Just across the Pasquotank River, on the Camden Causeway (US Highway 158), a peninsula has three complexes tucked just off the highway: Gardner Pointe, Harbor Place & Machelhe Cove. And they are close to the highway, Machelhe Cove in particular, which sits right off the shoulder. They don’t look very inviting or residential from that angle. But get on the other side, and you’ll feel like you’ve fallen into an Andrew Wyeth painting. Cypress trees line the shore and rise defiantly out of water blackened by their tannins. It is a surprising scene of exotic beauty.
Gardner Pointe is an 8-unit complex on a peninsula just across the Highway 158 bridge from downtown Elizabeth City. The docks show some signs of aging and are sparsely equipped with hardware, but they are being maintained and are fully functional. The docks accommodate 10 boats of varying sizes up to about 35 feet, and they appear to be deep-water and can accommodate sailboats. There are 2 plugs for shore power on the docks. I could not determine the amplitude. Slips are assigned and can be traded within the complex but cannot be rented to non-owners.
Another issue to bear in mind: the building appears to be clad in synthetic stucco, a material that has proven problematic. I spoke with the president of the homeowner’s association, who told me inspections were done to determine whether there were problems with the siding and that it got a clean bill of health. Some units have formal dining and ventless gas fireplaces; some do not. Two of the largest units are on two levels; all the others are single-level.
The complex is about 13 miles north of the Albemarle Sound up the Pasquotank River. You’ll find plenty of open space there for sailing, with an average depth of 12 to 13 feet and a maximum depth of around 25 feet. There are, of course, shallow bits, and wind-driven water can reduce depth. You’ll be about 37 miles from Manteo and 50 miles from the Oregon Inlet. The island is right across the Pasquotank from Elizabeth City, which has a viable downtown and an active waterfront. Following the Pasquotank north eventually leads to the Dismal Swamp Canal, a 22-mile stretch to Chesapeake, Virginia, and the Elizabeth River, with a depth of 9 feet. Drummond Lake and the Great Dismal Swamp are accessible along this route.
