Property listing for 852 Lighthouse Dr Lot 15, Corolla, NC 27927
ActiveSingle Family Home

$1,989,000

852 Lighthouse Dr Lot 15, Corolla, NC 27927

Semi‑Oceanfront 8BR Whalehead Estate with Pool & Hot Tub

8 Bed · 6.5 Bath · 4,322 Sq Ft

Turnkey coastal retreat steps from the beach — private pool, hot tub, sand-volleyball court.

8

Beds

6.5

Baths

4,322

Sq Ft

1997

Built

0.60 acres (est.)

Lot

Under-house parking for multiple vehicles; driveway parking

Garage

About 852 Lighthouse Dr Lot 15

This is a rare opportunity: a semi-oceanfront, turn-key Whalehead estate thoughtfully laid out to host large groups while offering private spaces for quiet retreats. Built in 1997 and maintained with care, 852 Lighthouse Dr Lot 15 spans approximately 4,322 square feet and features an intentional reverse floor plan that places the primary living and primary suite on the top level for breezes and ocean views. The chef-friendly kitchen includes a countertop cooktop, stacked ovens, dual dishwashers, abundant prep space and sightlines into the living and dining areas—ideal when entertaining extended family or managing a full-house rental.

The top-level primary suite is generous, with a jetted soaking tub, separate walk-in shower, dual vanities and a capacious walk-in closet. Two expansive decks give you both east-facing opportunities for sunrise enjoyment and west-facing spots to watch sunset color shift over the sound side. The mid-level adds four additional bedrooms (one en suite), a secondary living room and another deck to extend quiet sitting areas. A half-level sitting nook offers a private pause for reading or reflection.

Ground-floor living is built for guests: a large game room anchored by a convenient kitchenette sits alongside three more bedrooms, two full baths and a dedicated laundry/storage room—perfect for multigenerational stays or splitting rental zones. Outside, the yard is something you don’t often find this close to the beach: private pool and hot tub, an outdoor shower for rinsing off after the sand, and a sand-volleyball court for active summer fun. Exterior stairs connect decks directly to the pool area so indoor-outdoor flow is effortless.

Whether you’re buying for lifestyle or investment, this property presents a compelling mix of scale, location and rental-ready amenities. Whalehead’s large lots and privacy, combined with direct neighborhood beach access, make this an outstanding coastal asset. Contact the listing team to request rental performance records, inspection documents, and to schedule a private showing.

Home Highlights

Semi-oceanfront location in Whalehead with direct beach accessPrivate pool, hot tub and sand-volleyball court on a large lot8 beds / 6.5 baths; flexible layout with multiple living rooms and kitchenetteTurnkey vacation-ready condition — strong rental appeal

Property Features

Interior Features

  • 8 bedrooms, 6.5 baths across multiple living zones
  • 4,322 SF reverse floor plan — top-floor living & primary suite
  • Kitchen with countertop cooktop, stacked ovens and dual dishwashers
  • Ground-floor game room with kitchenette for guest independence
  • Primary suite with jetted tub, walk-in shower and dual vanities
  • Multiple storage closets and laundry room on ground level

Exterior & Lot

  • Estimated 0.60-acre lot — expansive outdoor footprint
  • Private heated pool and hot tub
  • Outdoor shower and sand-volleyball court
  • East and west-facing decks for varied outdoor experiences
  • Under-house parking and generous driveway

Location & Neighborhood

  • Whalehead community — larger lots and rare privacy for Corolla
  • Short walk to neighborhood beach access
  • Close to Currituck Beach Lighthouse and local Corolla amenities
  • No HOA dues (verify neighborhood rules and county regulations)

Walkability & Recreation

  • Walkability Rating: 30/100
  • Easy beach access for swimming, shelling and sunrise/sunset walks
  • Nearby attractions: Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Whalehead Club & preserve
  • Biking, kayaking, fishing and eco-tours within short drive

Neighborhood & Location

Whalehead is one of Corolla’s most desirable neighborhoods because of its larger-than-average parcel sizes, privacy, and convenient neighborhood beach access. Homes here are typically mid- to high-end vacation properties—many used as short-term rentals—surrounded by dunes, maritime forest and well-spaced residences. The community offers a quiet, family-friendly environment while remaining a short drive from Corolla’s dining and sightseeing options.

Market Insights

Corolla and the northern Outer Banks command consistent seasonal demand from vacationers and returning owners. Properties with private pools, large bedroom counts and close beach access (like this one) typically move faster than average inventory in the area — particularly in late winter/early spring when buyers secure summer booking calendars. Median single-family prices in the broader Corolla/Whalehead submarket are substantially lower than this semi-oceanfront tier, reflecting the strong premium paid for proximity to the sand and turnkey rental amenities. Listing at $1,989,000, this home competes in the upper tier of local offerings; expect interest from both deep-pocketed owner-occupiers and short-term rental operators who value size, layout flexibility and on-site leisure features.

Nearby Schools

Corolla Elementary School

Elementary · 4–6 miles (approx.)

7/10

Currituck County Middle School

Middle · 20–25 miles (approx. — district route)

6/10

Currituck County High School

High · 20–25 miles (approx.)

