bethany beach house tour

2023 Beach & Bay Cottage Tour

Time & location.

Jul 28, 2023, 7:45 AM EDT

Cottage Tour

About the event

You can experience this years tour in two ways. With the purchase of a Virtual Only ticket, you get to view all 10 homes from the comfort of your own home. With the purchase of a Combo Ticket, you not only get to see all 10 homes virtually, but you also get to visit five of the 10 homes In-Person between 9:30 am and 4 pm. (The five In-Person homes are preselected.)

Virtual only tickets are $35.00 and the Combo ticket (Virtual and In-Person) is $50.00. 

The In-Person tickets are limited to 500 tickets for Wednesday ONLY and 500 tickets for Thursday ONLY.  When you purchase your ticket, you MUST choose your Tour Day and your ticket is only valid on that day.

We do not mail tickets.  Tickets are non-refundable.

In the event covid prevents In-Person home visits, you will be notified via email and there will be NO refunds. This does not impact the Virtual portion of the Tour.

Virtual Only--July 16-August 6

+$0.88 service fee

Share this event

This Well-Traveled Delaware Beach House Is Designed to Gather and Inspire

Designer Mona Hajj created the ultimate retreat for a client of 20 years and their growing family.

“The client just really wanted more space so that all the grandkids could come, as she has kids living in California and wanted to create a place where everyone could gather together and spend quality time with each other,” says Hajj. “They like things that are both pleasing and extremely comfortable, which is what they were really looking to have in this house.”

Hajj was involved in nearly every step of the process, ensuring the home would be built to welcome as much natural light as possible, establishing picture-perfect views outside of living room windows and selecting light woods and other materials that felt contextual to the home's natural surroundings. It was also important to Hajj that she create a layout that was full of intimate corners instead of an open floor plan that would allow for too much togetherness. Creating cozy nooks and private spaces was necessary to ensure that family members have time to retreat away to recharge with a good book, catch up on work emails, or simply enjoy some peace and quiet between the board game nights and swim sessions.

The designer says the hardest part of this project was working with the property’s constraints, as it needed to be a certain distance from the water and is surrounded by dunes. Beyond respecting the land, the area has seasonal restrictions where building isn’t allowed for certain times of the year, so construction took longer than anticipated, but she says it has been worth every minute to see how much the family has enjoyed the home.

“The property itself is very inspiring,” Hajj says. “It’s right on the water, it’s calm, and it’s a second home for the clients, so things could be more forgiving. Inspiration came from the land itself—the colors of the water and the views.”

However, once it was time to finally fill the home with beautiful things, the designer did so in her signature style: artfully blending Eastern and Western aesthetics to create a home that feels as well-traveled as its owners. Needless to say, this is not your traditional beach house.

There are antique Moorish Arabesque tiles Hajj found in Spain, Romanian kilim rugs and Venetian mirrors from the mid-1800s, antique Syrian lanterns, Louis XV furnishings—the list goes on and on. And yet, the house still manages to feel at home on Bethany Beach, full of soothing blue hues, antique seascapes, and an understated sensibility that is perfectly suited for a family’s vacation home.

“We didn’t want it to be a typical beach house with the same sort of ideas you always see,” says Hajj. “[The client] is very well-traveled, so it was easy for me to work accordingly, as they were open to styles and ideas from different cultures. The mix of European, Middle Eastern, and Asian elements was actually preferable to them.”

In order to ensure that this house would remain the right size for this growing family, Hajj dedicated much of the square footage to bedrooms, each with their own personality, collections of antiques, and dreamy blue walls. Extra insurance comes from the darling bunk room that features custom beds to make the room as efficient as it is beautiful. That theme rings true throughout the home, as every piece is selected for more than just its beauty—it had to be comfortable, inviting, and not too precious for enduring many a multi-generational getaway.

Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor based in Birmingham, Alabama. Before going on her own, Lauren worked for brands such as VERANDA, EatingWell, and Cooking Light , and she covers all things lifestyle from interior design and luxury travel to wine and wellness.

The Ultimate House Tours Guide

Oscar de la Renta’s Home Is Pure Island Elegance

This California Home Is an Open-Air Masterpiece

Step Inside This Gatsby-esque Atlanta Estate

Tour a Greek Revival on the Kiawah River

A Modernist Lakeside Playground

A Romantic and Coastal Block Island Retreat

Tour CeCe Barfield Thompson's NYC Apartment

Step Inside This Greek Revival Home Built in 1820

Tour a Penthouse with Heart-Stopping Neutrals

Patterns Reign in Mia Reay’s Jacobean-Style Castle

Inside a House Filled with Pop Art and Personality

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Bethany Beach's Cant-Miss Attractions

Driving into Bethany Beach, you’ll be greeted by a quiet sense of calmness. Imagine, you breathe in the ocean air, and you can suddenly feel that this is your coastal home away from home. Bethany is the kind of place that's perfectly suited for beach house gatherings of extended families who find their sunny days filled with an endless array of do-as-you-please activities – sunning or running on the broad beaches, shopping tax-free at the boutiques on the boardwalk or savoring a gourmet coastal meal.

