Coastal Communities

Perfecting the Coastal Carolina Lifestyle

The Pure Joy of Paddling

“Voyage upon life’s sea, to yourself be true, and whatever your lot may be, paddle your own boat.”  -Sarah Bolton

As we journey through life, many of us have attempted and failed to do what great poets and philosophers have advised for centuries: “paddle your own boat.” Alas, life’s unpredictable circumstances usually end up steering us instead. This is probably why the literal side of the saying has become one of the most popular past times for retirees in southeastern Brunswick County North Carolina.

On the Atlantic Ocean, Shallotte River, Mercer Mill Creek, Intracoastal Waterway, or local streams and lakes, the canoe and kayak are personal craft that envelope and embody the variant nature of both humans and water. Long before interstate highways, railway systems, or the Internet, exploration was first and foremost indulged with a paddle. Just ask the American Indian, Inuit fishermen of the Arctic, and Lewis and Clark as they mapped the amber waves of grain and purple mountains majesty.

Paddling is a voyage of discovery as you maneuver your canoe or kayak over the gentle waters of a glassy lake or stream, escape from a crowded day through winding creeks and marsh savannas, or push your way courageously through a spectacular set of waves and sea, streaking up and over a giant swell into the blue valley of the next great wave. It’s just you and the water, experiencing the natural world the way it was meant to be…head-on.

Of course, you don’t necessarily have to live on the coast to experience the ride.  But if you are fortunate enough to live in southeastern North Carolina, your choices for adventure are endless. Seawatch at Sunset Harbor, Rivers Edge, and Ocean Ridge Plantation all offer opportunities for you to enjoy the pure enjoyment of paddling. These impressive communities all offer the experience of kayaking or canoeing with several locations to launch your boat. If it’s your first adventure, don’t worry…there are boat rentals and guides available locally.

After all, paddling your own canoe or kayak is what it’s all about and here on the coast. Plan your visit today and you may find an adventurous new pastime that you adore with health benefits.

Arts and Crafts Show – Southport April 22nd & 23rd

Just a short drive from Seawatch, the historic waterfront town of  Southport, North Carolina is hosting its Spring Festival this weekend, April 22nd and 23rd in Franklin Square Park. Over 100 artists and crafters, mostly local, will showcase their coastal artwork from 10 am to 5 pm on  Friday and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday. Great finds for your beach-themed cottage or special tokens from the coast can be found throughout the show. Sea life pottery, handmade jewelry, and coastal themed artwork  are just a few favorites. Also, be sure to get your ticket for the annual Robert Rourk Chili CookOff contest from 11 am to 2 pm on Saturday…it is going to be a fun way to spend the day.

Mark Saunders Homes Introduces Craftsman Style Architecture to Seawatch

Mark Saunders Luxury Homes, builder of the 2009 Coastal Living magazine Idea House, recently introduced a new Craftsman Style home in the Seawatch at Sunset Harbor community for the Sanders family.

A dramatic entrance and gracious front porch welcome you to this distinctive Seawatch Craftsman style home. The Craftsman theme is reflected by the distinctive cupola and the custom architectural detailing of the dormers, columns, railings, brackets and trim. Its classic 1½ story design features an open floor plan that includes a casual eat-in kitchen, semi-formal dining area, study with cherry wood built-ins, great room that opens to the cupola above, spacious vaulted master suite, 2 guest rooms, and 2½ bathrooms. The multi-purpose room over the garage has an additional half-bath, a dry bar and window seats. This secluded area will house a full-size pool table and media system. The rear of the home opens to a screened porch, with wooded views  accented by an outdoor kitchen and ground level patio with brick fireplace – a perfect spot for entertaining family and friends throughout the seasons. Heated square footages: First floor – 2,177, Multi-purpose room -371, Total: 2,548 square feet. This home is a featured model for Mark Saunders Luxury Homes and can be seen by appointment.

Seawatch Craftsman Style Home
Seawatch Craftsman Style Home built by MSLH for the Sanders Family

Seawatch Showcases a Home by Mark Saunders

The Herndon residence is a charming home epitomizing the Seawatch Eastlake style by incorporating eye-catching features:  unique porch brackets, railing details, distinctive shutters, custom pergola, exposed rafter tails, and gable embellishments. The well lit foyer welcomes, and then invites you to enter an open great room which features a corner fireplace, a beautifully appointed kitchen and roomy dining area. The great room flows through double doors to a screened porch then to a grilling deck, bringing the outside in to the home. In addition to the spacious master suite with a spa like master bath, there are two guest rooms, one of which doubles as a study. This home is well appointed with tasteful details; the fireplace mantle, crown moldings, two-panel interior doors and bead board wainscoting reflect the Eastlake era.

“When I toured the Low Country Home, I immediately knew that I wanted Mark Saunders Luxury Homes to build my new home.  Their attention to detail and master craftsmanship was second to none.” Jenny Herndon

Seawatch Herndon Home
The Herndon Home, a Seawatch Eastlake Style

Roads and Infrastructure Complete at Seawatch’s Ella Neighborhood

New development including curbing and paving for roadways was completed this summer in the Ella neighborhood (phase 5b); on a substantial portion of West Nautica Boulevard, the main road to the Ella and Cordelia (phase 9) neighborhoods of Seawatch; and at the second entrance to the Hartley neighborhood (phase 6). Seawatch at Sunset Harbor now has approximately eleven miles of completed roadways and 850 homesites served by water and sewer, with more construction projected to be underway this fall.

Trucks Prepare Road for Paving in Seawatch
Trucks and heavy equipment roll into Seawatch for roadway construction
Seawatch Paved Road
With recent work completed Seawatch now has eleven miles of paved roads

Award-Winning Communities

Our communities have annually been honored with placement and praise in nationally recognized publications. Here are three examples:

  • Ocean Ridge: Listed in the "Top Places To Retire" from Where To Retire Magazine.
  • Seawatch: Model home & community chosen by Coastal Living Magazine for the 2009 Coastal Living Idea House".
  • Rivers Edge: Golf course listed #12 in "Places to Play" from Golf Magazine.

Seeing is Believing

When you call or send us an email ask about our 3 days & 2 nights visitation packages. We'll help get you here at a discount so you can spend time in our communities and in coastal Carolina.