Entire house boat

Sanctuary @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas

Riverfront houseboat in Wilmington with a water park

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Photo gallery for Sanctuary @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas

Interior
Interior
Smart TV
2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
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

View in a map
Wilmington, NC
  • Place, Riverwalk
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Wilmington Convention Center
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Live Oak Bank Pavilion
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Airport, Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

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About the neighborhood

Wilmington

Located in Downtown Wilmington, this houseboat is adjacent to Riverwalk and within a 5-minute walk of Wilmington Convention Center. Guestrooms at this houseboat include kitchens, balconies, and refrigerators.

What's nearby

  • Riverwalk - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Wilmington Convention Center - 4 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Cape Fear Community College - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Live Oak Bank Pavilion - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Battleship North Carolina - 6 min drive - 3.1 miles

Getting around

  • Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Eagle's Dare - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Bonita Latin Fusion - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Tequila Comida & Cantina - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Mellow Mushroom Wilmington - Downtown - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Marina Grill - ‬3 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.

Sanctuary @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas

Welcome to The Cove Riverwalk Villas, Wilmington’s most unique vacation rental community!



Nestled toward the front of the dock, Sanctuary offers captivating marina views from its cozy back patio. Surrounded by vibrant hues of purples and oranges, the interior features include a sofa bed and a dedicated workspace, making it an excellent choice for both families and digital nomads.



Sanctuary is located at slip #8, just four slips in on the marina side.



Full kitchen stocked with everything you could need to prepare a great meal. Complimentary local coffee, creamer, and sugar, are provided alongside a drip coffee maker.



First floor bedroom with Queen size bed, large closet, ceiling fan, and 40” Smart TV



Two full bathrooms, one on each floor, with walk-in showers. Complimentary hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided, along with bath and hand towels, wash cloths, and make-up towels.



Second floor bedroom with King sized bed, large closet, dresser, ceiling fan, and 55” Smart TV



First floor open concept living and dining room, featuring dining table with four seats, three bar stools along the kitchen island, cozy couch and arm chairs.



Second floor living room featuring a pull-out sofa, 55” Smart TV, and a beautiful view of the Cape Fear River through the sliding glass doors. A dedicated workspace allows you the work-from-home space of your dreams.



Large patio on second floor featuring an outdoor bar with a mini fridge and sink 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.



Guests will have access to the entire villa for the duration of their stay.



Our office is located at Slip #1. A team member is typically available on-site daily from 10am-5pm for guest assistance. If there is no one on-site, you can also reach us through the messaging option on your booking site and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.



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. Situated on the picturesque 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 exquisite villas, boasting thoughtfully designed angled slips, picturesque 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.



Parking is available for one vehicle per villa in an off-site parking garage. The parking garage is located about a 5-7 minute 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.



Welcome to The Cove Riverwalk Villas —your perfect getaway in Downtown Wilmington! We`re just steps from Port City Marina and the Wilmington Convention Center, and one block from The Wilson Center and Live Oak Bank Pavilion, so you can skip the parking stress and event traffic. Who needs a designated driver when you’re this close to the action?



Historic Downtown Wilmington is less than a mile away, with tons of shops, restaurants, breweries, and live music. Get there on foot, hop on the free trolley, or take a quick drive—either way, fun is just around the corner! For the inside scoop on local hotspots and events, check out our Guidebook or visit `Wilmington and Beaches` online.



Need to catch a flight or hit the beach? Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is only 8 minutes away, and Wrightsville Beach, Jungle Rapids, and UNCW are all within a 10-mile radius.



Bringing your boat? Our friends at Port City Marina would love to rent you a slip—just reach out to them directly and let the good times roll!



The unique charm of The Cove comes from its prime position atop the Cape Fear River. Here in Wilmington, you might encounter a local `water bug` or ‘palmetto bug’. While their visits are rare thanks to our rigorous cleanliness standards, these occasional guests are simply part of riverside living. Rest assured, we continuously strive to minimize their appearances and appreciate your understanding.



Parking for The Cove is conveniently located in a nearby garage approximately 0.3 miles from the dock. The garage offers 24/7 in/out access and is equipped with an elevator for easy loading and unloading. Parking for one vehicle per reservation is included, with additional parking available at daily rates set by the garage.

