It was a warm July afternoon when Lily first set foot on the winding gravel driveway that led to a grand coastal mansion—a sprawling white-washed house with wraparound porches and the scent of salt in the air. A long time fan of The Summer I Turned Pretty House, the hit Amazon Prime series adapted from Jenny Han’s beloved novels, Lily had travelled to North Carolina to see the now-iconic house where so many pivotal scenes took place. From beach bonfires to heartfelt conversations on the front porch swing, the house witnessed moments of young love, family bonds, and the bitter sweetness of growing up. For Lily and countless others, the house wasn’t just a backdrop—it was a character steeped in nostalgia, much like the memories of summer vacations spent along the Atlantic coast.
The house featured in The Summer I Turned Pretty—often called Cousins Beach House by fans—has garnered attention for its beauty and coastal charm, becoming an object of fascination for viewers and readers alike. Set in a fictional town called Cousins Beach, the house is central to the emotional dynamics of the series, where family traditions and teenage love stories unfold against the backdrop of sandy shores and ocean breezes.
In this article, we’ll explore the real-life inspiration behind this iconic house, its role in the narrative, and how coastal homes like this are becoming more desirable than ever. We’ll also look at the real estate trends for similar luxury beachfront properties, especially in areas like North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond.
The Summer I Turned Pretty House: A Coastal Dream
A Home Full of Heart and Memories
The house in The Summer I Turned Pretty series is more than just a beautiful setting—it is a vessel of emotion, filled with the characters’ happiest memories and most difficult moments. Situated in the fictional Cousins Beach, the house is where Belly (the protagonist, Isabel Conklin) and her family spend their summers with the Fisher family. Over time, the home becomes a sacred space where youthful love stories and the bonds between friends and family unfold.
The house, with its expansive porches, large bay windows, and classic New England-style architecture, embodies the allure of a quintessential summer retreat. In this place, the warmth of the sun and the ocean breeze merge with moments of reflection, connection, and growth. It captures the essence of nostalgia central to the books and the show, reminding audiences of the fleeting nature of youth and summer.
The Real-Life Inspiration Behind Cousins Beach
Although Cousins Beach is fictional, it’s based on real coastal towns along the East Coast, especially in areas like Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and the Carolinas. Jenny Han, the author of The Summer I Turned Pretty series, has cited these locations as inspirations for the setting. The combination of white sandy beaches, serene waters, and charming small-town life that characterizes these East Coast locations is the foundation upon which Cousins Beach—and its beloved house—was built.
The house used in filming the Amazon Prime series is in Wilmington, North Carolina. It is a popular spot for film and television productions due to its scenic beauty and historic coastal homes. According to Architectural Digest, the production designers carefully selected the property for its timeless appeal and ability to embody the feeling of a family summer home that could appear welcoming, lived-in, and full of history.
Wilmington itself, with its mixture of grand Southern-style homes and waterfront mansions, has been a key filming location for several productions, including Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill. This further solidifies its reputation as the perfect setting for coming-of-age stories centred around family and friends.
Coastal Homes in the Real Estate Market: How Cousins Beach Reflects Reality
Demand for Beachfront Properties on the Rise
The popularity of The Summer I Turned Pretty has sparked renewed interest in beach houses as ideal summer getaways, particularly in regions along the East Coast. While Cousins Beach may be fictional, the longing for such coastal retreats is real.
In 2022 and 2023, the demand for vacation homes surged, particularly those in coastal regions. According to a report by Redfin, sales of second homes skyrocketed by 87% in the first half of 2021 compared to the previous year, as many wealthy buyers sought properties that offered space, privacy, and proximity to nature during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beachfront homes, in particular, became incredibly sought-after as they provide the perfect setting for remote work, family gatherings, and long-term vacations. Even as the pandemic began to ease, the demand for these properties remained strong, with many seeing coastal homes as personal escapes and valuable investments.
In North Carolina, where parts of The Summer I Turned Pretty were filmed, coastal areas like Wrightsville Beach and Figure Eight Island have become highly desirable locations for luxury real estate. According to Zillow, the median price for a home in Wrightsville Beach in 2023 was approximately $1.8 million, while homes on private islands like Figure Eight Island can command prices of $3 million or more, depending on their size, location, and amenities. These areas are known for their pristine beaches, privacy, and charming communities, which mirror the idyllic atmosphere of Cousins Beach.
The Cost of Coastal Living: From Fiction to Reality
While The Summer I Turned Pretty gives us a romanticized view of beachside living, the reality of owning a coastal home is both glamorous and expensive. In the broader U.S. market, the median price of waterfront homes is significantly higher than non-waterfront properties. A report from Realtor.com showed that, as of 2023, waterfront properties along the East Coast carried a 30-40% premium compared to inland homes in the same areas. For many, the appeal of waking up to ocean views, having direct beach access, and enjoying the peace and tranquillity of coastal living is worth the price tag.
For example, in South Carolina, beachfront properties in exclusive areas like Kiawah Island often sell for upwards of $5 million. According to a 2023 report by Redfin, the price per square foot for prime coastal real estate in these locations can range from $700 to $1,200. The combination of location, amenities, and privacy drives the market, much like in the fictional world of Cousins Beach, where the beach house plays a central role in family dynamics.
However, coastal homes come with their challenges. The maintenance costs for beachfront properties are typically higher due to saltwater, wind, and humidity exposure. Homeowners often face additional expenses for regular upkeep, flood insurance, and storm-proofing. According to the National Association of Realtors, annual maintenance and insurance costs for luxury waterfront homes can range from 1-3% of the property’s total value—costs homeowners must consider when purchasing these dreamy properties.
A New Generation of Coastal Luxury
The Modern Coastal Home
While the Cousins Beach house in The Summer I Turned Pretty showcases a classic, traditional coastal home, modern beachfront properties are increasingly designed with sustainability and luxury. New developments in areas like the Outer Banks, South Carolina, and even the Hamptons are built with eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and advanced technologies that allow homeowners to enjoy luxury while minimizing their environmental footprint.
According to Architectural Digest, newer beach homes incorporate solar panels, smart home technologies, and hurricane-resistant materials in their design. Coastal buyers today are looking for beauty and proximity to the water and homes that align with their values, whether that means eco-conscious living or reducing long-term energy costs.
The Enduring Allure of Coastal Retreats
As The Summer I Turned Pretty’s success continues to grow, the allure of its beach house remains a central draw for fans and real estate enthusiasts alike. Whether it’s the fictional charm of Cousins Beach or the real-life appeal of Wilmington’s coast, coastal homes hold a special place in the hearts of many. For those who dream of long summer days spent by the sea, these homes offer not just a piece of property but a timeless escape from the pressures of everyday life.
As Charlotte and Henry—and countless other families—have found, investing in a coastal home isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about creating a place where memories are made, summers feel endless, and the ocean breeze can wash away the world’s worries. Whether you’re a fan of The Summer I Turned Pretty or simply in the market for a waterfront retreat, one thing is clear: the magic of coastal living endures.
