After months of looking, we finally found our forever home, and it’s Wilmington, NC!
Here’s the sound bite version of our week long trip:
On our first day we visited St. James Plantation in Southport. As its name implies, it’s on the coast and is simply charming! The night before we left I watched ‘Safe Haven’ with Josh Duchamel (remember him from All My Children?) and Julianna Hough. It was filmed in Southport, and just watching the movie I knew I would love the area, and I did. We both did.
BUT…St. James is not for those with shallow pockets. It’s a place that probably invented the phrase. ‘you get what you pay for’. Their tag line is ‘You Want It All? It’s Here!’
And it is.
We’re talking four beautiful clubhouses, five great restaurants, a 155 boat slip marina, 13 Har-Tu tennis courts, pickleball, 4 indoor and outdoor resort style pools, state of the art fitness and wellness center, a private beach club, bike paths, four 18 hole professional golf courses, activities up the wazoo and absolutely GORGEOUS southern style homes throughout their impeccably maintained grounds. We were pretty much convinced that’s where we wanted to be, but luckily we came to our senses (well, Fisherman did, I was still holding out hope. Anyone know what one can get for a kidney these days?).
After three days in Southport we moved on a bit further inland toward the city of Wilmington and visited several ‘Plantations’ (that’s what communities are called down there), but only one we both liked, which is Brunswick Forest. Like St. James, it’s quite large and has lots of amenities and activities, but while St. James is a golfers paradise (we don’t golf), Brunswick Forest is a bit more laid back in that department. I think they have 3 nine hole courses, compared to St. James’ 81 holes, so HOA dues aren’t as high, and their initiation fee is more affordable. There are also several ‘neighborhoods’ with different vibes, many of which are established already.
But guess what?? After looking at a few houses we decided to buy land in one of their newer neighborhoods and build! I haven’t lived in a new home since I was 5, so I’m pretty excited about the prospect of having everything all shiny and new :).
I have a few photos of the model home to show you, but there will be a few changes. What we are getting is a ‘land/home’ package, which basically means each component costs less than if purchased separately, but the trade off is we have to accept there are certain limitations in the design process since it’s not a custom build.
The house checked off all my ‘must-haves’, like a separate room for sewing/crafts, a nice sized kitchen island and a gas stove. It seems electric is very common down south, especially Florida, but I much prefer gas for cooking. It also checked off many of my ‘would like to haves’, such as a fireplace, separate dining room and front porch. I also didn’t want to be in our back yard and look at someone else’s house, and we won’t. It’s a nice lot with a small pond and trees out back.
As for the location of the community, we are just about 10-15 minutes to downtown Wilmington, which is a cool, small riverfront city of about 114,000 people. There are tons of great restaurants and interesting shops, as well as UNCW, which has a Lifelong Learning program. Currently, beaches are 30-45 minutes away depending on traffic, but a new road is being built and should be ready in a few months which will cut that time down to maybe 25 minutes at most.
Now, about the house. As soon as we entered the model, I was impressed with the layout. I liked that there was a clear shot to the back of the house, with a nice, unobstructed window. In our case, with our lot this means you will see a little bit of water and trees as soon as you enter. I also liked the arched doorways and that there is an actual entryway, something we don’t have at the cabin but is a nice touch in a home.
The room to the immediate right when you walk in (it’s not visible in the photo) is a guest bedroom and full bath, and the room with the green paint on the right is the dining room. That’s something else I haven’t had in ions, so it will be fun decorating that space.
In the living room, I liked that there’s a fireplace and beautiful coffered ceilings. We plan on upgrading the mantel to something a bit more substantial, and I’m not sure about placing a tv above the fireplace. It seems there’s as much controversy about that as there is about toilet paper…over or under?
Psssssttt….definitely over, so you can make that nice little ‘V’ :).
The kitchen is a good size, but some upgrades are in order. I would have liked a white washed brick backsplash, but that’s not an option, so I may go with glass tiles. The vent hood and faucet are a bit underwhelming, and may be changed if possible. We also plan on upgrading the granite to a light colored quartz, similar to the one in this post. And I’m one of the few weirdos who doesn’t like double sinks, at least when they’re small like this one, but our options are limited so we shall see.
