After several years of headwinds in the housing market, experts are signaling a strong rebound on the horizon — and now is an exciting time for prospective homebuyers and custom-home builders alike.
According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), home sales nationwide are expected to jump about 14% in 2026, building on the stagnation seen in 2025. Chief Economist Lawrence Yun says this anticipated upswing comes as mortgage rates begin to ease and buyer confidence strengthens, sparking renewed activity across the market. New-home sales are also projected to rise around 5% next year — opening more opportunities for buyers seeking fresh starts and custom builds. Read the full article here: https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/economy/housing-market-set-for-a-2026-comeback-nar-predicts
With demand heating up, there’s never been a better moment to start building the coastal home you’ve always imagined. Whether you’re ready to choose a beautifully crafted, move-in ready home or want to design your dream residence from the ground up, the coming market rebound offers an ideal backdrop for your plans.
That’s where Occano stands apart.
Our community presents an exceptional range of developer lots — perfect for capturing that unique blend of nature, luxury, and lifestyle:
Enjoy expansive water views, gentle breezes, and direct access to one of the East Coast’s largest estuaries. Imagine starting each day with peaceful waterfront views right from your doorstep.
Occano’s land rests at a higher elevation than many coastal properties in the region, providing breathtaking sound vistas and a natural buffer against rising tides.
Select homesites overlook serene pond landscapes — the ideal setting for tranquility and reflection.
Build alongside the award-winning Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course, where lush fairways and rolling greens will be part of your everyday scenic backdrop.
Now is the time to make your move. With housing demand expected to grow in 2026, securing a custom homesite at Occano positions you to benefit from both lifestyle and long-term value.
Let our experienced sales team guide you toward the path that best fits your vision. Whether that’s a custom-designed retreat or selecting one of our ready-to-build lots, we’re here to help you embrace coastal living at its finest.
Discover what makes Occano so special — visit our website for current listings or to schedule a discovery visit today:
👉 https://www.occano.com/real-estate/
Let’s build the home you’ve always wanted — right where stunning water views meet elevated coastal luxury.
While much of the country packs away their clubs for winter, something different happens on the North Carolina coast. At Occano, winter isn’t the end of golf season — it’s one of its best chapters.
Cooler air, quiet fairways, and wide-open tee sheets create a version of the game that’s hard to find during the busier months. If you’ve never experienced coastal golf in the winter, you’re missing one of the best-kept secrets in the Carolinas.
Winter golf has a rhythm all its own. The ball travels farther in cool, dense air. Greens hold beautifully. And instead of dodging foursomes, you’ll often feel like the Arnold Palmer Signature Course was built just for you.
At Occano, winter means:
Faster rounds with minimal wait times
Uninterrupted views of the Albemarle Sound
Pristine playing conditions thanks to lower traffic
Quiet moments to truly enjoy the course design
It’s golf in its most relaxed and rewarding form.
Unlike much of the country, North Carolina - and specifically the Inner Banks - enjoy relatively mild winters. Many days bring sunshine, low humidity, and temperatures perfect for layering up and teeing off. It’s not unusual to be playing in a light pullover while others are scraping ice off their windshields.
When the wind is calm and the sky is clear, Occano in winter is nothing short of magical.
Without the bustle of peak season, winter reveals a different side of Occano. You’ll notice the contours of the fairways, the way the light hits the Sound, and the strategy behind every hole. It’s peaceful, reflective, and surprisingly addictive.
For many of our members and guests, winter golf becomes a tradition — a chance to enjoy the course the way it was meant to be played.
One of the best parts of winter at Occano? Pairing great golf with a great stay. Our on-site rental homes and cottages make it easy to turn a quick round into a weekend retreat. Play in the morning, relax by the fire in the evening, and wake up ready to do it again.
Whether you’re escaping colder climates or simply rediscovering your favorite course, Occano delivers a winter experience that feels like a private club — without the crowds.
Golf doesn’t stop when the temperature drops — it just gets better. Fewer distractions. Better pace of play. And a course that shines in every season.
