Small Spaces
Big Ideas
Inspired ideas for small areas
Traveling with the
Team
Tailgating OBX Style
tailgating recipes âœˇ campers catch a wave âœˇ theatre of dare
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what’s inside CONTENTS
enjoying the coastal lifestyle
feature 4
HOME MY OUTER BANKS
PUBLISHER Mary Ann Williams, Gene Williams
Traveling with the Team There are not many reasons to leave the Outer Banks during our glorious fall season. But here’s one.
EDITOR Susan Selig Classen ART DIRECTOR Sue Colao GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lanie Whitaker
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SALES ASSOCIATES Ann Kaplan, Marie Walker CONTRIBUTORS Kimberly Armstrong, Paul Bowen, Susan Selig Classen, Meaghan Beasley, Rosie Hawthorne,Catherine Kozak, Abby Stewart, Michelle Wagner PHOTOGRAPHY Busy B Photography, Jean Brackins, Cavalier Motel, Susan Selig Classen, Cozy Kitchens, Dan Hardy, Rosie Hawthorne, Stacey Hinkle, Dave Knachel, Rob Ladd, Milepost Portraits, obxsurfinfo.com, shutterstock.com, Bryan Sullivan, suziandpam.com, Michele Thibodeau, Marie Walker, Gene Williams, Lanie Whitaker, Laura Wolff, Philip Whitfield
4
DISTRIBUTION Jason Adams
8 food 8
It’s Game On. It’s Grill On!
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myouterbankshome.com | Fall 2015
What football fans from the Outer Banks will be serving at their tailgate parties this season
entertainment 41
Live! From Manteo
Theatre of Dare: Celebrating 25 years of live, community theatre
PUBLISHED BY Three Dog Ink Media, LLC 111 East Baltic Street • Nags Head, NC 27959 252.261.6490 • 252.261.5476 Fax E-MAIL info@threedogink.com OUR WEBSITE
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Three Dog Ink welcomes comments and suggestions about errors that warrant correction. E-mail your corrections to editor@ threedogink.com. Three Dog Ink, LLC cannot and does not guarantee the correctness of all information furnished them, nor the complete absence of errors or omissions, hence, no responsibility for the same can be nor is assumed. Three Dog Ink, LLC cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by the advertisers in this publication. Reproduction of any material from this publication is strictly forbidden without permission from the publisher.
what’s inside CONTENTS
home 12
Running Your Rental Like a Business … because a rental home will never make money like a business unless it’s run like a business
22
Downsizing With Charm Downsized: It’s the new Super-Size
28
18
Creative ways to revamp small spaces into something grand.
community 18
42
Small Spaces; Big Ideas
Wags & Whiskers
One event ... for all the animals we love in Dare County
Campers Catch a Wave For the love of surfing and kids
22 a look back 22
The Cavalier Motel
44
Home Ownership in the Good Ol’ Days
A classic motel court celebrates its 65th year of family vacations on the oceanfront.
Hardware stores, well pumps, and shotguns: maintaining an oceanfront home was different back then.
42 cover photo “Seas the Day” design story on page 38. (photo by Michele Thibodeau)
28 Fall 2015 | myouterbankshome.com
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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 30 percent of Outer Banks residents have baccalaureate (or higher) degrees which beats both the state and national averages by a few percentage points. But we’re a peripatetic bunch too. How else do you end up on this sandbar without being willing to travel? The combination makes for a group of avid alumni who will travel for their team. Read ahead for a glimpse at just a few of the best tailgate parties hosted by Outer Banks residents. Next, our companion article, “It’s Game On. It’s Grill On.” will whet your appetite with recipes to try on the road or right here at home.
WITH THE
STORY BY
Tailgating, OBX-Style
SUSAN SELIG CLASSEN
Susan Selig Classen
SUSAN SELIG CLASSEN
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myouterbankshome.com | Fall 2015
SUSAN SELIG CLASSEN
W
alking around a tailgate party is that chance to go back. The sheer fun of being on a campus without the workload of being a student. Somehow, that term paper you procrastinated many years ago was turned in on time and today, you don’t even remember how. There’s no thought about how many credit hours are necessary next semester in order to avoid summer school. No, many summers have come and gone since you last thought of credit hours. You can’t talk about fandom without talking favorites; after all, picking sides is why you’ve come back to campus in the first place. But college football will bring out strong allegiances and diehard memories of other favorites that you’ve forgotten were there.
Above: One of many lots devoted to NC State tailgating on game day; Far Left: Where there’s smoke, there must be a tailgate; Left: David Hines and Lori Brooks, Outer Banks residents and avid Wolfpack fans
FEATURE
tailgating There’s that favorite college road trip you took and never got caught (until the speeding ticket fines showed up); that favorite professor whose odd accent you still hear in your head from time to time (who knows why); or that favorite, ‘secret’ swimming hole that no one else knew about but mysteriously now, thirty years later, has a graveled path leading to it. (How did they find it?) Advice: Get your food outside before you go in the gates. Inside, the drinks will never be this cold. Inside, the dogs won’t have grill marks.
Today is the first home game, and it would be easy to describe the parking lots surrounding the NC State campus as a sea of Wolfpack red and black, but that would be cliché. It’s the brightness of it all that stands out: The slant of fall sunlight hitting hillsides, tubas, and beer bottles. Polished chrome glinting on motor homes, cars, and grills. Don’t forget the grills. We’re not talking a domed Weber here or a little hibachi there. We’re talking full-fledged setups that home makeover shows will tout as ‘your next outdoor kitchen.’ Quick, check out the size of that motor home and size up the horseshoe-shaped grill station and wonder to yourself, “How did they get that here?” and just keep on walking. I’m heading to the NC State tailgate gathering being hosted by Blair and Laura Meads, David Hines, and Lori Brooks. All are Kitty Hawk residents and avid Wolfpack fans. Frequently, they are joined by up to 25 or 30 beach residents. The Hines and the Meads hold lifetime seats at Carter-Finley stadium and will attend every home and away game for the 2014-15 season. “We try not miss too many games,” laughs Hines. Each May, these local alumni families host a golf tournament attracting 25 to 30 golf teams to the Outer Banks to raise funds for student athletes through the Wolfpack Club. Hines’ and Meads’ fundraising efforts in 2014 lead to an invitation on the field during halftime to accept the prestigious Abernathy Award. Hines says, “When you look at what a student athlete scholarship costs and you multiply that by all the sports, it means you really have to ramp up the [fundraising efforts], or you wouldn’t have any sports… or tailgating!”
Any leftover space in a tailgate lot will - with true Southern hospitality – get offered up for other drivers to use. Amazingly, even this passerby who is sporting colors from the opposing team is offered a chance to play corn hole or taste a snifter’s worth of bourbon (in a red Solo cup, of course). Perfectly grilled ribs appear out of nowhere. Answering the question, “Whose sauce is better?” is the only currency accepted for the sticky offer. It’s all served with some good-natured ribbing about what will happen after kickoff. With that kind of hospitality, there is no room for ugliness. No room for politics.
ROB LADD
■ NC STATE:
SUSAN SELIG CLASSEN
ROB LADD
Above Left: Rob Ladd of Kitty Hawk, ODU class of ’75; Top Right: ODU alumnus, Myra Ladd-Bone of Kitty Hawk, with ODU Women’s Basketball legend, Nancy Lieberman (right); Lower Right: Rob Ladd (left) with Chip and Lisa Iuliano
■ ODU I’m heading toward a blue and white haven of hospitality for diehard ODU fans nestled in the midst of N.C. State red at today’s game in Raleigh. Kitty Hawk resident, Rob Ladd (Class of 1975) has held basketball season tickets for over 30 years and season football tickets since that program began in 2009. He is grilling ribs for a mixed crowd and is not intimidated by being outnumbered by Wolfpack fans. “I think I have only missed one or two home, football games,” says Ladd, “and I can’t imagine going to one of the football games without tailgating,” he says. Ladd regularly tailgates with fellow alumnus, Chip Iuliano who owns a home in Kill Devil Hills. Typical fare includes ribs, beef tenderloin, clam chowder, shrimp or tuna bites. “Of course we’re there to support the team, but tailgating is just as big a part of it” says Ladd. “A lot of Tidewater people feel the same way. I’ve seen people come to the tailgate even when they can’t get into the game.”
