Explore at The Cove- Houseboat in Downton Wilmington - Vacation rental home in Wilmington, NC

About this Property

• Sleeps 4
• 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 roomy 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 cavernous 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 outfitted with everything you need to make a great meal, you could actually host your next Thanksgiving here. Complementary coffee, creamer and sugar are supplied, alongside a drip coffee maker.

Living Room 1:
If cooking isn't your idea of fun, you may be more drawn to the handsomely 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 included 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, huge 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 huge living space with a 55" Intelligent TV and a beautiful view of the Cape Fear River through the sliding glass doors.

Upstairs Patio:
Just outside those doors, you'll find yourself on a enormous 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, sizable 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 painless. 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 adore 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 gorgeous 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 elegant villas, boasting thoughtfully designed angled slips, photogenic 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 supplied 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 Wilmington Historic District, 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 in the mood for shopping can visit The Cotton Exchange and Mayfaire Town Center. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College or Legion Stadium. With kayaking, motor boating, 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

Know Before you Go

This property does not have elevators

Pet Policy

Pets not allowed

Tricks and tips to get the perfect vacation property experience:

Get the most from your rental budget:

• Book your vacation home as early as possible. Rental schedules often open 12 months in advance (or in September just after the Summer season ends). Many groups book their Summer vacations during Winter holiday get-togethers. Reserve before these holidays for best selection.
• Book your Cape Fear area rental home in the Fall or Spring to get the benefit of gorgeous weather while saving money and avoiding crowds. Many vacationers use this strategy to reserve larger homes, or to reserve a beach front rental that would otherwise be unaffordable during June, July, and August. Speaking of the off-season, don't overlook the holidays for a Cape Fear area vacation! Who wouldn't love a holiday vacation on the coast? Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years are great times to gather with friends and family at the beach.
• Veterans and Active Duty Military members may qualify for special discounts. Be sure to ask your prospective vacation rental company or host whether your group qualifies for a special rate.
• Property management companies frequently offer customers an option to obtain vacation insurance. Trip insurance, which normally costs between 1% - 5% of the base reservation price, offers visitors reimbursement of their vacation costs for any missed vacation time as a result of medical-related issues or weather disasters, as well as ensuing additional hurricane evacuation charges, such as an unexpected hotel stay or additional fuel expenses. Trip insurance can be a a bank account-saver if the unforeseen occurs. Ask your property manager for more information.
• Look for your local Cape Fear area visitors guide magazine upon arrival. If your rental property doesn't have a copy, you can find them at local grocery stores and visitor centers. In addition to great local information, travel guide magazines have discounts for local tours and attractions.

Filter your search:

• Begin by selecting your potential vacation weeks and a maximum budget.
• Decide how many bedrooms and the configuration your group needs. Explore at The Cove- Houseboat in Downton Wilmington has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
• Specific details about bedrooms and bed sizes & counts is generally accessible online. If they are not listed, reach out to the property owner before you book the home. Note that most property listings specify the maximum guest capacity, which typically includes pull out couches in living rooms.
• Some rental properties allow pets, and some do not. Allowable types of family pet, size and breeds may be restricted, and additional charges may apply. Ask the host about your furry family members before booking.
• Visiting for a specific attraction? Use a map search to find nearby rentals.
• Appropriate accessibility can make or break a vacation for the less-mobile. .

More considerations for your visit:

• Get the property manager's phone number and entry/exit procedures for your rental property. We recommend storing the manager's information in your smartphone and wallet.
• Ask questions. You may need instructions for a hot tub, elevator or kitchen appliance. Contact your property manager. They are there to help! A brief phone call prevents many concerns.
• Lock your vacation home while you're out. Protect your property!
• During arrival, make note of any damages to the property and immediately contact the owner. Record all coorespondence.
• Be a good neighbor! You wouldn't like unpleasant visitors bothering your life at home. Employ the golden rule for common sense. Happy residents may even recommend great beaches and attractions you would have never otherwise known!
• Speaking of neighbors... Ask a local! Residents can typically point you in the right direction. Who better to ask where to grab the best tacos, have a great night on the town, or the best spots for shopping?
• Don't leave anything behind! Before you drive away, take a walk through the property to make sure you've collected all personal belongings. Check garages, decks, and cabinets for hidden belongings. Clean out the refrigerator and take or dispose of leftovers.
• Go through the property a final time and keep an eye out for any damage. We advise inspecting the property with the host whenever you can. If the property manager isn't available, take photos and video of the property to record its condition.
• Did your family have a fantastic stay? Most vacation rental websites make it easy for vacationers to provide reviews. If your property and/or property manager was great, they would love to hear about it. If anything was inoperable and they failed to correct it in a reasonable manner, or if the vacation rental wasn't as described, you'll want to make a note as part of your review.