Here are all ten!

 

One of the most highly anticipated events of summer in Southern Delaware is the Beach & Bay Cottage Tour, and this year’s Tour is here!  The 33rd Beach & Bay Cottage Tour is proudly presented by Leslie Kopp and the Leslie Kopp Group. 

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This year’s Tour has both In-Person and Virtual components.  The Virtual portion of the Tour, featuring ten homes in a variety of styles and personalities, is taking place now and will continue through August 3.  Seven of these homes, which have been pre-selected, will be presented for In-Person viewing Wednesday, July 23 and Thursday, July 24. 

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The homes are located along the shore from Fenwick Island to North Bethany, downtown Bethany Beach, and inland including canal and spectacular bay views.  7 of the 10 homes will be available for In-Person viewing by holders of Combo Tickets.  This year’s Platinum house sponsors include Bruce Mears Design/Build, CRx Construction, 84 Lumber, Garth Enterprises, Heather’s Home Works, Marnie Custom Homes, and PNC Bank.  Gold Sponsors for 2025 include SEA Studio Architects, and Jonathon Selway Architects.

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Each of the 10 homes features a professionally-produced video which offers Tour patrons with a safe opportunity to view each home as often as they want from anywhere during the three-week Virtual Tour period through August 3.  The Video presentation is sponsored by Schell Brothers.

Busses for the Fenwick Island Homes are sponsored by PNC Bank.  Virtual only tickets at $35, and Combo tickets at $50, may be purchased only through the Cottage Tour’s website at beachandbaycottagetour.com.  “We will only sell 1,000 Combo Tickets this year, and they may be used on either Wednesday or Thursday” said Kathy Green, Tour chair.  “And, holders of Combo Tickets will receive a printed tour booklet sponsored by Natelli Homes which covers all 10 homes, a hang tag sponsored by Pohanka of Salisbury, and a 33rd Anniversary Tote Bag.” 

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The tote bag sponsors for 2025 are Annie Powell Del Vecchio, the Town of Bethany Beach, PNC Bank, Sea Colony Recreational Association, G&E Hocker’s Supermarkets and Scott and Schuman.  “And, of course, the Media sponsor for this year is the Coastal Point,” said Green.

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No Cottage Tour would be complete without the raffles and this year’s raffle is sponsored by Nally Homes.  The winners of the ever-popular Dinner Raffle will dine in style at either the Cafe on 26, Bethany Blues, the Blue Crab, DiFebo's Restaurant/Market, Fins Ale House Bethany, Good Earth/Flavor, Honey’s at Station 26, JR’s Seafood Shack, Mancini's, Mango’s, Mickey’s Family Crab House, OFF THE HOOK, the Parkway, Patsy’s, Perucci’s, Rosenfeld’s Jewish Deli, the Salted Rim, The Station/Pantry, SoDel Restaurants, or Touch of Italy.

The Art Raffle, featuring some favorite local artists, offers framed artwork from Tara Funk Grim, Laura Hickman, Claire Howard, Wayne Lyons, Jeanne Mueller, Damon Pla, Deb Rose, Amanda Sokolski and Cheryl Wisbrock.  Tickets for both raffles are $1 each and available online only at beachandbaycottagetour.com.  Winners will be selected on August 4, 2025 and notified on that day.

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With the Adopt a House program for hostesses, many organizations will be involved in the 2025 tour.  Participants this year are Barefoot Gardeners, Bayside Ladies, Bear Trap Ladies, Bishop’s Landing Ladies, Coastal Gardeners, Forest Landing, Friends of Eileen Giaquinto, Friends of Margaret Oliver, Gardeners by the Sea, Ladies of Bay Forest, Ladies of Windhurst Manor, Linda Broderick and Friends, Lord Baltimore Women’s Club, Millville by the Sea, Reserve’s Beach Gals, Salt Air Gardeners, Salt Pond Women’s Club, South Coastal Village Volunteers, and Women’s Civic Club of Bethany Beach. 

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“I want to thank all of the hundreds of volunteers that make this Tour a success”, said Green.  “In particular, I would like to recognize our Tour Committee for the efforts that they have put into this Tour since last year.  And, of course, our Tour would not be possible without the cooperation of the homeowners who have agreed to share their homes with our community.”

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The Cottage Tour is produced by the Friends of the South Coastal Library (FOSCL).  It is the group’s major annual fundraiser and the principal source of FOSCL’s funding for 2025 and 2026.  As in the past, all net proceeds directly benefit the library’s operations.

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To purchase Tour tickets or Raffle tickets, or to make a donation, go to beachandbaycottagetour.com.  Treat yourself to a special look at some of the loveliest homes in the Bethany area while benefiting one of our community’s best assets – our South Coastal Library in Bethany Beach.

