Frequently Asked Questions about River Dunes, in Oriental, NC

Want to know more? This page provides a list of frequently asked questions about River Dunes. If your question isn't answered, email us!

What amenities are offered at River Dunes?

Harbor Club and Marina - a 400-slip, fully amenitized, world-class harbor has been created in the heart of the community with easy access to the ICW, Pamlico Sound and the waters beyond. The result is safe harbor, faced with a secure composite stone bulkhead that is eight feet deep at normal water level. Gas lighting surrounds the harbor. The floating dock system is made of Brazilian ironwood - almost everything-proof. River Dunes Harbor Club and Marina are at the center of the "must see" planned waterfront community.
Harbor Club - You truly must experience the Harbor Club. Wide-plank reclaimed flooring, vintage tobacco warehouse beams, indoor and outdoor fireplaces provide authentic details. The Club has casual dining on the pool deck and on the porches for lunch and dinnerand fine dining inside.
Chapels - There will be two chapels in the community: The Harbor Chapel and the Riverfront Chapel. The harbor chapel has already been built in "Chapel Square" on Grace Harbor. Authentic period details and reclaimed pieces make for spectacular photography. Guest cottages nearby make it the perfect place for destination weddings and special family occasions. The larger riverfront chapel will accommodate larger gatherings.
Guest Cottages - Guest cottages allow our property owners to enjoy the community before, and while, they build their home. The cottages also provide a wonderful location for overflow guests. The harborside homes are also available for longer term rentals. Hatteras Yachts, Sabre Yachts and the Hinckley Company have sponsored three of the six cottages. So ask for them when you come to stay!
Performing Arts Pavilion - Located on the harbor, the Arts Pavilion will be the home for summer concerts and outdoor performances.
Canoe Club and Adventure Center - Located on a peninsula that is positioned to take in Pamlico Sound and Neuse River views, the Canoe Club and Adventure Center will be the perfect launching point for adventures on the water. Paddling trails meander along the creeks, providing a protected area for novice paddlers.
Exercise Facility - A state-of-the-art exercise facility is located across from the Harbor Club in the Landing. Providing weights, treadmills, and harbor views while you exercise. In addition, trail maps provide the distances for community jogging and biking paths.
Public Spaces - Outdoor fireplaces are located throughout the community for gatherings - in the guest cottage courtyard, in the Harbor Club pool complex and on the porches of the Harbor Club. Dunes Carts and bicycles have become the preferred method of transportation in River Dunes. A trail system is designed to take you throughout the community.
The Landing - Our transient boater facility. Steam showers, wireless internet, and laundry facilities will make it a cruiser's home away from home.
The Lakehouse - The lakehouse is located on the road between the Dunes and the Harbor, near Broadwaters and the Gum Thicket Preserve. It's been a great place for low-country boils and summer picnics. With the arrival of oyster season (only months with an "R"!), we are anticipating the cool weather tradition of oyster roasts at our new fire pit on the lake. A screened porch provides a dining area and a fish shack provides storage for life vests, paddles, and poles for fishing, kayaking and canoing on the lake. Open year-round for property owners and guests.
Village Retail Center - The Village Retail Center will be a carefully conceived grouping of residential and retail spaces.

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Where are the closest shopping, movies, and groceries for residents and guests?

Convenience stores, a wine shop and basic groceries are about 10 minutes down the road in Oriental, NC. Movies and big box stores such as Target, Harris Teeter, and Wal-Mart are 30 minutes away in New Bern. River Dunes will have a village retail center to accommodate property owner conveniences. The Harbor Club is open for lunch and dinner. Please call 800-348-7618 for hours of operation.

More community information can be found on our community links page...

What utilities will be available?

Download our PDF: "Getting Settled at River Dunes"

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How do I make a reservation for the marina?

River Dunes Marina has 20 permanent transient slips as well as rental slips for transient guests. The ideal location on Broad Creek off of Pamlico Sound and the ICW make this the perfect safe harbor for you and your vessel. For Marina information, please call Harbor Operations at 800-348-7618. Transient guest amenities include floating docks, high speed fuel, pump-out, laundry facilities, steam showers, dining, use of the pool, guest cottages, business office, exercise facilities, and concierge service.

Where can I stay when I visit?

River Dunes has cottages to rent on a nightly or weekly basis for property owners, transient boaters and guests. Contact the Harbor Club for accommodation information. 800-348-7618.

Oriental,NC Accommodations

Oriental Marina & Inn 252-249-1818 www.orientalmarina.com
The Captain's Quarters 252-249-0002
River Neuse Suites 252-249-1097
Cartwright House 888-726-9384 www.cartwrighthouse.com

New Bern, NC Accommodations

Sheraton Hotel & Marina 252-638-3585 www.sheraton.com/newbern
Comfort Suites Riverfront Park 252-636-0022 www.choicehotels.com
Howard House 252-514-6709 www.howardhousebnb.com

More may be found on our community links page...

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Construction Timing

What is your building schedule for the homes and amenities?

Homes - Currently there are three communities under construction in River Dunes.

