Outer Banks Vacation Homes

According to a recent study done by the Anholt State Brands Index, North Carolina and Virginia were at the top American states most wanted to live. The Index analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of all U.S. states.

There was a survey that polled more than 9,000 U. S. citizens and 12,000 people in 15 other countries on their attitudes and perceptions of all 50 states. Questions regarding physical aspects of each state, economic and educational opportunities, lifestyle appeal, people, and basic qualities and infrastructure were designed to give state administrators and economic development offices insights into how their state is perceived within and outside of the United States.

The top five most desirable states to make a home, according to U.S. citizens are: 

• North Carolina
• Virginia
• Florida
• Colorado
• Oregon

North Carolina and Virginia also ranked highly as lifestyle destinations, and they consistently placed in the top 10 for climate, physical attractiveness, amenities, ease of finding employment, commercial opportunity, and education.

On Friday, November 3^rd at 2:00 p.m., the Town of Duck will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the new park.  The recent acquisition of land has been set aside for the development of a soundside boardwalk, picnic area, ample landscaping and parking.  South of the park area will be the town’s site for a new Town Hall.

Planning a family gathering for the holidays?  Spending quality time with loved ones and friends in vacation property on the Outer Banks is a popular trend.  Come stay in an oceanfront or oceanside home large enough to accommodate the whole clan.  Our inventory of upscale homes packed with amenities is sure to please everyone in the bunch.  This will be a time spent together that will hold memories for years to come.  The kitchens are well equipped and have been specifically checked by our inspectors insuring that the equipment and appliances are in good shape for this special time of year.  We are open 363 days a year from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. daily and will be available to meet your every need before, during and after your stay with us.

For those of you interested in finding out which homes are still available for a particular week in 2007, there is a search engine located at the top of our home page next to “Online Reservations” called 2007 Availability.  Simply click on this icon and it will take you to a basic search as well as a more detailed search so that you can find your perfect vacation rental home for 2007.

This area can also be accessed by clicking on an icon “2007 search” located just under the icon “Advanced Search” located toward the middle of our home page.

If there is a property that you want for a particular week but it has already been pre-reserved, check back with us around the first or second week of December.  If the guest has not confirmed the reservation by paying their first half deposit, the reservation will be cancelled and placed back on the market.  Keep on the lookout on our web site or simply give us a call at that time and we can advise you as to the potential availability of any home.

“781, Sunny Delight is a great house!  We loved the gift basket with detergents, paper towels, coffee, etc.  What a nice touch – very appreciated.  We have stayed in four wheel drive beaches in the past.  Homes there were not clean and really needed it.  This home was very clean and extremely beautiful.  We will stay with you again!  I would recommend Carolina Designs to others!

J. Curran, Martinsburg, WV”

One of the best kept secrets on the Outer Banks is being here during the fall season.  While others have preferred to spend their vacation time when the weather is hot and the beaches are crowded, those who know what it is like are here now.  The weather is perfect and the roads are clear.

Want to experience it?  Can’t get away for the whole week?  No problem – give us a call on a Monday and we can reserve a home for you for three or more days.  Wondering what there is to do here this time of year?  Well, besides carnivals and festivals that are going on during the weekends, why not try planning a kayak ride through the marshes of the Albemarle Sound.  Bring your own kayak or rent one from Nor’Banks Sailing located at 1314 Duck Road (252) 261-2900.  The tranquility and peace you get from being in nature, especially along the coast of the Outer Banks will be an experience you will not soon forget.

Carolina Designs Realty offers vacation rental homes that allow pets – dogs only.  There is a listing of these homes located on our home page under Index of Homes displayed with a dog as an icon.  If you bring a pet, an extermination fee of  $95 plus tax will be collected and additional deposits may be required. Pet owners will be financially responsible for damages and extra cleaning. There is a limit of 2 dogs per property.

Below is a breakdown by area that explains the area’s policy on leash requirements:

Currituck Beaches – Currituck County has a county-wide leash law.  Your pet must be on a leash at all times.  And remember, please clean up after your pet!
 

Duck - Dogs are required to be vaccinated for rabies, collared and controlled by a leash or restraint. The exception to this is on the beach, where dogs are permitted to play unleashed. As a matter of public safety and courtesy, dogs on the beach should be under the watchful eye and control of the owner.

Southern Shores - No dogs allowed on the beach from May 15 - September 15. A year-round leash law is in effect. Owners must clean up after dogs. This law is strictly enforced.

Kill Devil Hills - Dogs are allowed on the beach from mid-September to mid-May. Dogs aiding the handicapped are allowed year-round. All pet waste must be gathered in appropriate containers. A year-round leash law is in effect.

Nags Head - Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round as long as a leash not exceeding 10 feet restrains them. Owners must properly dispose of all pet waste.

Coinjock Farms has been awarded the bid to begin Phase 1-A of the Municipal Park, an 11-acre tract of land including the Herron’s Restaurant building that will be torn down and replaced by a new Town Hall.  The park is designed to have a soundside boardwalk throughout the park, canoe and kayak launch, landscaping, parking and picnic areas.  The actual cost estimate for the project is $300,000.

There are phases to this project and the first phase is well on its way.  The proposed park and its implementation will bring wonderful recreational opportunities to both its citizens and visitors in Duck.  There are many public parks available on the Outer Banks, but this will be the first of its kind in the Town of Duck.

Hospitality, care and concern is offered to our guests checking in and out of our premier vacation homes on the Outer Banks every week by our team of experienced reservationists.  One simple compliment can mean the world to someone.  For one of our guests, the spirit of giving a compliment on the tie-dyed shirt that he was wearing that day lead to his desire to shower us all with tie-dyed shirts.  Our staff, upon hearing his offer, insisted that such a gift was not necessary and could not be accepted by just one of us.  Our guest decided that if he were to show his appreciation for the quality of service and a carefree vacation week, he would provide each of us with a tie-dyed shirt.  Sure enough, the box has arrived and the shirts are beautifully made with the same care and concern that we once showed him.