Dear Readers,

North Carolina’s coastal region embraces the Outer Banks, the Central Coast (also known as the Crystal Coast), and the Southern Coast. This incomparable area is known for its fishing and farming communities and historic homes, many of which date from the early 1700s. It is a region that has long beckoned summer vacationers to its pristine beaches, deep-sea fishing, and water sports of all kinds.

Over the past decade, coastal North Carolina has grown considerably, bringing with it new opportunities and challenges. More and more people are flocking to our shores, not just for a week’s visit, but to put down their roots in a land of rich natural beauty. They come from all parts of the United States to leave behind large cities, high taxes, and snowy, ice-filled winters.

This population influx brings with it new real estate development and subdivisions, new architecture and home design, fresh new ways to decorate your home’s interior, and new businesses to help you make a place for yourself on the coast.

The piece of heaven that is the home of North Carolina Coastal Homes & Design is Beaufort, N.C., part of the Crystal Coast—part of the place where I grew up. As a twenty-something with a young family and an interest in purchasing or building my first dream home and decorating it, I found myself searching for sources of information that bring all these topics together. And although there are numerous magazines geared to homes located on the eastern seaboard, none to date focuses exclusively on the best coast of all—North Carolina.

And so, with the encouragement of family and friends, I bring you North Carolina Coastal Homes & Design magazine. We feature beautiful homes, profiles of the hottest real estate development trends, builders and building products, architectural styles, interior design and decorating. We will take you on visits to selected coastal communities so that you can see for yourself the beauty of this region. Our magazine is for everyone: those who grew up here, those who have set new roots here, those who are looking to relocate here, as well as anyone anywhere who loves the coast.

Join me in our journey to bring you the best of what coastal North Carolina has to offer.