Long before the Outer Banks became The Davis Cottage is located on the Historic Cottage Row which is also referred to as the “Unpainted Aristocracy” due to the nostalgic, unpainted cedar shake cottages that have weathered over time to a silvery gray. The first of the “Unpainted Aristocrats” was built on the oceanfront in Nags Head approximately in 1855 by Dr. W.G. Pool of Elizabeth City. Pool was rumored to have purchased 50 acres of oceanfront property for $30 from the Midgett family. Pool subdivided the lots and sold them to the wives of his friends back home for only one dollar each, and the “Unpainted Aristocracy,” a mile-long strand of 13 oceanfront vacation cottages was conceived. By 1885, 13 shingled cottages stood proudly on the Nags Head oceanfront. Many (including the Davis Cottage) were built by a self-taught carpenter by the name of Stephen J. Twine. Twine, who hailed from Elizabeth City, would go on to build many other beachfront cottages, as well as the St. Andrew’s By-The-Sea Episcopal Church. Twine is credited with developing what is now known as “Old Nags Head” style of architecture. Twine’s cottages, with hip-roofed porches, built-in benches and shuttered windows are still emulated today in modern beach houses. The Unpainted Aristocracy has stood sentry against the changing tides of the Atlantic Ocean for more than 130 years. Known officially as the Nags Head Beach Cottage Row Historic District, the collection of close to 40 historic structures is one of the Tar Heel state’s little-known historic secrets, though it has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977. The 3,000 square-foot home has original pine floors and a unique wrap around covered porch with built in wooden benches that are characteristic of the time period. The home also features a guest house, all of which sit on the unusually wide 75 foot oceanfront lot. “The previous three owners of this home were good stewards,” said Linda Harper, the Resort Realty listing agent. “A few modern conveniences have been added, but the historic integrity remains, contributing to the charm and enhancing the value.” |