5 Coastal Escapes and Mountain Retreats Across North Carolina and Tennessee

Along the waterfront in Oak Island, this residence is designed for easy gathering and everyday comfort. An open floor plan is paired with a vaulted ceiling, creating an airy backdrop for an expansive kitchen outfitted with stainless steel appliances and generous space for group cooking. A bar-height countertop anchors the room, with additional space for a dining table when meals stretch into long conversations.

On a tree-lined stretch of North Main Street in Tarboro, the Hart Johnson House (circa 1901) offers a rare blend of historic presence and modern-day ease. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its interiors balance classic detailing with everyday comfort, from rich hardwood floors and multiple fireplaces to a spacious sunroom that draws in natural light. Three bedrooms and three bathrooms support a well-considered layout, while a large pantry and walk-in closets add welcome convenience. A bright office space creates a dedicated work-from-home retreat. Outdoors, a meticulously manicured lawn underscores the home’s enduring curb appeal. Set in the heart of North Carolina’s largest historic district, daily life here can include walking downtown for coffee, shopping, and dining, then continuing on to the Town Common for North Carolina Symphony performances and year-round events.

On a residential street in Calabash’s Brunswick Plantation Community, this brick-and-stucco residence enjoys a setting shaped by the neighborhood’s 27-hole championship golf course. Inside, a bright, open floorplan keeps everyday living feeling airy and connected, with easy flow for quiet mornings or casual gatherings. The primary suite is notably generous in scale, offering a comfortable sense of retreat without feeling removed from the rest of the home. Outdoors, an extended rear deck expands the living space and frames beautiful golf course and sunset views—an inviting spot to linger at day’s end and watch the light shift across the fairways. With three bedrooms and four baths, the layout supports both privacy and flexibility while remaining grounded in a warm, classic exterior palette.

Beyond the gates of a quiet, sought-after community in Copperhill, this new two-story mountain modern home sits on a nicely wooded lot at the end of a cul-de-sac, with a neighborhood pond nearby for unhurried afternoons. Natural wood trim and rustic-yet-modern craftsmanship set a warm tone, while the latest appliances support everyday ease. Upstairs, an oversized second-floor deck invites evenings outside—easy cookouts, long conversations, and cool-air downtime. Inside, the living room features a cozy electric fireplace mounted on the wall, adding comfort when temperatures dip. Practical details are thoughtfully handled, from laundry located in the upstairs bathroom to fully foamed insulation and a high-efficiency HVAC system designed for energy-saving, low-cost living. A paved drive leads to a first-floor two-car garage with a carport under the deck, keeping arrivals and departures simple.

From its elevated setting in Whittier, this move-in ready cabin embraces mountain living with breathtaking year-round views and 14.69 acres with no restrictions. Mature landscaping is supported by a sprinkler system, while a thoughtfully designed floor plan offers great flow and ample storage. Tile floors run through the kitchen and baths, complemented by ceiling fans and recessed lighting throughout. A stone fireplace anchors the living space, with individual wall heaters in every room, a split heat pump, backup heat, and a whole-house generator for layered comfort. The primary bedroom opens to the deck, and both the main-level updated bath and the second-level bath feature newer toilets and fixtures. Downstairs, a full basement adds heated space, an office, a half bath, and a wood storage bin. Covered decks with an outdoor kitchen set the scene for long evenings outdoors.

Size: 15.00 acres