The homes on the 2025 Cottage Tour are as follows:

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2025 Beach & Bay Cottage Tour Homes

IN PERSON HOMES WHICH MAY BE TOURED BY HOLDERS OF COMBO TICKETS
ONLY. THESE HOMES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON THE VIRTUAL TOUR

In Person Home 1 – Sussuro del Mar  

​Home 1 is proudly sponsored by Gold Sponsor Jonathon Selway Architects
Searching for a seaside vacation home, the owners were drawn to the welcoming community of
Fenwick Island.  In 2018, they found the perfect spot, an oceanfront, corner property with a
beautiful small cottage. They began planning a larger home, one that would be a welcomed
retreat and a gathering spot for family and friends.  It was a labor of love“ that took two years.
The cottage was replaced with a modern home which they call “Susurro del Mar” completed in
2023.  Water views take center stage in the home’s design.  Expansive decks on two levels and
the third-floor great room provide panoramic views of the beach and ocean. Spectacular views
of the bay can also be seen from a rooftop vantage point, complete with a garden, hot tub, and
seating area. The home’s garapa Brazilian hardwood siding with mitered corners and hidden
nails gives the home a clean and seamless look.  The owners wanted a design that, while
modern, fit in with the natural coastal landscape.   The home’s interior rivals the stunning water
views. The owners shared a vision of a modern, uncluttered home but they wanted to avoid a
stark, industrial aesthetic. To make the contemporary home feel warm and inviting, natural light
shines through floor- to-ceiling windows.  Beautiful, built-in continuous grain cherry wood
cabinets on both floors offer a simple elegance while providing functional storage space.  In
addition, the home has plenty of wall space to showcase the owner’s photographs and artwork
from local and international artists.  Textured linens and bright antique rugs provide pops of
color while playful artifacts and sculptures add whimsy.  Susurro del Mar proves that
modern lines and eclectic treasures can create a beautiful harmony of design

In Person Home 2 – The Strickland Home
On a large end lot in Fenwick Island, Okemah and Bill Strickland built an amazing home on the
bay.  While the water views are impressive, the owners’ priority was to create a comfortable
gathering place for their close-knit family of six adults and five grandchildren.  This active family
enjoys boating trips from their two docks, relaxing in the salt-water pool, sitting around the
firepit, and sharing a meal in a screened porch equipped with a kitchen and TV.  Indoors, the
first floor has conversational spaces and decks with expansive views of the bay and a
magnificent crisp white kitchen area sized for children and adults.
The Stricklands designed the second floor primarily for their two adult sons and their families.  
Ensuite bedrooms are spacious and lovely.  For the children, there is an enchanting mermaid-
themed bedroom, a charming turtle-inspired bunk room, and a “Finding Nemo” designed
bedroom/playroom, all brightly decorated.  A simulator/theater room allows adults to practice
golf, and children can watch their favorite movies.

After decorating two spacious homes, Okemah welcomed the opportunity to start with a clean
canvas, acknowledging her aesthetic sensibility had evolved.   She began with the first item she
found and loved -- a beautiful smoky glass lighting fixture to hang over a future dining room
table.  As Okemah explains, “The rest of the décor and design was predicated around that.”  
Against light grey walls, Okemah uses her favorite color, navy blue, in accent walls, bed linens,
picture frames, nautical items, and floral bouquets.  From the largest furniture arrangements to
the smallest crystal knobs, Okemah’s decorating skills shine through.  This home is a wonderful
place to find design ideas to make adults and children feel welcome.

In Person Home 3 – The Chambers – McCallam Home
Home 3 is proudly sponsored by Platinum Sponsor CRx Construction
Having outgrown their bayside Fenwick townhouse as their family expanded from six to
fourteen, Sue Chambers and Dennis McCallam began a years-long search for a larger space.
Their search ended in 2022 with the purchase of a large 1990 home in the nearby oceanside
Curves neighborhood. Although the house required significant work, it had solid bones, seven
bedrooms and stunning ocean views from multiple vantage points. As a self-described “serial
renovator” Sue was undeterred by the need for repairs and immediately undertook a full update,
completing the transformation in 2023. The modern coastal design features clean lines,
expansive windows to capture the ocean views and an open concept with light wood floors to
foster airy spaciousness. The home’s style blends the relaxed charm of coastal living with the
rustic warmth of farmhouse design, incorporating natural accents of driftwood and woven linen
textures to enhance the cozy ambiance. Favorite pieces crafted by local artisans coupled with
weathered metal lighting fixtures add character to the comfortable atmosphere. A lower level
family room leads to a private pool and recently updated pool house offering plenty of
opportunity for this growing family to relax and enjoy their oceanside retreat.

