Sturgeon Creek off the Brunswick River, leading to the Cape Fear River
Maximum Boat Length:
30
Brookhaven is in an area of Leland known as Navassa. It is about a mile from the first exit off HWY 17/74 as you head west out of Wilmington, and about 2.5 miles from the Cape Fear River. So it's a very close suburb to Wilmington in a county with lower taxes. The neighborhood has a common dock on the Sturgeon River, a tributary to the Brunswick River, which meets the Cape Fear about 4.6 miles south. The dock runs along the Sturgeon bank, and boats are tied off parallel to it. The docks have clearly been lengthened in recent years. MLS comments suggest the docks are day slips, unassigned, or may be purchased or rented if available. I know that is as clear as mud. If you're interested in the neighborhood, please make sure you can access a slip. Slips are marketed at 30 feet.
Governor's Landing is, to date, the nicest, most substantial waterfront condo community in downtown Wilmington, and you get a 30' boat slip in your backyard. As of this writing, the docks could use a little maintenance, but since they are not in a no-wake zone on a tidal river (the Cape Fear), they're holding up pretty well. And I don't doubt they will be maintained. The condos are in 3 clusters of 3 units; each unit is around 3000 sq ft and can be configured as 3-, 4-, possibly even 5-bedroom units with 3 and 1/2 baths. They have a staggered or split-level layout with a large open living/dining/kitchen area on the ground floor, the master on the second with a balcony view of the river, and laundry and two bedrooms on the next. The next level includes an open den and an additional office, sitting area, or 4th bedroom.
Highland Shores is the closest suburban neighborhood to historic downtown Wilmington, NC. Its 52 parcels are across the Cape Fear River, tucked behind Eagle Island. Lots range from 0.32 to 1.7 acres, with most just over half an acre. Houses typically range from about 2,500 to 4,500 square feet. They are about a 5-mile drive from downtown Wilmington. The boating distance is a little longer, at 5.5 miles around the southern tip of Eagle Island. They have a very nice common marina with 28 slips. The docks are floating, as that part of the Cape Fear River is still tidal. Utility pedestals are available, and every slip has a dock box. A covered pavilion on the pier lets you enjoy the sunset.
Harborside Club at 70w is an 8 story condominium complex on Peletier Creek which feeds into Bogue Sound. Amenities include a pool, a sauna, a fitness center, a conference room, an owner's lounge with a wet bar and a full kitchen overlooking the pool. There is also a grill and picnic area under a canopy by the pool. There are changing rooms, showers and baths on the ground floor. Each owner has a storage unit on the ground floor for gear. Two high speed elevators service the building. The entire complex is gated and secured.
There are 3 basic floor plans designated "A", "B" & "C", all are 3 bedroom & 3 bath. All units have terraces overlooking the pool, marina and Peletier Creek. There 2 floor plan “B”s at 1925 sq ft, one on each end with corner wrap around terraces. There is one “C” plan in the middle of each floor which features a deeper terrace that runs the full width of the unit. There are 6 “A” plans on each floor. Four of the “A” plans on each floor have balconies half the width of the unit.
Cabin Creek off Bay River leading to the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound
Maximum Boat Length:
35
Cabin Creek is a 14-parcel subdivision on Cabin Creek off the Bay River, which leads to the point where the Neuse River and the Pamlico Sound converge. Lots in Cabin Creek range from 1.2 to 5 acres, all of which are waterfront. Nonetheless, they have a well-protected common dock with 11 slips on the Bay River. Slips are 35 feet in length; the docks are a fixed height with a wooden frame and a concrete-based 'hog slat' decking. The slips are doubles with piles, and several have power lifts.
This area will require more research on my part. There are three neighborhoods, each with its own docks. I'll try to clarify the situation soon and make another visit.
Lord Carteret Condos shares a common dock with 1013 Front Street, a 5-unit complex just behind it. Lord Carteret Condos has 4 units each at approximately 1170 square feet, 3 bedrooms 2 baths. These condos were built in 1975, so it is reasonable to expect modifications. Each unit is one level, with two units on the ground floor and 2 on the second. There is no elevator. Beaufort's downtown waterfront is less than a half mile away.
The common docks are right across the street on Taylor Creek. Slips are assigned. They are marketed at 25 feet, but the back piles are 30 feet from the dock. The docks are basic but well maintained and would be fine for craft under 25 feet for cruising downtown Beaufort, Morehead City, and beyond.
A small subdivision with 12 very substantial homes and 8 slips. All of the houses in 1612 Front Street subdivision (yep, that's the name) are on the western side of Carrot Island Lane which runs perpendicular to Front Street, which is running parallel to Taylor's Creek. The docks are well maintained and equipped for a community facility. Most of the slips are equipped with power lifts. Slips may be rented to residents but can not be sold to anyone outside of the subdivision.
This is a great location for dinner cruises to Beaufort and Morehead City or exploring the undeveloped islands of the area.
Beaufort Landing is one of three neighborhoods in a row along Taylor Creek that share the name Beaufort Landing. This Beaufort Landing consists of 15 parcels beginning on the east side of Tidal Pond. The second, or Beaufort Landing Townhomes, is made up of 40 units in clusters of 4 and 5, which are legally condominiums, not townhomes. The third is Beaufort Landing Village comprised of 28 condominiums. Each neighborhood has it's own association with different association fees and it's own docks.
So this Beaufort Landing, the farthest to the West, boarding on the east by a small pond called Tidal Pond, consists single family homes on 15 parcels. Across Front Street to the south they have a well maintained marina of 27 slips. Most of the slips have power lifts. There's a pavilion and sitting area.
Masons Bluff is a 10-parcel subdivision around a single street and cul-de-sac running from Middle Sound Loop Road to the intracoastal waterway in northeastern New Hanover County. Three of the 10 parcels are waterfront, with the remaining 7 landlocked. None of the three waterfront properties have private docks, so the common dock has 10 slips. It's a bit of a hike to the slips, which are 200 yards from the shore. There is a pavilion at the docks. The slips are 30 feet long, with double slips, full fingers, and piles in between. All slips accept one boat; one appeared to have a power lift. The docks are right off the intracoastal waterway, with no breakwater, and are subject to wake buffeting.
All of the slips, except one, are equipped with power lifts. The docks are floating with wood framing and wood decking. They have utility pedestals.