• Bethany Boardwalk : Explore Bethany Beach Boardwalk to find various shopping and dining options. From book stores to Cany Kitchen, feel the coastal vibes and smell the salt air while on the boardwalk.
• Big Chill Beach Club : Grab a drink and a bite to eat as you watch the sun set along the ocean! Big Chill Beach Club is always bustling with fun.

Water Adventures

• Fenwick island State Park:  Take in a relaxing escape from summer crowds at Fenwick Island State Park. Play in the sand or splash in the waves of the shore as the sun shines!

• Coastal Kayak : Between kayaking tours, paddleboard rental, eco-tours and more, take a tour or rent equipment to explore Delaware waters.
• Freeman Arts Pavilion : Showcasing music, dance, comedy, theater and other performances, enjoy open-air showings with the Freedom Arts Pavilion.
• Viking Golf & Go-Karts : Take your pick of water slides, mini golf or go-karts at this kid-approved amusement park!

Upcoming Events

Women's fest 2024, clear space theatre company presents the bodyguard the musical, mid-atlantic symphony premiere of “rhapsody in red, white and blue”, pop-up opera with operadelaware.

For me, there isn’t a better place to be than by the ocean and it gets even better if the house is built and designed by Marnie Oursler of Marnie Custom Homes . She really knows how to design beach houses and this new beach house tour is here to prove just that.

This 7,600-square-foot modern coastal home is located oceanfront in Bethany Beach, DE. Inspired by modern California design, the four story beach house fits right in along the Delaware coast thanks to its more old fashioned pointed roofline. To capture every ounce of ocean view, the back of the home features wall to wall windows that leads to an additional 1,400 sq feet of deck space. Furnishings from Restoration Hardware complete the home’s clean yet cozy aesthetic. If you love modern coastal design, this home will leave you dreaming of beach house living.

Looking for affordable ways to refresh your home? Make sure to check out the links of similar things I am sharing in this post. I carefully select these items with the intention of helping you with your home decor and furniture. Also, feel free to send me an email through the contact form if you need further assistance.

Make sure to see these other house tours by Marnie Custom Homes on Home Bunch:

 – Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Beach House .

  – Beach House Interior Design Ideas .

 – Beach House Tour .

2021 Beach House Tour

“The homeowner wanted a crisp modern white, offset with black windows so we chose weather resistant James Hardie Cedar Shake and Board & Batten siding in Arctic White that gives the appearance of cedar without the maintenance. Steel framing was key in this build to ensure it withstands the wind and waterfront conditions.”

Exterior Details

Siding – James Hardie Board & Batten & Cedar Shake in Arctic White.

Garage – Clopay Gallery Collection Series GD1LU Model. Color: Black.

Windows & Front Door

Front door – ThermaTru SmoothStar Door .

Windows – Marvin windows.

Blue Horizon

Awww… the ocean!!! My beloved grandmother used to say that the ocean clears all the “bad energy” and frees our soul, and I feel this way every time I look at the waves and the blue horizon… I hope this post brings this same inner peace and that you can feel lighter, more relaxed and happier.

As you enter the home you are immediately welcomed by a view of the ocean.

All Furniture/Lighting is from Restoration Hardware – I’m linking similar products (and more affordable options) for your shopping convenience.

“We used floating stairs as a way to keep the space light and airy and to not block the view. Cable railings add a modern twist.”

Living Room off Foyer

“Off of the foyer is a sophisticated Sitting Room featuring a Marvin Modern Multi-Slide door that leads to the 2nd floor deck.”

Sofa: Belgian Track Arm Slipcovered Two Seat Cushions Sofa – similar here (great quality!) Others: here & here .

Side Tables: T-Brace Round Side Table – similar style: here & here – Other Options: here , here , here , here , here , here , here & here .

Coffee Table: T-Brace Coffee Table – Other Options: here , here & here .

Lamp: 1960s Liseuse Task Floor Lamp – similar here , here   & here .

Art: Seb Sweatman: Makeba II for General Public – Others: here & here .

Throw: Chunky Hand-Knit Throw – Others: here & here .

Chandelier: Round Chandelier 60” – similar style: here (New!) – Others: here , here & here .

Tree: Grand Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree 8’9” – similar here & here .

Rug: Horizon Handwoven Flatweave Rug – similar style here (new!) – Others: here , here & here .

Mirror: Modernist Convex Mirror.

Staircase Chandelier

Light: RH Glass Mobile Cluster Chandelier 28″ – similar here – Other: here .

Staircase Railing

Railings: All custom cable railing with metal posts and White Oak handrail.

Trim Paint Color

All Trim Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White in High Gloss.

“With the ocean as the backdrop, Marnie wanted to create a light and airy kitchen large enough to accommodate family and friends. To create this modern coastal kitchen, Marnie used a mix of countertop materials to break up the all white kitchen while also creating multiple seating areas. She designed two 12.5-foot-long islands with three different countertop materials—a four-inch-thick walnut countertop provides a seating area for six and mimics a kitchen table, while the Atlas Plan Boost Smoke countertop creates an additional seating area for four. It gives the look of concrete but it’s actually porcelain which she chose for it’s durability. Finally, Atlas Plan’s Calacatta Extra Porcelain slab was chosen for the remainder of the countertop, backsplash and sides of the islands for a modern sophisticated look that mimics the look of marble. Complete with two refrigerators, multiple freezers and two Galley Sinks. This kitchen is an entertainers dream.”