In Person Home 4 – The Bucher Home
Home 4 is proudly sponsored by Gold Sponsor SEA Studio Architects
After vacationing in the area for many years the Bucher family’s dream of having their own
home here become a reality with the purchase of a bay front lot in South Bethany. They worked
with local architect Scott Edmonston to design a modern, light-filled home incorporating
panoramic views of the neighboring marshland. Mission accomplished! Views of water, wildlife
and sunsets abound on every level. “It’s like living in a different landscape painting every day!”
proclaims Amy.

The main floor is bathed in light from a massive bank of south-facing two story windows that
capture sweeping views of the wetlands from every vantage point. A central steel and glass
staircase, highlighted by the streaming light as it rises to the soaring two story ceiling, provides
a natural separation between the comfy living room and the sleek kitchen and dining areas.
Double sliders fully open to a side deck for additional indoor/outdoor entertaining space. The
primary bedroom and an adjoining office complete the main floor. Upstairs a glass-fronted
catwalk faces the window bank and leads to three ensuite bedrooms and a wet bar. A rooftop
deck lies above with 360 degree views of the entire area.

The interior of the house is designed for easy maintenance with water-friendly concrete floors
on the lower and main levels and luxury vinyl plank flooring upstairs. White walls are warmed by

wood-like ceramic accent tiles in the living room and kitchen. The comfortable furnishings
employ neutral tones to allow the views and artwork to add depth, texture and color. Built-in
cabinetry and ample closets keep the interior clutter-free and serene. The exterior of this
multilevel contemporary is dominated by the towering wall of glass windows facing the wetlands
and the dramatic peaked roofline, a signature SEA Studio feature. The modern facade is
softened by the interplay of white siding and horizontal wood slat accents and is grounded by an
abundance of native foundation plantings.

In Person Home 5 – The Lindsey - Loftus Home
Home 5 is proudly sponsored by Platinum Sponsor PNC Bank
At just 950 square feet this charming 1950 South Bethany cottage is a perfect example of
vacation beach homes of that era with just three bedrooms and one bathroom in its small
original footprint. The home was purchased in 2015 by Elise Lindsey and Michael Loftus who
gave it a quick facelift before moving in for a year to monitor the construction of their new canal-
front home on a prime corner lot down the street. Some may remember that home from our
2022 tour. The plan thereafter was to use the cottage for family, friends and overflow guests
from their primary home. By 2018 it was in need of a complete update to make it more
comfortable and functional for frequent guests. The renovation began with a realignment of the
original layout and grew to include the addition of an extra bedroom and bathroom, a completely
new kitchen, windows, siding, HVAC, an outdoor shower and an enlarged deck overlooking the
canal. Painting the original knotty pine walls white and adding white shiplap in the bedrooms
lightened the entire house inside. Outside the flower-laden window boxes and blue awnings
flanking the teal front door give a boost of curb appeal to this cozy waterfront cottage helping it
retain its original historic charm.

In Person Home 6 – The Favinger Home
Home 6 is proudly sponsored by Platinum Sponsor 84 Lumber
This peaceful, welcoming home has quite a story. It began as a prefab home on Coastal
Highway advertising Nanticoke Homes, the only modular builder in Delaware at the time. In
1985, it was re-assembled on a lot in a small Bethany Beach community. Thirty-four years later,
Karen and Tom Favinger bought the home as a rental property.  
It wasn’t long before the home’s story took a dramatic turn. The Favingers loved the community
with its variety of home styles and its proximity to the beach, their church, downtown Bethany
Beach, and tennis.  As they reasoned, “You can change a home, but you can’t change its
location.” Looking past the home’s small footprint and deteriorating condition, Karen and Tom
imagined their future home. 

Moving from a large, colonial-style house to a small, dated cottage might give some people
pause, but the Favingers embraced it enthusiastically. Rather than raze the house and build
anew, they created their “coastal modern” dream home through renovation. Wanting a first floor
open concept for entertaining, they moved the kitchen from the back of the house to the front to
create a larger space for prep, cooking and conversation. The unstable Florida room inspired a
great room with many windows and a higher ceiling for a spacious, airy feel. The Favingers also
wanted the first floor to be self-contained, with a primary suite, laundry room, and screened
porch so they could age gracefully in place. The second floor would have an office/bedroom,

second bedroom, and a Jack and Jill bathroom for family and guests. This beautiful, uncluttered
home is testament to a “less is more” philosophy filled with ingenious space-saving and storage
features and designed without sacrificing what was important to them. 

