House boat

Pet Friendly Floating Villa - Inspiration at The Cove - Downtown Wilmington

Photo gallery for Pet Friendly Floating Villa - Inspiration at The Cove - Downtown Wilmington

Second floor private patio
Entryway from dock
First floor living room - view out front windows will be different as of Jan '24
First floor bedroom with Queen bed
Second floor living room with pullout sofa bed

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Air conditioning
  • Pet-friendly
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • 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

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!

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
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
-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

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.
Map
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

  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.) - 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

Frequently asked questions

Is Pet Friendly Floating Villa - Inspiration at The Cove - Downtown Wilmington pet-friendly?

Yes, this houseboat allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Pet Friendly Floating Villa - Inspiration at The Cove - Downtown Wilmington?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Pet Friendly Floating Villa - Inspiration at The Cove - Downtown Wilmington?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Pet Friendly Floating Villa - Inspiration at The Cove - Downtown Wilmington located?

Located in Downtown Wilmington, this houseboat is within a 10-minute walk of Riverwalk, Live Oak Bank Pavilion and Wilmington Convention Center. Wilmington Railroad Museum and Cape Fear Community College are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 25 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 25 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 25 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 25 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 25 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ellen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great access to downtown. Comfortable, staff is fabulous and the Villa was well equipped

Perfect
Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

David E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Boat reception

Had a lot of fun , much better than a hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Love love love the Villa

We had a really great time enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristi F.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing alternative

Inspiration had everything we needed to make it a comfy stay. Houseboat was pristine and stocked. Coffee on the deck in the morning was great way to start the day.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful accommodations and location!

Beautiful property and accessible to great restaurants.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Emalie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay

Great property - our second visit. Would Stay again but attention was needed in upstairs shower- doubt it was cleaned, maybe rinsed but definitely not scrubbed. Bedrooms were warm at night so slept with room doors open. Would stay again. Luv luv luv the upstairs outdoor space. .
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

jane e.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very relaxing!

Everything we needed was walking distance. Beautiful sunsets!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

James M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic!

The online listing was spot on. The unit was fully stocked with everything you would need. We cooked all of our meals in the unit and there was nothing needed. Comfy beds, great water pressure in the shower and nice fluffy towels. Being right on the Riverwalk was also a nice plus especially once we had our two dogs. Dog bowls, dog treats and dog towels to top it off.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

crystal t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place

Had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. They explained parking and check in great so everything went smoothly. Will stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Donna P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

So cool

This place was so nice!! So cool on the water and great views!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lori S., Commack, NY

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Happiness on the water

We loved the house boat and can’t wait to return.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent spot

Place was great alll the way around.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patricia F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enjoyable

Beautiful location
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tammy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect!

We absolutely love staying here! We appreciate all the extras and the decor is outstanding!!! We can't wait for our next trip! Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gary G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very Unique Experience

The houseboat experience was a first for our family and the location is well within walking distance of a lovely downtown. There are two issues that the host needs to be aware. We were a party of six and the sleeper did not have sheets, pillows, or blankets. Similarly, there were only 6 towels for our party during a 5 night stay. Laundry was available which made the towel supply workable.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Samantha P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely place to just hang out

We had a memorable and fun stay for Thanksgiving with lovely weather. The upstairs deck and living room is the best. We absolutely loved it. I suffer with motion sickness and got a bit woozy so if you are prone do make sure to have your Dramamine with you and you will be all set
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice place!

We enjoyed staying on the house boat. It’s an easy walk to Live Oak Pavilion to see a concert. We could walk to Front street for a good breakfast the next morning too. There was plenty of room for us, and bathrooms were big too. We enjoyed the upper balcony space off the den on the water. We would stay there again for sure! Cute furnishings too.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heavenly Stay

Being in this beautiful new houseboat was next level relaxing. Things worked great! Check in was flawless. Host was amazing. Do yourself a favor and stay here. Thank me later.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Restful stay on houseboat

Our recent stay at The Cove Floating Villa in Wilmington, NC, was a great experience, despite the challenges posed by an unexpected tropical storm. The property manager was regularly in touch to ensure we were safe and comfortable. This unique accommodation was comfortable, clean and modern. The amenities, such as a W&D, were much appreciated. We enjoyed a lot of time on the top deck, relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Located close to the boardwalk, we were close enough to walk to local restaurants and shops. A few restaurants that stood out were The Basics (everything!), Beer Barrio (pork tacos), the newly opened Dough House (pizza), and Quanto Basta (olive oil cake). Wilmington is very dog-friendly, as is The Cove, with many restaurants and bars happy to have pets on the patio. I highly recommend The Cove.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Scott H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Neat experience.

Only two issues. The door would not lock. Was addressed immediately. Air was excellent except for the master which was 10-15 degrees warmer. Found it a bit difficult to sleep in warm. Otherwise, we really enjoyed this experience and walking to most everything we needed. Had great dining experiences. Our Host, Summer, was very attentive and helpful. Would definitely do again. Wish there was a pet friendly houseboat with a more expansive water view. The people watching on the river walk was fun. Thank you.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Teresa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely Beautiful

We needed to get away and wanted something different. This was perfect. The pictures do not do it justice. Inspiration at The Cove was like something out of a magazine. From having wine on the deck overlooking the Riverwalk to just relaxing inside was just what we needed. The furniture is both beautiful and comfortable. The gentle movement of the water was so relaxing. We even experienced a tropical storm and felt totally safe. We will definitely go back.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kat Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a Blast!

This was one of the coolest, most fun vacation homes we’ve ever stayed in. What could be better than a vacation rental that is literally floating in the harbor! Spectacular views, especially the sunset. The Cove is fairly new I believe. Excellent communication from our host. Easy directions! Had slight trouble with the key to get in but if you wiggle it a bit and remain patient, you’ll be inside this adorable, super clean, very well appointed, floating gem! Decor was simple but classy. We did not use the kitchen for meals but it’s very well stocked. Coffee and creamers were provided by the host. The bed linens were so comfortable … 5 star hotel comfort … and the bath towels etc were plush. I’ve already recommended The Cove to family and friends and we will definitely be back!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay!

My family and I stayed 4 nights in this wonderful floating villa over July 4th weekend. We found it to be beautifully decorated, very comfortable, and surprisingly spacious. The unit itself is new so everything in it is brand new at this point. The kitchen was well stocked with everything we needed from paper products, dish and dishwasher detergents to all the pots/pans, dishes and utensils you could possibly need (including a pizza cutter!). The beds were very comfortable and the bathrooms were roomy and well stocked with shampoo, conditioner, hand soaps and soft towels. We enjoyed relaxing on the top deck that had comfortable seating and provided shade throughout the day and evening. (Note: this villa overlooks the Riverwalk and Embassy Suites hotel). The location is within a 0.5 mile walk to downtown Wilmington (either walk on the Riverwalk or along Front St.) to find great restaurants and shops. We enjoyed the Marina Grill restaurant at the end of the pier (2 minute walk) and the live bands that were playing on the pier both Friday and Saturday nights that we were there. We had a few questions during our stay and Marcia responded very quickly and was extremely helpful. Overall, it was a very pleasant stay and the host and staff were attentive and dedicated to ensuring our stay was a 5 star experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Neil G.

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julia D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spring Break 2024

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

About the host

Hosted by Erin Robinson

Host profile image

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests