Photo by Frank Brown ,@obxhomepage , Nags Head, North Carolina. This particular area is called the Historic Cottage District with a few of these classics that are over 100 years old. Well preserved architecture which has not only stood the test of time but stands out in the environment as a positive visual. The saga continues as the big McMansions fill the oceanfront lots from one end of the beach to the other! Yet not here on this stretch of sand! Locally known as “The Old Gray Ladies” they are to me what makes Nags Head.