At The Society we are always getting requests concerning summer beach destinations. One of our favorites is the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a chain of barrier islands midway on the Atlantic Seaboard, 90 miles south of Norfolk, Virginia and 321 miles north of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Surrounded by 900 square miles of water, the Outer Banks have the third largest estuary system in the world, wildlife refuges, maritime forests, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the highest sand dunes on the East Coast at Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

Yet beyond the statistics is the true beauty of the area. Beach homes perched on supports bored into the dunes providing endless views of the Atlantic Ocean. Quaint town centers with lanes filled with Ma and Pa retailers and restaurants. Many comment that the Outer Banks is the beach vacation of yesteryear when life was truly simpler. Just load up the kids in the Vista Cruiser and head east.

Ties have changed as the former beach shacks are now mini-estates. Cross-ventilation is now added by central air-conditioning. A good paperback book for the beach has been replaced by The Kindle and The Ipod. Yet, the laid-back atmosphere of the Outer Banks remains. Multi-generations of family playing on the beach building sand-castles by day and enjoy the fresh catch at night. The long lazy days of summer give way to late dusk when the grills are fired up as the sun sets behind the dunes. This is the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

May we suggest:

O’cean Easy: A 6 bedroom, 5.5 bathroom Pine Island estate which sleeps 22 and has a private lighted walkway to the beach and views to match having been built on one of the highest dunes.

Celestial Seasuns: A 6 bedroom, 6 bathroom oceanfront home which sleeps 16 and if the beach is not inviting enough, guests can enjoy the 40 x 15 Gunite Private Pool with 10 Person Attached In-Ground Hot Tub

Chateau E’lan: A 10 bedroom, 9.5 bathroom oceanfront estate designed in the style of the opulent villas of the Cote d’ Azur sleeping 22 in the pinnacle of luxury with all the amenities of Pine Island.

Grande Ritz Palm: For those in search of privacy and exclusivity coupled with 8 master suites and 10 bathrooms, this is the estate of choice. Situated on Currituck Sound (The Gardiner’s Bay of the Outer Banks), this 10,000 sq. ft. estate was inspired by Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach. Just a 4 minute walk to the beach and within Duck Village.

Sea Fore Ever: An oceanfront estate with over 7,100 sq. ft. of living space with 8 bedrooms, 9.5 bathrooms and sleeps 19. The private pool with swim up Tiki bar featuring three in-pool stools is a favorite feature.

The Black Pearl: Oceanfront tranquility on a smaller scale with 5 bedrooms (sleeps 14), 4.5 bathrooms with private pool, outdoor shower and adjacent to protected open space. For the beach vacation purists desiring simplicity and intimacy.

Paradise V and Paradise VII: Located on Millionaire’s Row in Kill Devil Hills, each estate provide guests with 10 bedrooms, 10.5 bathrooms and sleeps 27. In addition to the interior elevator, outdoors, guest love the sculpted fiber optic lighted 19×34 heated pool with poolside and dune top music, lush tropical landscaping, and built in hot tub with stone surround.