Journey at The Cove - Pet-Friendly Houseboat in Downtown Wilmington, NC - 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 included, alongside a drip coffee maker.

Living Room 1:
If cooking isn't your idea of fun, you may be more drawn to the attractively 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, 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 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, enormous 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 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.

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 adore 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 striking 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 handsome 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 included 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 Downtown Wilmington, a neighborhood in Wilmington. Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews and City Stage Theatre are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach. 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 water skiing, water tubing, and windsurfing 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

2 total pets

Tips and Tricks to get the best Wilmington vacation home experience:

Sticking to a budget:

• Book your rental as early as possible. Rental schedules usually open 12 months in advance (or in September just after the Summer season ends). Many families book their Summer vacations during Christmas and Thanksgiving get-togethers. Book before these holidays for best selection.
• June, July, and August are high season in the Wilmington, NC area. To find the best value, try changing your vacation to the Spring or Fall seasons. May, September, and October offer warm weather, fewer crowds, and reduced traffic. Many vacationers use this strategy to find larger homes within budget, or to reserve a beach front vacation rental that would otherwise be unaffordable during the Summer.
• Active Duty and veterans of the US Armed forces may be qualified for special discounts. Be sure to ask your prospective property manager whether your group qualifies for a price reduction or discount.
• Management companies and individual rental owners often offer their guests an option to add trip insurance protection. Trip insurance, which will generally cost between 1% - 5% of the base booking price, offers visitors reimbursement of costs for any missed days as a result of personal medical-related catastrophes or weather disasters, as well as evacuation costs or charges, such as an unexpected hotel or extra fuel expenses. Trip insurance can be a a life-saver if the unforeseen occurs. Ask your property manager for more information.
• Often, rental management companies supply Wilmington, NC area visitor guides which include coupons, either offered directly by local companies, or by way of a partnership between the management company and the business itself. You can also find Wilmington, NC visitors guide and coupon books at local shops and grocery stores.

Make a plan and choose a perfect Wilmington, NC rental:

• First, have your family commit to vacation dates and a budget.
• Decide how many bedrooms and what type of bedroom configuration your group requires. Journey at The Cove - Pet-Friendly Houseboat in Downtown Wilmington, NC has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. If you need a larger or smaller rental, use our rentals search.
• Specific descriptions of bedrooms and bed counts is normally available online. If they are not listed, email or call the host before reserving the home. Note that most listings specify the maximum guest capacity, which often includes pull-out couches and bunk beds. You will need to determine which bed configuration is optimal for your group.
• Are you traveling with furry, four-legged family members? Although a number of vacation homes allow pets or animals, guidelines and costs vary per property. Type of pet, size and breeds may be limited. Make sure to ask before booking, and study your rental agreement! Extra fees or charges might be applied to your agreement.
• If there's an individual Wilmington, NC beach you love, search for homes that are either near by, or those that cater especially to your needs.
• Suitable accessibility amenities can make or ruin a vacation for guests that require the use of a wheelchair. Confirm all necessary amenities are available and included before reserving a rental.

More tips for your stay:

• Review check in & check out procedures before leaving home. Take a printed copy, and add a note with the directions to your phone.
• Hosts are there to help! Feel free to ask any questions during your stay.
• Protect the owner (and your things!) by locking the property while you are away, just like you would back home.
• Record any issues with the rental at check in, and immediately e-mail them to the property manager. We especially recommend e-mails and text messages, as they usually contain time stamps that are very helpful if damages are attributed to your stay.
• Respect your neighbors. Frequently, surrounding homes are occupied by local residents. Respecting quiet hours and parking rules is the right thing to do.
• Speaking of neighbors... Ask a local! Neighbors can often point you in the right direction. Who better to ask where to enjoy a steak with a view, have a great night out, or the best spots for bird watching?
• Just before checking out, complete a walk-through to make sure you have not leave anything behind. Check dressers, closets, and bathrooms for hidden belongings. Clean the refrigerator and take any leftovers home.
• Record a video to document the condition of the property.
• Did your family have a fantastic vacation? Many rental home management companies make it easy for travelers to provide feedback. If your property and/or host was fantastic, they would love to hear about it. If anything was wrong and they failed to fix it reasonably, or if the vacation rental wasn't described correctly, you'll want to make it a point as part of your feedback.