Wednesday, October 14, 2026
By Submitted Story on September 5, 2026
A lively history of the historic beach cottages on the Outer Banks and the families that have inhabited them. This book—a blend of oral history, narrative, and old photos—tells the story of the families who helped settle one of North Carolina’s oldest beaches and traces the history of the summer life of Nags Head’s oldest families from early settlement before the Civil War through the turn of the new century and the emergence of modern times.
The book is complemented by historical photographs, personal photographs from private family collections, and contemporary black-and-white images. This 25th anniversary edition, with a new chapter that updates the status of these important houses, is an important addition to the cultural history of North Carolina.
About the author: Susan Byrum Rountree has loved the stories of the Outer Banks since she first encountered the mystery of Virginia Dare as a small child. The stalwart silhouettes of the Unpainted Aristocracy captured her interest many years ago, and she’s delighted to prop open the history of these enchanting great ladies. A native of northeastern NC, Susan makes her home in Raleigh.
