Beach Retreat on Car-Free Enclave of Bald Head Island Snags Buyer Just Days After Listing for $3.45 Million

An "absolutely stunning" abode on the idyllic beach retreat of Bald Head Island has secured itself a buyer within days of hitting the market in the North Carolina enclave—where cars are banned and a "carefree" lifestyle is actively encouraged.

And nowhere is that ethos better embraced than at this picturesque dwelling, which was listed at the end of August for $3.45 million.

Originally built in 1989, the 3,122-square-foot beach house was reimagined in 2021 by Baltimore architect Everett Schram. The project came on the heels of Hurricane Florence, when the owners decided to undertake a full renovation.

What emerged is a five-bedroom, 5.5-bath home that celebrates coastal living, thoughtfully updated to weather island conditions while gracefully blending timeless charm with modern comfort.

Such an intricate renovation is a rarity on Bald Head, which can be accessed only by ferry and tram and where the primary mode of transportation among residents is golf carts.

“It’s not often that a fully renovated property this close to the sand comes on the market on Bald Head Island,” says listing agent Suzanne O’Bryant, with Landmark Sotheby's International Realty.

“In recent years, we’ve seen some new construction and an awful lot of older homes in need of renovation, but rarely do we see a home this thoughtfully renovated with such elevated finishes.”

One of the most notable distinctions of the house on Peppervine Trail is its geography. While many of Bald Head Island’s beachfront homes sit in designated flood zones, this one doesn’t. That fact alone unlocks a rarity among the island’s properties: a finished ground floor.

Here, guests are welcomed by brick flooring and painted steps leading upward, along with storage space, a practical luxury in a place where beach houses often lack it.

“This side of Peppervine Trail is unique in that it offers outstanding ocean views, just steps to the beach access, without the worry or expense of mandated flood insurance,” says O’Bryant.

From there, the home unfolds upward in a series of light-filled spaces with all-new Marvin windows and doors, and a main living area anchored by a newly added fireplace. The renovation also included a standing seam metal roof, designed for durability, and a striking torem wood driveway.

“Torem is a South Pacific redwood,” explains O’Bryant. “It’s a high-density, naturally durable hardwood that will stand up to our environment.”

Double front porches extend the living space outdoors and offer views of the Atlantic just beyond the dunes. New plumbing and electrical systems also brought the home up to modern standards for its next owners. 

"Expansive porches provide the perfect backdrop for morning coffee or evening gatherings, while the main level's open design creates a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living," the listing notes.

Beach access is directly across the driveway, and two golf carts are included in the sale, according to the listing.

The dwelling is also just a short golf cart ride from the Maritime Market, local shops, and the spa. On Bald Head Island, where cars are absent, these small conveniences mean even more. 

“The home is stunning without feeling stuffy, and the owners really took it from ‘beach house’ to ‘vacation home,’ and in the past couple of years even made it their primary residence,” says O’Bryant. “This property can truly function as any of these for the next owners.”