Whalehead Club

Whalehead Club is an Art Nouveau residence in Corolla with a striking yellow exterior, copper roof, and mahogany doors that overlook Currituck Sound. The three-story structure spanning 21,000 square feet shapes the waterfront landscape and displays the design preferences of the 1920s.

Edward and Marie Louise Knight built this waterfront property between 1922 and 1925 as an alternative to male-only hunting clubs common in the region. The construction marked a shift from exclusive male-dominated clubs toward modern family residences.

The residence displays the personal taste of its owners through carefully chosen materials like cork wall coverings and wood paneling that give rooms a warm, lived-in quality. The Tiffany light fixtures throughout create soft illumination that reflects the craftsmanship valued during the early 20th century.

Visitors should note that pathways through the property are winding and interior spaces include multiple staircases requiring mobility. Exploring the house with a guide is best, as they explain the architectural features and original furnishings in detail.

Beneath the surface lies a remarkable engineering feat: the builders hand-dug a 6-foot-deep channel during construction to create an artificial island. This canal connecting the island to the mainland demonstrates the impressive craftsmanship and determination of that era.