding
- Continuing existing amenities such as:
• Private pool
• Picnic and outdoor gathering areas
• Pergola and entertainment space
• In-room cable TV
• Mini-refrigerators and microwaves
- Introducing gradual improvements over time
“We’ll probably introduce some amenities over the upcoming months and years,” Harrington said. “But overall, the name, staff, and branding will remain the same. We’re excited to integrate it into our collection of coastal properties.”
A Creative Deal Structure Helps Seal the Agreement
One reason the sale came together smoothly was Stroupe’s willingness to provide seller financing, handling the mortgage process directly rather than using a third-party lender. Both parties said this flexibility helped finalize the agreement.
The closing is expected in late July, at which point ownership of the historic property will officially transfer to the Harrington family.
A Historic Property with Six Decades of Legacy
The Loggerhead Inn has been part of Topsail Island’s hospitality landscape for more than 60 years. Once the island’s first family-owned motor inn, the property has seen multiple owners and renovations throughout its history.
One former owner, Adam Resnick, whose family operated the property in the 1990s, praised the transformation achieved under Stroupe’s leadership.
“I think it’s amazing what he did to the hotel,” Resnick said. “He rebuilt the entire hotel from the ground up. He took it from an OK, 2-star hotel to a 5-star hotel. It’s absolutely perfect.”
A Significant Milestone for Topsail Island Hospitality
From its early days as a roadside motor inn to its modern reinvention as a boutique lodging destination, Loggerhead Inn & Suites remains one of Topsail Island’s most recognizable landmarks. The record-breaking sale, combined with continued investment from Saltwater Suites and expanding commercial growth across Surf City, signals a new era of development on Topsail Island.
As the Harrington family prepares to take the helm, Loggerhead Inn is poised to continue offering the unique charm and coastal hospitality that have defined the property for decades.
About the Author
Written by J.L. Wells, a longtime Topsail Island resident with firsthand experience exploring the island’s beaches, restaurants, local businesses, and coastal activities throughout the year. Drawing on lived local knowledge, J.L. Wells provides practical insight to help readers understand what Topsail Island offers visitors and residents alike.