30 years ago “Cottage” a small modest house, as at a resort, used as a vacation home. Today on the Outer Banks a “ cottage” may be a tiny saltbox, of which there are not many left, or a mansion with numerous bedrooms, bathrooms , hot tubs and pools.

For a tranquil change of pace, escape to the Outer Banks in the dead of winter. The quiet seasons are the best times to explore these enchanting barrier islands on a deeper level.