the Sound.
Location
Paradise awaits amidst stands of cypress, yellow pine, and oak trees overlooking the Albemarle Sound, the second-largest estuary in America. Just 20 minutes from the charming and celebrated town of Edenton and less than 2 hours from the Outer Banks, you’ll feel secluded yet connected.
Nearby airports include Pitt–Greenville Airport (1 hour), Norfolk International (1 hour 30 minutes), and RaleighDurham International (2 hours).
Occano is a luxury waterfront community along the Albemarle Sound in Merry Hill, North Carolina. Sitting 25ft above sea level, this gated community offers stunning views, privacy, and resort-style amenities, including a #3-ranked Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course, 107-slip marina, clubhouse, walking trails, tennis and pickleball courts, a pool, fitness center, and water activities.
Located just 20 minutes from historic Edenton, Occano fosters a vibrant social atmosphere, with community gatherings at The Grill at Salmon Creek and easy access to boutique shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Offering move-in ready homes and custom builds, Occano combines modern convenience with a peaceful coastal setting, mild climate, tax-friendly benefits, and proximity to Norfolk and Raleigh, making it a smart investment in an upscale, relaxed lifestyle.
Our Story
We hope to see you soon.
Amenities
With endless outdoor activities like golfing, biking, hiking, water sports, and more, plus spaces to relax or gather with friends and family, our impressive list of resort-style amenities will continue to grow as we develop Occano.
CURRENT AMENITIES:
Bar & Restaurant
Beach Club with Pool
Tennis Courts
Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course
Pro Shop
Boat Launch
Day Dock
Overnight Lodging Available
Planned future amenities at Occano include a clubhouse, scenic walking trails, a community garden, and a 107-slip marina. While these features are part of the community’s vision, they are subject to change and not guaranteed.
Why Occano?
At Occano, you’re not just buying a home—you’re investing in a lifestyle of relaxation, recreation, and lifelong connections in a breathtaking coastal setting. Here are compelling reasons to choose living at Occano:
Prime Waterfront Community
Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course
Resort-Style Amenities
Proximity to Historic Edenton
Active Lifestyle Opportunities
Community Engagement
Natural Beauty
Diverse Real Estate Options
Situated 25ft Above Sea Level
Gated Community
Mild Coastal Climate
Healthcare & Accessibility
Financial Benefits
Peaceful Rural Setting
Golf
Our award-winning Arnold Palmer Signature course covers 7,262 yards with 7 sets of tees -- perfect for any skill level.
Arnold Palmer’s design team created a surprising amount of elevation at Occano, a ninth-place finisher in Golf Digest’s Best New survey in 2009. The layout maximizes the land along the Albemarle Sound with 11 holes on the water. The course calls itself the “Jewel of the Inner Banks,” a worthwhile stop for anyone traveling to or from the Outer Banks.
In 2022, Arnold Palmer Course Design co-vice president and designer Brandon Johnson completed an extensive remodel of the course that take the bunkers in a dramatic new direction and included the expansion and recountouring of the greens and green surrounds. The results give vibrant new playability to a course that already had rare aesthetic advantages.
Ranked #3 in the Nation
Occano is honored to be ranked #3 among public golf courses in the United States by Golfers’ Choice 2025.
Horseshoe
Stay & Play
Discover the perfect getaway at Occano’s Stay & Play rentals, where comfort meets leisure in the heart of our scenic community.
Nestled within the picturesque surroundings of Occano Golf our rentals offer a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. Immerse yourself in the beauty of our nationally-ranked golf course, enjoy a range of amenities, and experience warm hospitality. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or an extended stay, Occano’s Stay & Play rentals promise a memorable and enjoyable retreat.
For more information or to book a Stay & Play call
(252) 482-4006 ext. 409
Edenton
“Maybe it has only been men who have protested the king up to now. That only means we women have taken too long to let our voices be heard...”
— PENELOPE BARKER
Nestled along the shores of the Albemarle Sound and Edenton Bay, is an architectural masterpiece boasting hundreds of 18th century homes.
The charming waterfront town offers an abundance of historical landmarks, local delicacies, and rich cultural experiences. North Carolina’s beautifully preserved first Colonial capital was also home to the first political action by women in our country’s history. Today, we celebrate our past, look forward to the future, and welcome people from all over the world to what has been named the prettiest small town in the South. Just 20 minutes from Occano, Edenton provides the perfect blend of history, culture, and coastal charm for residents and visitors alike.
The Sound
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. ”
— JACQUES COUSTEAU
The Albemarle Sound near Edenton, NC, is a stunning expanse of serene waters surrounded by rich history and natural beauty. As the largest freshwater sound in North America, it offers picturesque views, abundant wildlife, and endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Its proximity to historic Edenton, known as the “South’s Prettiest Town,” adds charm, blending tranquil waterfront living with a vibrant cultural heritage.
With endless outdoor activities like golfing, biking, hiking, water sports, and more, plus spaces to relax or gather with friends and family, our impressive list of resort-style amenities will continue to grow as we develop Occano.
HOA DUES:
$700.00 annually for an unimproved homesite
$2,000.00 annually for an improved property (Home)
Billed quarterly
$325.00 per year Wastewater Treatment Fee
Telephone and Internet service by Brightspeed. Fiber connection is $699.00 per year
HOA Capital Contribution fee upon purchasing a property at Occano is $340.00 for an unimproved homesite and $433.00 for an improved property
MOWING & MAINENTANCE:
$900.00 per acre annually for unimproved homesites – prorated based on lot size
PROPERTY TAXES:
Combined State and County Sales Tax – 7%
Real Property Tax as of 2024 – assessed value divided by 100 X .93
Personal Property Tax same as real property tax for boats, trailers, RVs, cars, etc.
