Tucked away in our archives is the 1997 Outer Banks Parade of Homes Planbook — and inside it is Sandmark’s very first Parade entry.
From the Archives: Our First Parade of Homes
House #9 was our own home in Southern Shores, the first house we built after moving to the Outer Banks. At the time, the listing described a 3,400-square-foot reverse-floor-plan home with five bedrooms, panoramic ocean views, cedar siding, Andersen windows, a gas fireplace and even provisions for an elevator. Looking at it today feels a little like opening a time capsule.
That house has changed right along with us over the last 30 years. We’ve remodeled the kitchen twice, updated bathrooms, added storage downstairs and put a pool in the front yard. And that elevator we only made “provisions” for in 1997? We eventually added it — initially for our old black lab, Layla, and Amanda’s collie, Andy, when stairs became difficult for them. These days, we may appreciate it most after a big grocery run when every bag can make the trip upstairs at once.
And those “panoramic ocean views” mentioned in the original Parade listing? Thirty years of tree growth has reduced that to more of a sliver — another reminder of just how much time has passed.
But the 1997 Parade meant much more than showing people our new home. We were still brand-new to the Outer Banks and trying to establish Sandmark, so opening our own front door gave people a chance to see firsthand how we built. We missed winning our category by just one vote, but three remodeling projects came from people who toured the house. Looking back, those three opportunities meant far more to us than a trophy ever could.
Nearly three decades later, Parade of Homes continues to be a special part of the Sandmark story. And this October, we’ll be back on the tour in Southern Shores with a home that shows just how far remodeling has come: a dated, closed-off beach cottage transformed into a spacious, spa-like retreat, complete with an incredible new outdoor living area featuring a pool, integrated hot tub, fire pit and cabana with its own kitchen, sitting room and bathroom.
From House nine in 1997 to this year’s transformation, we can’t wait to welcome you through the doors again.