So bundle up, grab your clubs, and come experience why winter at Occano might just become your favorite time to play.
Tee times are waiting. The fairways are calling. We’ll see you out here.
If you caught Cary Magazine’s recent feature on Edenton — “Escape to Edenton: Coastal Charm on the Inner Banks” — you know why travelers are falling in love with this historic North Carolina treasure. With centuries-old architecture, quaint downtown streets, lively local shops and eateries, scenic waterfront views and trolley tours that bring the past to life, Edenton has quickly become one of the state’s most captivating small-town destinations.
From the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center to the Georgian elegance of the Cupola House and the charming Broad Street dining scene, Edenton invites visitors to slow down and savor every moment. Whether you’re browsing the Edenton Tea Company, catching a show at the Taylor Theater, or simply enjoying golden hour over Edenton Bay, this town effortlessly blends historic character with contemporary appeal.
After reading the Cary Magazine feature and planning your visit, don’t forget to add Occano to your travel list.
Located just 20 minutes from historic Edenton, Occano offers a relaxing coastal retreat with world-class amenities, including our Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course — a must-play experience for golf lovers of all skill levels. Whether you’re extending your getaway with a round of golf, exploring coastal nature trails, or simply unwinding in scenic surroundings, Occano is the perfect complement to your Edenton adventure.
Why stop at one great destination when you can enjoy them both? Edenton’s rich history and vibrant culture paired with Occano’s coastal charm make for an unforgettable itinerary.
Plan your trip today — and make memories from the Inner Banks to the beautiful North Carolina coast.
Read the Edenton feature in Cary Magazine here: https://www.carymagazine.com/features/escape-to-edenton/
Book your stay at Occano here: https://www.occano.com/stay/
As the holiday season arrives, many travelers are looking for something a little different — a place to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy time well spent. Winter on North Carolina’s Inner Banks offers just that, and Occano is the perfect destination for a peaceful coastal escape paired with exceptional golf.
Winter is one of the best-kept secrets along the Inner Banks. Cooler temperatures, open skies, and quieter surroundings create an ideal setting to explore the coast at your own pace. Without the summer crowds, guests can enjoy scenic drives, waterfront views, and the simple luxury of space and stillness.
Occano is located just 20 minutes from historic Edenton, making it easy to pair your stay with a visit to one of North Carolina’s most charming towns. Winter is an especially lovely time to explore Edenton’s brick-lined streets, historic homes, waterfront parks, local shops, and restaurants — all at a relaxed, unhurried pace.
Our Stay & Play options make winter getaways effortless. Guests enjoy comfortable onsite accommodations paired with access to our Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course, creating a seamless golf-focused retreat without the need to travel far.
Winter golf at Occano means peaceful fairways, quicker rounds, and crisp coastal air — ideal conditions for enjoying the course as it was designed to be played. Whether you’re planning a holiday escape, a long weekend, or a mid-winter reset, Stay & Play allows you to settle in, tee off, and truly unwind.
Thanks to our mild coastal climate, golf at Occano is a year-round experience. The winter months offer a quieter atmosphere on the course, giving golfers the chance to fully appreciate the strategy, scenery, and natural beauty of our Arnold Palmer Signature design.
After your round, warm up with a meal at The Grill at Salmon Creek, take in views of the surrounding landscape, or head into Edenton for an afternoon of history, shopping, and dining — all without peak-season crowds.
As we celebrate the holidays and look ahead to 2026, we’re excited for another year filled with new golf adventures, memorable rounds, and time well spent on the course. Winter is the perfect season to experience Occano at a slower pace — where coastal calm, great golf, and historic charm come together.
This holiday season, trade the crowds for calm and make Occano your winter golf getaway.
The DOD Invitational Part 2 did not disappoint. Twelve of YouTube’s top golf creators returned to our Arnold Palmer Signature course for a high-stakes, creator-driven showdown that blended elite shot-making, dramatic eliminations, and the kind of coastal views you only get here on the North Carolina coast.
