By Invitation only

Oceanfront Vacation Cottage

 58883 South Beach Drive ~ Hatteras, NC  27943

FAQs

Q: How many hurricanes has Seven Cousins experienced?

 

A.  We've lost count!  (See the Updates page).  Even those who have never visited Hatteras know us if they are Weather Channel viewers.  The building of the Cottage was interrupted repeatedly during 1998-99, when the workforce scattered after multiple hurricanes.  Each was instructive, and caused us to seek better materials and techniques for protection during hurricanes and other storms.  Our central steel frame is a unique strengthening feature which you don't see.

 

Since completion of Seven Cousins, we've weathered many "weather events," but Isabel, when our village was severed from the Island by a new pass, was certainly the most serious.  To read our first person account, click here.

 

Extensive and recurring clean-ups after storms are an unavoidable part of ocean front life.  However, we are thankful to have had no structural damage to Seven Cousins.  We've recently added storm shutters on our sliding doors oceanfront, and protective film on our largest windows for extra safety.  To avoid disruption during storms, we've added an LP gas fueled generator, which automatically activates during power outages.

 

Cape Hatteras Electric cooperative does a great job of providing power in a tough environment.  Power failures here are rare.  We actually lose electricity more frequently in our inland home.

 

Q: Do Seven Cousins really own the Cottage?

 

A: Some day the Cousins will own the Cottage! Number Seven, John III was born in May, 2002. John's beloved big sister, Cousin Number Two, Caroline Hartrampf, is already in Heaven.  The Cousins are the grandchildren of the builders, John and Karen Hartrampf. They live in Atlanta, and currently range in age from primary school to college and career.

The Seven Cousins as they gather for Thanksgiving in 2004

 

 

Q: Can we see the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse from the Cottage?

 

A: Since the Lighthouse is twelve to fifteen miles from Seven Cousins Cottage (as the gull flies), the Lighthouse doesn’t loom over the Cottage. However, you’ll find the Lighthouse a welcome and comforting sight as you look north from our deck. On a clear day, you’ll spot the distinctive stripes, and at night, you will always see the flashing light.

 

Q: Do we really need this much cottage?

 

A: Seven Cousins is not for everybody, but then, what is? As you peruse rental listings, you’ll find other oceanfront cottages offering more “beds per buck,” and these might be what you had in mind. You should carefully assess your physical needs, and your goals and desires for your vacation.

 

Seven Cousins is a beloved family home on a site for which we spent a lifetime searching. We find that many of our guests are families or couples who have been sharing beach vacations for years, and have now grown in size, number, and/or the need for comfort and privacy. The Cottage is intended for groups of seventeen or fewer, plus, perhaps, Baby. If all guests are couples, we suggest fourteen or less. Everyone sleeps in a bedroom; there are no pull-out beds. We’ve tried to eliminate anything skimpy; tubs and showers are oversized, the in-ground spa accommodates twelve adults, and TV screens are large.

 

Well-proportioned space is the key to stress-free meals and gatherings, as well as quiet times alone. In addition to an elevator, wheelchair users will appreciate the extra space to maneuver. They will find most of the Cottage accessible, including roll-in showers.

 

The handy boardwalk greatly facilitates the trek to the beach with kids, chairs, umbrellas, and you-name-it. And, if boating and/or birding are important to you, you can step across the road to access two marinas, as well as the inviting boardwalks of the nature preserve at Hatteras Landing Marina.

 

God’s creation, not our own, is always central. We don’t go in for flashy furnishings, but we are always at work to provide materials and equipment that we can keep fresh, clean, and functional for you. Trouble-free ease of operation and durability are extremely important for the items we use at Seven Cousins Cottage, as repairs and replacements are often far away.

 

We want your times at Hatteras to be as rewarding as ours!  Please call or email us with other questions you may have regarding the Cottage.