You may not know this, but nestled in the prestigious Porters Neck community of northern Wilmington sits one of the areas most premier new home communities. Featuring a variety of local luxury builders, unique home plans, state-of-the-art amenities, and low-country landscaping, Waterstone presents prospective homebuyers a chance to capture the very best of coastal North Carolina living.
Story by Amanda Lisk
Developed by longtime local staple of the Wilmington new homes industry, Dean Hardison, Waterstone showcases a team of four decorated local builders, Hardison Building Co., Michael Christian Homes, and SD Construction.
Waterstone will offer a total of 165 home sites and is divided into FOUR phases with varying styles, floor plans, and features. Amenities include a luxury, saltwater pool, state of the art clubhouse, two community fire pits, a day dock and kayak launch to Pages Creek, a 1.5 mile walking trail, and Ibis Island, which provides an alternate social gathering spot for residents along the walking trail. Additionally, Waterstone is a Natural Gas community, so gas fireplaces, gas ranges and tank-less gas water heaters are standard throughout. HOA dues are only $137 a month and include trash pickup. Relative to comparable communities, its no wonder the low HOA dues have been a hit among Waterstone buyers.
“We always knew we had a competitive HOA and amenities offering here, but the positive feedback never gets old. Folks appreciate that we’re not telling them that the pool is coming soon or that the walking trail is on its way. These amenities are completed and waiting for folks to use and enjoy now. With that said, the trash coverage seems to be the biggest bonus for residents. We take it for granted here, but relative to other communities, pickup is just once a week, with one company, and it’s covered. Super convenient, “ says Bradley Farrell, Realtor® with Coldwell Banker and Waterstone Buyer Specialist.
The first phase of Waterstone, which broke ground back in 2018, featured all-brick, patio-style homes built by Hardison Building Co. Plans ranged from 2200 sqft. to 2900 sqft., with three to five bedrooms, and at least three full bathrooms. These coastal cottages were perfect for anyone looking to downsize without sacrificing function, quality, and craftsmanship. Unfortunately for prospective buyers, this phase has completely sold out. But don’t worry, the final phase in Waterstone will be providing yet another opportunity for buyers looking for a similar size and quality in their next home. More on that later!
Looking for more variety in home elevations, lot sizes, and porch views? Then Phase 2 might be more to your taste. With opportunities for buyers to select plans from any of the team of builders, Phase 2 showcases more traditional single-family, craftsman-style homes, with luxury master suites, open and airy kitchens, plus comfortable outdoor living space. Plans range from 2500 sqft to 3600 sqft with prices currently ranging from the mid 600’s to the mid 800’s depending on the lot location and house plan. Only FIVE lots remain in this phase, with two new exciting model homes currently under construction.
Maybe you have been dreaming of a more luxury coastal home with water and sunset views. If so, then Phase 3 will be your opportunity to make those dreams a reality. Presented as the most premium phase in Waterstone, Phase 3 homes will showcase standard all-metal roofs, elevated kitchen and bathroom features, and opportunities for buyers to have more input on customizations and selections on presales. The larger three-story homes will also have an elevator option. Additionally, this phase offers the most spectacular sunset views over Pages Creek, the surrounding marshland, and community ponds. Prices currently range from the low 700’s and will approach 2 million depending on the lot and build plan.
“I think when people have seen waterfront community or water access community in the marketing, there was always a little confusion. Phase 3 is where that comes to life and has begun to make a lot of sense for folks. Visitors who may not have been up this way in a while are blown away when they see the progress. There’s always the question of, ‘Where else in Wilmington can I get this view, with a brand new home like this, at this price?’ …Great question,” says Rob Warwick, Realtor® w/ Coldwell Banker and Listing Agent for the community. “Phase 3 definitely has put the water in Waterstone.”
As mentioned earlier, buyers who missed out on opportunities in Phase 1 or Phase 2 will be glad to know that the fourth and final phase of development will break ground later this summer in Waterstone. Michael Christian Homes and Hardison Building Co. are set to highlight this phase with home plans that combine New American, Contemporary Farmhouse, and Mod-Coastal styles. The proposed plans will range from 2,200 sqft to as large as 3,800 sqft and will likely be priced from the mid 600’s to the mid 800’s. “This phase will truly be unlike anything folks have seen in Wilmington. We’re excited for the community and for future buyers. This is where it will all come together for sure. So stay tuned!,” says Warwick.
“There are just not many communities that compare to Waterstone in this area and that provide such easy access to the best Wilmington has to offer. You’re in New Hanover County, while not having to pay city taxes. Residents get to walk out of their front door to enjoy the wonderful weather and outdoor lifestyle here, but if they want to be at the beach it’s just a quick shot south to Wrightsville [beach] or north to Topsail [beaches]. If you’re a golfer, Porter Neck Plantation is a stones throw away,” says Amy Hoover, Coldwell Banker Realtor® and Community Specialist. “It’s all about location.”
“All of our homes, plus the landscaping, and our amenities have been built and designed with coastal, low country North Carolina in mind. It’s provided a nice blend of what buyers seem to desire when buying near the coast, and also in terms of what they expect out of southern and outdoor living. Obviously, our residents love the community pool, the easy access to the clubhouse, Ibis Island and the fire-pits, plus the beautiful kayak launch. But easily the biggest hit has been our 1.5-mile walking trail. In a year that forced folks to stay home, the trail has provided an avenue for folks to get outside, walk their dog, and get some much needed fresh air, exercise, and sunshine,” says Farrell. “Word is definitely getting out that Waterstone is the place to be.“
Schedule your tour today to discover why Waterstone is rapidly gaining popularity among young families, empty nesters, and retirees alike. It won’t take long to see why Waterstone is a place ‘Where Nature Meets Luxury… at your doorstep.’
Golf cart tours are happening daily from 11am – 5pm.
Contact Community Specialist and Listing Agent, Rob Warwick at (910) 233-8888 for more info and to schedule your tour today!
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for future features coming soon on favorite local communities, builders, and homes for sale in the Cape Fear region.