■ ECU Known for bringing the coast with them wherever they go, ECU Pirate fans from the OBX are well represented at tailgate parties. Oysters. Scallops. It’s all about showing who can do it right. Mike and Willo Kelly bring a heavily loaded Kelly’s Restaurant catering truck to an ECU tailgate each fall that is full of staples like burgers, slaw, and chicken wings. “But,” adds Willo, “We complement it with steamed shrimp, sushi, and seared scallops.” And of course, it wouldn’t have the full Kelly’s flair without “seasonal desserts and Pirate Punch to wash it all down.” David and Meredith Joyner of Kill Devil Hills (both Class of 2001) faithfully attend each home game.
Fall 2015 | myouterbankshome.com
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FEATURE
tailgating
Meredith and David Joyner of Kill Devil Hills with Robert Jones (center). Meredith is wearing Jones’ Super Bowl ring.
DAN HARDY
They estimate that an hour before kickoff, more than 50 people may gather at their tailgate spot which has a perfect view as cheerleaders, players, and the marching band make their entrances. With such big crowds, the fare relies on convenient favorites: BBQ, fried chicken, and low country boils top the list. David says, “I attend most all home games and have since I was a young boy. My dad used to take me.” David’s Dad is from the class of 1966 and both of David’s sisters are Pirates, as well as both of Meredith’s parents. As a testament to their loyalty, the Joyner family will line up for their popular tailgate lot up to six hours before the game to secure their favorite spot.
By far the youngest local alumnus in our group is Nina Compton, Class of 2014. In fact, the ink is still drying on her change of address card in Virginia Tech’s alumni office after her winter move here to the Outer Banks with her partner, Lanie. With family season tickets for eight years and a mother and brother who are also alumni, the Hokie allegiance is strong in the Compton family. The coveted tailgate party spot is now at the stadium entrance. One favorite memory: a group of tuba players encircled the port-a-john occupied by her father and gave it a horn blast on cue. With a long list of drinking games (Shotgun 30, Stump, and Flip Cup were a few named), it’s easy to understand why Compton says, “It’s a lot harder to tailgate for a noon game. But if the game starts at 5 or 7, we’ll set up at noon and start tailgating.” Compton, a softball player, says, “As an athlete, we [were guaranteed] free tickets to football games; [non-athlete] students had to go through the lottery to get them.” The tail-
LAURA WOLFF
Dan Hardy and his wife, Pat Lamb Hardy have been season ticket holders at ECU for over 25 years. Dan says, “Without the tailgating experience, the game would not be what it is.” Above: Pat’s brother, a UNC grad, is tossing daughter Grace, sporting an ECU cheerleading outfit - proving that not all family members root for the same team; Below: When a team goes to a bowl game, Outer Banks residents go with them of course. At the 2010 Liberty Bowl in Memphis an estimated 30 or more Outer Banks residents attended.
■ Va Tech
DAN HARDY
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myouterbankshome.com | Fall 2015
(L-R) Nina Compton (Virginia Tech Class of ’14) and Lanie Whitaker, Outer Banks residents along with fellow Va Tech grads, Geoffrey Sullivan and Jasmine Harrell, a softball teammate of Comptons.
FEATURE
tailgating
gates organized by the softball team consistently draw 20 to 30 people and are known for having two, huge pots of jambalaya brewing. Compton describes the energy and hype as the players take the field as an experience that “gives you goosebumps every time - no matter how many times you’ve seen it.”
Susan Selig Classen is currently the editor of five publications for Three Dog Ink Media including My Outer Banks Home magazine.
BRYAN SULLIVAN
A tailgate is about the potential of what’s to come. And not just on the football field. It’s the chance to believe that all is possible as soon as exam week ends and Christmas break comes. It’s the last glimmer of school days for those of us who left school long ago – and it all comes without the pressure of a reunion ending in a ‘5’ or ‘0’. There’s one last image to capture on a perfect, fall day: a parting gesture made by ODU players as they exit the field. No matter their fatigue or injuries, all players from this traveling team walk over to their side of the stadium seating. They reach up and swipe their wrapped hands and fingertips with the comforting fingertips of fans and family members who have traveled so far from home to cheer them on. Not many of us will ever get the chance to turn around and come face to face with those who have cheered us on in life; but if we did, we may wish we could reach up and thank them. ³
The Hokie campus on game day.
PHILIP WHITFIELD
Above Left: Whitfield’s “War Wagon” poised and ready and displaying Outer Banks pride; Above Right: Wendy Sullivan (right) and her daughter, Anderson, a junior at UNC; Right: UNC fans and Outer Banks residents: (L-R) Jill Bennett, Philip Whitfield, Kathy Burrus, Jay Burrus, Karen Sykes, Rick Gray, Pam Gray.
PHILIP WHITFIELD
The Sullivan family of Kitty Hawk shows just how thickly the loyalty for an alma mater can run in a family’s veins. Wendy and Bryan are both alumni as is their son, Taylor. Their daughter, Anderson, is now in her junior year at Chapel Hill. Wendy says, “The games are a great chance to go see your kids as well as go back to campus.” For the past 15 years, a picturesque lawn in front of the white brick Chi Phi fraternity house has been their tailgate spot of choice. A coveted allotment of 12 season tickets is shared with three alumni families. Wendy laughs, “A lot of the Outer Banks goes with us to every game. For afternoon tailgates we always take Kelly’s [Restaurant] ham and sweet potato biscuits. If it’s an earlier game, we serve breakfast foods, so we pick up Duck Donuts before we leave town.” No conversation about diehard Tarheel tailgaters would be complete without mentioning Philip Whitfield of Southern Shores. Others have nicknamed him the “mayor of the Skipper Bowles Parking Lot,” based on his devotion to hosting UNC tailgates in that lot. His permanently outfitted tailgate vehicle is referred to as the “war wagon” and remains at the ready in Chapel Hill for every game. “The war wagon was born at the beach but resides at a hotel in Chapel Hill,” says Philip. It has not returned to the beach in four years. “It’s completely stocked with a grill, tables, chairs, flags and flag poles … and, of course a propane heater for those late-season games. We make a full weekend of it no matter what the kickoff time is. We leave on a Friday and come back on a Sunday.” He has been a UNC season ticket holder since 2008, and explains, “I’m a very dedicated fan because I admire what they do in the classroom, on the field, and on the court.” As a testament to his diehard fan status, he shows a picture of his lone war wagon parked in early morning sunlight. “Often, I’m the one holding a spot for Chapel Hill fans even though I’m coming all the way from the beach.” He goes on to describe attending another game in South Bend, Indiana where “even though we were coming all the way from N.C., we were still the third car in the [tailgating] lot at 7:30 a.m.”
DAVE KNACHEL
■ UNC
Fall 2015 | myouterbankshome.com
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IT’S GAME ON. I IT’S GRILL ON. A-Tailgating We Will Go!
STORY, RECIPES & PHOTOS BY
Rosie Hawthorne
received the instructions from my editor: “Your mission for writing a food article for the fall issue, Rosie, should you choose to accept it, is tailgating.” I didn’t want the secretary to disavow any knowledge of my actions, so my brain sparked into gear and I went out for a test drive. Bottom line: One cannot serve food while riding on someone’s tail on the bypass in Kill Devil Hills at 3 o’clock on a Saturday afternoon. I complained to my editor about this. She informed me I was doing the wrong kind of “tailgating” and to cease and desist. After “researching” tailgating, i.e. Googling it, I learned that tailgating is a decidedly American institution, involving family SUVs, trucks and tailgates, coolers and alcoholic beverages, grilling, and lots of good food, along with bucketfuls of community spirit. It’s a huge block party in a stadium parking lot with friends, neighbors, and no strangers. It’s an urban picnic on steroids. It is a lifestyle. Tailgating is all about the fun and frivolity, the friends, the food, the atmosphere. Welcome to the tailgating neighborhood. Well, I got a truck; I got a grill. Let’s fire it up and get started. It’s Mission Possible! A game plan is key. And Rosie always has a game plan. Pizza is an American favorite, so I’ll be making miniature, personal pizzas three ways – Italian, Hawaiian, and Greek, with apologies to those cultures. The dough and toppings for these pizzas can be prepped ahead so that assembly and grilling are all that’s necessary in the tailgate lot.
