Merry Hill is a peaceful community along the Albemarle Sound
Merry Hill sits where eastern North Carolina's farm country meets the water, giving this quiet corner of Bertie County a mix of open land and river views. Its position along the Chowan River and Albemarle Sound has fueled new construction, and buyers can find everything from modern farmhouse designs in gated communities to decades-old houses on roomy lots. Edenton and Windsor are the closest towns with restaurants and grocery stores, but a public beach and a golf course give you plenty to do closer to home.
Homes surrounded by farmland or on the river
Areas along the Chowan River are experiencing new development, particularly in planned communities like Black Rock and Occano, a resort-style gated community. These newly constructed homes often have modern farmhouse and Shingle-inspired designs, and many have water views and private access to the Chowan River. Merry Hill’s oldest homes sit away from the water. These ranch-style and Cape Cod houses can sit on up to an acre and are surrounded by farmland. “Bertie County is a rural farming county in eastern North Carolina,” says Carroll White, a broker with Century 21 Land and Home Realty with almost 20 years of experience. “It's just a rural, secluded area.”
How much properties usually cost in Merry Hill
The median home sale price in Merry Hill is in the upper $100,000s. Undeveloped land typically costs between $10,000 and $80,000, with waterfront properties ranging from the lower $100,000s to the mid-$300,000s. Homes usually range from the lower $100,000s to the lower $200,000s. White says that riverfront homes are “really hard to come by.” One recently sold in the upper $700,000s. If you buy in the Black Rock or Occano communities, you’ll have to pay an annual HOA fee between $550 and $700 that covers grounds maintenance. Membership at Occano’s golf course and club is a separate fee.
Kids can go to Bertie County schools or the private Lawrence Academy
Families are served by the Bertie County Schools district. Kids can start at Colerain Elementary School, then go to Bertie Middle School. Older students can attend Bertie High School, where they can enroll in career technical education courses in fields like agriculture, health sciences and business. For a private option, Lawrence Academy serves all grades and offers dual-enrollment courses through Martin Community College.
Residents head to Edenton and Windsor for shopping and dining
When you want to run errands or grab a bite to eat, White says, “Edenton and Windsor are your two closest communities.” You can get a meal at these places:
- The Herringbone, a waterfront restaurant in Edenton serving modern American cuisine and wood-fired pizzas
- Waterman's Grill, a seafood restaurant with a raw bar in Edenton
- Old Colony Smokehouse, a counter-service barbecue restaurant in Edenton
- Heritage House Restaurant, a casual spot in Windsor known for its all-you-can-eat buffet
Edenton’s walkable downtown is lined with locally owned shops like The Dog-Eared Book and Vaughan's Jewelry. There are Food Lions in both towns, and the nearest Walmart is in Williamston.
Enjoy the water at Bertie Beach and the golf course at Occano
Merry Hill’s waterfront parks and natural preserves along the Albemarle Sound and Chowan River are its biggest draws. Bertie Beach is one of the few public places to access the water. Here, you can relax on over 2,000 feet of sandy shoreline and take a dip in the water. The park also has a 2-mile nature trail and a covered picnic pavilion. Golfers can play the public Arnold Palmer-designed golf course at Occano, which also has members-only amenities like a swimming pool, boat slips and a tennis facility.
Annual events in Windsor and Edenton
Several events take place throughout the year in the surrounding area. Here are some popular ones:
- Windsor Riverfest, a May celebration in Windsor with live music, art vendors and boat rides
- July 3rd Fireworks, an annual Independence Day event in Windsor with entertainment and a fireworks show
- Shrimp by the Bay, an October event in Edenton with live music and a shrimp dinner
How far you’ll have to drive to get to Edenton and beyond
Merry Hill is a car-dependent community where residents rely on U.S. Route 17 and state Route 45 to get around. Edenton and Windsor are about 12 miles away, and the drive usually takes around 15 minutes. Williamston is roughly 25 miles away, or a 30-minute drive. Elizabeth City is 40 miles away, and Greenville is a 53-mile drive. Norfolk International Airport is an 87-mile trip.
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Written By
Annie Franklin
