Entire house boat

Escape at The Cove - Luxury Floating Villa in Downtown Wilmington

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Escape at The Cove - Luxury Floating Villa in Downtown Wilmington

Property grounds
2 bedrooms, desk, WiFi, bed sheets
Interior
Marina
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire house boat

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61200 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Washer
  • Outdoor Space
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Wilmington, NC
  • Riverwalk
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Live Oak Bank Pavilion
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Wilmington Convention Center
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪6 min drive‬

Room options

You may also like

About the neighborhood

Wilmington

Located in Downtown Wilmington, this houseboat is adjacent to Riverwalk and within a 10-minute stroll of Live Oak Bank Pavilion. Guestrooms at this houseboat include kitchens, balconies, and sofa beds.

What's nearby

  • Riverwalk - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Live Oak Bank Pavilion - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Wilmington Convention Center - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Cape Fear Community College - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Battleship North Carolina - 5 min drive - 2.7 miles

Getting around

  • Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Half - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Mellow Mushroom Wilmington - Downtown - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Edward Teach Brewing - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Cape Fear Wine and Beer - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Marina Grill - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire house boat to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Escape at The Cove - Luxury Floating Villa in Downtown Wilmington

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

@thecove_wilmington (IG/FB/TT)

The space:

After parking in our free lot and making the 4 minute stroll 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 perfect mix of adventure, luxury and relaxation.

Upon entering your villa, you’ll notice the spacious 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 stocked with everything you need to make a great meal, you could actually host your next Thanksgiving here. Complementary coffee, creamer and sugar are provided, alongside a drip coffee maker.

Living Room 1:
If cooking isn't your idea of fun, you may be more drawn to the beautifully decorated downstairs living space, where you can relax on the cozy 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 provided 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, large closet, ceiling fan, 40" Smart TV, and access door to the quaint back patio; a great spot for some quiet reading or alone time.

Living Room 2 (Sofa bed):
As you make your way upstairs, you'll discover another large living space with a sectional couch (with pull out sleeper), 60" Smart TV, desk and chair, and a beautiful view of the Cape Fear River through the sliding glass doors.

Upstairs Patio:
Just outside those doors, you'll find yourself on a large patio featuring an outdoor bar (sink & mini fridge), and a variety of comfortable furniture options. This patio is a fan favorite for everything from morning coffee, afternoon reading, evening spirits, or enjoying a meal. In the Summer months, you'll often hear live music coming from Marina Grill, 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, large closet, ceiling fan & 55" Smart 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 perfect 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 free trolley, or drive a few blocks down Water Street, getting there is easy. With many local shops, restaurants, breweries, live music, and events, Downtown offers something for everyone to enjoy. Check out our Guidebook or "Wilmington and Beaches" online for recommendations and events.

Beyond the borders of Downtown, a quick 8 minute 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 love 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 love to have you Stay Afloat!
For entertainment, guests can enjoy Smart TVs. Kitchens, washers/dryers, and 2 bathrooms are also standard.

Property manager

Erin Robinson

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the accommodation: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Dock
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washer/dryer

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Fan
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Guidebooks

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 1,200 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.

Frequently asked questions

What can I see around this houseboat?

This houseboat is situated in Downtown Wilmington, just steps from Riverwalk, and within a 10-minute walk of Live Oak Bank Pavilion and Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College. You'll also find Cape Fear River and Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at this houseboat?

No, this houseboat doesn't offer parking.

Is this houseboat associated with a casino?

No, this houseboat is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this houseboat?

No, there is no indoor pool at this houseboat.

What do couples enjoy most about Escape at The Cove - Luxury Floating Villa in Downtown Wilmington?

Couples will appreciate amenities at this houseboat, including a kitchen and a smart TV in each accommodation and kitchens in some.

Are there hot tubs at Escape at The Cove - Luxury Floating Villa in Downtown Wilmington?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this houseboat.

Does this houseboat offer breakfast?

No, this houseboat doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this houseboat allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at this houseboat.

Does this houseboat have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting rooms at this houseboat.

Where is the closest airport to this houseboat?

The closest major airport to this houseboat is Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM), which is 3.5 mi away (6 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Escape at The Cove - Luxury Floating Villa in Downtown Wilmington?

Yes, every accommodation at Escape at The Cove - Luxury Floating Villa in Downtown Wilmington comes with a balcony.

Escape at The Cove - Luxury Floating Villa in Downtown Wilmington Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 21 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 21 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Steve M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Excellent

This property is located in a beautiful location and close to downtown.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

David F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Super clean, fun spot

Great location, very cool home.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stacey R., Chapel Hill, NC

Liked: Cleanliness

Excellent visit!

We loved our stay and will definitely be back! Great views! Great location for walking along the river and to all of the shops and restaurants.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Molly L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Loved it!

Great location. We were in town for a show and loved the proximity. Walkability was perfect. We loved it! Thanks!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

Liked: Cleanliness

One tree hill

We had a group of ladies that came to Wilmington for the one tree hill event. It was a great time and the house boats are the best!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wj C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Jamie B., Newport, KY

Nice for a long weekend

Great
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

James K.

Liked: Cleanliness

A super nice place!

It is in a great location with excellent views and within walking distance of downtown Wilmington. The houseboat has a wonderful layout. We hope to visit again soon and stay for a longer period of time at the Cove.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Teri T., USA

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location, very nice people, gorgeous view

Perfect location with easy walking to downtown, restaurants, coffee, etc. Loved staying on a floating home. It was a fun experience, for sure!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Akiia J.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect Getaway

My husband, children and I enjoyed a 2-night stay. We LOVED the property and location. The property was clean, the kitchen was stocked appropriately with dishes and basic kitchen ware, and there is a full-size washer and dryer which would be a must if we had gone to the beach. I see this being useful if we decided to book a week-long stay or stay during beach season. Parking was simple, and coming and going was simple as well. We loved that there was no noise. I don't know if that's related-to when we visited (March 2024). Highly recommend to anyone who likes being on the water, and we can't wait to return when the weather is warmer!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deanna C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful location

Very enjoyable. Great location and within walking distance to many restaurants.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alys L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Convenient location, nice marina view

Enjoyable weekend on the water. Unique concept ! We will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Being right on the water was wonderful and the place had everything we needed. Very clean and safe location.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Very Unique

The property was very clean and comfortable. Great set up and great location.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Suzette F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing experience

Beautiful place and location! Only thing I would suggest is in the bedrooms a full length mirror would be awesome. Wish we could have stayed longer! We will definitely be back;)
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Awesome place to stay for a concert

.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly J.

Liked: Cleanliness

Super Clean & Nice!

Owner was very helpful and messaged back quick. The boat was amazing. Super clean! Hoping to come back in Sept. perfect location!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jamie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing place. Definitely will come back
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

lana w.

Liked: Cleanliness

The Cove Houseboat

Immaculate, well stocked kitchen, spectacular views and very easy to communicate with owner.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Keva N.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful

Houseboat is beautifully decorated and the area is very peaceful! Would definitely come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023