Sound Racer - The "Back Story"

Our family has been vacationing in the Outer Banks for more than ten years. We've rented homes in Ocean Hill, Whalehead and the Currituck Club. As you might have guessed from our choices, we've always enjoyed the quiet of the northern Outer Banks.

A few years ago we "got the bug" and decided to investigate Outer Banks real estate. In the end, we decided to build and chose a soundfront lot. We had always enjoyed the "contrast" offered by the sound: the lovely sunsets, the live oak trees and stunning sound views. The Currituck Club was an easy choice given the fine upkeep and amenities offered.

From the Currituck Club, the beach is a short trolley ride away -- and young children seem to love the trip to the beach almost as much as the beach itself. Golf, tennis and community pools round out the package. With its sidewalks and manicured grounds, the Currituck Club has a "neighborhood feel" that is tough to match. Add to that nearby shopping -- including Corolla's new Harris Teeter -- and the deal was sealed.

In designing 'Sound Racer', our aim was to incorporate as many elements as possible from our favorite rentals. We wanted a house that took advantage of the wonderful views from as many rooms as possible. Inside, we wanted comfortable places for families to gather -- whether for meals, watching a movie, playing a game or just hanging out. At the same time we felt it was important to offer places that allowed solitude and quiet. A well-appointed pool area was a must. As our children grew, we found that afternoons spent poolside became as popular as a trek to the beach.

Here are a few of things we included based on our experience:

• For the view: a "reverse floor plan" with main living areas on the upper level, including a large deck with a grill, a table for eight, and chairs for watching the sun set with an adult beverage in hand.

• For the pool area: A hot tub, a tiki bar with a grill, and plenty of deck room around the pool for sunning.
  

• For quiet areas: "private" decks on the front of the house.

• Games: pool, foosball and ping pong.

• Media: Three high-quality A/V systems including outdoor speakers on the top deck and at the pool, as well as a TV and DVD player in every bedroom.

• If "work" intervenes: an office nook with desk and printer. And a pretty good view.

• Comfort and convenience: Purified drinking water to eliminate schleping from the grocery store. An outdoor shower. Easy-to-use grills with direct gas connections. Etc....

We also decided to offer rentals that begin on Sunday. Our experience is that the beach traffic is somewhat better on Sunday, and in our experience it seemed that there were fewer Sunday rentals available among similar homes. For a rental company, we chose Village Realty based on our personal experience with the company. (We rented three years in the Currituck Club prior to building.)

In the end, we wanted to build a home that would be part of great memories for our guests, just as the Outer Banks has given us many memorable summers.