House boat
Pet Friendly Floating Villa - Inspiration at The Cove - Downtown Wilmington
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Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms Sleeps 6
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Wilmington, NC
- Riverwalk1 min walk
- Live Oak Bank Pavilion5 min walk
- Wilmington Convention Center8 min walk
- Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)6 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Downstairs Bedroom
1 Queen Bed
Living Room 1
1 Double Sofa Bed
Upstairs Bedroom
1 King Bed
2 bathrooms
Downstairs Bathroom
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo
Upstairs Bathroom
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Spaces
Kitchen
Dining area
About this property
Pet Friendly Floating Villa - Inspiration at The Cove - 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 (1 spot per villa) and making the 5 minute stroll down onto the docks of the Port City Marina, you’ll arrive at The Cove. 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:
As you make your way upstairs, you'll discover another large living space with a 55" Smart TV 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!
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 (1 spot per villa) and making the 5 minute stroll down onto the docks of the Port City Marina, you’ll arrive at The Cove. 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:
As you make your way upstairs, you'll discover another large living space with a 55" Smart TV 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!
Property manager
Erin Robinson
Premier Host
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Water view
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House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
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 indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Wilmington
Located on the waterfront, this houseboat is in Downtown Wilmington, a neighbourhood in Wilmington. Live Oak Bank Pavilion and Wilmington Railroad Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Children's Museum of Wilmington and Carolina Heights. Cape Fear Museum and Greenfield Lake Park and Gardens are also worth visiting. With kayaking, power boating and sailing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.

Wilmington, NC
What's nearby
- Riverwalk - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
- Live Oak Bank Pavilion - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
- Wilmington Convention Center - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
- Cape Fear Community College - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
- Battleship North Carolina - 5 min drive - 4.3 km
Getting around
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
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
9.8/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
9.8/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
21 Mar 2025
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Ellen M.
23 Feb 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great access to downtown. Comfortable, staff is fabulous and the Villa was well equipped
Ellen M.
Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
James M.
26 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic!
James M.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
David E.
16 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Boat reception
David E.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kristi F.
14 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing alternative
Kristi F.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
8/10 Good
Emalie L.
10 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to stay
Emalie L.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Gary G.
29 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very Unique Experience
Gary G.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
jane e.
3 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very relaxing!
jane e.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Heather N.
15 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Restful stay on houseboat
Heather N.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Julia D.
9 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Spring Break 2024
Julia D.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
8/10 Good
Scott H.
11 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Neat experience.
Scott H.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Linda H.
7 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Love love love the Villa
Linda H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
crystal t.
24 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Place
crystal t.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Lori S., Commack, NY
20 Mar 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Happiness on the water
Lori S.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Donna P.
10 Mar 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
So cool
Donna P.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Samantha P.
6 Dec 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely place to just hang out
Samantha P.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Holly S.
2 Dec 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful accommodations and location!
Holly S.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Tammy T.
6 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect!
Tammy T.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Teresa B.
26 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely Beautiful
Teresa B.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Chris F.
17 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent spot
Chris F.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Lisa W.
6 July 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay!
Lisa W.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Lindsay W.
28 June 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice place!
Lindsay W.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kat Y.
9 June 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a Blast!
Kat Y.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Patricia F.
5 May 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyable
Patricia F.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Scott C.
2 May 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Heavenly Stay
Scott C.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
About the host
Hosted by Erin Robinson

Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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