PIZZA DOUGH I prefer making my own pizza dough, but you can purchase fresh, already-made pizza dough and portion it out; or you could buy naan, a leavened flat bread, both available in more up-scale supermarkets. Portion out the dough into two dozen balls and spread out to form a dimpled dough about 4-5 inches in diameter. Let rise. Brush one side of your pizza dough with oil and place oiled side down on hot grill. After a minute or two, peak underneath to see if you have grill marks. If so, turn the dough 90°, and cook another minute, so you get the nice hash marks. Transfer dough to work surface, grilled side up. Arrange all prepared toppings on pizzas. Toppings needing attention before you start grilling are the mushrooms, spinach, sausage, roasted garlic, and pepperoni.
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myouterbankshome.com | Fall 2015
RECIPES
tailgaiting hits ITALIAN PIZZA 8 pizza doughs, grilled on one side Pizza sauce (I like to make my own; but to simplify things for a tailgate, you could use your favorite store-bought sauce) ½ pound sausage, cooked and crumbled 2 oz. thinly sliced pepperoni 4 oz. mushroom slices 1 TB butter 3 oz. black olives, sliced 1 small onion, chopped ½ cup chopped bell peppers, assorted colors grated cheddar cheese grated mozzarella cheese STEP 1. In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat, add the mushrooms, and sauté until lightly browned. STEP 2. Rosie’s pepperoni pizza tip: Whenever you’re putting pepperoni on a pizza, first place the pepperoni slices on a paper towel and nuke for 20-30 seconds. Most of the grease cooks out and is absorbed by the towels, not by the pizza. STEP 3. Give each pizza, grilled side up, a light schmear of the sauce. Divide the sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onion, and peppers among the pizzas. Top with grated cheeses.
HAWAIIAN PIZZA 8 pizza doughs pizza sauce 8 slices grilled Canadian bacon 8 round slices of red bell pepper 8 slices of pineapple 8 Maraschino cherries (and then some for topping) mozzarella cheese, deli style fresh basil STEP 1. Give each pizza dough a bit of sauce. Place a slice of Canadian bacon and a slice of pineapple on top with a cherry in the pineapple hole. Top with mozzarella cheese. STEP 2. After cooking, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over top.
GRILLING TIP: To grill pizzas, place pizzas over direct heat for a minute. Transfer pizzas to indirect heat. Close lid and cook until heated through and cheese is melted – about 8-10 minutes.
GREEK PIZZA 8 pizza doughs 12 garlic cloves, roasted 4 TB olive oil 8 oz. fresh spinach 1 TB butter pepperoncini, chopped roasted red pepper, chopped assortment of olives, sliced sprinkling of diced red onions grape tomatoes, sliced fresh basil, chopped feta cheese drizzling of extra virgin olive oil STEP 1. Drizzle some olive oil over the unpeeled garlic cloves and roast in oven at 325° until the cloves are soft – about 45-50 minutes. Cool cloves, then squeeze the sweet garlic paste out of the skins and into a small processor. Add 4 TB olive oil and process. STEP 2. Sauté the stemmed spinach in a tablespoon of butter until wilted. Chop the spinach and squeeze the moisture out. STEP 3. Brush the pizza rounds, tops and bottoms, with the roasted garlic olive oil. STEP 4. Top grilled side with a layer of spinach, chopped pepperoncini, roasted red pepper, olives, red onions, grape tomatoes, and feta. Before grilling, drizzle olive oil over top.
I can’t think of any better way to celebrate and showcase the bounty of northeastern North Carolina seafood than by bringing our treasure to the stadium and sharing it with those who don’t have access to what we’re able to enjoy on the Outer Banks on a daily basis. I’m choosing another favorite – the taco – and stuffing it with local, grilled mahi mahi. Again, make the sauces, aioli, and salsa ahead of time so all that’s left on game day is the grilling.
TAILGATE TACOS Serves at least 12 12 6-inch flour and/or corn tortillas 1½ lbs. mahi mahi; about an inch thick, skinned, boned, and blood line cut out
Grilling Sauce:
1 clove garlic, minced ½ tsp kosher salt 2 TB chopped mint 1 tsp chili powder 3 TB olive oil zest of 1 lime 1 TB honey
STEP 1. Combine garlic and salt in mortar and pestle away to make a paste. Whisk in the rest. STEP 2. Brush tortillas with oil, place on grill for about 10 seconds to make grill marks, turn 90°, and make hash marks. Brush top side with oil, turn over, and repeat. Keep warm in foil. STEP 3. Grill Flipper. OK, it’s dolphin fish. Dip fish in grilling sauce and grill about 4 minutes each side. I always use the grilling baskets to hold the fish. STEP 4. Serve with the following sauces and your favorite cole slaw.
Fall 2015 | myouterbankshome.com
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RECIPES
tailgaiting hits LEMON SRIRACHA AIOLI
Fall on the Outer Banks is my favorite time of year. My beloved oysters are being harvested and I am one happy camper. The Hawthornes eat their oysters raw. We eat them steamed. We eat them fried. We eat them grilled. We eat them broiled. We eat them baked. We eat them stewed, souped, and chowdered. We eat them with all sorts of toppings. Years ago, at Taste of the Beach, the Outer Banks’ annual seafood and restaurant celebration, I discovered my favorite preparation of grilled oysters - the Lucky Twelve Tavern Grilled Oysters. Mark Ballog graciously shared his recipe with those of us at the event and I have portioned it down for this serving.
Juice of 2 lemons 4 TB sriracha sauce 2 TB sugar 1 cup mayonnaise Mix well. Store in plastic, squirt bottles.
AVOCADO SAUCE 1 avocado juice of 1 lime ½ cup sour cream pinch kosher salt 3 TB milk (Enough to thin out the sauce so it’s squirtable)
LUCKY 12 OYSTERS 2 dozen oysters, shucked, saving as much liquor in the shell as you can 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
Mix well in processor. Store in squirt bottles.
Topping (combine the following):
MANGO HABANERO SALSA 6 oz. peppers (I used 1 red bell pepper, 2 Cubanelle peppers, and 3 habaneros.) 6 oz. fresh pineapple 1 mango ½ cup fresh orange juice ¼ tsp kosher salt
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese 2 TB sugar 2 TB paprika
STEP 1. Place oysters on grill. Pour melted butter on each oyster. Top with a spoonful of Parmesan mixture, which can be prepared ahead of time. When oyster liquor bubbles and cheese is melted, the oysters are ready.
Blacken the skin of the peppers then immediately plunge into ice water. Rub off the blackened skin. Combine roasted peppers with rest of ingredients in a processor and pulse until you get the consistency you want.
It’s game on and grill on. Mission accomplished! ³ Rosie Hawthorne is a blogger, gardener, wanderluster, and mother of three. She learned to cook by watching Julia Child every Saturday afternoon on her 11-inch black and white TV with legal pad and pen in hand. For the Hawthornes, every meal is a celebration of life.
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Running Your
Rental Like a
!
Business STORY BY
Meaghan Beasely
IN ADDITION TO YOUR OWN RESIDENCE, HOW DO YOU BUDGET FOR A RENTAL PROPERTY AS WELL?
Determine Your cash flow: 1
Establish Your Monthly Fixed Costs
• Mortgage Payment • State/County Property Tax (divided over 12 months) • Property Insurance (divided over 12 months)
2
Determine a Maintenance Factor
• Using Fixed Costs as a base, estimate an additional: - 5% on home 0-10 years old - 10-15% on home 10-20 years old - 15% on home 20+ years old
3
Decide your Rent
• Research the market by looking at comparable properties and rental rates • Determine what the market will bear
4
Cash Flow
12
• Rent – Total Fixed Costs (Monthly + Maintenance Factor) = Cash Flow
myouterbankshome.com | Fall 2015
How many times have you stopped to consider an enticing commercial promising positive cash flow on a rental property? It sounds like easy money up for grabs. But before you jump into the role of landlord, take a moment to consider the time and effort that goes into property management.
Some owners choose to manage a rental by themselves; others will hire a company to help out. No matter the approach, a rental will not bring income unless it is run like a business. We spoke with local realtor Sara Kristof about the ups and downs of owning rental property. Both a vacation property manager and the owner of a long-term rental property, Kristof speaks highly of the potential rewards. “With a weekly rental you can defray the cost of owning a vacation home at the beach as well as take in summer income. And with both a weekly and a long-term rental, you have a second home that could be looked at as a potential retirement home or a source of passive income once the mortgage is paid off.” All homeowners know maintaining a home of one’s own takes work - and money. There are fixed costs, such as a mortgage payments and insurance, as well as the larger expenses that come with home maintenance: the replacement of appliances, HVAC systems, and a roof can all be cumbersome.
