Hottest Architectural Styles in Duck, North Carolina

Nestled along the northern Outer Banks sits the town of Duck. A small community that swells with visitors every vacation season, Duck is close to many of the best attractions in the area. It's a town that thrives on outdoor activities and festivals, and residents love Duck for its casual charm and laid-back vibe. Duck architecture echoes the town's atmosphere, with beach bungalows and cozy cottages on every street.

Stylish and impressive, Georgian homes are a staple in North Carolina architecture. You can see them in and around Duck, with many properties featuring a covered porch, extended walkway, and two stories. Classic Georgian homes usually include a center hall and a grand staircase flanked by well-appointed formal rooms.

Colonial homes, America's most traditional home style, are hallmarks of an age when fine design and symmetry counted for everything. Their white columns, decorative shutters, and open floor plans are distinguishing colonial features. These are usually larger homes with two or three stories of living space. The interiors often have high ceilings, ideal for additional airflow during the humid summer months. In North Carolina, a colonial residence often displays impeccable landscaping, including flowers, decorative trees, and elegant sculptures in the front yard.

Living on the Outer Banks allows residents to access some of the best views in the world. The stunning coastline and crashing waves are perfect for relaxing mornings and romantic evenings. The bungalows’ design showcases the world's beauty outside, with large windows to let in the light. They often have several porches, one for each level, and come with pools or hot tubs. Beach bungalows in North Carolina have open floor plans and wide driveways, perfect for those with several vehicles.

Farmhouse homes are currently on-trend, and for fans of the traditional style, nothing beats the cozy comfort that this design offers. Streamlined in design, with rooms that flow effortlessly into one another, these dwellings typically have fireplaces, mantles, beautiful trim, and porches that encourage lots of late-night chatter and early-morning coffee conversation. Farmhouses and traditional homes can have two or three levels, extra rooms, and undercover back patios.

Imminently elegant, Victorian-style homes rose to prominence in the early 19th century and remain attractive today. These homes are famous for their high level of detail, including ornate trim and woodwork adorning the frames and pillars. Victorian-style homes are common in North Carolina, and you can find several in the heart of Duck. These houses are well-maintained and striking to look at, with towering gables and soft colors that call to mind days gone by.

Ranch homes offer single-level living with minimal exterior adornments and spacious family areas. They often feature low, straight rooflines and porches with room for multiple chairs. They first became popular on the heels of the Victorian architecture movement, with an additional prominence boost in the 1970s. Ranch-style homes are still prevalent throughout the United States, with families gravitating to the clean styling and accessible design that this architecture offers.

While Duck is a small community, living in the town gives residents easy access to many of North Carolina's top attractions. Some notable examples of the state's architectural brilliance include stunning lighthouses and America's largest private residence.

Located in Corolla, North Carolina, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse is the last brick-and-mortar lighthouse built in the state. Its distinctive red brick color sets it apart from other lighthouses in North Carolina. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in coastal and nautical history, with guided tours and a visitor center available. The Currituck Beach Lighthouse also features amazing views of the Currituck Sound and the northern Outer Banks.

Pay homage to the men who showed the world that flight was possible at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. This striking memorial in the heart of the Outer Banks features a visitor center next to the towering monument. The Wright Brothers National Memorial is an easy day trip from Duck and is an ideal destination to learn more about the history and culture of North Carolina.

Quite possibly the most recognizable lighthouse in North Carolina, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse features bold bands of black and white across its surface. The lighthouse, built in 1870, is 198 feet tall and has been carefully maintained over the years to provide sightseers with a unique and totally memorable experience. Climbing the lighthouse is a must when visiting North Carolina. However, the adjoining visitor center offers plenty of historical data for those who wish to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground.

Nearby Curritick features many attractions that appeal to residents of Duck, including Historic Corolla Village. Walking through the village, full of restored vintage shops and eateries, hearkens back to a simpler time, inviting visitors to slow down and take in the scenery. Historic Corolla Village has several significant homes, including the Gray-Lewark House and The Parker House.

America's largest private residence, the Biltmore Estate, is one of the most popular destinations in North Carolina. Every year, tourists come from around the world to experience the grandeur of George Washington Vanderbilt's home and grounds. The 8,000-acre property is located in Asheville.

There are endless things to do at Biltmore Estate, including a winery, horseback rides, five-star dining, and picnics under the stars, but marveling at the home's architecture is possibly the most fascinating. With ornate details, winding staircases, and massive bedrooms, the Biltmore Estate is truly a sight to behold.

Duck is a charming community that offers something for everyone. Whether you love spending a day on the beach or walking down a quiet residential street, Duck can accommodate you. If you're looking for your dream home in North Carolina, Brad Beacham can help. Brad is a North Carolina realtor with a wealth of experience buying and selling luxury properties in and around Duck and the entire Outer Banks area.

Whether you're searching for a deluxe beach bungalow or a traditional farmhouse, Brad can assist. Contact Brad Beacham today and discover how he can help you achieve your real estate dreams!

_{*Header photo courtesy of Brad Beacham}