ABOUT THE ONE
Designed and built by Nathaniel Meiggs of natespace design + build, The One is situated in a unique location on this narrow strip of sand we call the Outer Banks. Nestled in a mature live oak forest at the beginning of the secondary dune, the site gains over fifteen feet of elevation from east to west – allowing the trees to provide protection from the harsh winter winds as well as the opportunity for spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The One takes its design cues from two iconic collections of Outer Banks architecture: the original Frank Stick flat top cottages of Southern Shores and the unpainted aristocracy of Old Nags Head. Built in the 1950s and 1920s, respectively, both these architectural languages champion simple elegance and respond gracefully to the environment and climate of the Outer Banks. Efficiency of space and materials, clean lines and gracious exterior spaces are important design elements for the flat tops and for the elder cottages of Nags Head – the same is true at The One.
In addition to the historical precedents, the site itself played an enormous role in the design of The One. A good portion of the year spent designing the house was dedicated to studying the site and all it had to offer. Nathaniel climbed trees to search for views, pulled strings to test options for the footprint and even set up camp on occasion to really get to know the place. Evidence of that study can be found the sightlines from inside the house and in the fact that only one tree larger than 12” in diameter was removed from the site.
Anchored by the concrete floor and walls, The One opens its cypress clad arms to invite visitors to climb the hill under the live oaks. As one moves through the house, gently rising from the sand to the treetops, the cypress paneling moves through the windows in the concrete to join in the journey giving warmth that only wood can provide. While the ground floor has the feeling of a forest clearing, the upper floor gives the sense of being in a treehouse. Natural light floods in below a floating ceiling barely held down by rough-sawn juniper posts and cypress beams, laid out in a rhythm pulling all movement towards the waves themselves.
FEATURED IN
STAY AT THE ONE
The canopy of live oaks ushers guests to the front door where you are welcomed into the soaring atrium. Drawn up the staircase by sunlight, you enter the gracious living space and know you have found The One. The fully stocked kitchen features a wall oven with a convection microwave, gas cook-top, wet bar with beverage fridge and ice maker, and seating at the large island. The kitchen occupies the center of the living space and is meant for entertaining. Furnished for lounging, the living room floats high above the sand and opens to wide ocean views.
The master suite is located upstairs and is generously appointed with a six-foot soaker tub, dual shower, dual sink vanity, and water closet. The bedroom has a sitting area for two, desk, wardrobe, TV, and a king-size bed. The three guest bedrooms located on the lower floor are serviced by two full bathrooms at each end of the hall. Each bedroom is appointed with a queen-size bed, TV, desk, and wardrobe.
When you are ready to put your toes in the sand, a quick five-minute walk will land you on the beautiful uncrowded beaches of Southern Shores. If shopping and dining-out are in order, Southern Shores Crossing is practically in your backyard and Duck Village is just five miles up the road.
The One is available for weekly rentals Memorial Day to Labor Day.