From pressure-packed putts to creative recoveries, Part 2 shows exactly why Occano’s coastal layout is both demanding and rewarding. Sweeping Sound-side vistas, strategically placed hazards, and rolling fairways set the stage for tournament golf unlike anything else on the North Carolina coast. Viewers get a front-row seat to every pivotal shot, clutch decision, and dramatic elimination.
Hosted at Occano Golf, the DOD Invitational brought together some of the most-watched names in online golf for a multi-day, creator-driven showdown. A huge thank-you to @cvagolf and his team for choosing Occano as the host course and for being incredible partners throughout the entire production.
Part 2 Is Live — Watch the Action
Part 2 delivers fresh twists, rising rivalries, and the type of competitive fire that made Part 1 such a hit.
👉 Watch Part 2 on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3XzsGDq
Whether you're a fan of the creators, a golfer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves a beautifully shot round of coastal golf, this installment delivers.
Stay. Play. Experience Occano.
Watching the DOD Invitational from your screen is one thing — playing the same course the creators battled on is something else entirely.
Ready to make your own memories at Occano?
We can’t wait to welcome you back to the place where competitive golf and coastal escape meet.
Occano had the honor of hosting the first-ever DOD Invitational — a brand-new tournament concept bringing together 12 top YouTube golf personalities for a competitive, creator-focused showdown on our Arnold Palmer Signature course.
From the opening tee shots to the final putts of the episode, Part 1 showcases the energy, personality, and production quality that makes this event unlike anything else in the golf world. Set against the backdrop of Occano’s coastal beauty, the Invitational captures both the spirit of competition and the fun, engaging style that these creators bring to the game.
A huge thank-you to Cvagolf and his entire team for selecting Occano as the host location and for being phenomenal partners throughout the planning and filming of this event. Their vision — paired with Occano’s scenery and challenge — created something truly special.
Part 1 Is Live — Watch It Now
The story begins here.
👉 Watch Part 1 on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4oURh1i
Dive into the competition, meet the players, and experience the start of what’s becoming one of creator golf’s most exciting new traditions.
Explore Occano
Inspired by what you see on the course? Experience it in person.
Come discover why Occano is quickly becoming a destination for golfers, creators, and coastal adventurers alike.
Searching for the perfect holiday gift? This year, skip the stress and give something everyone actually wants — a chance to relax, reconnect, and play unforgettable golf on North Carolina’s coast.
Whether you’re gifting an experience, a getaway, or a little Occano style, we’ve got something for every golfer (and every budget).
Treat Them to a Coastal Golf Retreat
There’s nothing quite like waking up steps from the fairways. Our Stay & Play accommodations make it easy to plan the ultimate golf escape — for your partner, family member, or even a friend group looking for a winter getaway.
With spacious villas, stunning sunsets over the Albemarle Sound, and one of North Carolina’s most scenic courses at your doorstep, an Occano retreat is the kind of gift they’ll be talking about all year.
A Round of Golf: Simple, Timeless, Always a Hit
A round at Occano isn’t just golf — it’s an experience. Rolling greens, sweeping waterfront views, and a peaceful escape from the holiday chaos.
Give the gift of time outdoors, a challenge on the course, and memories that last well beyond the season.
Wrap Up the Spirit of Occano
From performance polos to hats, towels, and accessories, Occano merch makes the ideal stocking stuffer. Whether they want to rep the DOD Invitational host course or show off their coastal golf style, our shop has options for every fan of the game.
Gift Cards: Let Them Choose Their Golf Adventure
Not sure what they want? Keep it simple with an Occano Gift Card.
Gift cards can be used for:
It’s flexible, thoughtful, and perfect for the golfer who has opinions about their gear.
Make Holiday Shopping Easy This Year
No lines. No guessing. Just the gift of pure coastal golf joy.
Visit Occano to book a Stay & Play, purchase a gift card, or shop Occano-branded merchandise — and give a gift they’ll remember every time they tee it up.
