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Builder-Owned Coastal Retreat on Rare 3/4-Acre Lot in St. James Plantation
This is not just a house—it's the personal residence of a noted custom builder, sited on a rare three-quarter-acre parcel at the quiet back of a cul-de-sac in the Players Club section of St. James Plantation. Crafted by Joe Firetti for his own family, the home showcases deliberate proportions and durable materials: soaring cathedral ceilings, a sweeping staircase, and wide-plank hardwood floors that extend through the main entertaining areas.
Entertainers will gravitate to the heart of the home: a gourmet kitchen anchored by a massive granite island, double ovens, a five-burner gas cooktop, and a dedicated bar with wine refrigerator. The adjacent dining area and great room create generously scaled gathering spaces, while multiple sliders and doors connect indoor life to a large deck with a retractable awning—perfect for al fresco meals with golf course and nature preserve vistas.
The first-floor primary suite is designed as a true retreat, with a tray ceiling, private sitting area and direct deck access. The spa-like ensuite features a pebble-floor walk-in shower, deep jacuzzi tub and a substantial walk-in closet fitted with custom built-ins. Three additional bedrooms upstairs provide flexible space for guests, home office, or hobbies.
Practical upgrades are woven throughout: fresh interior and exterior paint, a KINETICO whole-house water filtration system, and an encapsulated crawl space for improved home health and longevity. The two-car garage is set up for a hobbyist—dual garden sinks, extensive cabinetry and a modular tool-hanging system make weekend projects a pleasure. Outside, the fenced backyard backs to preserved green space and fairways, offering privacy rarely found inside the Players Club.
Beyond the property, St. James Plantation delivers a coastal lifestyle with championship golf, a 475-slip marina, multiple clubhouses and dining options, pools, tennis and pickleball, fitness centers and more than 36 miles of walking and biking trails. Historic Southport, uncrowded Oak Island beaches and Wilmington (approx. 45 minutes) are all within easy reach—making this custom-built estate as practical as it is picturesque.
Southport
Location
3637 Players Club Dr SE, Southport, NC, 28461
St. James Plantation is a full-service coastal community that blends resort-style amenities with low-key Carolina charm. Residents enjoy championship golf, a 475-slip marina on the Intracoastal Waterway, multiple clubhouses and dining venues, fitness centers, pools, tennis and pickleball courts, plus more than 36 miles of scenic trails. The community provides private oceanfront access on Oak Island and easy proximity to historic Southport’s waterfront dining, shops and cultural events. For those seeking both active recreation and relaxed beach living, this neighborhood delivers a balanced coastal lifestyle with convenient access to Wilmington about 45 minutes away.
Very good outdoor recreation access with championship golf, a 475-slip marina, private oceanfront beach club on Oak Island, and 36+ miles of walking/biking trails within the community.
A factual market snapshot around 3637 Players Club Dr SE.
Local MLS metrics and specific days-on-market for this address were not provided in the supplied research. What is clear from the valuation data: the broker list price of $949,000 aligns precisely with the automated midpoint estimate, signaling that the home is competitively positioned versus modeled comparables. In gated coastal communities like St. James Plantation—where oversized lots, marina access and well-maintained amenities are limited—distinctive parcels and builder-owned homes often command a premium and move relatively quickly when priced appropriately. Single-family residences in amenity-rich, resort-style neighborhoods continue to attract downsizers, active retirees and seasonal homeowners, supporting steady demand. Prospective buyers should request the most recent MLS days-on-market, inventory levels for 3,000–3,500 sqft homes in Players Club, and comparable sales to confirm current velocity and negotiation levers. Given the unique lot and high-end, documented upgrades (KINETICO system, encapsulated crawl space, custom garage systems), this property represents a rare offering and a strong consideration for buyers seeking long-term coastal value.
What stands out about this property.
Interior Features
- 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
- Soaring cathedral ceilings and sweeping staircase
- Hardwood floors throughout main level
- Gourmet kitchen with massive granite island
- Double ovens and 5-burner gas cooktop
- Dedicated bar area with wine refrigerator
- First-floor primary suite with tray ceiling and sitting area
- Spa-like ensuite: pebble-floor walk-in shower and jacuzzi tub
- Custom built-ins in primary walk-in closet
- Fresh interior paint
Exterior & Lot
- Oversized 0.75-acre lot at back of cul-de-sac
- Large deck with retractable awning
- Fenced backyard backing to golf course and nature preserve
- Fresh exterior paint
- Encapsulated crawl space
- 2-car garage with dual garden sinks and modular tool-hanging system
Location & Neighborhood
- Located in Players Club, St. James Plantation
- Minutes to historic Southport and waterfront dining
- Private oceanfront beach club with parking on Oak Island
- 45 minutes to Wilmington
- Access to 81 holes of championship golf and 475-slip marina
Walkability & Recreation
- Walkability Rating: 30/100 — Car-Dependent
- Access to 36+ miles of walking and biking trails
- Private beach club on Oak Island (oceanfront)
- On-site marina access and championship golf
- Multiple pools, tennis and pickleball courts within community
- Nearby historic downtown Southport for waterfront dining and shops