Hood: Custom Antiqued Zinc Hood from Amore.

Kitchen Lighting & Countertop

Pendants: Machinist Glass Globe Pendant 14” – similar here – here & here – Other Clients’ Favorites: here , here , here , here , here , here , here & here .

Counterstools: Emery Curved-Back Armless Leather Stool – similar style: here – Others: here , here , here , here , here , here & here .

Cabinetry & Hardware

Kitchen Cabinet: Decor Cabinets Door Style PP430 painted Benjamin Moore Decorators White.

Countertop, Island Sides & Backsplash: C alacatta Extra Porcelain by Atlas Plan.

Hardware: Top Knobs Aspen Flat Sided Pull 18” Appliance Pull , 9” and 6” .

Boost Smoke Countertop: Looks like concrete but is porcelain.

Kitchen Faucets

Faucets: Grohe k7 Semi Pro Single Handle Pull out kitchen faucet .

Kitchen Sink

Sink: 6’ Galley Single Bowl Sink – similar here & here .

Wood Countertop: 4” thick Walnut butcher block.

Dining Room

Would you mind having dinner with a view like that? I wouldn’t neither!!! 🙂

Chairs: Parsons Slipcovered Long Skirt Side Chair – Others: here , here , here , here , here , here , here , here & here .

Arm Chairs: Parsons Slipcovered Long Skirt Armchair .

Light: Ravelle Linear Chandelier 71”.

Dining Table

Situated right off the gourmet kitchen, the views from this dining room are a show stopper with tons of natural light.

Table: Rectangular Extension Dining Table – Other Best Sellers: here (New!), here (clients’ favorite!) here , here , here , here , here & here .

Table Runner: here – similar.

Hardwood Flooring

All hardwood (except in mud room/rec room): Hardwood: Solid Hardwood – White Oak, Rift and Quartered with Knots 4, 5 & 7” – Custom Stain – Other Favorites: here , here , here , here , here & here .

Inspired by this Look:

(Scroll to see more)

Living Room

“The goal of this second floor was to be truly indoor/outdoor with wall to wall, floor to ceiling modern multi slide doors from Marvin Windows. To avoid blocking even an inch of the homes ocean views with bulky blinds, we built window treatment cavities into the ceiling. Simply touch a button and the remote controlled blinds descend for privacy.”

Doors: Marvin Modern Multi Slide Doors.

Chandelier: Glass Globe Mobile Eight Arm Chandelier 79” – similar here .

Rug: Oriz Performance Handwoven Flatweave Rug.

“The detailed cathedral ceiling and two-story fireplace with linear surround is made of an entire slab of porcelain which looks like concrete for a modern look. This home was designed as an airy open concept floor plan but with several different defined areas to gather and relax all while taking in the breathtaking ocean views.”

Fireplace: Boost Smoke Porcelain by Atlas Plan.

Sectional: Lugano Modular Armless Chair – Others: here , here , here , here , here , here , here , here & here .

Coffee Table: Reclaimed Rustic Oak Coffee Table – similar here .

Living Room Decor Ideas:

All Shiplap Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Pearly White .

Chairs: Belgian Track Arm Slipcovered Chair – similar here &   here Others: here , here , here , here & here .

Coffee Table: Oak Round Coffee Table – Other Round Coffee Tables: here , here , here , here , here , here , here & here .

Pillow: Hand Knotted Melange Solid Pillow Cover – Lumbar – similar style: here .

Bowl: Mid-century Stoneware Bowl – Large – similar here .

Lighting: RH Cabrillo Pendant – Others: here , here & here .

Side Table – similar here (affordable option).

Neutral Guest Bedroom

Featuring a neutral color scheme, this Guest Bedroom features Shiplap in Sherwin Williams SW 7009 Pearly White and incredible ocean views!

Bed: Ridgeline Fabric Panel Bed – similar style: here & here .

Dresser: Ridgeline 6 Drawer Dresser – similar style: here & here .

Lamp: Pesaro Table Lamp – Other Best Sellers: here , here , here &   here .

Bedding: Linen Frayed Edge Duvet Cover – similar here (Excellent quality!).

Quilt: Geometric Pick Stitch Cotton Quilt – similar here .

Stylish Throws: here , here , here , here , here , here (New!) & here .

Rug: Custom Shoreham Handloomed Wool Rug- Others: here & here .

Door: Marvin Windows Modern Multi Slide Door.

Nightstand: Ridgeline Open Nightstand.

Guest Bathroom

Vanity: Hutton Single Extra-Wide Vanity – similar here – Others: here (New!), here , here & here .

Floor: MSI Arabescatato Carrara Honed 12×24 .

Mirror: here – similar.

Sconce: Ravelle Sconce.

Shower Tile

Shower Floor & Back Wall Niche: Arabescatato Carrara Honed .

2×2 Shower Walls: Carrara Marble 6×12 .