The cabinets we picked will be a soft white, and I’m hopeful we can get white appliances because again, I’m one of those weirdos who doesn’t like stainless.
One of our favorite rooms is the master bedroom. The vaulted tray ceiling is just like the one we had in our former house in NY and I loved it. I’ve kept the chandelier that was in that room all this time in the hopes we could someday use it again, but I suppose a ceiling fan is far more practical. We’re also considering upgrading from carpet to wood, although I like the feel of carpet in a bedroom, it just doesn’t last long.
The sitting room could be converted to a separate office space, but we like the openness and light it brings in so we’re keeping it as is.
There’s also a small room upstairs, what they call a FROG (family room over garage) that will be my craft space, a 2 car garage and a nice sized screened in back porch that can be accessed from the bedroom sitting area and the kitchen dinette area.
Now that you’ve seen some of the key spaces, I should point out that everything is contingent on our selling our home quickly, and we live in a very tough market since it’s primarily a recreational second home community. Everything could go south (no pun intended), but if it’s meant to be, it will be :).
One of the many advantages of the greater Wilmington area are the vintage and antique stores. They seem to be at every turn. On Mother’s Day we explored the area beaches which was fun (you MUST try Britt’s Donuts in Carolina Beach!), but the highlight of the day was our visit to this fabulous shop!
In case you’re wondering, that’s Fisherman sticking his tongue out at me :/.
There was so much to look at, and I didn’t take a lot of pics, but I know I’ll be back. They even custom build farmhouse dining tables, and I have just the space for one…
In other news…
We’ve been crazy busy since returning Monday night. Our realtor came over Tuesday morning and we’ve got tons to think about and do. We have to do a Title V inspection on our septic, so keeps those fingers and toes crossed it will pass please! That’s super important! We hope the cabin will be on the market by Memorial weekend.
I know some of you were convinced Venice was the front runner, and it was, but North Carolina is exactly half way between Florida and NY, which will make visits to either of those states fairly easy. Also, it seems that most of the people in North Carolina are full timers, which gives it more of a community feel. I’m sure we would have been very happy doing 6/6 in Venice and Massachusetts for a few years, but after a while it gets old and most people end up picking one place eventually anyway, and I don’t think I’d want to live in Florida full time. Thanks for following along on this adventure, but stick around. I’m going to need some decorating advice :).
Mary says
Yay!! I’m so so happy for you! I think this is an excellent choice since you don’t want to be in the Florida heat all year long. I love the photos of the model home you’ve shown us. And I will be keeping my fingers crossed so that all goes well and you’ll be able to sell your Massachusetts home in no time.
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
Oh Doreen… how exciting! I LOVE the model home pictures.. it is just gorgeous.. and the lot sounds like it would be perfect. I saw Safe Haven too and loved that little town so much I wanted to move there! wish you could.. my dream has always been to live in a seaport town… and then the woods right there where she walked to her little cabin. But the area you have chosen also sounds devine. I will pray that your “cabin” sells quickly so you can get on with your next adventure. I think you’ll be glad you decided against the 6/6. My sister and sig other did it for a few years, but it got very tiring and they finally just have one place… at the Oregon coast, which was their most favorite of all. It got really tiring packing up and running back and forth, and the feeling of “obligation” that we “should” go there and work in the yard and water and fix it up, etc. I don’t think you’d like living in Florida either year-round. My sister has a “vacation” place in one of the “villages” but she says she hates going there during the summers as way to muggy humid and hot. Keep us advised as to what happens with your cabin! Marilyn
tammy j says
OH! how exciting!
i’m glad you picked a full time home instead of half and half! and it sounds pure dee wonderful. that’s an old southern expression.
it’s past wonderful and on into bigger adjectives without actually saying them.
I don’t like stainless steel either. and I hope your other commenters will forgive me who have it… BUT… I HATE granite countertops. especially the ones in that color. I suppose it’s because of the part of the country where I live. they just remind me of rattlesnakes!
seriously. in the kitchen? rattlesnakes? no thank you.