FINDING THE SWEET (MONEY) SPOT Start by determining your cash flow. “What you paid for your property and the terms of your loan will determine your monthly mortgage payment,” says Kristof. “The market sets the bar for how much rental income you can collect. In there, you’ve got to look at what you owe each month and then factor maintenance into your long-term expenses.”
ARTICLE CONTINUES ON PAGE 14
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(252) 261-2008 www.RAHoy.com Fall 2015 | myouterbankshome.com
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MONEY MATTERS
rental business
“You need to price your home properly to make more money,” advises Kristof. “Say on a long-term rental, the market would bear $1200-1500 per month on a two-bedroom, two bath space. If you price at the high end, you may wait up to eight months to find someone willing to pay that much, and you’ve lost all that potential income. Whereas, if you priced around $1300, you would rent it sooner. It’s the same thing with vacation rentals: when you miss an opportunity in the rental world, there’s no making up lost time. You need to be smart about your pricing.” In addition to working the cost of your maintenance into the rental price, Kristof says to take it one step further. “Have a contingency fund. There are crazy things that happen out there and you have to budget to cover those expenses. You could have a possum crawl under your house and get into the HVAC line,” an unexpected and pricey task to fix. “Owning a rental property requires you to have a mindset to confront those issues when they come up – and you need to budget for them, as well.”
MAKING YOUR HOME THEIR HOME Owning a rental property, be it a long-term rental or a vacation home, means a plan for keeping your home in its best condition. Devising a maintenance schedule will help keep you ahead of most problems before they have a chance to worsen into more expensive repairs. “There’s a lot of responsibility,” Kristof reminds us. “Upkeep of the property falls on the homeowner. There are issues that need attention annually as well as those that will have to be addressed five, ten, and twenty years down the road.” When determining your maintenance needs, Kristof says to factor in the age of your property, its condition, as well as occupancy. She also points out the increased risk of accidental damage where children are concerned. “There’s the spilling of juice on carpets, pulling strings on blinds, poking holes in screens,” all of which need to be inspected regularly. “When you open your home to the public, you have to expect damage will occur and you have to think about how you will handle that, be it with the security deposit, a damage waiver or if you offer rental insurance. “You’re going to receive a lot more wear and tear if you have a family of four with a dog and a cat than if you’re renting to one single person,” she adds. Owning a pet-friendly rental means more frequent carpet cleaning or adding a seasonal flea spraying. There could also be pet damage from scratches on doors and walls, windowsills and screens. “There’s potential for more wear and tear, but there’s potential for more income as well, no matter whether you’re renting long- or shortterm. Making a rental pet-friendly can extend your weekly rentals into the shoulder season. Vacationers in the spring and fall tend to travel with their pets,” Kristof says. She also points out that in North Carolina, no renter with a service animal can be turned away as their animals are not considered pets.
PET-FRIENDLY MAINTENANCE Here an example of a stepped-up cleaning and maintenance plan to cover added wear and tear from pets:
Carpet Cleaning Extermination Damage Inspection
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Short-Term
1-2 times/month 1-2 times/month Weekly
myouterbankshome.com | Fall 2015
Long-Term 1-2 times/year As needed or annual Annual
“It’s in the best interest of the homeowner to have a well-maintained home,” says Kristof, particularly when it comes to vacation rentals. “Someone’s not going to come back to a house that doesn’t look like the homeowner has invested any money or time into it. You’ve got to stay ahead of the game in order to lead the pack, you need to be a show-stopper.” Speaking about both short and long term properties: “The goal is to have renters who think of your home as their home; then those renters tend to treat the property with a little more respect, which leads to less wear and tear overall.” And don’t forget the air filters. “Regular filter changes are very helpful. When you own a [long-term] rental property, you don’t leave it up to the renters to purchase air filters – leave them in a stack on the property and ask your renters to change them; drop filters off every couple of months; or go in yourself and replace them.”
WHERE DOES THE TIME GO? When speaking of running her own long-term rental, Kristof wishes someone had warned her at the start, “about the time commitment. I really thought I’d buy it and it would just run itself.” Not so. “Weekly rentals are extremely intensive. A lot of work goes into them all the time; they can be a full-time job. They really become an around-the-clock responsibility.” Kristof advises homeowners to consider signing up with a property management company for short-term rentals. “I think it would be very difficult to manage a vacation rental on your own. You need to be available day and night. And unless you’re willing to get on your hands and knees and service your pool twice a week, you need to have a Rolodex of vendors you can call for HVAC, carpets, plumbing, electricity, etc.” Add the weekly housecleaning chores that must be accomplished in the few hours’ time between each set of renters, and it’s easy to see how the hours add up to that of a part-time job. However, a long-term rental can also become a part-time job. “You collect the rent, take care of maintenance issues and upkeep,” Kristof says, but she acknowledges that some of the responsibility for home maintenance can fall onto the renter. “In the Outer Banks area, landlords must maintain the water line to the house and the bill. But leases can be written up in all different ways; I have written into my lease that my renters are required to maintain the carpets and the landscaping; that’s pretty typical down here.” As a landlord, Kristof warns to be ready any time your renter needs assistance. “Are you willing to pick up the phone at 11 at night and have your renter tell you the A/C isn’t working or the fridge isn’t cooling? You have to be ready to start emergency service. And when dealing with a vacation rental, that availability is a 24-hour-a-day job.”
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MONEY MATTERS
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
rental business
“The Outer Banks is a really great market for rental properties,” says Kristof. Prospective landlords, take note: Kristof points out an area of untapped possibility in the local market. “Since the island is so transient, there is a lot of potential for long-term rentals down here,” Kristof
says. “There is an extreme shortage of long-term summer rentals because a lot of owners would rather rent weekly for more income. It creates a problem for local businesses trying to find housing for summer employees.” For those looking to get into the long-term rental game, there is endless potential. Whether you’re just thinking about entering the property management game or you’ve been at it for years, it always helps to think about the long-term. “Each year, people come to expect a little more,” says Kristof. “Just like owning any home, you’re always going to have put money into it. And there’s routine maintenance to help things along.” If you take the time to research the market, set aside the necessary resources, and plan accordingly, owning a renting property could be just the investment you are looking for. ³ Sara Kristof has worked in property management for eight years while maintaining a long-term rental for nine. She is a licensed realtor in Corolla, NC.
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Meaghan Beasley is a freelance writer and is heading out right now to get some air filters.
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Short-Term, Rental-Specific Maintenance:
2-4 Times per year:
Weekly, In-Season:
Change Air Filters
Pool/Hot Tub Service Housekeeping Service
1-2 Times per year: Landscape/Trim Limbs
Annually:
Annual:
Pool/Hot Tub Winterized Elevators Serviced
Inspection/Service: - Caulking in Bathrooms/Tubs - Electrical Outlets - Pavement - Fencing - Areas of Potential Mold - Roof - Windows - Appliances Clean Carpets Power Wash Decks/Siding Winterize House/Pool/Pipes
5-10 Years: Septic Pumped Appliances Replaced -washer, dryer, disposal, stove, refrigerator Exterior Siding Replaced Interior Paint Carpeting Hardwood/Vinyl Flooring Water Heater
10-20 Years: HVAC Decks Faucets/Showerheads Countertops Cabinetry Fixtures: - door handles - lights - ceiling fans Blinds/Window Treatments
20-30 Years: Roofing Plumbing Septic Tank/Field Exterior Doors Windows
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Long-Term/Short-Term Rental Maintenance Plan:
myouterbankshome.com | Fall 2015
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3-7 Years: Update/Replace: - Upholstered Furnishings - Carpeting - Vinyl Flooring - Wood Deck Furniture - Appliances - Mattresses - Exterior Paint
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Fall 2015 | myouterbankshome.com
17
Wags and WHiskers Peace. Love. and Rescue 2015
STORY BY
Michelle Wagner
Peace. Love. and Rescue. It’s a fitting theme for this year’s Wags & Whiskers Gala, an annual event that celebrates the gift of animals in our lives and raises money for organizations that care for them. SHUTTERS
Every November since 2009, (except for one missed year), five nonprofit animal welfare groups have come together to host a party in honor of our local four-legged residents in need. During that period, the gala has managed to raise more than $130,000. Those funds allow the Coastal Humane Society, Feline Hope, Friends of Felines, Friends of Pooh Canine & Feline Cancer Foundation, and the Outer Banks SPCA to assist more than 40,000 families with pets in need. Last year’s gala sold out quickly with just over 350 local and out-oftown guests in attendance according to organizer, Patti Bourexis, of Coastal Humane Society.
