The Whale (Figure Eight Island)

The Whale
General information
Status	private residence
Type	beach house
Location	102 Beach Road South Wilmington, North Carolina
Completed	2019
Design and construction
Architect(s)	John Stirewalt

The Whale is a mansion on Figure Eight Island, near Wilmington, North Carolina. In 2024, the home sold for $13.9 million, making it the most expensive residential real estate transaction in North Carolina.

History

The Whale was designed by John Stirewalt and built by J. Long Custom Homes in 2019. ^[1] It was the last house to be designed by Stirewalt before his death. ^{[2] [3]} The house is a 6,700-square-foot oceanfront home with five bedrooms and eight bathrooms. ^[2] The exterior of the house was made of white cedar imported from Canada. ^[2] It is located on Beach South Road. ^[4]

In 2024, The Whale sold by Chris and Crystal Dunbar for $13.9 million, making it the most expensive residential real estate transaction in North Carolina's history. ^{[5] [3]}

References

1. Lipe, Madison (July 9, 2024). "This home on Figure Eight Island is the most expensive one ever sold in North Carolina". Star-News . Wilmington, North Carolina . Retrieved July 22, 2025.
2. Bergin, Mark (July 10, 2024). "Historic sale in NC: Here's what $13.9 million gets you on Figure Eight Island". WRAL-TV . Raleigh, North Carolina . Retrieved July 22, 2025.
3. "The most expensive home in NC history just sold. Here's the price tag". WFMY-TV . Greensboro, North Carolina. July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
4. Rafferty, Chloe (July 9, 2024). "Most expensive home sale in NC history sets new record at $13.9 million". CBS 17 . Raleigh, North Carolina . Retrieved July 22, 2025.
5. "Figure Eight Island Home Becomes Most Expensive Property to sell in North Carolina History". Just for Buyers Realty. August 14, 2024. Retrieved July 22, 2025.

34°15′25″N77°45′20″W / 34.25692°N 77.75550°W / 34.25692; -77.75550