The Cove - Houseboat Oasis - Vacation rental home in Wilmington, NC

About this Property

• Sleeps 6
• 2 Bedrooms
• 2 Bathrooms
• Private vacation home

Welcome to The Cove, Wilmington's most unique vacation rental community.

Floating atop the Cape Fear River, our Riverwalk Villa community offers an experience unlike any you've had before.

From the gentle rocking of the river, to the calming view of the sunset, your stay at The Cove is sure to leave you feeling refreshed, restored, and wanting to return again soon.

The space

After parking in our complimentary lot 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, enormous 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 (Couch bed):
As you make your way upstairs, you'll discover another huge living space with a sectional couch (with pull out sleeper), 60" Intelligent TV, and a handsome view of the Cape Fear River through the sliding glass doors.

Upstairs Patio:
Just outside those doors, you'll find yourself on a sizable 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.

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 savor. 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.

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.

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!

About the Area

Located on the waterfront, this vacation home is in Wilmington Historic District, a neighborhood in Wilmington. Live Oak Bank Pavilion and Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Children's Museum of Wilmington and Magnolia Greens Golf Plantation. Wilmington Railroad Museum and Carolina Heights are also worth visiting. With kayaking, motor boating, and sailing 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

How to find the best Wilmington, NC vacation rental experience:

Getting the most from your vacation rental budget:

• In the Wilmington, NC area, The earlier your group can book, the easier your search will be. The best vacation homes are reserved early. Booking your vacation rental six - twelve months before your vacation is recommended. Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Years Eve are excellent times to search for and reserve your rental home.
• To get the best vacation home within your budget, we highly recommend booking in Fall or Spring months. You'll benefit from lower rates, better selection, beautiful weather and the absence of giant crowds at popular Wilmington, NC attractions and restaurants. Many vacationers use this strategy to reserve larger homes, or to book an oceanfront vacation rental that would otherwise be unaffordable during June, July, and August.
• Some property management companies offer discounts for active duty military and veterans. Ask your host or property manager if discounts are available for your family.
• Management companies and individual rental owners typically offer guests an option to add trip insurance protection. Trip insurance, which costs 1% - 5% of the base reservation price, offers visitors reimbursement of costs for missed days as a result of medical-related catastrophes or weather, as well as hurricane evacuation costs, such as an unanticipated hotel or extra fuel expenses. Trip insurance can be a a welcome relief if the unforeseen occurs. Ask your host for more information.
• Often, management companies and vacation rental houses supply Wilmington, NC area travel guides which often include money-saving offers, either offered directly by local businesses, or through a relationship with the rental management company and the business itself. You can also find Wilmington, NC visitors guide magazine and coupon books at local gas stations and shopping centers.

Use filters to narrow your rental search:

• First and foremost, have your group agree to trip dates and a budget.
• Note the number beds and what type of bedroom configuration your family requires. The Cove - Houseboat Oasis has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
• Specific information regarding bedrooms and bed types is normally accessible on booking websites. Otherwise, email the property manager before you reserve the vacation property. Remember that most listings specify the maximum guest capacity, which oftentimes includes sofa beds in living rooms.
• If your group is traveling with pets, search for a property that allows animals. Request information on breed, weight, and type requirements. Some property managers require additional pet deposits and fees.
• If there's a particular Wilmington, NC destination you crave, search for properties that are either near by, or those that cater to your needs.
• Appropriate accessibility amenities can make or ruin a vacation for persons with disabilities. Make certain to ask about specialized equipment and wheel chair accessibility.

Advice for a smooth stay:

• Get the owner's contact number and check in/check out procedures for your .
• Ask questions. You may need instructions for a garage door opener, intercom or thermostat. Contact your owner. They are there to help! A brief telephone call prevents many issues.
• Lock your rental home while you are out. Keep your property safe!
• Note any damages to the rental during check in, and immediately send them to the owner. We specifically recommend texts and e-mails, as they usually contain built-in time stamps that can be valuable if damages are assessed.
• Be a good neighbor! You wouldn't like loud visitors disrupting your peaceful neighborhood. Use the golden rule for best judgement. If they like you, locals might even recommend great restaurants and attractions you would've never otherwise known!
• Don't forget to... Ask a local resident! Residents can often help you find exactly what you're looking for. Who better to ask where to order the best nachos, 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 rental to reconfirm you've collected all personal items. Make sure to check garages, decks, and cabinets for hidden belongings. Clean the refrigerator and take any leftovers home.
• Record a video to document the condition of the property.
• Did you have a wonderful stay? Most rental home management companies make it easy for customers to provide reviews. If your rental and/or property manager was terrific, they would love to hear about it. If anything was imperfect 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 comments.