I love a marble counter top. the kind you used to see in old drug stores! it’s old world maybe but it’s oh so beautiful. and now the faux marbles are so well done you can’t even tell it’s not real marble. and the bonus is … everybody and his brother won’t have it.
they all now have the rattlesnakes of course. “darling we’ll have to rip out the kitchen. I really must have granite countertops!” LOL!
but… I doubt they would let you change them? or maybe YOU don’t even happen to like it! tammy … you pushy old broad!!!
the light in that home is simply AMAZING. that would have sold me on it right there! I crave light. and it sounds like you got a perfect lot.
let the BIG adventure begin! and… I think it’s the perfect time to sell your beautiful cabin. with your faerie gardens… and gorgeous pots of blooming flowers… and staged perfectly… anybody will fall in love with it on the spot! SPRING is the time for new beginnings!
grinnin’ big time here for you! XOXOXO♥
Dewena says
This was a real surprise to me but a very happy one! I think your decision is so wise, in every way. And building your own house will please you so much, no making do. And I hope we’ll get to come along for the process. I don’t like stainless or granite in kitchens either, especially what Tammy calls rattlesnake! When we had it in the kitchen in FL I could never tell if crumbs were on it. Quartz sounds so much more attractive. I love all the rooms in the model and the sitting room by the bedroom is a definite asset. But you have a lot ahead of you, my goodness, Memorial Day weekend is almost here! And if it sells quickly, then I guess you have other decisions to make about where to live while your house is being built. I hope it all works out, each and every step during the process! Hard work ahead but so very exciting, Doreen!
Stacey says
Doreen, you are going to love building and living in a new house where you get to make choices. I’m happy for y’all!!
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Ahhhhh so excited for you. Florida is nice but has always felt like it is a vacation destination to me. I loved NC when we visited there when Terry had a job interview near Chapel Hill. I fell in love with that area right away. I think you made a very good choice. Wilmington is a gorgeous place and like you mentioned it is a perfect location for everything. I think you will love the beauty and the community feel like you spoke about. Congrats I am very excited for your life to take you there. That Vintage Marketplace looks like I need to visit there!!!! What a cool shop. Please take more pics to show us. So happy for you.
Kris
Rita C at Panoply says
How very exciting, Doreen! So happy for you to have found your forever place (okay, maybe such your 50% place, we shall see). My sil worked construction in that area several years ago(his parents retired in Oak Island just 35 min south), and my hairdresser loves Wrightsville Beach. We’ve never been to that area, but plan to explore those beaches of NC later this year. You’re not weird at all for the choices you love in the kitchen, or anywhere else! It’s best that you KNOW what you love, and get it while the getting is good (love your preference on kitchen countertop, btw). Sounds like you’ve got all the bases covered – affordable amenities, warm climate, educational opportunities, and fun! Enjoy the process, and I’ll keep my fingers crossed for a quick sale up north.
Emily says
Oh Doreen, I can’t say how pleased I am for you. What a tough decision that must have been trying to decide on your “forever” home! The area sounds lovely and wow, building a new house! You will enjoy all that is involved in that. The lot sounds like one you will love, with trees and privacy on the back. Good luck on a quick sell on your property, I know how important that is. I will surly look forward to your building process.
Congratulations………..
Gena says
Wow! This area looks beautiful and you can’t ask for a more perfect setting from your descriptions! So, so very happy for you guys. Can’t wait to hear and see more!!!
Poppy says
BINGO!!!
From the very first pic of that gorgeous model, I KNEW it was perfect for you and Fisherman, checking off your list of musts and wants. I remember seeing a house, while my sister was looking, in which the beautiful landscaping and pool in the backyard were visible from the entryway, just like this one; it has stayed with me all these years.
You will love quartz! Ours is Caesarstone and I’ve been so happy with it, so easy to clean, too. The sitting area in the master is a major bonus, so much light. And you got your sewing/craft room-bonus! Can’t wait to see your new home with all the upgrades that you’ve chosen!
Wilmington sounds amazing and so ‘you’…and ‘me’…hmm…might have to visit you. I could be your pickle ball understudy;)
Wow! Memorial Day weekend! Well, I know you’ve been doing upgrades to the cabin, so not worried that you won’t be ready. Crossing my fingers that you pass the septic tank test, although I have no doubts that you won’t.
SUPER EXCITED for you, my friend and looking forward to all your design and decorating decisions. We’re here for you so that they never become dilemmas!
