Figure Eight Island

Figure Eight Island: The Pinnacle of Elite Coastal Exclusivity

Nestled along the shimmering shores of North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast, Figure Eight Island stands as the epitome of elite coastal living—a private island sanctuary that redefines luxury and seclusion. Accessible only via a guarded swing bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway, this 1,300-acre barrier island is a world unto itself, restricted to homeowners, their guests, and members of its prestigious community. Often dubbed "The Hamptons of the South," Figure Eight offers the refined elegance of destinations like Hilton Head or the Hamptons, but with an intimate, understated Southern charm that whispers privilege rather than shouts it. For discerning buyers who demand the utmost in privacy and prestige, this gated enclave boasts the most expensive real estate in Coastal North Carolina and the entire state, where oceanfront estates routinely command multimillion-dollar price tags, including a record-breaking $13.9 million sale in 2024 that set North Carolina's all-time residential record.

A Private Paradise
Figure Eight Island's allure lies in its unparalleled seclusion and natural splendor. Pristine Atlantic beaches unfurl for miles, providing private access to powdery sands and gentle waves ideal for serene swims, kayaking, or contemplative walks. To the west, the Intracoastal Waterway and vast salt marshes teem with coastal wildlife—herons, egrets, and dolphins—offering postcard-perfect vistas and endless opportunities for boating or eco-exploration. No hotels, condos, or commercial intrusions mar the landscape; instead, the island's 475 exclusively owned single-family homes dot the dunes and waterways, governed by a stringent homeowners association that ensures timeless beauty and discretion. This private island ethos creates a sanctuary where the world's most influential figures retreat from the spotlight, fostering a community of quiet sophistication and shared exclusivity.

The island's elite status is amplified by its roster of high-profile residents and visitors, drawing A-listers, political titans, and business moguls who seek its unmatched privacy. Celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, who owns a home here and has filmed movies like We're the Millers in nearby Wilmington, Julia Roberts, known for her property on the island and her role in Sleeping with the Enemy shot in the area, Ben Stiller, a homeowner who has worked on major films locally, Dustin Hoffman, who has owned or rented estates while filming in Wilmington, Alec Baldwin, who lived on the island during productions, Kim Basinger, a frequent renter for vacations and work, Kathy Bates, with longstanding ties including ownership and visits, and Robert Downey Jr., who rented a $4.8 million oceanfront home in 2012 while shooting Iron Man 3, have all embraced Figure Eight as their discreet coastal escape. Politicians like former Vice President Al Gore and his family, who vacationed here in 1997, and Senator John Edwards, a longtime homeowner, further elevate its prestige, alongside sports icons such as UNC football coach Mack Brown, who recently invested $10 million in an oceanfront property, and New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. These luminaries, joined by others like Richard Gere, Andy Griffith, Gene Hackman, and Nick Nolte, underscore Figure Eight's reputation as a discreet haven for the global elite, where fortunes are built and legacies unwind in absolute tranquility.

Unrivaled Luxury and Amenities
The real estate on Figure Eight Island represents the zenith of Coastal North Carolina's luxury market, with properties ranging from $2 million to over $13 million—far surpassing comparable offerings in Wrightsville Beach or Carolina Beach. Custom oceanfront estates blend Lowcountry elegance with modern opulence: think wraparound verandas overlooking endless horizons, private docks for yachting, infinity-edge pools, and state-of-the-art smart-home features. Architectural masterpieces, often designed by top coastal builders, maximize the island's dramatic views while harmonizing with its pristine environment, making every residence a statement of refined taste and substantial means.

World-class amenities elevate the elite lifestyle. The Figure Eight Island Yacht Club, a social epicenter, features a marina for deep-water vessels, fine dining with ocean views, and a beach club for exclusive gatherings. Tennis courts, a private golf course, and winding nature trails cater to active pursuits, while the community's 24/7 security ensures peace of mind. These facilities, combined with the island's meticulously preserved grounds, deliver a resort-caliber experience reserved solely for residents— a level of exclusivity that sets Figure Eight apart as the premier address for those who settle for nothing less.

A Cinematic Connection with Effortless Access
Figure Eight's proximity to Wilmington's "Hollywood East" film industry at Screen Gems Studios infuses the area with subtle glamour; its idyllic beaches and estates have doubled as sets for blockbusters, attracting even more creative elites to its shores. Yet, despite this star power, the island remains a bastion of serenity. Just 15 minutes from Downtown Wilmington's historic Riverwalk, cultural gems like Thalian Hall, and Wrightsville Beach's lively scene, residents enjoy urban sophistication on demand. Wilmington International Airport, a mere 20-minute drive, connects seamlessly to Raleigh, Charlotte, and major hubs, while top-tier schools and medical centers nearby blend practicality with privilege.

For families or executives, the island's gated privacy offers a secure family compound; for retirees or jet-setters, it's an effortless escape. Annual events at the yacht club foster subtle camaraderie among neighbors who value discretion above all.

Why Figure Eight Island? For the elite buyer, Figure Eight Island isn't just a home—it's an investment in legacy, a private realm where unparalleled luxury meets coastal majesty. As the most coveted and costly real estate in North Carolina, it beckons those who recognize true exclusivity: a private island where celebrities unwind, fortunes flourish, and every sunset feels like a personal triumph.

Ready to claim your slice of this elite paradise? Contact us today for access to exclusive listings and personalized tours of Figure Eight Island's extraordinary properties.