Every property has a story, and while some are short and entertaining others could fill a library’s shelves with volumes. 4008 South Virginia Dare Trail, while humble from the outside, carries with it an exceptional history and standing. At times even being referred to as the “Soul of The Outer Banks”. With an original build date of 1913, Mattie Midgette’s Store has served the Outer Banks for over 100 years, first as a general store for the community, with ledger records even showcasing supplying former president FDR when he came to stay across the street in 1927, and second as the informal Beach Comber museum housing what was deemed, “the greatest modern collection of beach treasures in the world” curated by Nellie Myrtle Pridgen. While the property is in the Historic Cottage district of Nags Head, it holds its own unique Historic designation from its community contributions as Mattie Midgette’s store and is the only property in the district to do so. Quoted by David Stick, Early Outer Banks developer and founder of the Outer Banks Association of Realtors, “Next to Jockey’s Ridge and the Wright Brothers Memorial, (it’s)the most historically significant place on the Northern Outer Banks.” The ground level features a sitting room with views that allow you to visually step back in time, a kitchen, storage, washroom, half bathroom, and a 584 Sq. Ft. storefront that formerly housed the general store and treasures of the Beachcomber Collection. Walking through the property it’s almost impossible to not graze your hands upon actual history and feel the soul and story of this home. From the salvaged dining table from the USS Huron that sank just off Nags Head Pier, to wall paneling and cabinetry from the former Carolinian Hotel, to one of the very first phone booths that functioned as the public telephone in this area of Nags Head for years. History is soothing in this home and the vibes are infectiously good. Moving up the intricately woven wooden stairwell the halfmoon window creates ambience leading into an office space or bedroom, full bath with an original large clawfoot tub, a large main bedroom, and the front room which has functioned as a bedroom, art studio, and living room in the past. From there you can head out to the large, covered porch designed to beat the heat and take advantage of the exceptional Ocean views to a large swath of the historic cottage district, it lets you sink right into the feeling of the neighborhood. From a commercial standpoint, situated on a 62’x300’ C5 zoned commercial lot, this mixed-use commercial property provides an incredible opportunity for the right buyer. As it sits, this property has thousands of dedicated fans, and visitors that try to access and view the home regularly. Offering the potential added benefit to any business willing to carry on this property’s long-standing legacy of service to the Outer Banks or create their own vision. The second home at the rear of the property has recently been removed and graded reducing potential costs in site preparation and the mixed-use design allows for either live in owners with business below, or employee housing. Making it an attractive starting point for someone on the hunt for a unique commercial property. At a time where this area seems to be leaving its history behind, 4008 South Virginia Dare Trail, offers the rare opportunity for someone to step up and fortify the history of the island and its ways for decades to come. This home is being offered As-Is. Use showing time for showings. Listing agent(s) must be present during tours, and 24hr notice is preferred as the property is currently owner occupied. Due to homes age and heat sources, NCREC guidelines require the home to be listed as Non Heated Square Footage. (There are heat sources).