While the garage is close, guests should be aware that there is a 5–7 minute walk to the dock due to our marina setting. Rolling luggage is highly recommended, and bringing a cart or wagon can be helpful. A limited number of wagons are available for guest use at our on-site office on a first-come, first-serve basis.



If this villa’s booked, no worries - send us a message and we can help you find another date or villa that suits your needs. We would love to have you Stay Afloat!



@thecove_wilmington
Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a kitchen, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Internet

  • Available in the accommodation: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city center
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the marina
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Basketball nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby

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 (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Property does not allow children
  • Unit size: 1,200 square feet

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

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

Rules

-No flushing of anything other than natural waste and septic safe toilet paper(provided) -Children younger than 12 must be accompanied 24/7 for safety
-Absolutely no swimming allowed - the current in the Cape Fear River is strong and dangerous -No smoking or illicit drugs allowed in the marina
-Failure to return the front door key upon check-out will result in a $300.00 fee

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • This property doesn't allow children

Events

No events allowed

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
Onsite 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 there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • 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.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Long-term renters welcome.

Property is also known as

436059

Frequently asked questions

What's there to 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.

Is parking available on site at this houseboat?

No, there isn't parking at this houseboat.

Is this houseboat adjacent to a casino?

No, this houseboat is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this houseboat?

No, there is no indoor pool at this houseboat.

Is Sanctuary @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas good for couples?

At this riverfront houseboat, amenities that appeal to couples include a kitchen and a smart TV in each accommodation with some featuring kitchens.

Does Sanctuary @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas have a hot tub?

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

Does this houseboat include breakfast service?

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, this houseboat doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to this houseboat?

The closest major airport to this houseboat is Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM), which is 4.7 mi away (14 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Sanctuary @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?

Yes, every accommodation at Sanctuary @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas comes with a balcony with some featuring water views.

Reviews

Sanctuary @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 14 out of 14 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 14 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

meghan c., Southport, NC, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved our stay. House boat was awesome! Would recommend for a trip to the Wilmington area.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

William R.

Liked: Cleanliness
It was fantastic, every aspect from start to finish!!!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Natalie D.

Liked: Cleanliness
The house was beautiful and very clean. We had a great visit.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

H. E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Niki P., Owensboro, USA

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

queenie w.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great stay

Very nice villa with lots of room and well stocked with everything we needed. Great location and fantastic views. Very clean and spotless. Will definitely book again
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect and so unique!

I can’t say enough about how fabulous of a time we had this past weekend. So much space, such an amazing view, and so so unique. Place was impeccable. Communication with the office was amazing. Hope our plans in the future can include another visit to the Cove!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donald P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Running friends

Impressive place to get real taste of Wilmington
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancy C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Christmas riverwalk . Wilson concert trip

The location was excellent for what we wanted to do. Houseboat was spacious, clean , decorated for the holidays Our 3 day stay was great.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Awesome stay!

Lovely property on the water. Incredible views. Responsible host. Beautiful decor. Clean as a whistle. What more could you ask for?
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kellie P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect setting!

Come relax on the upper deck and enjoy a great villa on the water. Close to everything but quite when you get home!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angie K.

Liked: Cleanliness

AMAZING in every way

This listing is exactly as advertised and the quality of the houseboat construction is stellar. The location is fabulous and all interactions with the house were first class. I truly can’t wait to go back.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Abby P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect Weekend Get Away!

We enjoyed our stay at The Cove Sanctuary 8. The house was very clean and beautifully decorated. House was very well stocked with all the essentials. 10-15 minute walk to downtown nightlife and several great restaurants. Marina has a couple new restaurants that are less than a 5 minute walk from The Cove. The marina is very quiet and peaceful during the day and evenings. Wilmington is a charming little town with lots to offer. This is the perfect romantic weekend getaway, family weekend or girls trip. Highly Recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tonio J., Wilmington

Liked: Cleanliness

Quick weekend staycation

We rented it for a weekend staycation and loved the mini neighborhood of houseboats.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024