The Whalehead Club: Historic Art Nouveau Mansion in Corolla

The Whalehead Club, located in Corolla, is perhaps the Outer Banks' most unique structure. This amazing sound-front property has a history of its own — from a school for boys to a testing ground for solid rocket fuel.

The Knights and the Vision

The Whalehead Club was the vision of Edward Collings Knight Jr. and his wife Marie Louise Lebel. Construction originally began in October of 1922. Three years and approximately $385,000 later, they moved into their sound-front "cottage."

Both Mr. and Mrs. Knight were avid waterfowl hunters. The location in Corolla on the sound was perfect — Corolla and Duck were both once known as premier waterfowl hunting grounds. The brazen architecture makes the Whalehead Club something to behold.

Art Nouveau Architecture on the Outer Banks

The Art Nouveau architecture was something completely out of the ordinary for the Outer Banks. The home has five majestic chimneys and a unique copper-shingled roof.

Restoration and Today

After years passed and the Whalehead Club began to deteriorate, the County of Currituck purchased it in 1992 and began the restoration. Currently, the Whalehead Club and its grounds are managed by the Whalehead Preservation Trust.