I actually learned the term "unpainted aristocracy" from a fiction book I read that was set in the Outer Banks. I remember seeing a couple of houses when I was there in 2006 or 2007, and I wondered if they were actually members of the unpainted aristocracy or lookalikes that were built later on. I remember one of them being a big house with green storm shutters. Of course, I don't remember where it was, South Nags Head, maybe.
There are so few left on millionaires row which was about a mile or so south of the Sea Ranch. The properties were all on huge lots and so many turned into condos in the early 1980s. The Goldsborough cottage is still there- as is the Morrison and Burger ( just below Croatan surf lodge) but the Baer cottage ( people who owned the Trading Post) seems to be gone.
These are done by a fantastic watercolor artist who I am lucky to call my friend. I believe all of these are available at Yellowhouse Gallery.Click to follow link...!/media/set/?set=a.203065336387328.60499.202160106477851&type=3