Southern Shores Preps for 2024 Historic Flat Top Cottages Tour, Inviting Public to Iconic Town Homes

Southern Shores Highlights its Historic Flat Top Cottages in 2024 Tour

The owner network of the Southern Shores Historic Flat Top Cottage Tour has unveiled the roster of cottages that will partake in this year’s tour. This highly anticipated event slated for Saturday, April 27th, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. features some of the most iconic flat tops of the Town of Southern Shores.

Continuing its tradition, the 2024 tour marks the 6th of such tours. Proceeds will go towards the Flat Top Preservation Fund of the Outer Banks Community Foundation, which offers financial assistance for the conservation and maintenance of the historic flat top at 13 Skyline Road. This remarkable structure was designed by the well-known artist and developer, Frank Stick, and is currently owned by the Town of Southern Shores.

Experience the Historic Charm of Southern Shores

Tickets for this unique experience are priced at $10, covering admission to all 14 homes featured in the tour. From March, tickets will be available online and on the day of the tour from 10 AM to 1 PM on-site.

The list of cottages whose owners have graciously agreed to open their doors for this tour includes the Mackey Cottage at 218 Ocean Blvd, the Oh So Sandy at 18 E. Dogwood Trail, the Pink Perfection (Edith Pipkin Cottage) at 170 Ocean Blvd, and the Atlantic Breezes at 169 Ocean Blvd. Other eye-catching attractions like the Sea Breezes at 157 Ocean Blvd, the Sokol/Clements Cottage at 23 Porpoise Run, and the Clarke/Gudas Cottage at 156 Wax Myrtle Trail are also part of the itinerary.

An enjoyable afternoon of open houses awaits attendees, encompassing these historic cottages that once graced the town’s architectural landscape, varying in sizes, locations, styles and finishes, offering a self-guided open house tour. Out of approximately 25 surviving flat tops in Southern Shores, 14 will take centre stage in this year’s tour.

Preserving the town’s architectural legacy

Frank Stick (1884-1966), a beloved Outer Banks artist and developer, exercised an option on the land now known as Southern Shores. In the early days, he oversaw the division of lots, the establishment of roads, and the creation and erection of the initial flat top cottages. These quaint architectural gems echoed the nuances of the cottages he had observed in Florida. Crafted from cement block, with flat tar and gravel rooftops alongside wide overhanging soffits, and propped-up shutters, the charm of these cottages remain timeless.

Five of these historic homes featured in this year’s tour have already been recognized as Southern Shores Historic Landmarks by the Town of Southern Shores. More information on this exciting tour is also accessible through the Facebook page for Southern Shores Historic Flat Top Cottages.

For additional inquiries about the Southern Shores Historic Flat Top Cottage Tour, interested parties may reach out to Sally & Steve Gudas.

Don’t miss this opportunity to relish in and support the preservation of the architectural wonders that once defined Southern Shores!