There aren’t that many of them, so when they hit the market, potential buyers often jump at the chance to buy a property that has all the amenities of river life — though located in the heart of town.

Such is the case with a home tucked away on Tarheel Drive, just west of Washington’s historic district. With wide heart of pine floors and a porch that wraps around three sides, this house seamlessly melds river cottage and luxury home.

On the first floor is a master bedroom followed by an open kitchen and breakfast area. Tucked into a corner of the porch is a small, screened-in porch opening off a living room and formal dining combination.

Upstairs are two bedrooms and another that owners Lori and Allen Feezor had renovated into a den boasting a stone fireplace in one corner, desks in the opposing corners and walls lined with custom-built bookshelves. Remnants of its prior status of a bedroom remain in the bathroom off the den — a large Jacuzzi tub surrounded tile reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside.

While each room is spacious, it’s actually what’s not in the rooms that makes an impression.

“That’s what’s really cool to me — you’ve got these great, big picture windows in every room, even upstairs,” said Nan McLendon, a realtor with The Rich Company.

Looking out over the Tar River, the house offers a view of the river and its opposite bank of trees, giving the illusion that one is surrounded by woods and water. It’s been a big draw for past owners, according to McLendon.

“I think it’s the water. It’s the feeling of being right on the calm part of the water,” McLendon said. “You’re not looking across (the river) at any houses or buildings.”

The small screened-in porch isn’t the only place to take advantage of that, either.

Below is another living area, one that embraces being part of the outdoors. Divided by a central staircase and door, the concrete pad beneath the house has a carport on one side — with a small greenhouse. On the other, however, is a model of outdoor living. Patio furniture grouped around a stone fireplace is framed on one side by an open view of the river and short dock; on the other, by an outdoor kitchen built into a long, stone counter. It’s a place that can be enjoyed year round, as hinged plexiglass windows can be closed to keep the elements out on the front and sides of the house, and along the river side, clear vinyl windows that attach to the foundation pilings can be put up to block the weather, and at the same time, keep the river view.

“So when it gets real cold, they can put those up and start a fire in the fireplace,” McLendon said.

In all, the house on Tarheel Drive is a river lover’s dream — built as an invitation to relax and watch the water drift by.

For more information about the Tarheel Drive, call Nan McLendon at The Rich Company, 252-945-2324.