Slated this year for Friday, November 20 at Pamlico Jack’s soundfront restaurant, the event promises to be a groovy gathering with a throwback theme. Live entertainment is being provided by Fond Memories, a high-energy vocal group from Hampton Roads specializing in 1950s and 1960s rock ‘n roll. For $50, guests will enjoy food and drinks provided by Kelly’s Hospitality Group, an
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myouterbankshome.com | Fall 2015
TOCK
wags & whiskers JUST CAUSES
exciting silent auction, and live entertainment and music. “We are looking forward to experiencing this uplifting group as they take us down memory lane and ‘bring back’ the great songs of the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s,” Bourexis said. The idea for the gala originated back in 2008 with Robin and Kevin Carey, owners of Outer Barks in Duck and founders of the Friends of Pooh Cancer Foundation. The Careys launched the foundation after losing two dogs to cancer in 2008. While they were in the financial position to pay for care, Robin said they realized many pet owners are not able to pay for the medical costs of their pet’s treatment. Recognizing the potential for a stronger collaborative effort among animal rescue outfits, the Careys began to investigate how they could put on one event that would help all of the groups’ local outreach efforts. A year later Robin won a night at the N.C. Aquarium as part of an auction. She knew right away what she would use it for: the first of what would become the annual Wags & Whiskers Gala, now held on the Friday before Thanksgiving every year. For the first two years, the event was held at the aquarium but was moved to Pamlico Jack’s last year. Bourexis and Lita Katulski from Feline Hope are the lead coordinators of the event. “The reason this event has been so successful is because of the dedication of people like Patti and Lita,” Carey points out. Bourexis says her involvement with the Coastal Humane Society and other rescue organizations has really provided her with a community link and a feeling of belonging over the years. “The gala is a much-needed event because animal welfare organizations have really been tapped into, particularly during the downturn in the economy,” she said. “That’s a really good thing they are being leaned on and is why this event has become so significant.” The fact that the event sold out last year is a statement of community support, she continued. “We’ve had a wonderful group of corporate sponsors even during the downturn of the economy,” she said.
SHUTTERSTOCK
“We have also had a generous community with a lot of animal lovers. I really believe there is a continually growing appreciation and recognition of the role and richness animals have in our families. It’s ageless and not subject to income level.” — Patti Bourexis
Carey also points to the growing appreciation of both the concept of rescue and the many groups that are involved in its mission. She added that all of the funds raised at the Gala remain local. “There is a really high return - and the return stays right here on the beach,” she said. The money raised is used for everything from providing spay and neuter assistance for pets, the care and neuter of feral cats, affordable rabies clinics, emergency medical and cancer treatment assistance, and social services for residents and their pets. The funds are also used to support shelter care and rehabilitation services, to investigate and prosecute animal cruelty and neglect cases, and to find
good, loving homes for homeless cats and dogs,. “Nationwide, people are really reaching out to the entities they know support animals and that see to the care and adoption of them,” Carey added. Sponsors tend to be drawn to an event like Wags & Whiskers Bourexis points out. “They like the model of a few organizations working together to put on an event that really benefits each organization. And our collaboration helps us get to know each other better and become a stronger network.”
Lead sponsor Mike Kelly of Kelly Hospitality Group said he is drawn to be supporters of the event for that very reason. “These groups do a really good job of coming together as one group for this event,” said Kelly. He and his wife Willo adopted two rescue poodles in 2013. “The fabric of the rescue community on the Outer Banks is so strong and something we really wanted to support.” The night kicks off with a champagne reception ex-
Fall 2015 | myouterbankshome.com
19
wags & whiskers JUST CAUSES
clusively for sponsors. “The whole place starts rolling around 7 p.m.,” Carey said. “It’s a great party put on by locals, for the locals, and is the perfect event to kick off the holiday season.” The greatest reward in putting on an event like this? It’s the reaction of the guests, admits Bourexis. “It’s great to see the happy look on the guests’ faces because they know why they are there; they know they are making a difference and are reaching out to take care of animals in need.” (Photography by: Stacey Hinkle - except where noted) ³ Michelle Wagner has been writing on the Outer Banks for 15 years and has a very loved mutt her family adopted from the Outer Banks SPCA seven years ago. His name is Echo.
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Buy a 2016 Outer Banks Beach Babes calendar instead! All net proceeds from the $10 calendars will be donated at the Wags and Whiskers gala and will be evenly distributed it to the five animalloving charities they represent.
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Fall 2015 | myouterbankshome.com
21
DOWNSIZING
Many Outer Banks homeowners today are trying to get back to the mindset that made this beach so alluring. Whether by downsizing current homes, transforming small spaces into quaint, singleroom rentals, or building modest homes with a rustic feel, many homeowners are cutting back on space while maintaining comfort and amenities.
GENE WILLIAMS
DOWNSIZING
STORY BY
Abby Stewart
with Charm
W 22
e’ve come a long way since the ‘Unpainted Aristocracy’ of Nags Head first graced the shores of the Outer Banks some 130 years ago. These homes, which now make up Old Cottage Row, marked the beginning of the tourism movement and thus the building of homes along the coast; but it wasn’t until the 70s that the mass production of the Outer Banks’ “McMansions” began. Before then, families vacationing here enjoyed an unvaried availability of rugged, shingled cottages that had a more intimate and authentic Outer Banks feel than enormous, multi-family homes have today.
myouterbankshome.com | Fall 2015
BETTER BUILT
downsizing
THE MERMAID’S PILLOW In a cottage-inspired new-build called The Mermaid’s Pillow, one Outer Banks homeowner, Cindy Thornsvard, chose a downsized approach to accomplish an intimate feel in her home. “I’m not a big fan of the giant monsters they are building everywhere,” Thornsvard said. “We wanted to build a place that would meet the needs of many different people who wanted to vacation - but wanted to find a smaller house.” Her motivation and philosophy on why she decided to go small was actually a twofold decision. As an owner of another rental cottage across from the Nags Head Fishing Pier, she realized that there is a growing niche market for smaller properties because not everyone vacations in large groups. Her first property didn’t have a pool, one of the top amenities many Outer Banks vacationers look for in a home, so Cindy decided to build something smaller that would leave room on the property for a pool. Another driving factor behind the design of her new build was Thornsvard’s own family. The Mermaid’s Pillow is handicapped accessible, complete with ramps going to both front and back doors that were built with their son-in-law in mind who is a quadriplegic. “We wanted somewhere the family could stay when they come to the beach to visit,” she said, but they also wanted to keep in mind the aesthetics of the place and to avoid any “hospital feel.” The home is designed not only with wheelchairs in mind. It also offers a wide-open, uncluttered space that will enable just about anyone with mobility issues to maneuver throughout with ease. Plenty of floor space, flowing from the entrance through the living room and into the dining room, allows for unhindered movement throughout the common space of the 1,510 square-foot cottage. Grab bars in the bathroom, a roll-under vanity, and wide, smooth walkways allow this home to be handicapped accessible without pegging it solely as a handicapped rental. In fact, many do not notice the accessible features unless they are looking for them. Thornsvard said that the only building code alterations that Albemarle Contracting Services had to account for were the slight adjustments to the pool and driveway concrete to allow for the ramps’ lot coverage elsewhere. Even with only two bedrooms and one bathroom, Cindy ensured that the
Mermaid’s Pillow includes all of the amenities one would need when vacationing on the Outer Banks. The kitchen has a custom-made, ceramic-tiled island which is complemented by a white tile backsplash and retro metal bar stools. The kitchen features modern, stainless-steel appliances and lighting. In the backyard is a stocked cookout area, complete with an in-ground pool, picnic table, and lounge chairs for ultimate relaxation. (Photography by Cindy Thornsvard)
Fall 2015 | myouterbankshome.com
23
BETTER BUILT
OUT THE WILD ZOO
Not far away from the Mermaid’s Pillow, another downsized rental cottage was created with different objectives. After purchasing a historic Nags Head home in May 2012, Marty Felps decided to renovate the “little house” that was also on the property. The structure, according to stories passed on to Felps, was once used as quarters for the male servants – the woman’s room was part of the main house. Felps wanted to create a rental opportunity that included all the amenities and comforts of a modern, vacation home or a complete hotel suite but built with reclaimed materials from the home’s original era. According to the variety of wood and types of hardware used, the buildings appeared to have four building stages over the course of 30 years or more. The little house was a conglomeration of multiple porches that were added and then closed in later. “We wanted to keep the same character,” Felps said, “so we used all of the existing wood in the renovation and as many of the original materials as possible.” With low ceilings, multiple levels of flooring, and five tiny rooms, including a bedroom that could only be entered by walking through a closet, the little house was in bad shape. Despite the disrepair, Felps felt it was important to keep the charm of the place to preserve as much historical value as he could. “After being involved in some type of construction for 50 years, I have to say, it was the most varied and truly interesting structures I have ever encountered,” Felps said. The once-segmented space now boasts a wide open feel. With an exposed kitchen, only separated from the rest of the house by a half-bar, renters can enjoy plenty of space to cook and entertain with a separate dining nook for eating. All of the walls are wood, from the ceiling to floor as was typical in old cottages. With a dishwasher, washer and dryer, TV, and cable - and you can’t forget the outdoor shower - the tiny home is complete with all of the amenities that can be found in a multi-bedroom cottage. Out the Wild Zoo also has two decks with the original leaning benches that came from the big house during renovation. Renters have a dedicated path that leads to the beach through the dunes. Felps was happy to read in his guest book recently that a couple chose this downsized vacation rental for their honeymoon and found it to be perfect for the occasion. “I feel like it provides renters with the opportunity to enjoy a much more intimate atmosphere,” Felps said. Homeowners on the Outer Banks are scaling down their cottages to provide vacation amenities – in homes that are just the right size!³ (Photography by Mike Erwin) Abby Stewart spends time outdoors enjoying the fresh, salty air on the Outer Banks where she grew up and where she has now returned to make her home once again.
