Estimate anchored to the MLS list price of $4,550,000 and property specifics (4,555 SF, premium beachfront .9-acre West Beach lot, architectural pedigree, furnished). Range accounts for limited inventory on Bald Head Island, recent resiliency upgrades, and highly seasonal buyer demand.
Architectural Beachfront with Dual Ocean & River Views — Turnkey
This Jay DeChesere–designed residence on West Beach is a rare synthesis of strong coastal architecture and immediate beachfront enjoyment. Sitting on a generous .9-acre homesite and offered furnished, the house is positioned to take advantage of sweeping Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River vistas from multiple living areas and expansive decks. The entry sequence draws you into an open living room with soaring ceilings and exposed structural trusses; large windows and glass doors provide framed coastal views while the floorplan stays comfortably livable for everyday family life.
The kitchen is built for both serious cooking and effortless entertaining — Sub-Zero refrigeration, Viking range and appliances, bamboo cabinetry, and a generous island create an efficient, convivial heart to the home. A temperature-controlled wine room and secondary refrigerator ensure supplies for large gatherings. The property features two distinct primary suites, each with private access to porches or decks and generous closets and baths, providing privacy and flexible multigenerational options. Additional guest bedrooms with en-suite baths are arranged to offer comfort and separation for visitors.
Thoughtful upgrades enhance the property’s long-term performance: premium Andersen windows, motorized roll-down aluminum storm shutters with manual backup, triple-lock doors, two new HVAC units, new washer/dryer, upgraded storage with lighting, and fresh interior and exterior paint. Outdoor living is exceptional — first- and second-floor decks, a screened beach-facing porch, an outdoor rain shower, and a private boardwalk leading directly to miles of West Beach. The home also includes a home gym and a temperature-controlled wine room for lifestyle convenience.
Offered turnkey and ready for immediate enjoyment, the property conveys select furnishings and two golf carts to simplify island life. Located minutes from the Bald Head Island Club, marina, restaurants, market, and ferry landing, this home balances privacy and proximity. Homes of this architectural pedigree, with dual ocean/river exposure on a parcel of this size, rarely come to market on Bald Head Island.
A 2003 coastal modern on 0.9 acres.
Building
Site & utilities
West Beach
Researched nearby locations
Location
23 Cape Fear Trl, Bald Head Island, NC 28461
West Beach on Bald Head Island is one of the island's most coveted coastal settings — a quiet, protected stretch of shoreline with larger lots, dune buffers and sweeping views of both the Atlantic and the Cape Fear River. The neighborhood emphasizes low-density development, preserved maritime forest, and direct pedestrian access to miles of sandy shore. Community life centers on outdoor recreation, the Bald Head Island Club, and a small village core with dining and market amenities; automobile traffic is minimal and golf carts are the preferred mode of transport.
Excellent access to miles of beach, maritime forest trails, boating and Club amenities; outdoor recreation is a primary draw.
A factual market snapshot around 23 Cape Fear Trl.
Bald Head Island is a highly seasonal, low-inventory luxury coastal market where beachfront parcels command a premium. Buyers are typically lifestyle-driven and willing to pay for privacy, views, and turnkey condition. Median sale prices across the island are well below trophy oceanfront values, but West Beach parcels with panoramic ocean/river exposure are at the top of the island price spectrum. Expect longer marketing windows for $4M+ listings compared with entry island homes, but robust interest from buyers in Wilmington, Charlotte, Raleigh and coastal South Carolina who prioritize ready-to-enjoy product and club access. Flood insurance and coastal maintenance costs are important underwriting considerations; provide buyers with elevation/flood estimates and recent maintenance records to speed transaction confidence.
Single-family residential / coastal residential; designed and used as a primary or second home dwelling
Zoning
Research-indicated uses
- Single Family Residence
- Accessory Uses Typical Of Residential Zoning (Storage, Decks, Porches)
- Accessory Structures Subject To Island Code And Coastal Setbacks
What the research supports — and what is still worth verifying.
Key findings
- 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 4,555 SF on a 39,204 SF (.9-acre) lot built in 2003.
- List price: $4,550,000; listed price per SF approx. $999/SF; AVM ~ $4,547,000 (Redfin).
- Significant storm protection and mechanical upgrades support coastal resilience and comfort.
- Property conveys furnished; Bald Head Island Club Full membership available separately.
- Highly marketable due to rare combination of beachfront privacy, dual ocean/river vistas, and turnkey condition.
What stands out about this property.
Interior Features
- 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths with dual primary suites
- 4,555 finished SF with soaring ceilings and exposed trusses
- Gourmet kitchen: Sub-Zero refrigerator, Viking appliances, large island
- Temperature-controlled wine room and beverage cooler
- Home gym, upgraded storage with lighting, new washer/dryer
- Conveys furnished (select exclusions) for immediate occupancy
Exterior & Lot
- .9-acre West Beach homesite with direct boardwalk to beach
- Expansive first- and second-story decks and screened beach porch
- Motorized roll-down aluminum storm shutters with manual backup
- Triple-lock exterior doors and fresh exterior paint
- Outdoor rain shower and landscaping with irrigation
Location & Neighborhood
- West Beach — premium beachfront location on Bald Head Island
- Short drives to Bald Head Island Club, marina, restaurants and market
- Island access via ferry; lifestyle-focused community with limited inventory
- Close proximity to golf, tennis/pickleball, maritime trails and kayak launch
Walkability & Recreation
- Walkability Rating: 28/100
- Immediate access to miles of beach and maritime forest trails
- Club amenities (golf, dining, tennis) available separately via membership
- Ideal for beach, paddle, bike and nature activities
Sources & research confidence.
See where the property research came from and how confidence varies by field.