Master Bedroom

“Wall-to-wall windows continue into the owners’ bedroom and open en-suite bathroom, which features floor-to-ceiling porcelain, a double slipper tub,  zero entry shower, and views of the Delaware coastline.”

Master Sitting Area

Sofa: Lars Modular Left Arm Chaise –  similar style: here .

Coffee Table: 1-Beam Coffee Table.

Bedroom Decor Ideas:

Paint color.

Master Bedroom Paint Color: Decorator’s White by Benjamin Moore.

Rug: Natim Handwoven Rug – similar here .

Fan: Maverick Ceiling Fan – similar here & here .

Bed & Nightstand

Bed: Reclaimed Russian Oak Platform Bed – similar style: here , here , here & here .

Side Tables: Reclaimed Russian Oak Plinth Cube – similar style: here & here .

Vase: Matte White Glass Vase – similar here .

Lamps: Orbiter II Wall Lamp .

Bedding: Italian Crinklen Linen Cotton Duvet Cover – similar here – Other: here – clients’ favorite!

Sham: Italian Crinkled Linen Cotton Sham – similar here .

Coverlet: Esme Cotton Linen Coverlet – similar here & here .

Window Treatment: Remote controlled retractable blinds by Hunter Douglas.

Decks are made out of Ipe wood.

Ocean’s Breeze

May the waves wash away any type of stress…

Master Bathroom

“Designed to capture every ounce of ocean views, we wrapped the walls and windows in porcelain for a seamless, modern look.”

Tub: Double Slipper Tub. Juliet #222 by Boutique Collection Tub – similar here – Others: here , here , here & here .

Sconce: Ravelle Sconce – Others: here , here , here & here .

Walls: Calacatta Extra Porcelain slab by Atlas Plan.

Floor Tile: Statuario Lux 24×24 Rectified .

Tub Faucet: Kohler Purist Freestanding Bath Faucet .

Sink Faucet: Kohler Purist Lav Faucet K14408 in Chrome .

Sink: 22×14 Gloss white Ess Sink Petra Semi Recessed Vanity Top by MTI Baths.

Countertop: Corian Quartz Bianco.

Vanity: Decor cabinets.

Closet Cabinet Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White.

Basement Rec Room

Located on the ground floor amidst the dunes, this rec room is designed as a sophisticated second hang out area.

Sofa Sectional: Maxwell leather sofa sectional – similar here & here – Others: here , here & here .

Sideboard: Oak Brule Waterfall Media Sideboard – Other: here .

Coffee Table: Reclaimed Russian Oak Plinth Coffee Table – similar style: here .

Ottoman: 21” Cooper Round Ottoman – Others: here (New!), here & here .

Dining Table: Reclaimed Russian Oak Plank Rectangular Dining Table – similar here .

Chairs: Vero Leather side chair – similar here , here & here .

Fan: Maverick Ceiling Fan .

Shiplap & Leather

Shiplap Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White.

Side Table: 1930’s Martini Round Side Table – similar here .

Wall art: Koen Lybaert Iron Mountain for General Public.

Shelf: Oak Brule Etagere Shelving.

“Bunk rooms are a signature of any Marnie Custom Home and this one is no exception. Eight bunks sleep 14 perfect for younger guests; each bunk is outfitted with individual lights, outlets and drawer storage. Hate making the top bunk? Problem solved with fold down railings for easy bed making.”

Bedding: Deny Designs Monika Strigel Within the Tides Stormy Weather .

Bunk Beds: Custom design + build by Marnie.

Stool: here – similar.

Bunk Room Paint Color

The Bunk Room Beds are painted in Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White.

Guest Bedroom

This is one of four oceanfront bedrooms! And what a view!!!

Custom Cabinets

Custom cabinets are in Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White.

Vanity: Reclaimed Russian Oak Single Vanity – similar here .

Shower Tile: Local store – Shop this style: Walls & Shower Pan .

Beach Prep Room

“We take beach prep seriously and have created a room specifically designated to make trips to the beach a breeze. This beach prep room is located on the first floor and with direct beach access. Here you can load up your cooler with beach snacks, drinks, towels, etc. Fully equipped with a refrigerator/freezer, laundry room, sink and plenty of storage space for beach necessities. Outside the door is an outdoor shower where you can rinse off before coming inside to keep the sand out! Drop your towels in the laundry, unload your cooler and relax after a day on the beach.”

Floor: Sofia Grey Porcelain Tile – similar here &   here – Other Favorites: here , here , here , here , here   & here .

Washer: Electrolux Perfect Steam 32” Front Load Washer .

Dryer: Electrolux Perfect Steam 27 .

Cabinets: Decor Cabinets Door Style PP430 painted Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White.

Modern architectural details make of this newly-built home a showstopper!

“To maximize the outdoor area, we added 1,400 sq feet of deck space with cable railings to take in those ocean views in multiple areas.”

Decks: Ipe.

Deck Railing

Railings: All custom cable railings.

Outdoor Kitchen

“A built in grill off the kitchen allows for easy grilling and IPE decking was chosen for it’s durability and ability to keep cool even in hot temperatures.”

Dining Table: Sebastian Teak Rectangular Dining Table – Others: here & here .