6/10

Walkability & Recreation

30
Walkability
85
Recreation

Excellent outdoor recreation access — immediate beach access, nearby lighthouse, trails and water-based activities make this property a magnet for beachgoers and nature lovers.

Investment Highlights

  • Large 8-bedroom, 6.5-bath layout optimized for vacation rentals and multi-family use
  • Semi-oceanfront location in Whalehead with direct neighborhood beach access
  • Private pool, hot tub, sand-volleyball court and expansive yard—rare lot amenities
  • Turnkey condition with multiple living areas, ground-floor kitchenette/game room
  • Estimated midpoint market value ~ $1.975M anchored to active list price

Key Findings

  • 4,322 total sqft, built 1997; reverse floor plan (main living/primary suite top level)
  • List price: $1,989,000; AVM close to list at $1,977,276 (Redfin AVM)
  • Property sits on a large Whalehead lot — estimated ~0.60 acres
  • Strong vacation rental profile with on-site pool, hot tub and multiple sleeping areas
  • Days on market: 34 (active listing at time of scrape)

Things to Consider

  • Likely FEMA flood zone exposure — insurance and elevation requirements will increase ownership cost
  • Septic system (probable) requires verification and possible upgrade for heavy rental use
  • Year-built 1997: expect ongoing coastal maintenance and periodic system replacements
  • No HOA — neighborhood rules limited but also less centralized property management

Opportunity Analysis

Acquire a turnkey semi-oceanfront vacation estate in Corolla’s Whalehead with immediate rental income potential and long-term appreciation driven by limited supply of large lots near beach access.

Potential Use Scenarios

  • Obtain a rental performance report from listing agent to validate revenue assumptions before making an offer.
  • Require a full coastal property inspection including elevated foundation, decking, pool/hot tub mechanicals, and septic inspection.
  • Negotiate allowances or credits for any required septic or flood-elevation remediation uncovered during due diligence.
  • Position marketing to multi-family groups and repeat rental clients for peak-season bookings if retaining as an investment.

Risk Factors

  • Flood insurance and storm exposure increase recurring costs; verify current premiums.
  • Potential for septic limitations with maximum occupancy; upgrades may be needed to sustain rental load.
  • Market seasonality: heavy reliance on summer demand — winter months have much lower occupancy.

Buyers should conduct independent due diligence before making any purchase decisions.

AI Valuation Estimate

Low

$1850K

Midpoint

$1975K

High

$2100K

$460/SF estimated price per square foot

68% confidence

Estimate anchored to the MLS list price of $1,989,000, adjusted for semi-oceanfront location in Whalehead, home size (4,322 SF), age (1997), and local OBX demand for large vacation homes. No live comp pull performed; range reflects local market premiums for proximity-to-beach and rental income potential.

As of 2026-03-14

This is a computer-generated estimate for informational purposes only and is not an appraisal or professional valuation.

Market & Area Data

Market Trends

Area Median Price$750,000
Avg Days on Market60 days
Inventory3.5 months
1-Year Appreciation+500.0%

Demographics

Population (1 mi)1,200
Median Income (1 mi)$95,000

Corolla and northern Outer Banks see strong seasonal population spikes; long-term population growth is modest but tourism-driven income supports local real estate values.

Nearby Points of Interest

  • Currituck Beach Lighthouse (approx 2-3 miles)
  • Whalehead Club / Whalehead Preserve (within 1 mile)

Close proximity to Corolla beaches and neighborhood beach access; local dining and services centered in Corolla village and Kitty Hawk to the south; outdoor attractions include fishing piers, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, and nearby maritime preserves.

School District

DistrictCurrituck County Schools
ElementaryCorolla Elementary School (approx. 4–6 miles; rating ~7/10)
MiddleCurrituck County Middle School (Moyock / Barco area; rating ~6/10)
HighCurrituck County High School (Barco; rating ~6/10)

Market data is based on aggregated public records and may not reflect real-time conditions.

Property Details

Building Details

Year Built1997
Constructionwood frame (typical coastal construction)
Stories3
Roofasphalt shingle
Heatingheat_pump_electric (likely)
Coolingcentral_ac (likely heat pump-based)
Basementnone
FireplaceNo
Conditiongood

Lot & Site

Lot Size0.6 acres (26,000 SF)
Topographylevel
Parkingunder_house_parking_and_driveway
Parking Spaces6
FrontageSemi-oceanfront lot with nearby dedicated beach access; larger footprint typical for Whalehead lots.

Utilities

Watermunicipal_or_community_water (likely)
Sewerseptic_system (very likely)
ElectricDominion Energy (likely) / local utility
Gasnone/propane (likely propane for supplemental)

Zoning & Land Use

Zoning Coderesidential (likely R-1 / single-family residential district)
DescriptionSingle-family residential zoning typical for Whalehead; short-term vacation rentals are common and generally permitted subject to county regulations and tax licensing.
JurisdictionCurrituck County

Allowed Uses

Single family dwellingAccessory structuresShort term rentals subject to county licensing
Current Useresidential

Tax & Sale History

Tax Assessment

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