Give the gift of golf this holiday season: https://www.occano.com/golf/
Occano is proud to share the launch of our new and improved website, created in partnership with Real Living Productions — a leading creative agency specializing in resort and lifestyle communities. This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for Occano as we refine how we share what makes our community so special: our connection to the water, our Arnold Palmer Signature golf course, and our serene coastal lifestyle.
Our refreshed brand captures the true essence of life at Occano — Removed from the Noise, Connected to the Sound. It’s a reminder that life here moves at its own pace, guided by the natural rhythm of the Inner Banks. From the moment you roll down your windows and breathe in the coastal air, the stress of the everyday begins to fade. Here, you can leave your worries in the rearview and reconnect with what truly matters.
The redesigned website now offers a seamless and visually rich experience for those discovering Occano for the first time, as well as for our current residents and members. Visitors can explore our community, learn more about our amenities, and even book Discovery Visits directly with our community real estate agent, Gayle King.
Through improved navigation, inspiring imagery, and authentic storytelling, the website reflects who we are — a welcoming coastal community that invites you to slow down, stay a while, and rediscover joy in the simple moments.
Occano is located in the heart of North Carolina’s Inner Banks — a stretch of coastal countryside encompassing more than a dozen counties, including Bertie, Beaufort, and Chowan. The Inner Banks are known for their peaceful waterways, natural beauty, and inviting small towns. It’s a place where life moves gently, neighbors know each other by name, and authenticity thrives.
Less famous than its “Outer” cousin, the Inner Banks remain one of North Carolina’s best-kept secrets — a region defined not by crowds and noise, but by connection, tranquility, and a sense of home.
We invite you to explore our new website and experience the renewed vision of Occano — a place where serene coastal living meets genuine Southern hospitality. Whether you’re looking for a golf getaway, a second home, or a community that truly feels like home, you’ll find it here on the shores of the Albemarle Sound.
👉 Visit Occano.com to explore the new site and schedule your Discovery Visit today.
If you’re planning a golf getaway to North Carolina’s Outer Banks, there’s one stop you won’t want to miss: Occano. Tucked along the scenic shores of the Albemarle Sound in Merry Hill, NC—just over an hour from Nags Head—Occano is the perfect destination to kick off or wind down your coastal golf trip.
Before you cross the bridges to the Outer Banks, take a short detour inland and discover one of North Carolina’s most beautiful and underrated golf experiences. The Arnold Palmer Signature Course at Occano offers sweeping water views, wide fairways, and strategic design that challenge and reward players of every skill level.
It’s the kind of course that reminds you why you love the game—where natural beauty, playability, and quiet coastal charm come together.
Location: Conveniently situated en route to the Outer Banks—ideal for a first or final round on your trip.
Playability: The course layout combines forgiving fairways with thoughtful green complexes, making it both approachable and memorable.
Scenery: Stunning holes along the Albemarle Sound showcase coastal Carolina golf at its finest.
While you’re here, take time to enjoy the peaceful setting, beautiful water views, and relaxed pace that make this part of North Carolina so special.
So next time you’re mapping out your Outer Banks golf itinerary, make sure Occano is on your list. Whether it’s your warm-up round before hitting the coast or the perfect finale to your trip, it’s an unforgettable part of any North Carolina golf adventure.
Plan your round today → Call 252-482-5300 to book your round or visit https://www.occano.com/golf/
Recently, our friends at Palmetto & Pine captured Occano's spirit beautifully in their video “Playing the Best NC Golf Course You’ve Never Heard of | Exploring the Carolinas Ep. 6.”
Playing the Best NC Golf Course You've Never Heard of | Exploring the Carolinas Ep. 6
Occano is that “best-you’ve-never-heard-of” kind of course. And thanks to Palmetto & Pine’s excellent feature, you now get a front-row seat into what makes us special. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path in North Carolina golf, make your way to Merry Hill and see Occano for yourself! Book your round today at https://www.occano.com/golf/ or by calling our Pro Shop at 252-482-5300.
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