Dining Chairs: Sebastian Teak Armchair.

Outdoor Furniture

Chairs: Sebastian Teak Lounge Chair – Others: here , here , here , here & here .

Pillows: Sunbrella African Mud Cloth – Others: here , here , here & here .

Coffee Table: Vetro Round Coffee Table – Others: here , here , here & here .

Side Table: here & here – similar.

Outdoor Rug: Perennials Pinstripe Outdoor Rug – Fog- Other Favorites: here , here & here .

Lounge Chairs

Lounge Chairs: Merida Chaise Lounge – Others: here , here , here & here (so fun!).

Rolling Waves

Stop for a minute and look at this beautiful place… Imagine yourself going for a walk on the beach, feeling the warm sand under your feet and the warm breeze… The waves are calming your heart and you are feeling happy.

Many thanks to the builder & designer for sharing the details above!

Builder: marnie custom homes ( instagram ).

Photography: Dana Hoff Photography .

Decorator: Calli Scheidt with Restoration Hardware.

Photo Stylist: Kristi Hunter @kristihunter.

Architect: SEA Studio Architects.

More about the designer: Marnie Oursler is the President of Marnie Custom Homes based in Bethany Beach, Delaware, which specializes in building sustainable beach homes using locally sourced materials.

Marnie hosted Big Beach Builds, which aired for two seasons in 2017 and 2018 on DIY Network. She was also the host of HGTV Dream Home 2018.

She built the first LEED-certified home in Delaware, implementing energy-efficient practices before it was cutting edge. Marnie’s innovative use of materials, impeccable craftsmanship, creative design sense, and unparalleled work ethic have earned her a thriving business, and she continues to revolutionize the industry with a fresh approach to established building practices and processes.

Marnie’s story is unconventional and inspirational as she’s built a growing custom home company in a very male-dominated industry. Not only does she build custom beach homes, she also designs them, adding one-of-a- kind touches. Every Marnie Custom Home is unique and perfectly tailored to the homeowner. The result? An ideal luxury beach retreat, built in harmony with nature.

Home Bunch’s New Finds:

Click on items to shop:

Best Sales of the Month:

Thank you for shopping through Home Bunch . For your shopping convenience, this post may contain AFFILIATE LINKS to retailers where you can purchase the products (or similar) featured. I make a small commission if you use these links to make your purchase, at no extra cost to you, so thank you for your support. I would be happy to assist you if you have any questions or are looking for something in particular. Feel free to contact me and always make sure to check dimensions before ordering. Happy shopping!

Wayfair : Up to 70% off!!!

Serena and lily : enjoy 20% off everything with code: newleaf.

Pottery Barn : Up to 40% Off + Free Shipping on orders over $99 with code: COZY

Joss & Main : New Spring Arrivals

Burke Decor : 20% Off Site Wide. Use Code: Glass

West Elm : Up to 75% Off! + An Extra 50% off Clearance with code: SAVE50

Popular Posts: Family Home with Classic Interiors .

Black and White Modern Farmhouse Kitchen .

Modern farmhouse design trends ., florida waterfront home tour ., neutral modern farmhouse ..

California-inspired Coastal Interiors .

Dream lake house tour ., small farmhouse home tour ., california new-construction home ., california family home tour ., california farmhouse design ., townhouse interior design ideas ..

Southern Charm Home Tour .

California Home with Feminine Interiors .

New-construction modern home trends ., new-construction home with white oak kitchen ., home renovation tour ..

New-construction Home Tour .

2021 new-construction home trends ., classic european-style home with neutral interiors ., white home with front porch ., florida home renovation ., california coastal farmhouse beach house ., follow me on instagram: @homebunch, you can follow my pins here: pinterest/homebunch, see more inspiring interior design ideas in my archives ..

“Dear God,

If I am wrong, right me. If I am lost, guide me. If I start to give-up, keep me going.

Lead me in Light and Love”.

Have a wonderful day, my friends and we’ll talk again tomorrow.”

Luciane from HomeBunch.com

2 Comments to '2021 Beach House Tour'

Subscribe to get Home Bunch Posts Via Email

I can’t even. The builder certainly thought of every single thing one could want in a beach house. Beautifully.

Thank you so much, Barbara!

Luciane @HomeBunch

Leave a Reply

Name (required)

Email (will not be published) (required)

XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

Follow Home Bunch

Featured Posts

• Tennessee Modern Farmhouse Cottage
• A Beautiful & Inspiring House Tour
• Family-Friendly Home Decorating Ideas
• Modern Farmhouse with Drive-Under Garage
• Idaho Designer’s Home Tour
• Naturally Modern Home Design
• Illuminating Spaces: Modern Chandelier Ideas
• North Carolina Home with Stylish Interiors
• New-Construction Ideas for a City Lot
• Transitional Modern Home
• Home Bunch’s Favorites: Spring 2024
• New Modern Farmhouse Ideas
• Golden Teak