Best of luck with selling the cabin!
xxx
Poppy
Nana Diana says
Doreen- I am so excited for you. Our house is sold, too, but we will continue to stay here for about 10 months…which gives us lots of time to decide where we want to go. Right now FL is tops on my list but my hope there is a small condo on the beach on the ocean side (rather than gulf coast)…we’ll see what life brings, I guess. We would probably do another small place here-even renting, I suppose, if it comes to that.
I thought you would end up in Venice, too! lol We also love the Carolinas and could easily winter there, I think. I will have to check out the area you are in. Imagine having ME for a neighbor…lol….you would wonder what the neighborhood was coming to…lol
Have a great/exciting/hard-working weekend as you prepare to get your house on the market. xo Diana
denise says
So happy for you!!! Best of luck selling your current home. xxDenise
Donna says
Wonderful. Nicely presented too.
Love you good luck on your adventure.
Melanie says
This is so exciting! I love this model home…the layout, the arched doorways, the ceilings…all gorgeous and charming. I’ve never had a dining room either! Just an eat-in kitchen. So I would be thrilled with one in a new house, too. And you’re not the only one who doesn’t like stainless steel appliances and prefers white…we can be weirdos together! 😉
Cindy says
How exciting Doreen, NC sounds better suited. If you don’t play golf no use for being around 80 golf courses. It seems down South the access to antique malls is big and how fun.
The looks fantastic and what fun.
Hope all goes well with the sale of your cabin. Fingers crossed for the septic
Cindy
Cecilia says
Oh nice, Doreen! I hear you on the back and forth – I’m heartily tired of it and just want to get settled at the farm. Love what I can see of the house and I bet yours will be just wonderful. I’m like you and prefer gas stoves and white appliances. Stainless drives me crazy. Excited for you and your forever home! Best wishes for a quick sale!
North Carolina is on my bucket list to visit. Some day!
Kim says
Congratulations to you!! What a beautiful choice. I can’t wait to see it all come together. Sounds like a grand adventure.
Vashti Q says
Hi Doreen! Wow! Exciting news! North Carolina is my dream state. I would love to move there some day. The model home is gorgeous and I’m sure it’ll be a mini mansion when you get through with it. I’ll keep my fingers and toes crossed so that everything may go smoothly. All the best! <3 xx
Nancy Brantley says
So glad you found a place….Wilmington is great! I have always lived about an 1 1/2 hrs. from Wilmington and I love that area! I would live there but hubby will not sell the home place. So, I just go down often. Lots of shopping and variety of restaurants. Florida is too humid for me. Your house will be beautiful…like the lot with water in back. Everything crossed that your cabin sells and y’all (southern thing) will build soon!
Carla TePaske says
How exciting! I will be looking forward to all that you will share with us.
Keeping my fingers and toes crossed for the cabin to sell quickly.
Carla
Bev says
Oh super, Doreen. I will get out a map and check you new area. FYI, we had a title 5 on RI house per req of buyers. RI does not actually req one! The test is done based on bedrooms, have a very professional inspector. Optic exam esp. Be wary if the insp attempts to turn on all your water sources and floods your septic. Some States give anybody a certificate to perform the testing. Be there when it us completed.
Super happy with your news. Pictures are lovely.
Doreen says
Oh…..that floor plan is so-o-o close to the one a quilter friend has in the (new) home she just moved into in Alamo (TX)!!!! It’s a lovely, easy to navigate, “homey” place that’s got space but is so cozy at the same time. I, too, think the 6-6 living thing works for a while but then you choose…..and Florida would definitely be out of the running for me! We have many friends in both North and South Carolina!!! Everywhere we’ve traveled, in those states, the “feel” has been warm, relaxed and welcoming! Wow…..sure luv the looks of the shop!!!! Am really looking forward to “the rest of the story” on this one!!!!!!
AnnMarie says
I love your (almost!) new place! Lots of nice features for a new build. I am always leary of new builds because of how they can look cookie cutter. That place is just plain pretty! I hope it all goes smoothly for you. If I was up for a move, your cabin is EXACTLY what I want to live in the rest of my life!
Cyn says
So excited and happy for you!! Perfect time to list and get that out of the way too! With all you’ve done to the cabin, I really think it will go quickly and easily…and the new adventure begins.
Love the new house and style, but want to see what you’re deciding on the exterior too! One floor living? Is this a 55+ community?