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myouterbankshome.com | Fall 2015
downsizing
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Fall 2015 | myouterbankshome.com
25
Greetings from the
Motel
It was 1950, post-war and pre-tourism on the Outer Banks. That was the year Dale Wescott was born. It was also the year her father built the Cavalier by the Sea Motel. And 65 years later, both still are going stronger than ever. STORY BY
Catherine Kozak Vintage photography courtesy Cavalier Motel • All other photography Lanie Whitaker
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myouterbankshome.com | Fall 2015
A LOOK BACK
A
beach motel
visit to the 54-room Cavalier feels like a family reunion, with guests who have come every summer for decades greeting Wescott with gleeful shouts and warm hugs. “The most special thing about this place is the generational business,” Wescott says, showing off old photographs of the motel on a wideopen beach. “Right now, we have three sisters with some of their family, and they started coming here as little girls with their families.” Wescott remembers one recent night during the motel’s weekly hot dog social. In between cooking, she started chatting with an elderly woman nearby. “I said, ‘I bet you never thought you’d see your grandchildren here,’” Wescott recounts. The woman then beckoned her closer. Leaning toward Wescott, she whispered, “My first child was conceived here!” A petite woman with an easygoing smile and buoyant energy, Wescott delights in talking about the regulars who come back as predictably as the migratory turtles and birds on their seasonal jaunts to the Outer Banks; at least 80 percent of the in-season business is returnees. Most of them book the same prime real estate at the motel: one of the 14 oceanfront rooms – seven of those have kitchenettes - or an ocean side cottage. “You can’t get people to change,” Wescott says cheerfully. Amy Beasley, the front desk clerk who has worked at the motel for 12 years, says regulars see the motel as an extended family base. “It’s like home away from home. They watch your kids and theirs grow up together. They all come at the same time.” Beasley said the legendary loyalty of repeat customers for “their” oceanfront room can be daunting to guests late to the scene. All 14 of them, in fact, are fully booked until November. “They’ll say, ‘Does someone have to die for me to get an oceanfront?’” Beasley says, imitating their frustrated tone. “And I’ve said, ‘I’m sorry to say – yes.’” Dale’s father, Roy Wescott, also built Manteo Furniture as well as the Port O’ Call restaurant across from the motel. He worked up until the day before he died at age 93. As a child, Wescott says she would live all summer in what was originally called the “motor court,” a title created to boast the novel amenity of allowing guests to drive around the court and park right in front of their rooms. “Oh, it was awesome,” she exclaims, smiling at the memory. “I still have friends whose family came here every year. I had the best of both worlds. I was on the beach or the pool with
friends who came back every summer. And then, in the fall, I’d have school friends in Manteo.” Sis Tucker, from Roanoke Rapids, met Wescott when they were both cheerleaders of opposing teams in high school. They hit it off and soon reconnected at the Cavalier when Tucker stayed there with her family. “You can’t help fall in love with her,” Tucker says of her old friend, chatting recently during her annual family vacation at the Cavalier. Elaine Gessner, 84, from St. Marys, West Virginia, has been coming since 1972, missing only a few years before resuming the annual Cavalier family convergence in 1996. This year, four generations of her family came from Pittsburgh, Boston, Charleston, and Charlotte to gather together. “We used to bring my mother,” Gessner says, proudly. “This place, they love it, and they’re always anxious to get here.” Nodding agreeably, Aileen Owens, from Pittsburgh, says she practically raised her kids at the Cavalier where children can play outside all day without parents having to worry they’re in danger. “I think it’s very family-oriented,” Owens says. “It’s very safe. I think it’s wonderful at night how everyone gathers on the porch. It’s kind of the heart of our vacation.” As an adult, Wescott – who has three children – lived away from the Outer Banks for 30 years, but she came back at the end of her father’s life to take care of him and the business. Now she has no plans to leave the Cavalier. The motel, which is open year-round, is one of the few traditional Outer Banks motels still standing, and Wescott says she is determined to keep it that way. The motel, is arranged in a “U” shape, with two pools, a shuffleboard court, and a playground in the center. There’s a lifeguarded ocean beach with a volleyball net at the far end that has been expanded and renovated. The rooms may be smaller than newer motels, Wescott says, but they’re tidy and have modern amenities. A fortune of nature has kept the beach in front of the motel wide with less erosion – a blessing that has protected the building from severe storm damage. “We hope to keep it,” Wescott says, watching from the second story deck as her guests frolicked in the pools. “Now, after I’m gone, that’s going to be in my children’s hands. Because the minute they sell it, they’re going to mow it down, because that’s what they do.” ³ Catherine Kozak is a full-time, freelance writer who has been covering the Outer Banks since 1995. She lives in Nags Head where she enjoys running after sunset and strolling the deserted beach in the off-season.
The Cavalier Today...
Small Small Spaces Spaces ...
Fall 2015
Big Ideas
The rest of the world calls for a spring cleaning. Here on the Outer Banks, we also have a fall farewell.
W
e say farewell to all the family members and friends who seem to pop up during our beach summers, or we are saying farewell to the renters who have (thankfully) come once again for another vacation at our rental cottages. It’s no matter if your summer has brought you lots of wear and tear due to renters or if you are finally rejoicing in regaining privacy in your own house after a full summer of visitors. The end goal is the same: It’s time to make over. Time to start over. Time to renew and refresh. Gathered here in the next few pages is an assortment of ideas for how to start over when the weather cools down and your house is your own again. Colors. Flooring. Lighter, brighter windows. They all make a difference. You’ll notice that we’ve given special consideration for the smallest of spaces. Even the largest of homes can use a facelift in just one corner. And changing a single room or a small space means a smaller budget can work out just fine. For some it’s just a chance to remake a small corner of a house. (Not every room needs a make-over to make you feel like you’ve had a fresh start.) Sometimes a favorite reading nook is all you need to get away. Or, transform an awkward space under a staircase into the perfect place to entertain a few kiddies. For other makeovers, we have ideas on how to reclaim and recycle items that have been thrown away yet can still be given a signature feel.
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myouterbankshome.com | Fall 2015
DESIGN FOR LIVING
small spaces
Cozy Kitchens Group Why should big people have all the fun?
