Occano is a gated community built directly on the Albemarle Sound in Merry Hill, North Carolina, with an HOA that helps keep the neighborhood well maintained. It's not age-restricted — you'll find retirees, second-home owners, and families all drawn to the same thing: quiet country living with no traffic, sweeping water views, and a genuinely active outdoor lifestyle right outside the front door.
Occano is built around four hubs of activity — golf, the water, the River Club, and the courts — all within a short golf cart ride of home. These amenities are available through an optional Club Membership, separate from the HOA, so homeowners can choose the level of access that fits their lifestyle.
A full public golf course winding along the Sound, with a pro shop, driving range, and putting & chipping area.
Fully stocked with golf apparel, shoes, and gear for members and public golfers alike.
A boat dock with slips and a boat launch — plus a private beach and picnic area for members right on the water.
The community's social hub — pool, gym, men's and women's locker rooms, a snack bar, and a large party room for events.
A full gym inside the River Club, available to residents year-round.
Two dedicated courts for tennis and pickleball, just steps from the golf cart path.
Occano's on-site restaurant, The Grill at Salmon Creek, gives residents and golfers a place to unwind after a round or a day on the water — without ever leaving the community.
There's no traffic to fight in Occano — just golf carts winding along the cart paths that connect the neighborhood. It's common to see wild turkeys crossing the fairways, turtles sunning on the greens, and egrets working the shoreline at sunset. For buyers looking for an active adult lifestyle without giving up peace and quiet, Occano is hard to beat.
Occano's location on the Albemarle Sound puts you closer to major cities than you'd expect — close enough for a day trip, far enough to feel worlds away from the traffic.
Homesites in Occano typically range from $50,000 to $400,000, depending on location and water access, while built homes generally start at $400,000 and up. Whether you're looking to build your own place on the Sound or move into an existing home, there's a range of options to fit different budgets.
Answers to the questions buyers ask most often about living in Occano.
Yes — Occano is a custom home community. You choose a homesite and work with a builder of your choice to build your home your way, rather than selecting from a set list of pre-designed plans.
Water is supplied by Bertie County Water. Sewer runs through a community wastewater treatment plant serving the neighborhood. Water and sewer taps are located at the street, with tap fees of $2,500 for water and $2,500 for sewer.
HOA fees are $2,325 per year, which includes $325 allocated toward maintenance of the community wastewater treatment plant.
The gate is manned during regular business hours. Outside of those hours, residents and guests enter using a personal access code.
Occano sits at approximately 20 feet above sea level, and flood insurance is not currently required. That said, it's always a good idea to check with your own insurance company or lender, since requirements can vary by lot and financing.
Yes — a bulkhead has been installed along approximately three-quarters of the peninsula.
The homeowners association is managed by Sea Side Management, a Nabo Group company. Amenities are managed separately by Wingfield Golf Management.
Short-term rentals are not currently allowed in Occano.
The closest grocery stores are in Edenton or Windsor, both a short drive from Occano.
The closest hospitals are in Edenton or Windsor, both a short drive from Occano.
No — Club Membership is optional and separate from the HOA. Reach out to the Pro Shop directly for current membership offerings and pricing.
Photos by Ed Felker
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