Featured Shops

Trending Posts

• Luxurious Utah Home Tour
• New Construction With Neutral Interiors
• Vote The Tour Most Voted Modern Farmhouse
• Beautiful South Carolina House Tour
• Tour This Utah Home With Inspiring Interiors
• Corner Lot Home Ideas
• New Home Ideas
• Tour This Utah Warm Modern Home
• Small Lot Beligan Inspired Farmhouse
• Beach House Tour
• New Tudor Home Design Ideas
• Oregon Wine Country Modern Farmhouse
• Modern Spanish House Tour
• Modern French Country Cottage
• New Construction Modern Home Trends
• Modern Tudor Style Home
• Narrow Lot Modern Farmhouse
• Modern European House Tour
• Black and White Modern Farmhouse Exterior
• Best Benjamin Moore Paint Colors
• Get New HB Posts Via Email

The Historic Coastal Towns Cottage Tour is set for Saturday, Oct. 9, and will feature historic Bethany Beach homes in 2021, including the 1905 Drexler House, now owned by Tracy and Cliff Heiden.

• Coastal Point • Submitted
• Copy article link

Drexler House to be featured on Oct. 9 historic cottage tour

• Aug 12, 2021

The Drexler House, located at 22 N. Atlantic Avenue in Bethany Beach, is among the historic Bethany Beach homes and cottages that will be featured on the 4 th Annual Historic Coastal Towns Cottage Tour on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In 1904, Louis and Elizabeth Drexler moved their family from Pittsburgh to Bethany Beach. They built this house in 1905, and it remained in the Drexler family for 112 years, in later years serving as a boardinghouse (note room numbers 1 through 7 on the bedroom doors). Louis Drexler, known as “the Bull Moose,” served in Delaware’s state House and Senate.

Current owners Tracy and Cliff Heiden of McLean, Va., purchased the house from the Drexler descendants in 2016. According to Tracy Heiden, “We wanted a place with history to it, a place where everybody could be together and where we could build our own memories on that history.” A bronze plaque in the front yard identifies the house as a part of the Town of Bethany Beach Historic Trail.

The 116-year-old house, as inspected before purchase, was completely free of any mold, mildew or termite damage, demonstrating its quality construction and preservation. Many of the unique aspects of the original house remain, including a mezzanine gallery above the family room, built-in cabinets in the foyer and kitchen, and the china cabinet in the dining room. The original large, double-hung, single-glazed windows have survived many storms. The Drexler’s 6-foot wood table remains in the dining room.

Interior renovations undertaken by the Heidens included painting the dark wood walls (typical of early 1900s homes) and refinishing the floors. The bedrooms remain as they were, except for No. 3 and No. 4, which are now used for storage. The bathrooms and kitchen have been significantly redone. And the exterior, also originally dark wood, has been painted blue. A sign hanging on the front porch announces the house’s new name: “Blue Haven, Established 2016.”

A limited number of tickets are available for the Historic Coastal Towns Cottage Tour. They can be purchased at Made By Hand (Route 1, South Bethany), Gallery One (Route 26, Ocean View), Bethany Beach Books (downtown Bethany Beach), Bethany Beach Town Hall (on the day of the tour only), and online at  www.thequietresorts.com . Tickets cost $25 each, and proceeds support the developing Coastal Towns Museum at 40 West Avenue in Ocean View.

Coastal Point E-Edition

Coastal point | april 26, 2024.

• Apr 25, 2024

Recent News

Desa renews promise for offshore wind power.

A … Read More >> DESA renews promise for offshore wind power

Millville budget up for vote

Th… Read More >> Millville budget up for vote

DelDOT hosting workshop on bicycle, pedestrian safety

Th… Read More >> DelDOT hosting workshop on bicycle, pedestrian safety

McKee throws hat into the ring in Millsboro

Af… Read More >> McKee throws hat into the ring in Millsboro

• View More Recent News

404 Not found

• Eat & Drink
• Life & Style
• Things to Do
• Our Publications
• Best of Delaware

Photo by Moonloop Photography

With retirement on the horizon, it struck them as the ideal setting for a more relaxed pace. But transforming a vacation getaway to a full-time residence required reimagining the house.

Their wish list was specific and ambitious: A new kitchen with high-end finishes. Luxurious bathrooms. An open-concept living and dining area. A den that could double as a home office. And storage. Lots of storage.

“We wanted our home to be comfortable and easy, with a lot of natural light,” Aphy recalls.

The Lennons had no shortage of ideas. Aphy browses Pinterest, Houzz and other online home design resources, but she found nothing tops touring homes in person. “On a house tour, you actually get to see the house,” she says.

For years, she explored many of Bethany’s most notable homes on the Beach and Bay Cottage Tour, an annual pilgrimage for aficionados of architecture and interior design in coastal Delaware.

“For 12 years, I had gone on the cottage tour,” she says. “I kept all my tour booklets and took notes on the various homes.”

A larger feel

To transform their wish list into reality, the Lennons turned to Scott Edmonston, an architect whose work they had admired on the tour. They commissioned Allen Curtis of Cottage Construction to build it.

Because the two-story, 2,350-square-foot house is sited on wetlands bordering a large pond they couldn’t expand the footprint. That was fine with the Lennons, who envisioned a casual, pared-back retirement enjoying their community and entertaining friends.

