Low Country Waterfront Home on the Intracoastal Waterway near Beaufort, NC

Ollie and Nancy Dixon selected an exceptional spot for their dream house: deep, protected water on the Intracoastal Waterway, situated roughly 10 miles south of the mouth of the Neuse River and about 10 miles north of Beaufort Inlet. Their Low Country–style, two-story residence sits on 0.69 acres in a gated subdivision and includes an attached dock and waterfront rip-rap. The home totals approximately 3,600 square feet including porches and has been thoughtfully adapted from a standard three-bedroom, three-bath plan to suit a relaxed fishing and boating lifestyle.

Interior Layout and Living Spaces

The house is elevated, with a front staircase leading to the main living level. A covered porch frames the entry and opens into a spacious great room under a cathedral ceiling. The focal point of the room is a gas-log fireplace flanked by built-in cabinetry. Ten-foot ceilings and varnished oak floors contribute to an open, airy feel that is ideal for entertaining and everyday living.

At the rear of the great room the kitchen is arranged around a bi-level island topped in granite. The island features beadboard siding to match the cabinetry and a pantry that sits between two doors leading to a formal dining room. A nearby breakfast area overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway, providing casual dining with scenic views. The layout was intentionally designed so the cook remains part of gatherings in the living room while also keeping an eye on boat traffic from the water-facing windows.

Bedrooms and Lower Level

The master suite opens through French doors to a waterfront porch and includes a private tiled bath with dual commodes, a jetted garden tub, and a Roman-style walk-in tile shower. Of the two guest bedrooms, one also has access to the waterfront porch while the other overlooks the landscaped garden; both share a full bath adjacent to the laundry area.

The lower level offers additional flexible living space with its own private exterior entrance. There is a two-plus-car garage and a finished recreation room measuring approximately 38 by 38 feet, complete with French doors that lead to a ground-level waterfront porch. A full bath on this level supports guests or extended-stay visitors and enhances the lower-level functionality.

Waterfront and Dock

Immediately beyond the level lawn is about 94 feet of rip-rapped waterfront frontage and a treated-wood dock equipped with power, water and a 13,000-pound boat lift. Water depths alongside the dock are approximately 6 feet at mean low water, providing access for a wide variety of boats and making the property especially appealing for boating enthusiasts who want immediate access to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Neighborhood, Amenities and Lifestyle

The Dixons frequently cruise to nearby Shackleford Banks for beach and swimming excursions, or into historic downtown Beaufort for dining and shopping. From the harbor they often watch the wild horses on Carrot Island. For everyday shopping and services, larger stores are available on Beaufort’s outskirts and across the ICW in Morehead City, which also offers a maritime museum and other local attractions.

Systems, Taxes and HOA

The home is finished with CertainTeed vinyl siding and served by a two-zone heat pump. Utilities include a private well and a Bio-C septic system; septic waste is pumped off-site to a community leach field. Annual property taxes are approximately $2,500. Homeowners association dues are about $800 per year and cover community maintenance plus use of the clubhouse, swimming pool, boat ramp, community dock and roads.

Price and Contact

The property is listed for $650,000. After a decade of enjoying the home and location, the Dixons—Ollie, 70, and Nancy, 68—are relocating to be closer to their daughters and grandsons in Kentucky.

Listing agent: Betty Dunn, Bluewater Real Estate, Beaufort, N.C. Contact: (252) 723-9128 (cell); office (252) 726-3105.

Original feature: March 2014 issue.