Certainly sounds like it is exactly what you’ve been looking for and am looking forward to hearing all about it! 🙂
Sue says
I haven’t made it over to see you as often as I want. I am so happy I did. The arched doorways are so charming. Love the sitting room area off the bedroom. I love the kitchen and island. The whole house is lovely. I hope you can sell the cabin. Gosh if anyone is even looking yours should be front and center with all the nice things you and Fisherman have done. Crossing my fingers for you.
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Oh my goodness! I’m so excited for you Babes!! It truly sounds like you’ve picked out the absolutely perfect place! 😉 I love the model home and all of your ideas too. But I want to LIVE in that store!!
I’m crossing everything (okay maybe not my bra) and even saying some prayers that all works out with your current home. Definitely keep us posted! Yay!!
xoxo
Kelly says
Congrats on making such a good choice! My family is from North Carolina and my uncle lives in the Outer Banks currently. The home you selected is so pretty! I love the arched doorways and the open concept design. Good luck with the sale of your northern home. You never know how it will go. Hopefully it will sell fast.
Amy says
CONGRATS, Doreen! How exciting!!! I would move to Wilmington for the Vintage Marketplace alone, lol! The house looks amazing! I have two things on my wishlist for wherever we eventually move to, which are a water view, and screened-in porch. You got both of those and more (vaulted tray ceilings, hoo-hah!). In fact, you pretty much got everything on my wish list! I’m so happy for you! Of course, I’m a little sad that you won’t be in driving distance anymore 🙁 Can’t wait to hear more. Good luck with the sale of your house!
Julie says
Hi Doreen, wow how exciting and sorry it took my a while to visit you. I have never been to NC but it sounds really nice. I love your model home. It is going to be so nice living in a new home. I wish you a lot of luck in this whole process.
Take care and good luck this weekend.
Julie
Jemma says
Doreen,
I am so very happy for you and what a beautiful spot you have chosen to live in and build in! By Aunt Madge lived in Morehead City N.C. and we would visit her every other Summer and take trips along the coast.
You will enjoy customizing your new home so much and it looks so bright and airy!
Good Luck with Your Cabin, I am sending big hugs and lots of positive vibes too!
xo
Jemma
Karen@Beatrice Euphemie says
Congratulations, Doreen! Your new home sounds absolutely wonderful, looks beautiful, and the locations seems perfect! So nice that you are close to the beaches, too. I hope all goes smoothly with selling your home, too. I know you will be crazy busy, but I am looking forward to following along on your new adventure when you have time to show us. So exciting! xo Karen
handmade by amalia says
Exciting times! Can’t wait to see what you do with the place.
Amalia
xo
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
This is very exciting news. I hope everything turns out as you wish, because I sure want to see you hesitate on every decorating decision there is to make 😉
Penny at Enjoying The Simple Things says
Fingers crossed that your home sells fast! I love the model you picked out.
rue says
I’m really happy for you two! It sounds like the perfect place and that home is going to be even more beautiful when you get your hands on it.
Crossing my fingers for you!
xo,
rue
Jane says
I know you must feel a huge weight off your shoulders now that you’ve made a firm decision. I love your choice, we will almost be neighbors once in a while! The model looks beautiful, I could totally love a sitting room off the bedroom.
You’ve really made the whole search and decision process a lot of fun for us! Now I pray you sell the cabin soon so you can move on!
Jane x
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
Congratulations on finding such a lovely community to relocate to. Good luck with all the inspections and selling of your cottage. It is so cute, I bet it will be sold in a heart beat.
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
Wow the model is just amazing and I am so glad that you were able to decide on the perfect place for you. I hope that your house sells quickly and everything continues to proceed smoothly!:)
I like gas stoves better as well. My son and DIL have an electric and when I have to do something down there in the way of cooking it just seems harder! 🙂
Red Rose Alley says
Doreen, I think you picked just the right home for you. It’s really charming with lots of nice features. The downtown area with all the vintage shops sounds wonderful too. Just my kind of place. I love browsing at antique and vintage shops. I hope this all works out for you. Moving can be a pain, but once you’re in, it’s home sweet home.
~Sheri
ps thank you for your kind words on my photos. I love how you referred to them as captivating. What a special thought. : )