Some homes check the boxes. Others make you slow down and stay awhile.

343 Mariners Drive is one of those homes.

Set in the waterfront community of Mackey’s Ferry Landing, this Cape Cod style home pairs classic Southern charm with a setting that is hard to duplicate. The Albemarle Sound is part of the scenery here, with water views from the upstairs windows and front porch, a sandy community beach nearby, and Mackeys Marina and The Landing restaurant approximately 0.4 miles from the property.

For anyone who loves life around the water, this location deserves attention. Mackeys Marina sits along protected Kendrick Creek just off the Albemarle Sound and offers boat slips, fuel, marine services, a travel lift, storage, and a marine store with fishing and boating supplies. Right at the marina is The Landing at Mackeys, a casual waterfront restaurant serving seafood, steaks, burgers, and more with indoor and outdoor dining. Head out for a day of fishing or boating, grab dinner by the water, and you’re practically back home before the evening is over.

And then there is the house itself.

Surrounded by mature landscaping and colorful gardens, this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home has been exceptionally well cared for and has character around every corner. The kitchen feels straight out of a classic Southern home with its swinging door, bay window, and cozy layout. Just beyond, the spacious living room offers plenty of room to gather around the fireplace on cooler evenings.

The first floor has everything needed for everyday living, including the primary suite with a walk-in closet and private bath, living room, kitchen, laundry room, half bath, and sunroom. Upstairs are two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and a sitting room perfect for an office, reading nook, or hobby space. Look out the upstairs windows and you’ll catch views of the Albemarle Sound.

Outside is where 343 Mariners really shows off its personality.

The front porch is made for morning coffee, dinner outside, or a long game of cards while catching glimpses of the Sound. Around back, winding gardens and established landscaping lead to a hanging daybed tucked into a setting that feels more like a secret garden than a backyard. There’s also a fire pit along the rear of the property for evenings spent outside.

A detached two-car garage provides plenty of room for vehicles, tools, and storage, with an unfinished second floor offering even more possibilities. Workshop, art studio, game room, home gym, or future finished space, there’s room to make it your own. A fenced garden area sits just beyond the garage, and the home is equipped with a whole-house generator for added peace of mind.

Mackey’s Ferry Landing is one of those small Eastern North Carolina waterfront communities that can be easy to miss if you don’t know where to look. Here, the landscape is defined by the Albemarle Sound, cypress trees, Spanish moss, birds, boats, and big Carolina skies. Yet Highway 64 is only minutes away, historic downtown Edenton is approximately 20 minutes away, and the marina and waterfront restaurant are less than half a mile from home.

343 Mariners Drive isn’t trying to be the typical neighborhood house. That’s exactly what makes it special.