An Outer Banks Legacy
Built as the weekend & summer home for Z.V. Brinkley and his family, the home originally sat on what is now the Dare County Regional Airport. Mr. Brinkley owned the local dairy farm, Hulcam Dairy, named after his daughters – Hulda & Camille. The dairy was located at what is now the Marshes Light development in Downtown Manteo.
A summer escape…
During the week the family resided in their home at the dairy, and on weekends and the summer retreated to the house on the water. The Brinkley House was the hub of many social events for Roanoke Island, including the wedding of daughter Camille to Arnold Schiffman.
a labor of love
Moving & Renovations
In 1935 the home was rolled onto logs and pulled by a team of horses and mules to it’s current location. Upon moving the home, two additions were added – a sun porch on the North side, and a kitchen on the South side. Eventually the sun porch was enclosed to become what is now the downstairs primary bedroom.
After years of neglect, the house was purchased by Jeff & Caryn in 2022 and they began the long process to restore the home to it’s original glory while updating amenities to fit today’s standards.
During renovations, they kept as much of the original elements as possible. The pine beams, though covered, are still present in the living room ceiling. All of the wood in the primary structure of the home is original, as well as the shiplap and brick on the kitchen walls. All chimneys are also origional, though one did fall during restoration, it’s bricks were later incorporated into the back patio.
meet your hosts
jeff & caryn
Having lived in various homes throughout Roanoke Island, Jeff & Caryn built their current home on the land next to Brinkley in 2002. For years they watched as the historic house next door slipped farther and farther into disrepair. After several inquiries they were finally able to purchase the Brinkley House in 2022, and began plans to restore the house to it’s original glory.
Next door to Brinkley you will find their primary residence, where they live with their horses & dogs. They invite you to visit and admire the horses from outside the fence, but ask that you please not feed the horses.
Jeff & Caryn
The Brinkley House
Circa 1899