Along the North Carolina coast, properties like this are almost never found. Beneath a canopy of centuries-old live oaks, this historic bluff rises above the Intracoastal Waterway and looks across the marsh to New River Inlet and the Atlantic beyond--one of the rare mainland homesites along this stretch of coast where the ocean itself becomes part of the view. Unlike most waterfront property in coastal North Carolina, this homesite sits above base flood elevation, allowing the opportunity to build a single-story home on slab without elevation--a rare and valuable advantage for waterfront living. The property is anchored by magnificent live oak trees, creating a natural canopy and sense of history that defines this coastal bluff. Boaters will appreciate the location, with dock potential subject to state and federal permitting, two nearby marinas, and immediate access to the Intracoastal Waterway and New River Inlet. Served by county water, with a septic permit and new survey being obtained by the seller at no cost to the buyer, the property is accessed by a private easement from Flamingo Lane and is not located in an HOA. The waters just offshore from this bluff were also the scene of one of Onslow County's most notable Civil War naval encounters. In November of 1862, the Union gunboat USS Ellis, commanded by Lt. William B. Cushing, entered the New River through the nearby inlet on a raid aimed at disrupting Confederate supply routes. After seizing vessels and supplies upriver, the ship ran aground near the mouth of the New River while attempting to retreat. Confederate forces quickly moved in, surrounding the stranded gunboat with artillery along the shoreline. Rather than surrender, Cushing and his crew set the Ellis ablaze and escaped downriver before the vessel exploded the following morning. Today the quiet marshes and waters surrounding this property tell a different story--defined by coastal sunrises and sunsets, boats moving along the Intracoastal Waterway, and quick runs through the inlet to the Atlantic. This is not simply a homesite. It is a generational waterfront property where centuries-old live oaks frame the water, the Intracoastal becomes your backyard, and the Atlantic Ocean sits on the horizon. Opportunities like this do not come along often--and once it's gone, it is unlikely another like it will ever be available again. Protective covenants will be recorded to preserve the character of the land and ensure the future home built here reflects the quality of the setting. Property offered at public auction. All interested buyers must register to bid in order to participate in the auction and receive complete bidding instructions and property documents. Bidding closes April 30, 2026.
