Adrift at The Cove - Houseboat in Downtown Wilmington, NC - Vacation rental home in Wilmington, NC

About this Property

• Sleeps 6
• 2 Bedrooms
• 2 Bathrooms
• House boat

Welcome to The Cove, the only luxury dockside rental community of its kind.

Floating atop the Cape Fear River in Historic Downtown Wilmington, our cavernous villas blur the lines between home and boat, offering an unparalleled fusion of comfort and adventure.

Whether you seek a peaceful hideaway or a crowd pleasing option for a group trip, our houseboats provide the ideal backdrop for making memorable memories.

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The space

After parking in our complimentary lot (1 spot per villa) and making the 4 min. walk down onto the docks of the Port City Marina, you’ll arrive at The Cove, Riverwalk Villas. Secured with dock ties and connected to electricity and water, you'll quickly realize that a stay at our dockside community offers the ideal mix of adventure, luxury and relaxation.

Upon entering your villa, you’ll notice the roomy open concept kitchen/dining/living area and think to yourself, "I should have brought more friends!" (Don't worry, there's always next time.)

Cooking & Eating:
With a dining table that seats four, three benches along the island, and a kitchen supplied with everything you need to make a great meal, you could actually host your next Thanksgiving here. Complementary coffee, creamer and sugar are included, alongside a drip coffee maker.

Living Room 1:
If cooking isn't your idea of fun, you may be more drawn to the gorgeously decorated downstairs living space, where you can relax on the comfortable couch surrounded by tall windows that overlook the Marina.

Bathroom 1:
Just past the common area is the first floor bathroom, which features a walk-in shower and full size washer and dryer. Complementary shampoo, conditioner and body wash are supplied in each of the bathrooms, as well as laundry pods, dryer sheets, hair dryer and a steamer.

Bedroom 1 (Queen):
Connected by a pocket door is the downstairs bedroom with a Queen bed, sizable closet, ceiling fan, 40" Intelligent TV, and access door to the cozy back patio; a great spot for some peaceful reading or alone time.

Living Room 2:
As you make your way upstairs, you'll discover another enormous living space with a 55" Intelligent TV and a pretty view of the Cape Fear River through the sliding glass doors.

Upstairs Patio:
Just outside those doors, you'll find yourself on a huge patio featuring an outdoor bar (sink & mini refrigerator), and a variety of cozy furnishings options. This patio is a fan favorite for everything from morning coffee, afternoon reading, evening spirits, or appreciating a meal. In the Summer months, you'll often hear live music coming from Marina Grille, our delicious on-site restaurant, or Live Oak Bank Pavilion Amphitheater, which is only a block away.

Bedroom 2 (King):
Back inside and beyond the living room is the second floor bedroom, featuring a King bed, dresser, huge closet, ceiling fan & 55" Intelligent TV.

Bathroom 2:
The pocket door connects you from the bedroom to the second floor full bath.

Service Dogs:
This villa is not pet-friendly, but service animals are welcome. North Carolina does not recognize emotional support animals as service animals for short term units (misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor).

After booking, please let us know if a service dog will be present so we can supply some additional amenities such as clean up bags & furnishings covers, and notify the team so your dog’s presence will not be questioned.

Location:

The Cove is located in Port City Marina, which sits on the North end of the Riverwalk in Downtown Wilmington. Just a few steps from the Wilmington Convention Center and one block from both The Wilson Center, and Live Nation's Live Oak Bank Pavilion Amphitheater, a stay at The Cove offers the ideal solution for those wanting to avoid the chaos of parking, event traffic, and needing a DD.

Less than a mile away you'll find the heart of Historic Downtown Wilmington. Whether you choose to stroll along the Riverwalk, take the complimentary trolley, or drive a few blocks down Water Street, getting there is simple. With many local stores, eateries, breweries, live music, and events, Downtown offers something for everybody to appreciate. Check out our Guidebook or "Wilmington and Beaches" online for recommendations and events.

Beyond the borders of Downtown, a fast 8 min. drive or Uber ride will get you to the Wilmington International Airport (ILM), and within a 10 mile radius you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Jungle Rapids amusement/water park, UNCW (Go Seahawks!) and much more.

If you're interested in bringing your boat, our friends at Port City Marina would appreciate to rent you a slip! Please reach out to them directly to coordinate that for the dates of your stay.

If this Villa is not available during your preferred time frame, please check out the listings for our other Riverwalk Villas at The Cove, and don't hesitate to reach out for assistance. We would appreciate to have you Stay Afloat!


Neighborhood Description

The Cove is located in Port City Marina (PCM), a top-tier, gated, full-service marina offering over 200 cutting-edge floating concrete wet slips. Located on the photogenic Cape Fear River, PCM is a haven for both transient boaters and our esteemed residents enjoying the luxury of our permanent floating villas.

Our state-of-the-art dock hosts all 40 of our charming villas, boasting thoughtfully designed angled slips, beautiful landscaping, and a welcoming community space at the dock's end.

PCM's prime location on the along the award-winning Riverwalk grants boaters and villa guests unparalleled access to the vibrant Downtown Wilmington scene. Indulge in the city's rich cultural offerings, savor delectable dining experiences, and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and entertainment scene, all just steps away from our marina.


Getting Around

Free parking is supplied for one car per villa. Our parking lot is located about 1,000 feet (4 min walk) from the Marina, so we recommend packing in suitcases with wheels, bringing a foldable cart if you have one. We often get unexpected rain showers on the coast, so we also recommend packing an umbrella or rain jacket.

If you will have more than one car, we recommend grabbing a spot in the Wilmington Convention Center parking garage located right next-door. Daily prices in the garage depend on season/events.

