40th Anniversary

In 1985, Ronald Reagan began his second term as President of the United States. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XIX. Coke introduced New Coke. Back to the Future hit movie theaters. Aspen banned smoking in restaurants, and Microsoft released its first version of Windows, 1.0.

That same year, Dick Brindley began selling lots at Corolla Light Resort, a dramatically different idea for the Outer Banks: a community stretching from ocean to sound, with amenities exceeding anything then found in the region, and focusing attention on an area off-limits to most visitors until 1984. Sales were handled from a trailer on Austin Street, and there was construction everywhere: pipes for community water and sewer, retention ponds, and a large oceanfront pool complex. Houses began to emerge, but development was slow due to labor challenges (some things never change!).

He invited families from across the nation to “build their dreams” as pioneers in the community and found extraordinary eagerness, inspired by his up-front investment in a multi-pool oceanfront complex, roads and trails, and a full complement of utilities, including water, sewer, and cable television.

Leading up to our October 2025 40th anniversary, the Corolla Light Community Association collected information on the community’s evolution and highlighted key stories from our past 40 years, identifying “Forty Things to Know About Corolla Light’s First 40 Years.” Listed here are just a few:

· The first occupancy permit for a home in Corolla Light was issued in October 1985.

· U.S. President George H.W. Bush spent several nights on Payson Court in Corolla Light.

· There was a bison on the front lawn of “Premium Living”!

To see all “Forty Things to Know,” click here.

Among those who attended our anniversary celebration was Doug Brindley, son of the developer and actively involved in the sale of the first three lots – and many more of the now 450+ residential units. He highlighted his Corolla Light adventures in a video, recalling well-known Corolla Light owners and the history behind a past president’s multi-day visit to our community – George H.W. Bush, on Payson Court. Click the links below to watch Doug and other CLCA member videos:

Video: Doug Brindley

Video: Alan and Linda Reider

Video: Kelly Rush, Mom and daughter

Video: Bob Stoneking

Video: Mary Jane Naismith

Video: Bruce Yeutter

Video: Corolla Light 1987 Promotional Video 

Video: Corolla Light 1989 Promotional Video

Another Corolla pioneer attending our celebration was Clark Twiddy. He reminded us of an adventurous trip by Dick Brindley and his father, Doug Twiddy, along the U.S. Atlantic coast to see firsthand the most innovative beach resorts of the early 1980s. He also mentioned that Dick Brindley paid just over $3 million for the land that has become Corolla Light – and that a single Corolla Light home recently sold for more than that. In fact, the combined valuation of properties in Corolla Light now exceeds $750 million. For another perspective on the community’s impact on the modern Outer Banks, read Twiddy’s feature, “Celebrating 40 Years of Corolla Light Resort,” on the Twiddy blog.

Today, Corolla Light continues to honor that original vision as a one-of-a-kind, family-friendly resort community on the Outer Banks, with amenities that span from oceanfront pools to soundfront trails. To learn more about staying at Corolla Light or to find the perfect vacation home for your family, visit our rental search page and start planning your next Outer Banks getaway.