Ask the Expert: Dr. Dan Truono Q&A Topic: New Technology and Equipment for Dental Procedures

Experience 55+ Resort-Style Living at Heritage Shores Passport to Fun Event

“Scott came up with ways to make better use of the space and make the house feel larger,” Aphy says.

The key to that is an open-concept gathering space on the second floor that encompasses the kitchen, living room and dining area.

“I was adamant about not having a formal dining room that we would never use,” she says. “Having a dining room that is open to the kitchen and the living room works so beautifully. I’m cooking at the island and a friend is tossing the salad.”

In addition to taking down walls, the Lennons removed carpeting and tile flooring, unifying the spaces with an expanse of oak flooring with four-inch planks. (The old cabinets, floors and doors were donated to Habitat for Humanity.) They also raised the roof, creating a lofty cathedral ceiling of tongue-in-groove wood and beams painted crisp white.

For years, the couple made do with an electric range. Natural gas isn’t available in their area, so they opted for propane to fuel a stainless steel range and a sleek fireplace set in stacked stone in the adjoining living area.

White kitchen cabinets are beaded in cottage style—designed in keeping with the Lennons’ clean, timeless aesthetic—by Sue Smith of Custom Cabinet Shop in Greenwood. The soaring ceiling provided room for a top bank of glass-fronted cabinets that displays colorful pieces of pottery.

“Some is from Italy, some is from Greece—and some is from Marshall’s,” Aphy says.

A large island provides prep space for multiple cooks, casual seating and specialized storage for cookbooks and small appliances. The massive slab of quartzite that tops the island was hoisted in by crane, along with the appliances. Rustic pendant lights over the island and dining table provide task lighting.

Upgrades and updates

Gutting the space gave the couple an opportunity to install other upgrades: a surround-sound entertainment system and custom window blinds that operate by remote control.

The palette is hushed and serene, blending white cabinetry, millwork and subway tiles with the silvery tones of stainless steel and gray-veined quartzite. The walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Concrete Gray, which takes on the aura of driftwood in this beachy setting.

Gail Lednum, a design consultant with Creative Concepts in Bethany, helped Aphy with color and furniture choices, mixing comfy seating upholstered in soft solids with a chair in a vibrant gray-and-yellow floral print. “Gail helped me to pull everything together and has encouraged me to be a little bolder,” she says.

The gray-and-white color scheme is repeated in the bathrooms, which blend milky Carrera marble with the pewter tones of the hardware and sparkling expanses of glass. In the guest bath, a seamless shower door slides like a barn door. In the master bath, mirrors stationed above his and hers sinks roll on casters to control natural light coming through the windows.

The floorplan optimizes the home’s natural setting. When the couple first bought the house they had a view of an adjacent golf course “so close we could critique the shots.”

Over the years, large stands of pines created a verdant privacy screen. The Lennons enjoy watching egrets, herons, ospreys and an occasional bald eagle on the pond.

Nice touches

Edmonston’s plan enhances those vistas with larger windows in the second floor gathering space, which includes the kitchen, dining and living areas. He borrowed space from what was the second-story landing to expand a screened porch. Off the rear of the garage he created a new back door with a large glass panel, which ushers in light and a view of the pond on the first level.

“The door also gives us great access to the outdoor shower,” Aphy says. “Before, you had to go out the garage door and walk around the back of the house.”

Incorporating several feet from the back of the attached garage into the house gave the Lennons a spacious laundry room, with a gift-wrap station, pantry and storage area. Shelves hold tidy baskets, neatly labeled, so items like light bulbs, tennis balls and glue are at the ready.

Outside, vinyl siding was replaced with cement board siding that looks like cedar. Accent roofs are crafted from pulled metal. The straight blacktop driveway was torn out and supplanted with a semicircle of pavers that amps up the home’s curb appeal.

Today, the house no longer feels like a weekend home. It’s a place where the Lennons will put down roots in the next phase of their lives.

“We are both from small towns south of Pittsburgh,” Aphy says. “It will be nice to wind up in a small town again.”

Get the look

Look to homes you admire for inspiration . Aphy Lennon toured local beach houses for years and also gathered ideas from magazines and home design websites.

Choose classic infrastructure over trends in flooring, fixtures and cabinetry . The Lennons opted for oak floors instead of gray stained planks because oak is timeless and will never go out of style.

Go fashion forward in coloring walls . The neutral grays in the Bethany house are on-point style wise. Down the road, when a trendy new palette emerges, they can readily update with a fresh coat of paint.

Pump up the volume . Raising the ceiling in an open-concept kitchen, dining and living area makes the space look even larger.

Get organized . A renovation is a great opportunity to rethink options for storage. The Lennons borrowed space from their garage to expand a laundry room to accommodate a second refrigerator, a wine fridge and shelving for household items.

Your guide to the people, places and activities of Delaware from its beaches and coastal towns to its bustling cities and historic sites.

Company Info

About Us Contact Us Subscribe Advertise Partner Content Issue Archive

Get Our Email Updates

Copyright © 2024 Today Media. All Rights Reserved.

• Notice at Collection

This Cozy Beach Cottage Was Designed with One Thing in Mind: Fun, Casual Living

Text by Hannah Nance

Not far from the wood-planked boardwalk of Bethany Beach, Delaware, you might stumble upon Bikinis & Birdwells, the charming vacation home of a young, active family who truly loves having fun—this much is obvious from the cottage’s casual and welcoming aesthetic.

