1014 Bennet Lane, Carolina Beach, NC 28428

This beautiful custom home is located on a large pond-front lot in the distinctive Island Forest neighborhood. The fact that this home has not seen any flooding over the years, and is out of a flood zone, should put your mind at ease. In addition, you can enjoy all that ''island life'' has to offer, while being tucked away in a quiet, residential-only neighborhood (no short-term rentals and ''crazy tourist crush'' to deal with!). This stunning home features an open floor plan design, with a beautiful gourmet kitchen boasting granite countertops, stainless appliances, tile backsplash, and large breakfast bar; a spacious dining area; and a living room with gas-log fireplace and built-in bookcases. There is a lovely screened porch off the living room, where you can sip your morning coffee and enjoy your own private ''bird sanctuary''; or gather in the evening to listen to the ocean waves and watch the Carolina Beach fireworks shows. Two guest bedrooms, a full guest bath and half bath, as well as a laundry and pantry off the kitchen complete the main level. The entire top level is a fabulous owner's retreat that includes a den with another gas fireplace, master suite with deck overlooking the pond and downtown Carolina Beach, large walk-in closet, and master bath with tile shower and spa tub. On the ground level is an ''in-law suite,'' featuring a lovely guest bedroom, full bath, and large den with slider access to the back patio. Additional amenities include an exterior residential elevator that goes to all 3 levels, fiber cement siding, metal roof, hurricane shutters, hardwood floors, new Trex decking, full-yard irrigation, outdoor shower/changing room, and side-loading 2-car garage with sealed floors and extra storage. Only a quick walk/bike ride to restaurants and stores, and minutes away from the beach, marinas, 2 public boat accesses, the Carolina Beach State Park, and the Island Greenway Bike Path. The perfect home for a full-time or part-time residence.