Mid-1800 architecture beach homes brimming with character and charm.
Nags Head Beach Cottages Historic District (AKA Nags Head Historic Cottage Row), has been on the National Register of Historic Places for almost 40 years, and features some of the most unique homes along the Outer Banks. Ranging in age from 100 – 125 years old, these houses have withstood a century of coastal elements.
Named The Unpainted Aristocracy in the 1920s by Jonathan Daniels, the editor of The Raleigh News and Observer, to describe the houses of Nags Head, these cottages are noble structures found among the windswept dunes.
Easily distinguishable along the shoreline, these unpainted homes have expansive, wrap-around decks, shiplap or wooden interiors, and a style that allows them to blend in—not detract—from their surroundings. Their subdued, coastal colors and sloping rooftops mimic the dunes, allowing the natural beach setting to remain the focal point.
First developed on the soundside of the Outer Banks, this building style was effective at weathering salt air and coastal storms. Function outweighed any frills when these originally popped up around 1830. By the 1850’s, there was a busy soundside vacationing community along the OBX. It wasn’t until 1855 that this style of home moved to the oceanfront and settled into the dunes – creating the thriving oceanside community we’ve come to know today.
The original historic homes line Nags Head’s oceanfront, while newer homes that pay homage to the building style are found around the Outer Banks, mimicking the iconic exteriors while hosting modern interiors.
Plan Your Visit to Historic Cottage Row
When looking for a memorable home for your family during your trip to the Outer Banks, The Historic Homes in Nags Head offer the perfect spot for families of all sizes. Here at Coastal Carolina Vacations, we are honored to manage several historic homes and with their stunning ocean views, historic charm and amenities to offer, they are great options to house your next vacation.
NH222: Island Dancer Pet Friendly - Dogs allowed! Oceanfront - Private Walkway to the Beach Close to Dining and Shopping
NH311: Nags Head 311 Two Separate houses that can be rented together or separate Pet Friendly- Dogs allowed! Oceanfront - Private and easy beach access
NH315: Serenity by the Sea Oceanfront - Beach is in your backyard! Member of The 100 Collection™ Complimentary Beach Cabana Service (Memorial Day - Labor Day)
NH324: Fred Wood Cottage c. 1930 Oceanfront - Unobstructed Ocean Views! Friday Check-in - Avoid Weekend Traffic
NH325: Frank Wood Cottage c. 1923 Oceanfront - Spacious Wrap-Around Decks Member of The 100 Collection™
