Marcia Bittner spent her first day as general manager at The Cove Riverwalk Villas aboard a newly built, two-story houseboat cruising through the gentle waters of the Cape Fear River. It was late 2022, and Bittner was the company’s first employee, managing a fleet of five original ships. At the time, Bittner didn’t realize how special the moment really was.

“It’s very rare that we move the boats because it’s quite a process, so it was incredible that I got to ride on it on my first day,” she says. The slate-paved dock the floating community resides on had just been completed, and the vessels, scattered around nearby slips, needed to be towed to their permanent berths.

Since Bittner’s first day, the initial assembly has evolved into a full-fledged waterside community with close to 40 rentable dwellings. Over the past year, The Cove has focused on expanding its fleet, introducing a more diversified range of units thoughtfully designed to accommodate any kind of traveler along the riverfront.

With a dedicated concierge team and doorstep luggage delivery, this waterside retreat prioritizes hospitality. Photography courtesy of The Cove Riverwalk Villas

Today, the lengthy promenade is lined by a corridor of riverside retreats. Welcoming verandas, tawny-shingled facades, and planter boxes adorn the short-term rental houseboats. Situated a short walk from downtown in Wilmington’s Port City Marina, the floating community is the only one of its kind in North Carolina.

Strolling down this idyllic, over-water passage, you might catch neighboring guests searing local fare on the communal grill at the pier’s end or taking in the breeze on their boat’s outdoor living space. If you’re lucky, you might even be greeted by Molson, the golden retriever office pup.

Inside the villas, bright, open-concept layouts and well-placed windows maximize the space, and the view overlooks the estuary just beyond the stern. “One thing that really surprises guests is when they get here and walk in, they’re shocked that it feels so spacious,” Bittner says.

The Cove is conveniently located along Wilmington’s Riverwalk, within walking distance of celebrated establishments, such as Seabird and Front Street Brewery. Photography courtesy of The Cove Riverwalk Villas

At The Cove, the mission runs deeper than simply providing a relaxing riverfront escape. Thoughtful partnerships with local makers and small businesses work to uplift the community and allow guests to experience firsthand what makes the Port City unique. A complimentary signature coffee blend by Luna Caffè sits on the polished countertops of each houseboat, a delicious introduction that often inspires guests to visit the downtown roastery. Other local offerings include vibrant, Carolina-grown floral arrangements from Castle Hayne Farms and hand-delivered small-batch confections from Apple Annie’s Bake Shop.

The floating neighborhood’s presence on the river continues to swell. “We’ve grown from our five original units to 36, and by the end of the year we’ll have at least 63,” Bittner says. Last December, the company began its second phase of expansion, introducing a second, sleek pier branching off the main dock and stretching into the tidal channel, its empty slips designed to accommodate nearly 30 new arrivals over the course of this year. “The next units that we’re introducing are three-bedroom units, more one-bedroom units, and some vessels with two separate units in one houseboat,” Bittner says. From festive bachelorette weekends to contemplative solo retreats, the growing fleet offers a tailored escape for any itinerary.

Soon, The Cove will expand shoreward, with a new land-based office and storefront adjacent to the dock currently under construction. “I think our storefront will really level up the experience,” Bittner says. “We’ll be selling items from the local community, whether it’s regional artisans, our own merch, or traditional ‘I forgot my toothbrush’ essentials, and we’ll be able to promote different events going on in the community there as well.”

“Moving forward, we want to continue cultivating that true luxury resort feel, where when you arrive, you don’t have to think about anything,” Bittner says. The Cove Riverwalk Villas may be the first of its kind, but what truly makes the maritime collective unique is its care for the surrounding community and local pride the crew embodies, keeping the heart of Wilmington solidly anchored just beyond the riverbank of the winding Cape Fear.

The Cove Riverwalk Villas
9 Brunswick Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 651-3253
thecovewilmington.com