Fittingly, the interior of the house was inspired by the family’s busy lifestyle and surfing, a sport the children are passionate about. The nautical stripes and contemporary style blend to create the perfect “hip” atmosphere, as designer Marnie Oursler of Marnie Custom Homes describes it.

The original home at this location was a duplex-style property, but after the family lived there for a few years, they wanted something new. The current house was designed with many of the same intentions of the original, but with an updated approach. Marnie retained the laid-back, casual nature of the home but gave the beach-house style a contemporary face-lift with an open-concept floor plan and a slate-and-blue color palette.

The stilted home’s main indoor gathering space is the great room. To provide the durability needed for the active family walking in and out right off the beach, premium vinyl flooring was chosen over more traditional hardwoods, which the previous home had. Marnie repurposed those hardwoods into the open shelving and dining table of the current home, giving a warm touch to the space. Sleek subway tile and white countertops are a breeze to clean when the family entertains, which is often. Thanks to the homeowners’ fun nature, Marnie wasn’t afraid to bring in bold pops of color, like she did with the aqua-hued tables in the living room.

The bedrooms feature the same practical beauty as the rest of the home. For the children, Marnie designed a bunk room, with additional trundle beds beneath. “Getting creative with the space is always a challenge,” Marnie says. “We had to figure out how the house would function comfortably both when it was full and when it was just the family there.” Stairs leading up to the top bunks provide extra storage for the kids, as does the double-vanity bathroom. The mudroom was also a necessity for the busy family. With a bench to set towels on and hooks for hats, the shiplap-sided space gets plenty of use.

The master suite is an elegant retreat for the parents. White wood-planked vaulted ceilings are highlighted by a large orb lighting fixture hanging directly above the bed. The serene space includes vistas viewed out of French doors that open to a private patio, the perfect spot for morning coffee while listening to the waves. Marnie brought sophisticated touches with rustic hints to the master bathroom, with an industrial-style wood plank lighting fixture and gold hardware. The bold tiled floor adds the signature pop of fun in the space.

Though the inside of the home provides a gorgeous retreat, Marnie designed the cottage knowing that the outdoor areas would be the stars of the show. Below the home, Marnie brought new life to an awkward and often underutilized space by creating a bar and games the whole family can enjoy, as well as storage. Now, it’s where you’ll most likely find the family during the summer, relaxing and having fun in their little beach cottage.

Shop our latest issues for more inspiration!

Southern Cottage 2024

Victoria Traditions of Christmas

Victoria The Art of Collecting

Related articles more from author, celebrate mom this mother’s day with these 7 gift ideas, step inside landscape architect troy rhone’s garden, form meets function in this fairhope, alabama, cottage, celebrate earth day with this dream greenhouse decked in sustainable vintage style.

Sea Colony - 902 Harbour House Rd. - Bethany Beach, DE

Worry-free booking.

Enjoy peace of mind with simple cancellation and optional travel insurance. Learn more >

Expert cleaning

Pro housekeepers clean thoroughly and provide fresh linens before every stay.

Local support

Count on 24/7 guest care and local teams everywhere we operate.

Self-service

Smart locks or lockboxes at many homes offer smooth, contactless check-in.

Sea Colony Ocean 9th floor condo w/ elevator, basketball court, and free WiFi

Overlook the resort private beach from the balcony of this unique 3-bedroom (plus and loft with roomy private fourth sleeping area), 3-bath oceanfront top-floor penthouse condo! The main level offers a living and dining area, well-equipped kitchen, full hallway bathroom and three bedrooms, including the master suite. Accessible by spiral staircase, this renovated coastal getaway offers a full bath and enclosed area serving as its fourth sleeping area. Accessible without stairs. Central air conditioning, washer, dryer and more. 5 TVs, 4 DVDs, and free WiFi

Sea Colony - The Premier Family Beach & Tennis Resort Community - features a half mile of private beach, 12 pools (2 indoor), world class tennis, fitness centers, activities for all ages, summer community shuttle and year-round security. Sea Colony is ranked among Tennis magazine's Best U.S. Resorts and by Tennis Resorts Online as one of the finest in the world.

Please respect the no dog policy.

*Delaware regulations require all guests sign a lease agreement within 10 days of booking. A lease agreement will be sent within 24 hours of booking and an electronic signature is required before final check-in information is made available.

• No pets are allowed at this vacation rental.
• This rental is located on floor 9.
• Parking notes: There is parking available for a fee and charges will apply for 1 vehicle.
• Guest entry instructions: This rental utilizes an E-lock, a digital lock that requires a unique code to enter. This code is reset after each guest's stay.

You must be 25 years or older to rent this property.

Common areas

Gym/fitness room, washer/dryer : private, heating & cooling, kitchen & dining, wireless router, nearby activities & attractions, golf nearby, on-site activities, hot tub : shared, pool : shared, heated pool, indoor pool, sauna : shared, tennis court : shared, basketball court : shared, children's pool, parking & access, paid parking only.