This Historic Beach Resort's Makeover Is Full of Unexpected Design Ideas – And Not a Nautical Cliché in Sight

A bright, corner wrap-around booth with pale green cushions and patterned throw pillows, surrounded by large windows looking out onto an outdoor patio with umbrellas and greenery.

The Sanderling Resort, nestled along the shores of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is an iconic destination. With a rich local legacy, it has become something of an heirloom for many families who return season after season. So when the resort turned 40 in 2025 and it was time for a refresh, preserving all that heritage and reputation was at the top of the brief for interior design studio Ward + Gray.

This new chapter for The Sanderling was never about forgetting the past; it was about honoring the property’s history. The goal was to maintain its warm, welcoming atmosphere while updating the interiors to create a luxurious retreat that feels like a home away from home.