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.
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.
