Luxury Beach Dunes Retreat with Pool/Spa+ Guest House! - Vacation rental home in Wilmington, NC

On private and exclusive Figure 8 Island, ARDEA is a one-of-a-kind 3 level bespoke home, complete with 2 story guest home, elevator, private swimming pool, 8 person spa, and outdoor shower! With 5 bedrooms and 7 baths (3 with showers) this unique escape sits atop a 15 ft secluded marsh dune with beautiful million dollar vistas of the ocean and waterway. No tourist hordes or chain stores here! Savor serene gardens, outdoor living, and a 3 min walk to 5 miles of relaxing sandy white beaches. Gather friends and family, relax & make memories!

The space:
The entire property is private and yours to appreciate! Decorated with comfort in mind, you will find interesting and unique furnishings, an broad pottery collection and original fine artwork throughout. There are many places and spaces to spread out, relax, and savor groups or find solitude. Multiple private gardens, decks and lounge areas ensure that there is room for everybody to play as well as savor some rest and getaway.

Up the lighted front steps to the front door, you are already on the pool deck and lounge patio! Enter into the home and just inside you will find a powder room, brand new stackable washer/dryer, and a queen bedroom that opens onto the pool deck, complete with en-suite bathroom and enormous walk-in shower. This bedroom also has a modest couch and simple chair to comfortable up and enjoy the bedroom's electric fireplace on chilly nights. The ground floor is the pool level which includes an oversize and enclosed outdoor rainfall shower, ample decks for both dining and poolside calming, and access to the first floor of the guest home. The 1st floor guest home opens onto the pool deck and has a queen bed with a striking sitting area, coffee station and mini refrigerator, and a huge en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower.

Up the first flight of stairs (or the elevator in the primary home) you will enter your main living quarters which is an open concept kitchen/dining/living space that encompasses the entire floor. The vistas!!! Windows are humongous and this floor is designed to offer extraordinary vistas from every vantage point. Dine comfortably at the huge bespoke-crafted table for 8 or more, or kick your feet up on the comfortable upsized living room couches and recliners. In addition to the vistas, the living room is equipped with a new oversize intelligent TV, Bose sound system and a modern electric fireplace for the cooler months. In the kitchen you will find a well-appointed chef's space to prepare meals together or host your own private chef, all the amenities are here! Keurig, coffee pot, blender, electric kettle, french press, 4 burner gas stove, a secondary prep sink in the island, a cooling drawer in the french door refrigerator, a breakfast bar for 4 and a walk-in pantry to store your goods. Open the french doors in the dining area (breezes up here are dreamy) and step out onto your second floor balcony outdoor "living room", plop down on the upsized outdoor couch or lounge chairs with a cold drink and enjoy extensive vistas of the Intracoastal waterway. Around the corner is the "winter deck" - a secluded alcove with 2 Adirondack chairs to soak up the sounds of the ocean and enjoy some solitude. Off of this second floor deck you access the top floor of the guest home (each floor of the guest home is it's own private bedroom/space). Unwind in the brand new king size bed with a new modern electric fireplace and windows surrounding 3 sides of the room for exceptional vistas of both ocean and waterway. In the king room you will find an en-suite powder room (we promise you won't miss the shower...the oversize outdoor rainfall shower is blissful!) and a wardrobe for clothing. There are cozy overstuffed chairs flanking each side of the fireplace to curl up with a book or take in the vistas (and they open into twin beds (2) for additional sleeping beds if needed!)

Up the final flight of stairs (or take the elevator in the primary home) to the top 3rd floor you will find a sizable and laid back second living space outfitted with a sizable screen intelligent TV, another new electric fireplace, two leather futon couches that convert to oversize double beds (great for teens!), a game table and art space with plenty of games on hand, and french door access to the 3rd floor deck for simply amazing vistas. Off of this living space you access two cozy private queen bedrooms, each with large expansive windows for the water vistas, en-suite bathrooms (one has a walk-in shower, one does not) and walk-in closets.

Around the property you will find various private gardens for sitting and appreciating the sounds of nature or the sea. A hammock located under the tree canopy is divine for afternoon naps. Birds and wildlife are plentiful here! Don't be surprised to see painted buntings, blue heron, great white egret, and plenty of bunnies! There is ample space on the property to wander, discover and relax.

Our favorite beach access (#29) is 2 blocks from the home and 2-3 mins. walking. This is a gorgeous stretch of beach that is infrequently used and often very private! We have a hand trolley and beach wagon so you can conveniently transport your chairs. You may also drive and park in designated areas near any one of many beach accesses across the island if you are hauling coolers, etc.

Guest access:
The entire home and property are available for guests to enjoy, with the exception of the garage which remains a private space at this time.

Other things to note
Figure 8 Island is private residential island that values tranquility and serenity. No construction or service is allowed after 12pm noon on Friday and through the weekend to minimize traffic and maximize your vacation experience. This home is designed for families to gather, relax and getaway. No events or events or loud gatherings. Island access is per parking pass (5 max issued) at the gated security entrance. Due to the exclusivity of the island and security, an additional Renter's Agreement is required by the Homeowner's Association and signature is required prior to guest's arrival.