Step behind the green Dutch doors to find a small space that makes a big statement. Here is an indoor playhouse to keep imaginative tots safe and happy.
Custom-made cubbies provide easy-access storage for an eclectic mix of modern and vintage toys.
The custom sink plus toy stove and refrigerator are perfect for pint-sized chefs.
Old-school linoleum defines the space. Walls are decorated with game boards that are a step back in time. Special thanks to: Nancy Pugh Interiors (interior decorator and designer); CPAA: (architect); Milepost Portraits (photography) and Cozy Kitchens (cabinets and counter tops)
Fall 2015 | myouterbankshome.com
29
DESIGN FOR LIVING
small spaces
Beach Realty How a simple, 1500 sq. ft. cottage can make a big impact on summer comfort
Palest blue paneling make this formerly small, dark room brighter and seem larger. Save space and create a focal point with a wall mounted, flat-screen over an attractive mantel.
No more cramped, dark entry: create a spacious feel with light and bright walls and large, diagonally centered ceramic tile floor. Hardwood staircase provides a durable solution to traditional carpeting.
A bathroom make-over with a coastal cottage flair: white wainscoting, granite vanity top, and a ceramic tile floor that looks like bleached-hardwood – all blend modern day features with vintage cottage feel. 30
myouterbankshome.com | Fall 2015
Replacing an outdated, enclosed kitchen with an open counter is perfect for entertaining: Upscale granite countertops, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances.
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Fall 2015 | myouterbankshome.com
31
DESIGN FOR LIVING
small spaces
Carolina Casual How a cozy, screened-in porch becomes everyone’s favorite oasis
The OBX Collection: locally made and maintenancefree furniture is the perfect look for this quiet porch.
Accent pillows in a variety of patterns and colors are a perfect complement for the SunbrellaÂŽ covered cushions.
Cool, blue hues on this indoor/outdoor rug are a soothing touch underfoot.
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myouterbankshome.com | Fall 2015
Nestle in with deep-seated furniture built to withstand Outer Banks life: 100% high density polyethylene with marine grade hardware.
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33
DESIGN FOR LIVING
small spaces
Outer Banks Furniture For a small room, add accents inspired by nature
Connect the colors you find in our oceans and sunrises with a reversible bedspread in orange coral and shades of teal. Driftwoodinspired bedframe and furnishings complement the space with a rustic feel. Fish netting and starfish accent the headboard.
“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea … we are going back from whence we came.” – John F. Kennedy Octopi artwork is given the sea treatment with driftwood frames.
A metal-framed mirror with thick, nautical rope detail ties it all together - and then gets natural fish net accents. And bedside lamps add a bold teal.
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myouterbankshome.com | Fall 2015
A wood tray, for breakfast in bed or displaying your scavenger treasures, personalize a bedroom. Sea grass and succulents bring life to this cozy room.
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5301 N. Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk • 252.715.3450 5000 S. Croatan Hwy, Nags Head • Outer Banks Mall • 252.480.9200 Fall 2015 | myouterbankshome.com
35
DESIGN FOR LIVING
small spaces
Stan White Realty A kitchen reading nook ~ far from the madding crowd When a homeowner wanted a separate space near the kitchen for games, reading, or other quiet projects, an intimate seating area was designed for this new-construction home.
French doors in full-glass allow plenty of natural light to pour in from the porches.
Windows placed in a geometric grid are a natural showcase for mementos.
Grandkids can work on puzzles; adults can read their morning newspaper; and a cook can still be close to it all.
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myouterbankshome.com | Fall 2015
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“When the time came to build our dream house on the Outer Banks, we wanted a builder we could trust. Stan White was the obvious choice to deliver custom quality, strength and value. The Stan White team’s substantial experience, expertise and commitment to us was invaluable throughout the building process. We are delighted with the beautiful and durable home we will enjoy and pass on to our children and grandchildren. We’re proud to say that it was built by Stan White!” - The Roberts Family, Rockville MD
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building custom homes on the outer Banks for over 35 years. From investment properties and vacation cottages to year-round Outer Banks living, now’s the time to watch your dream home become a reality. Fall 2015 | myouterbankshome.com
37
DESIGN FOR LIVING
small spaces
Urban Cottage Reclaim Your Recreation ~ how local artists, craftsmen, and surfboard designers can upcycle a rec room
The warmth of wood is captured with a surfboard countertop and reclaimed lumber cabinets.
Extra seating tucks away under the coffee table, and a pair of whimsical VW buses with surfboards strapped on top are perpetually in search of the next big wave.
The cork half of the flooring absorbs the sound of a boisterous game room while the other half is sturdy tile with the luscious look of wood grain. A vanity base cabinet emerged from leftover, reclaimed lumber coordinates with industrial mirror and lighting.
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myouterbankshome.com | Fall 2015
Special thanks to: Randy Saunders (contractor), Donny Bowers (surfboard shaper), Eric Robisch (reclaimed lumber trim carpenter), Amy Crisler (interior designer), Brad Price (bus artwork artist) and Majid Elbers of International Tile & Marble Ltd. Photography by Michele Thibodeau.
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Fall 2015 | myouterbankshome.com
39
DESIGN FOR LIVING
small spaces
Daniels’ Homeport How to make a master suite that’s fit for a king. When you have a room that has an attached bathroom, a little creativity with bedding and dÊcor can transform it into an additional master suite.
Clear glass, fillable lamps can be left empty to create a clean and airy impression or can be filled with beach treasures to enhance a seaside retreat.
Choose a traditionally styled bed featuring elegant ball finials and dainty castings. The gentle bow shape and airy design make it possible to place this headboard against a window. A side order of small accent tables complete the look: here an aged blue finish and wood tones evoke the colors of sand and sea, while the pierced detailing and turned legs offer a timeless style. On the wall? A spindrift boat of course.
More rope trending nautical decorating ideas: maritime glass, cylinder-shaped lamps covered in natural jute fishing net.
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myouterbankshome.com | Fall 2015
PHOTOS COURTESY BUSY B PHOTOGRAPHY
! o e t n a M From Y
ears ago, the odds of finding live, community theatre on the Outer Banks were about the same as finding a chest of gold doubloons washed up on the beach. So, a determined group of locals, including folks from the Dare County Arts Council and The Lost Colony, met to see what they could do to broaden the STORY BY cultural horizons of Kimberly Armstrong our seaside county. As a result, the Theatre of Dare (TOD) was born. Fast-forward to the present, and the non-profit volunteer organization is set to raise the curtain on its silver anniversary, celebrating twenty-five years of comedy, drama, and musical performances. In the beginning, lacking an established venue, the plays were performed in local restaurants in a dinner theatre format. The group’s inaugural performance was Neil Simon’s California Suite, presented at the Port O’ Call restaurant in Kill Devil Hills. Later, the troupe staged performances in county middle and high schools. Now the theatre has found a home in the auditorium of the College of the Albemarle and has formed a loose partnership with their Roanoke Island campus. When selecting plays to produce, the nine members of the theatre’s Board of Directors peruse suggested scripts and then cast votes on which
plays to perform. Although “family appeal” is a consideration, the 2014-2015 season included a couple of edgier plays. Each winter and spring, three or four plays are performed with six performances of each show. Popular titles have included: The Odd Couple, The Glass Menagerie, and The Little Shop of Horrors. Based on ticket sales and audience response, comedies are overwhelmingly the preferred genre. The actors and those assisting with lighting, costumes, sound, and set design are likely to be your friends and neighbors. Some are nine-to-fivers who have found that TOD provides the perfect outlet for realizing their dream of being on stage. Others simply have a desire to assist in promoting the artistic endeavors of the community. For example, Jon Bender maintains law and order as a Town of Manteo police officer; but off-duty he serves as vice president of the TOD board, directs plays, and acts on stage as well. “They do it for love and fun; no one receives pay,” says Don Bridge who has been involved almost since the beginning and serves as board president. Don is a veteran actor and director and does whatever is necessary behind the scenes to help bring magic to the stage. The audience is comprised mostly of locals, including a loyal, core group of patrons who provide enthusiastic support. The shows attract a fair num-
ber of curious tourists too, pleased to take advantage of such an unexpected entertainment offering. All proceeds from the shows go toward the costs of future productions. In addition, with funds raised from a raffle, the group presents scholarships to two Dare County high school seniors interested in pursuing theatre arts. This year, Addie Moore and Mary Elysse Santa received a $1000 scholarship each. A grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation helped fund this year’s presentation of Aesop’s Fables at Dare County elementary schools. The classic tales and moral lessons were brought to life by actors outfitted in whimsical animal costumes. “The children were engaged and loved the performance,” said Don. “It was a great way to expose them to live theater.” ³ Kimberly Armstrong greatly anticipates attending Theatre of Dare’s season opener with her husband in tow (although he is blissfully unaware of her plans).
