There’s a moment every buyer has – scrolling listings late at night, imagining morning coffee on a porch that isn’t theirs yet, picturing which bedroom would be the office. That feeling is exactly what inspired this list. I visited all four of these listings in person during my latest DIML video (which is why you’re probably here), and walking through each one, I kept picturing four completely different, completely perfect lives someone could build inside them. These four homes span different price points, different lifestyles, and different corners of Brunswick County – but each one made me stop scrolling. Here’s why.

807 Fox Street SW, Shallotte — Village Point

The location: Shallotte sits just inland from Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, and Holden Beach, which makes it one of the most practical home bases on the Brunswick County coast. You get small-town charm – a walkable downtown, local seafood spots, a slower pace – without giving up quick access to the water. Boaters especially love this pocket of the coast, thanks to easy reach of the Ocean Isle Beach Marina and several public boat ramps along Shallotte Point.

The details: Built in 2023 by Logan Homes, this single-story Hickory floor plan sits on a generous 0.34-acre corner lot – a rare find with newer construction. Inside, an open-concept layout connects the kitchen, dining, and living spaces, with granite countertops, stainless appliances, and a large center island anchoring the kitchen. The split-bedroom design gives the primary suite privacy on one side, while two additional bedrooms and a full bath sit on the other – ideal for guests, a home office, or a hobby room. A low $360/year HOA and minimal flood-risk zone add peace of mind most new construction can’t offer.

The lifestyle: This is the home for someone who wants newer construction without the wait. No permitting delays, no builder timeline – just a move-in-ready house on a lot big enough to actually enjoy. It’s close enough to Ocean Isle, Sunset Beach, and Holden Beach for weekend trips to the sand, but far enough from the tourist bustle to still feel like home.

Homesite in Bent Tree Plantation, Ocean Isle Beach

The location: Bent Tree Plantation is one of Ocean Isle Beach’s most established gated, waterfront communities – the kind of neighborhood people move into and never leave. It’s minutes from the beach itself, plus golf, dining, and shopping, while still feeling tucked away and private behind its gates.

The details: This corner homesite overlooks a tranquil pond with a fountain, offering a built-in backdrop for whatever custom home comes next. Homesites like this one are increasingly rare in Bent Tree, where most of the community is already developed. Owners here gain access to a private boat ramp with Intracoastal Waterway access, a fishing pier, swimming pool, tennis and pickleball courts, boat and RV storage, and a clubhouse available for private events.

The lifestyle: This one’s for the buyer with a vision – someone who wants to build exactly the home they’ve been picturing, on a lot that’s already spoken for in terms of setting. Between the water access, the amenities, and the gated privacy, Bent Tree offers a level of resort-style living that’s hard to replicate outside of a community built specifically around it.

638 Covington Drive NW, Calabash — Brunswick Plantation

The location: Brunswick Plantation sits in Calabash, right along the North Carolina/South Carolina border – close enough to Sunset Beach and the coast to feel like a beach town, but built around one of the area’s most respected golf communities. It’s known for its 27-hole championship golf course, quiet, tree-lined streets, and a real sense of community among residents.

The details: This custom-built home, constructed by respected builder Todd Helf, sits directly on the golf course and is loaded with craftsmanship throughout – hardwood flooring, coffered ceilings, extensive crown molding, and a gas fireplace anchoring the great room. The kitchen was built for entertaining, with custom soft-close cabinetry, bullnose granite counters, and a gas line ready for a range. The primary suite includes a spa-like bath with dual vanities and an upgraded walk-in shower, while a finished bonus room with its own full bath makes an ideal guest suite or home office. Under the surface, the home is built to last – a 16 SEER heat pump, hurricane-rated roofing, Low-E windows, and R-38 insulation, among other upgrades.

The lifestyle: This home is for the buyer who wants both craftsmanship and calm. There’s no traffic noise, no commercial buildings – just green space, golf course views, and every excuse to spend time outside. It’s quality construction that’s been meticulously maintained, in a neighborhood built around an active, outdoor lifestyle.

602 Planters Ridge Drive, Sunset Beach — Sea Trail Plantation

The location: Sea Trail Plantation sits less than 4 miles from the sand in Sunset Beach, giving residents a rare combination of resort living and true coastal proximity. The community is known for its golf courses, walking trails, and restaurants, all just minutes from the beach itself, plus the shopping and dining of Sunset Beach and Calabash nearby.

The details: This 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home welcomes you in through a spacious entryway that flows straight into the heart of the house. A breakfast nook and generously sized kitchen with granite countertops and a large pantry anchor one side, while a formal dining room and a living room with built-in bookshelves set the stage for entertaining. The primary suite sits on the main level with two walk-in closets and an en suite bath featuring a soaking tub and walk-in shower, with direct access to a screened-in porch off both the primary and the living room. A flexible bedroom/office, half bath, and laundry round out the main floor, while upstairs offers a bright loft and two additional bedrooms with a full bath.

The lifestyle: This one’s for the buyer who wants space to spread out without sacrificing resort-style living. Between the main-level primary suite, the screened porch for year-round mornings, and Sea Trail’s pools, fitness centers, and golf, this home fits everyone from a growing family to someone craving a true coastal lifestyle upgrade.

Which One Would You Choose?

Four homes, four different lifestyles – from move-in-ready new construction, to a build-your-own dream lot, to established luxury on the golf course, to a spacious retreat in one of the coast’s most desirable resort communities. Each one offers its own version of coastal living, and each one is easy to fall for.

Interested in these homes? Give us a call today to set up your tour.