The Row provides wonderful harbor views, screened porches, and lock-and-leave luxury for the part-time resident.

Chapel Square - Coastal cottages and bungalows range from 1,900 up to 4,000 sqft. This North Carolina waterfront community has the harbor, Cedar Creek and Mill Creek for endless water views.

The Channel Homes line the 1,100 ft harbor entrance. They feature double story porches, authentic architectural details, and offer views of the Harbor and Broad Creek.

We currently have custom and model homes under construction and residents enjoying River Dunes. River Dunes has a variety of building timeframes to encourage community building. You can see the results of our time-frames as neighborhoods are already taking shape within the community. Many of our amenities; the Harbor, Harbor Club, dining, pool, spas, and cabanas, our guest cottages, streets, sidewalks and utilities are already in place. The lakehouse has been busy all summer with canoe races, horseshoes, and picnics. Transient boaters and residents are already able to bike to the Landing to enjoy the exercise facilities. The Harbor Walk - a paved trail around the harbor - has been put in place along the docks. Our entrance amenities - The Caretaker's Cottage, the Boat house, and the Entrance Barn are currently under construction are scheduled to be completed over the winter. The photos you see throughout the website reflect actual photography of River Dunes - plan to be busy on your next visit!

River Dunes was the site of the 10th Anniversary Coastal Living Idea Home. It is now a private home and closed to tours.

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Utilities and Roads

Power, sewer, water and fiber are in place and operational. Liquid propane is provided to the homes as well as lighting Grace Harbor.

What is the projected final completion date for River Dunes?

In a time when waterfront developments are often pushed fast-forward in response to market needs, River Dunes is a study in contrast. Our master plan has been a careful and thoughtful process of balancing the opportunities for exceptional recreational living and boating in a pristine setting that has been untouched for half a century, with a deep commitment to good stewardship. We anticipate the developer homesites will be purchased within 6-8 years. The absorption rate could be much faster than that but we have put building timeframes on our initial properties so that we build Community and value for our property owners. We anticipate that most of the 600 plus homes will be built within 10-15 years. < top

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Pricing/Buying a Home

What is the escrow requirement when we go to contract?

We require $10,000 earnest money for the homesite. We require up to 2% deposit on homes.

What will be the pricing for River Dunes waterfront homes and waterfront homesites?

Currently we have cottages ranging from the $600,000's up to $3,400,000. Waterfront homesites range from $149,000 up to $1,250.000. River Dunes offers over 14 miles of shoreline. This provides us with a wonderful variety of waterfront views.

Can I build a custom home?

We have a variety of homesites available for people to work with their architect and design a custom home that fits their needs.

Will you have live-work spaces?

Yes, the live-work building type is integral to our plan in the village retail area. Live-work space is vital to creating a thriving community environment around the Harbor Village.

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Owning a Rental Property

I'm interested in owning a vacation rental. Is this allowed? Will there be a property management company available?

Yes! We anticipate that many homes in River Dunes will be used as Oriental, NC vacation rentals. East West Partners will manage rentals in River Dunes, and to ensure quality, East West Partners will be offering maintenance and landscaping in addition to the reservation management and guest services.

What is the projected rental occupancy (based on other properties/area)?

We are patterning ourselves after the best new towns and villages, which have been successful in renting homes. Oriental has long been known as the "Sailing Capital" of North Carolina. With our architectural design and attention to detail, we expect River Dunes to become a destination. River Dunes' premiere location within 3 hours of Research Triangle Park makes a great weekend getaway. Road construction projects have brought 4-lane travel all the way from Raleigh to within 7 miles of River Dunes. The DC area is within 5.5 hours by car. US Airways and Delta offer flights 7 times daily to the Charlotte, NC Hub; two daily flights to Atlanta, GA Hub; and a round trip daily flight to Philadelphia, PA.

What type of advertising/marketing is being done for developer, rental and resale properties?

River Dunes has received national recognition in the first year of sales. The community has received recognition for its environmental stewardship, our selection as the site of the 10th anniversary Coastal Living Idea House, and local publications including; NC Boating Lifestyle, North Carolina Signature, North Carolina Coastal Homes and Design, Business NC, etc. Of course, happy property owners remain our best source of referrals.

We partner with East West Partners for Property Management and Cottage Rental business, which will include a detailed marketing plan. All of these facets will benefit from the national advertising campaign that is in place.

Who is purchasing and enjoying River Dunes and what do they look for in the area?

River Dunes' property owners are as diverse as the bodies of water that surround the property. They purchase for many reasons, but a common denominator remains, water. The unsurpassed location along the ICW and Pamlico Sound provide a playground for endless adventures on the water.

Over a million people have learned "the ropes" at the Sailing Camps (Camp Seagull, Camp Seafarer, Camp Don Lee, etc.) in Pamlico County. Many of our property owners feel the nostalgic pull of the area where they learned to appreciate all sorts of water activities. Others discovered our waters as they traveled along the ICW. Broad Creek and Oriental have long been a popular stop-over and safe harbor. On land, people enjoy the views and the pace of life here. Big water, big views, and village living.

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