Trophy Island Properties by LW Land Development presents the "Carolina Cays"—a limited collection of 10-acre private islands that represent the final deep-waterfront upland available in the Outer Banks. These islands offer a "best-of-both-worlds" scenario: the absolute seclusion of an uninhabited paradise paired with the logistical ease of being just minutes from the mainland. Held by a single family since the 1980s and now available for the first time, these parcels are part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore area, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of North Carolinian history.
Property Details
The islands have been meticulously prepared for immediate development, with significant "heavy lifting" in engineering and permitting already completed.
Build-Ready: Each 10-acre island features a designated buildable area of up to 3+ acres. They are fully permitted for septic systems and individual wells, a rarity for offshore parcels in this region.
Flood Resilience: With natural elevations reaching up to 12 feet above sea level, the properties sit in a favorable AE flood zone, providing a stable foundation for a permanent residence or high-end seasonal retreat.
Pricing: These exclusive parcels are offered at a price point ranging from USD 599,000 to $925,000, reflecting their status as the last remaining developable islands in the Roanoke Sound.
Land and Water
The islands are a thriving coastal ecosystem, characterized by year-round oak and cedar trees, interior ponds, and vibrant salt marshes.
Deep-Water Access: Each island is engineered and permitted for a private deep-water dock, allowing for direct yacht access to the Roanoke Sound and the Atlantic beyond.
Marine & Wildlife: The surrounding waters are a paradise for "water-to-table" living, teeming with shrimp, oysters, clams, and blue crabs. Residents frequently observe dolphins and ospreys, while the islands themselves serve as a sanctuary for hundreds of bird species.
Historical Context: The acreage is steeped in the lore of the "Lost Colony" and early American fishing villages, offering a sense of timelessness that is impossible to replicate in modern subdivisions.
Access and Utilities
Despite their "off-grid" feel, the islands are remarkably accessible from North Carolina's primary coastal hubs.
Transit: The islands are located just a two-minute boat ride from the boat launch at the Virginia Dare Bridge and are in close proximity to the full-service Pirates Cove Marina in Manteo.
Security: As a unique feature, the islands are within a region monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard, providing an unparalleled layer of safety and peace of mind for island owners.
Lifestyle and Value
The lifestyle at Carolina Cays is defined by 360-degree views of the Outer Banks, including the iconic 156-foot Bodie Island Lighthouse. Whether utilized as a secluded primary residence, a high-performing short-term rental (VRBO/Airbnb), or a long-term 1031 tax exchange asset, these islands offer a level of exclusivity that is rapidly vanishing. In a 2026 market that prizes coastal resilience and private "fortress" living, these Trophy Islands stand as the definitive legacy investment on the North Carolina coast.
Image Disclaimer: The renderings and architectural illustrations provided are artistic interpretations intended for conceptual and inspirational purposes only. These images depict possible development concepts and do not represent existing structures or a guaranteed final build-out. All features, designs, and specifications are subject to change and should not be relied upon as exact representations of the final product.