The season opens in October with performances of the thriller, Wait Until Dark. $11 for adults; $6 for students theatreofdareobx.com Fall 2015 | myouterbankshome.com
41
D Campers
STORY BY
Michelle Wagner
Catch a Wave
OBXSURFINFO.COM
J
amie LaVier and Brent Nultemeier, owners of obxsurfinfo.com, have been putting smiles on kids’ faces ever since they brought Lee’s Lil’ Shore Breakers Surf Camp to the Outer Banks in 2013. Geared for children ages 8 to 14, the camp was founded in Virginia Beach by Jean and Brian Brackins in memory of Jean’s son, Lee Terrell. Terrell, who his mom says was always the first one in the water and the last one out, died during a surfing accident in 2011 at the age of 22. Attempting to do a barrel roll, Terrell wasn’t aware of a high sandbar, broke his neck, and went into cardiac arrest. Looking for an opportunity to help other children who had a love of the ocean and may not have the opportunity to surf, Jean and Brian started Lee’s Lil’ Shore Breakers a year after Lee died. What the Brackinses didn’t anticipate was that her mission to share his love of the water would help her begin to heal in the years that followed his death. The camp’s expansion to the Outer Banks is the first in what she hopes will be
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myouterbankshome.com | Fall 2015
This summer marked the third year that two local businessmen have been able to bring the gift of surfing to a group of kids who may otherwise never have experienced the joy of catching a wave. a chain of surf camps up and down the East Coast in his memory. “This has been a major healing experience for me and I know Lee is smiling down on us,” Jean said. “This is what he would have loved. He was a very giving child. Whatever he had, he wanted to give it to someone who didn’t have it.” The camp, according to the website, “carries the spirit of love of the ocean and surfing to local kids in need.” “It has been one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences I have ever had,” LaVier said. The local camp works with Dare County Friends of Youth to identify children who would be a good match for the camp. Free of charge, the three-day camp also provides an ocean safety talk by Kill Devil Hills Ocean Rescue and lunches catered by local businesses. At the end of those three days are friendships, self-confidence, and often a newfound love of the ocean that will bring these kids back to the water year
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surf camp JUST CAUSES
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after year. The 2015 event was held in late July in Kill Devil Hills and hosted 10 local children with the help of 12-15 volunteers each day. “These kids are so stoked by the time the second day rolls around,” Nultemeier said. “Everyone learns to surf, and through donations, they get everything from rash guards to sunblock in their swag bag.” LaVier admits that the months of planning and fundraising can be stressful but he hopes the impact of the camp is felt years down the road for the children participating. “I think I cry at least once during the camp every year. It is so rewarding. It is an amazing experience to watch these kids become great friends and learn to surf in the three days,” adds LaVier. Over this past summer, Nultemeier had enough donations to give each child a surfboard, further cementing their connection to the ocean and the waves that come onshore. “Once you have your board,” he points out, “surfing is free, and we are sitting on some of the best waves on the East Coast. Our hope is that this camp will turn them on to, not just surfing, but other outdoor activities and nature itself.” ³
Lee’s Lil’ Shore Breakers is a non-profit organization. To donate: make checks out to Lee’s Lil’ Shore Breakers and mail to TowneBank Mortgage, 6 Juniper Trail, Southern Shores, NC 27949. Tax ID number: 35-2434632.
JEAN BRACKINS
Michelle Wagner has been living and writing on the Outer Banks for 15 years and has seen firsthand with her own children how surfing can foster courage, confidence, friendships, and a love and respect of nature in our community’s youth.
Lee’s Lil’ Shore Breakers Surf Camp is named after Lee Terrell, pictured here at age 21 with his Italian greyhound, Reef. Lee died the next year in a surfing accident.
Fall 2015 | myouterbankshome.com
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obx memories LAST PAGE
HOME
OWNERSHIP in the
goodÿol’ÿdays r rig The author (fa
ht), age 6 with
his family c. 19
58
y mother and father started vacationing on the Outer Banks back in the late forties. To say it was remote back then is an understatement at best. In 1955, after multiple trips to different rental cottages over the years, my dad did the craziest thing ever: he bought an oceanfront cottage on a spur of the moment decision. He was normally very conservative so this was highly unusual for him. Mom thought he had lost his mind. Located in Southern Shores, it was a Frank Stick designed house that incorporated the usual flat top cinderSTORY BY block construction. However, Paul Bowen there was a slanted roof over part of the house to release warm air out of a second story doorway. Thus began my father’s battle against the salty elements that deteriorate all things made of wood, metal, and cinderblock. Being a WWII veteran, this was not a minor, intermittent skirmish but a formal declaration of war. Dad was always searching for the ultimate paint, hardware, or wood that would not peel, rust, or rot in the harsh salt environment. The only problem was that products that could stand up to Outer Banks conditions for more than a few years did not exist. Every spring, while driving the 200 miles from our farm in Lynchburg, Virginia, Dad would be planning his counter-attack. Upon arriving at the cottage, he vaulted out of the family station wagon like a sprinter out of the starting blocks to see how his troops had survived the winter. Normally, the first inspection was the water pump, a noisy old suction device situated over 15 feet of galvanized pipe in the sand. Having four kids and a wife in a house with no water was not a good thing. After a damage assessment, Mom was dispatched to a local hardware store. At the time there were only two: Kellogg’s Hardware located in Kill Devil Hills on the beach road
M
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Right: The family house after a screened-in porch was added in 1960.
where it still stands today and Cahoon’s Hardware in Point Harbor. The hardware store trip was nail biting time for Mom as it was hit-or-miss for her to find what was needed. On one trip to Cahoon’s, she was tasked with buying a box of nails. It looked like nothing had been moved in the store for years, and the nails were aligned in neat, dusty piles on the shelves with no boxes to contain them. Old Mr. Cahoon smiled, looked at Mom and said in a heavy Outer Banks twang “It’s a good thing the termites don’t eat the nails.” More often than not, the water pump did not produce water, and sometimes, it was because the well point was clogged. The well point was a metal and screen device about three feet long that normally required a plumber for repair. My father’s method of choice to unclog the well point involved a 12-gauge shotgun with birdshot discharged down the pipe. This remedy was done before the virtues of lead poisoning were recognized. One summer, Dad found a paint that he believed would last through anything. The only problem was that it had to be painted on a wet wall to adhere to the cinderblock. All the furniture was moved to the center of the living room, and the walls were hosed down - creating one heck of a mess. The following spring, upon arrival at the cottage, Dad sprinted past the water pump to the living room to view his paint victory. To his dismay the paint draped from the walls like heavy, velvet curtains in a Victorian theatre. One of Dad’s major breakthroughs was the discovery of brass hinges to replace the poorly galvanized steel hinges of the time. The purchased hinges came in a cardboard box with the hinges individually wrapped in oiled paper.
He proudly proclaimed to me “Paul, look at these hinges; they are made of solid brass!” (He exaggerated each syllable for maximum effect.) Carefully unwrapping a hinge, he placed one in my hand. Being all of eight years old and highly impressionable, I felt as if I was in the presence of King Tut’s treasure. Although the event took place more than 50 years ago, I remember it like it was yesterday. Over the years there were many victories and defeats some memorable and some minor - fixed with a few screws, nails, or an extra board or two. During these early years, my parents were tourist pioneers battling the elements. My Dad has long since passed away, but Mom still stays in the cottage during the summer months. We often share a laugh about all the stories that come with owning a cottage on the Outer Banks in the good ol’ days. Thanks Mom and Dad, it was the best adventure that could ever happen to a kid. ³ Paul Bowen now resides on the Outer Banks. This article represented a mere snippet from a flood of memories as a child vacationing here in the early days. Editor’s Note: Do you have a story to tell about why you love the Outer Banks? Send us an essay submission (800 words or less) describing your love for the Outer Banks lifestyle and a few photos, and we may publish it here. Send your essays to editor@threedogink.com.
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