When Jennifer and Brian Horrigan moved to Wilmington, N.C., from Durham in 1996, their realtor told them about nearby Bald Head Island. "For some reason, we didn't make it out there for a couple of years," said Jennifer, "but once we did, we loved it. We went over with some close friends, and both families couldn't wait to go back for a week the following summer. And the next year we both decided to build houses."

The Horrigans and their friends built side-by-side cottages on Federal Road in the maritime forest, which they enjoyed for two years. While the family found it cozy and comfortable. Jennifer said they longed to be closer to the ocean. Drawn by the proximity to the beach and the "charming neighborhood feel" of Cape Fear Station, the Horrigans bought a Maritime Watch homesite in 2003 and worked with Wilmington architect Mark Saulnier to design a cottage specifically suited to that location.