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About this home
Your iconic Southport estate offers a rare opportunity to own one of the most distinguished homes on East Bay Street. Perched high above the Cape Fear River, your home captures sweeping water views and places you just a short stroll from Southport's waterfront, restaurants, boutiques, and marina. Originally a summer retreat for North Carolina Governors, this contributing property to the Southport Historic District has been masterfully restored to honor its architectural heritage while incorporating the comforts and systems expected in a luxury residence. Whether envisioned as an extraordinary private home for an affluent retiree, a legacy property for multi-generational living, or a boutique inn, the flexibility and pedigree are unmatched. Spanning 6,025 square feet across three finished levels, including a 1,645-square-foot lower level with multiple private entrances, the residence offers six bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths. This thoughtful layout is ideal for hosting extended family, accommodating live-in caregivers, or creating private guest suites. Nine fireplaces, soaring ceilings, heart pine floors, intricate moldings, and Southport's signature bow detailing reflect the craftsmanship of a bygone era. A dramatic central rotunda creates a memorable sense of arrival and anchors gracious formal living and dining rooms designed for elegant entertaining. The fully remodeled kitchen blends timeless character with high-end appliances and refined finishes. Many bedrooms enjoy fireplaces, strong natural light, and captivating river views. One of the home's most enchanting lifestyle features is the broad front porch, where you can watch ships pass on the Cape Fear River, walk to dinner in historic downtown Southport, and return home for sunset cocktails with cooling coastal breezes. The beautifully landscaped grounds are framed by mature live oaks and feature irrigation, a pond with water feature, French drains, river rock accents, decorative brick parking, and new picket and privacy fencing. Recent improvements include a full kitchen remodel, complete renovation of all bathrooms, refinished heart pine floors, updated lighting, Low-E storm windows, rebuilt side porch with metal roof, 2025 reconstructed upper balcony with new French doors, whole-house Generac generator, Rinnai tankless water heater, Halo whole-house filtration system, nine Mitsubishi mini-split systems, updated electrical service, new natural gas line, and full sewer replacement. Known historically as The Brunswick Inn & previously operated as a successful bed and breakfast, the property offers a renewable special use permit through the City of Southport. Application information is available from the listing agent. Select furnishings are negotiable, presenting a turnkey opportunity to own a landmark residence where history, hospitality, and coastal elegance converge.
Facts
- Type
- Single Family Residence
- Year built
- 1852
- Lot
- 0.24 acres
- Waterfront
- Second Row
- County
- Brunswick
- Price per sq ft
- $445
- Stories
- 3
- Construction
- Concrete, Block, Brick, Stone, Wood Siding, Wood Frame
- Roof
- Architectural Shingle, Metal
- Foundation
- Brick/Mortar, Block
- Property tax
- $9,788 / year (2025)
- Listed
- Aug 18, 2026
- MLS #
- 100562122
Features
Inside
- Master Downstairs
- High Ceilings
- Entrance Foyer
- Solid Surface
- Whole-Home Generator
- Ceiling Fan(s)
- Pantry
- Walk-in Shower
- Basement
- Blinds/Shades
- Gas Log
- Tile
- Wood
- Gas Cooktop
- Down Draft
- Built-In Microwave
Outside
- Irrigation System
- Garden
- Storm Doors
- Corner Lot
- Second Row
- Landscaped
- Ocean
- River
- Water
Parking
- Concrete
- Off Street
- On Site
- Paved
- Parking Pad
Heating & cooling
- Fireplace(s)
- Electric
- Heat Pump
- Zoned
- Central Air
- Wall/Window Unit(s)
Directions to 301 E Bay Street
Howe Street to Water and Bay Street. Left on E. Bay. House on left at corner of E. Bay and Atlantic Street.
Schools
- Elementary
- Southport
- Middle
- South Brunswick
- High
- South Brunswick
As listed in the MLS (Brunswick County Schools). School assignments can change — confirm with the district for this address.
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Buying in Southport? Local guides
- 55+ and Active Adult Communities Around Wilmington, NCWhich Wilmington-area communities are truly 55+, which are all-ages, plus continuing care and rental retirement options, HOA costs and a visit checklist.
- Moving to Wilmington, NC: A Local's Relocation GuideMoving to Wilmington, NC? A lifelong local covers climate, hurricanes, cost of living, jobs, areas, utilities, DMV and your first 30 days here.
- Living in Southport NC: Historic Waterfront GuideLiving in Southport, NC: historic downtown, the Fort Fisher and Bald Head ferries, St. James and Oak Island, hurricane and flood realities, and what to check.
Our take on 301 E Bay Street
Written by the Buddy Blake Team from the listing photos and MLS data. Not part of the MLS listing or the listing broker's description.
This three-story property, built in 1852, sits on a corner lot of about a quarter acre in Southport. It is set second row to the water and has views of the ocean, the river, and the water. It is not part of a subdivision. The primary bedroom is on the main level, and the interior includes high ceilings, an entrance foyer, a pantry, and tile and wood flooring. There are six bedrooms and six bathrooms across roughly 6,292 square feet, plus a basement.
The kitchen has a gas cooktop with a downdraft, a double oven, and a built-in microwave. Heating and cooling come from central air, a heat pump, zoned units, and a gas log fireplace. A whole-home generator and a tankless water heater are included. Outside, the landscaped lot has an irrigation system, a garden, and a paved parking pad with off-street parking.
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About 301 E Bay Street
301 E Bay Street is a 6-bedroom, 6-bath home of about 6,292 square feet, built in 1852, on 0.24 acres, Southport, Brunswick County, NC 28461.
It has been on the market for 80 days.
Area figures are broad context from the MLS, not a valuation — they don't adjust for condition, lot, views or updates. Ask us for a true comparison.
Buying 301 E Bay Street
- See it in person. Pick a time and we'll call to confirm — often same day.
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What's my home worth? →Questions about 301 E Bay Street
How much is 301 E Bay Street?
301 E Bay Street is listed at $2,799,000 (about $445 per square foot) as of November 6, 2026. Status: for sale.
How many bedrooms and bathrooms does 301 E Bay Street have?
6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, with about 6,292 square feet.
How long has 301 E Bay Street been on the market?
80 days.
When was 301 E Bay Street built?
1852.
Who is the listing broker for 301 E Bay Street?
Ivester Jackson Christie's (MLS #100562122). The Buddy Blake Team can show it to you and answer questions.
Can I tour 301 E Bay Street?
Yes. Tap “Schedule a tour,” pick a time, and we'll call to confirm — or call or text (910) 395-1000.
