Malibu at The Cove - Riverwalk Villas in Downtown Wilmington - Vacation rental home in Wilmington, NC

About this Property

• Sleeps 6
• 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 cavernous 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 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 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 charmingly 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 elegant 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.

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 beautiful 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 charming villas, boasting thoughtfully designed angled slips, impressive 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.

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.

About the Area

Located in Wilmington, this houseboat is in the city center and on the waterfront. Wilmington Railroad Museum and Children's Museum of Wilmington are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit The Cotton Exchange and Mayfaire Town Center. Carolina Heights and Cape Fear Museum are also worth visiting. 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

Pets not allowed

Strategies to get the best Wrightsville Beach vacation rental experience:

How to get the best rental home value:

• Summer months are the most expensive season in coastal NC. Booking a rental in Spring or Fall is our favorite way to save money on your vacation rental. Rates are lower, and you'll find a larger selection of acceptable properties. Speaking of the off-season, don't overlook the holidays for a Wrightsville Beach vacation! Who wouldn't love a holiday vacation on the coast? Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Years Eve are great times to gather with family and friends at the beach.
• The earlier your group can book, the better your selection will be. The most desirable rental homes are reserved very early. Reserving your rental 6-12 months before your vacation is recommended. Holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving are excellent times to plan and book your rental.
• Some owners offer discounts or promotional rates for veterans and active duty military. It's always a good idea to check with your host or property manager to see if special discounts are available for your family.
• Property management companies frequently offer renters an option to buy trip insurance. Trip insurance, which will generally cost anywhere between 1% - 5% of the booking price, offers visitors reimbursement of costs for any missed vacation time as a result of personal medical-related issues or weather disasters, as well as evacuation charges, such as an unanticipated hotel stay or extra gas expenses. Trip insurance might be a a welcome relief if the unforeseen occurs. Ask your host for details.
• Find a copy of your local Wrightsville Beach area magazine upon arrival. If your rental doesn't have one, you can find them at local shops and fuel stations. In addition to great articles, visitor guides contain discounts for local accommodations, tours and attractions.

Planning and picking the rightvacation home:

• Choose a designated group leader, choose your vacation dates, and select a spending budget.
• Determine how many bedrooms and the bed configuration you need. Malibu at The Cove - Riverwalk Villas in Downtown Wilmington has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. If you need a larger or smaller rental, use our Wrightsville Beach rental home search.
• Precise information regarding bedrooms and bed types is commonly available online. If you don't see them listed, email the property owner before booking your home. Remember that most properties list the max. guest capacity, which often includes pull-out couches and bunk beds. You'll need to establish which bed configuration is suitable for your vacation.
• Looking for unique amenities? Most websites include search filters with amenity lists. Use these to your advantage to find the perfect rental home.
• Suitable accessibility can make or break a vacation for those with limited mobility. Make certain to ask about wheel chair accessibility, pool lifts and specialized equipment needs.
• Some properties allow pets, but some don't. Allowable types of dog or cat, weight and breeds may be restricted, and added fees may apply. Ask your host about pet restrictions before booking.

More considerations for your visit:

• Take a copy of the owner's phone number and arrival/departure procedures for your rental. Store the manager's information in your smartphone and wallet.
• Document any issues with the property during check in, and immediately contact the property manager. We especially recommend texts and e-mails, as they usually contain time stamps that can be useful if there is a dispute.
• Ask questions. You may need instructions for a fireplace, A/V setup or coffee maker. Contact your property manager. They are there to help! A brief phone call can prevent lots of concerns.
• Be respectful. Often times, adjacent homes are occupied by local residents. Respecting quiet hours and parking regulations reduces conflict and allows everyone to enjoy their day.
• Don't forget to... Ask a local resident! Residents can typically help. Who better to ask where to get the best seafood, have a great night on the town, or the best spots for fishing?
• Lock your vacation home while you're out. Protect the owner's property and your stuff!
• Don't leave anything behind! Just before you drive away, take a walk through the property to reconfirm you've collected all personal items. Make sure to check dressers, closets, and bathrooms for hidden treasure. Clean out the refrigerator and take any leftovers home.
• Go through the rental one final time and keep an eye out for damage. We recommend inspecting the property with the host whenever possible. If the property manager is not available, take photos of the property to record its condition at check-out.
• Leave feedback! Property owners rely on great ratings to propel more bookings. They'll be thankful for your feedback. Alternatively, if something went wrong, other families will be thankful you shared your experience and help them have the best future vacation. Be fair with your review. If something fell short of expectations, consider whether the owner had any control over the issue, and if so, whether they responded expeditiously to remedy it.