Safety

Nearby lake/river

Our villas are securely tied to a floating dock, which does not have railings. There are railings on the front and upstairs patio/balconies, and kids should be supervised at all times while in the marina. Swimming is not allowed in the Cape Fear River due to the dangerous current.

Potential for noise

Located next-door to Marina Grille & Live Oak Bank Amphitheater, live music can often be heard from our dock and patios. Military planes are also often heard flying overhead during the day. Guests have noted however, that our villas are very well insulated and stay peaceful inside.

Additional Rules

-No flushing of anything other than natural waste and septic safe toilet paper (supplied)
-Kids under the age of 12 must be supervised at all times while in the marina
-Absolutely no swimming allowed - the current in the Cape Fear River is strong and dangerous
-No smoking or illicit drugs

Check-In Method

Specific directions including getting to the marina, gate & door codes and wifi information will be messaged to you the morning of your stay.


House Manual:

-HVAC remotes must be pointed at the unit on the ceiling when changing temperature/settings. The ceiling unit should beep when you press buttons.

-Breaker boxes/switches can be found in the closet to the left of the front door, as well as on the pedestal on the dock in front of your villa

-Internet is included by the Verizon boxes typically located in the upstairs living area. If your internet is not working, please locate the black box, unplug it, and plug it back in. Once the light stops blinking, it should be reconnected to the internet.

Other Details to Note:

Villas are permanently docked and not able to be taken out onto the river. Guests that are interested in bringing their own boats are welcome to contact Port City Marina to rent a slip during their stay.

About the Area

Located on the waterfront, this houseboat is in Downtown Wilmington, a neighborhood in Wilmington. Children's Museum of Wilmington and Magnolia Greens Golf Plantation are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach. Wilmington Railroad Museum and Carolina Heights are also worth visiting. With motor boating, sailing, and surfing/body boarding nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.

Special Instructions

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Pet Policy

Pets not allowed

Tricks and tips to get the perfect rental home experience:

Finding your perfect rental home:

• In the Cape Fear area area, The sooner you can book a vacation home, the easier your search will be. The best vacation rentals are booked very early. Booking your rental property six to twelve months before your travel dates is recommended. Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Years Eve are excellent times to plan and book your vacation rental.
• Summertime is high season in Wilmington. To find the best value, try changing your group's trip dates to the Spring or Fall shoulder seasons. May, September, and October offer excellent weather, , and reduced traffic. Many vacationers use this strategy to reserve larger homes, or to reserve a beach front vacation rental that would otherwise be unavailable during the high season. Speaking of the off-season, don't overlook the holidays for a Cape Fear area vacation! Who wouldn't love a holiday vacation near the ocean? Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years are great times to gather with family and friends at the beach.
• Active Duty and veterans of the US Armed forces may be qualified for special discounts. Be sure to ask your prospective vacation rental company or host whether your vacationing group qualifies for a price reduction or discount.
• Booking websites typically offer renters an option to purchase vacation insurance. Trip insurance, which normally will cost 1% - 5% of the reservation price, offers visitors reimbursement of their vacation costs for missed time as a result of personal medical-related catastrophes or weather, as well as ensuing additional hurricane evacuation costs, such as an unexpected hotel overnight or extra gas expenses. Trip insurance might be a a bank account-saver if the unforeseen happens. Ask your property manager for more information.
• Find a copy of your local visitors guide when you check-in. If your rental property doesn't have a copy, you can find them at local grocery stores, shopping centers, and visitor centers. In addition to great local stories, visitors guides have deals for local accommodations, restaurants and tours.

Use filters to search efficiently:

• First, have your group decide on trip dates and a maximum budget.
• Decide how many bedrooms and the bed configuration your family needs. Adrift at The Cove - Houseboat in Downtown Wilmington, NC has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
• Precise information regarding bedrooms and bed counts & types is generally accessible on booking websites. If they are not listed, reach out to the property management company before booking the vacation home. Remember that most properties list the maximum guest capacity, which often includes pull out couches in living rooms.
• Some rental properties allow pets, and some do not. Allowable types of pet, size and breeds may be restricted, and added fees may apply. Ask the property management company about your furry family members before booking.
• Is your group looking for specific amenities? Most rental websites include amenity lists and search filters.
• Suitable accessibility amenities can make or ruin a vacation for persons with a disability. Confirm all required amenities are included before booking

More tips for your visit:

• Review check in & check out procedures before leaving home. Take a printed copy, and save the directions to your phone.
• Hosts are great sources of help! Feel free to ask any questions before, during, or after your stay.
• Keep the property locked while you are gone! Don't let thieves ruin your trip.
• To make certain that damages are not linked to your family's stay, make note of any problem areas during check in. Get in touch with the host right away to report any pre-existing damages. If there is a dispute, having the recorded problems and contact attempts will be valuable.
• Respecting late-night quiet hours and parking regulations can make a stay more pleasurable. Be a good neighbor. You'll enhance your chance to make local friends, and resident neighbors are a great resource to find the best local beaches and restaurants.
• Don't forget to... Ask a local! Neighbors can frequently point you in the right direction. Who better to ask where to order the best nachos, have a great night on the town, or the best spots for BBQ?
• Re-check the property to confirm that you've packed all belongings on check-out day. Make sure to check closets, dressers, garages, and bathrooms for hidden belongings. Clean the refrigerator and take any leftovers home.
• Document the condition of the property at check-out. We recommend taking a video during your final walk-through.
• Did your group have a terrific vacation? Most rental websites make it easy for clients to provide feedback. If your rental and/or property management company was fantastic, they always love to hear your praise. If anything was defective and they failed to correct it reasonably, or if the vacation rental wasn't as described, you'll want to make a note as part of your feedback.