An oceanfront home on Figure Eight Island sold this week for a record-breaking $13 million.

Ransom and Courtney Langford of Connecticut purchased the nearly 5,000-square-foot home at 10 Inlet Hook Road on the private, New Hanover County island from John and Rebekah McConnell of Raleigh, according to the deed recorded Wednesday.

It's the highest sum paid for a house in recorded history in New Hanover County, according to real estate agents. The previous record was set earlier this year with the sale of a $10.7 million house on Bald Eagle Lane.

John McConnell, of championship golf course owner McConnell Golf, purchased the lot for the custom home for $1.5 million in 2020, and the house was designed by architect David Lisle and built in 2022 by Whit Honeycutt of North State Custom Builders.

"The main living level is a showcase of floor-to-ceiling windows with an open gourmet kitchen, living room with fireplace and dining area that opens to yet another expansive deck," the home's marketing description states. "The gourmet kitchen features Dacor graphite appliances, quartz countertops, cabinet under lighting, double islands and plenty of space for entertaining. Also located on this level is a generous guest bedroom overlooking the pool and ocean with ensuite bath.

"The entire top floor hosts the primary suite with sweeping views, large bath with soaking tub and two walk-in closets."

The buyers were represented in the transaction by Buzzy Northen of Wilmington-based Intracoastal Realty Corp., while the sellers were represented by Jo El Skipper of Figure Eight Realty.

While the luxury market is hopping in the Wilmington area, agents said it's important to put the new figures, which include recent sales that broke previous records, in perspective.

On Figure Eight and in Wrightsville Beach, homes selling for over $10 million or about to sell for more than that "are all homes built in the last six years," explained Trey Wallace, president of Intracoastal Realty, in an email. "While we have certainly seen a run-up in prices over the past three years, these new price thresholds are being met in combination with some of the first newly built ultra-luxury homes turning for the first time."

Wallace pointed out that the home at 407 Bradley Creek Point selling for $5 million in November 2018 set a record.

"Only five years later, we are approaching new sales records of $13 million," he said. "It is certainly an incredible new price scale for our region. There will be more sales like this to be sure, but only the most ultra-luxurious and modern builds will be able to command these prices, in my opinion."