In Person Home 7 – The Lahlou Home
Home 7 is proudly sponsored by Platinum Sponsor Marnie Custom Homes
The Lahlou family loves the Bethany area. Although they owned a South Bethany home for
many years, they always “dreamed about being oceanfront.”  Their dream was realized when an
original cottage on a slim 17-foot-wide beachfront lot became available in Bethany Beach.  The
old cottage was eventually replaced with their new home affectionately called "Narrow Escape".
The Lahlou beachfront home is an inventive architectural solution to building on a narrow lot.
The design features two separate homes connected by a deck with a swimming pool, offering
ample living space by building up and prioritizing ocean views. The views are particularly
stunning in the main home’s great room and primary suite. The home is light and airy and never
feels cramped despite its narrow profile. Oceanside wall-to-wall glass doors and numerous
floor-to-ceiling windows in both homes offer lots of natural light and ocean views.  High ceilings,
perfectly sized furniture, and neutral walls create a spacious feel.  A wonderfully appointed
chef’s kitchen and six ensuite bedrooms imbue a sense of coastal luxury.
This unique home has many beautiful elements. Shari’s eye for detail and her talent for mixing
unusual, modern pieces with more traditional accents is impressive. Sparkling accents and gold
tones warm each space.  Shari enhances the home's sense of spaciousness by balancing linear
elements with curves. For example, the rectangular dining table features brass curved legs and
circular accents on both the table and lights. By meticulously choosing the appropriate
hardware, incorporating vibrant colors through artwork, and completing the room with interesting
and brightly colored lighting, Shari has created “an elevated coastal” home for family and
guests. 

HOMES 8 – 10 WILL ONLY BE SEEN VIRTUALLY BY ALL TICKET HOLDERS
Virtual Only Home 8 – The Santry Home
Home 8 is proudly sponsored by Platinum Sponsor Heather’s Home Works
The Santry family loved everything about their first summer in the Bethany area.  As Brooke
explains, “my husband Adam always wanted to live near water” and this was our chance.  They
were drawn to South Bethany with its peaceful setting and dedicated lifeguards to protect their
young family.  They bought an older, oceanfront home to renovate as their summer home but
soon decided a new build would better suit their family.

Brooke created a beautiful, family-friendly home, taking full advantage of the glorious ocean
views.   As Brooke mentioned lightheartedly, we wanted a place “to enjoy without feeling worried
about guests/children destroying it.”  For inspiration, she drew upon a place they love,
Charleston.  Evoking the city’s charm, the front porches have southern-styled railings and haint
blue ceilings, window boxes filled with flowers, and gas lanterns.  Recalling features of
Charleston homes, Brooke expertly uses patterned wallpaper in soft shades of blue and

sometimes pale pink to customize a room or highlight a wall.  Carefully chosen rugs, lighting,
accessories, and furniture combine a sense of southern elegance with practical durability.
To continue her self-described “southern coastal” aesthetic, Brooke chose Florida, especially
Palm Beach, for the spaces their three daughters share.  Their bunkroom suite includes six
beds for extra playmates, bright pink ladders, and cutouts for cherished possessions.   A
delightful raspberry-tiled bathroom is perfectly sized for kids. Divided by a wall, the suite also
has a playroom with a large round table for crafts and reading, and built-in shelving and woven
baskets to hold supplies, toys, favorite books and family photos.  The walls are adorned with
Floridian-inspired sundresses worn by the Santry’s three daughters when they were younger. 
This colorful space is a joy for children and highlights Brooke’s flair for design. 

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Virtual Only Home 9 – The Martinez Home
Home 9 is proudly sponsored by Platinum Sponsor Garth Enterprises
This recently renovated Bethany Beach house represents a perfect prescription for combining
form with function by adding the extra space that the growing family needed while retaining its
classic shingled cottage charm. The stylized “RX” house sign near the front entry proudly
references Anne’s grandfather, a DC area surgeon. He bought the lot over 60 years ago for
$4,500 and built the house in 1969 for $28,000. It’s remained in the family ever since as a
favorite summer retreat. An initial update by Anne and Frank in 2009 was followed by a major
renovation in 2023 to accommodate the shift from vacation home to primary residence.
The addition of just five feet created a larger more comfortable open concept living space for
their extended family gatherings. The second floor front screen porch was enclosed with wrap
around windows to bring in natural light from three directions and a large screened porch with
fireplace was added to the rear of the house. A serene neutral style permeates the home with
white oak shiplap accents and natural stone elements adding depth and character. A surprise
contrast can be found in the distinctively modern first floor powder room with black matte shiplap
walls and a unique Bulgarian terrazzo utility sink.

Virtual Only Home 10 – The Somma Home
Home 10 is proudly sponsored by Platinum Sponsor Bruce Mears Design/Build
This recently completed home is located on one of six wetland lots in Breakwater Beach
accessible via an elevated wooden bridge. Piles for these future homes had to be driven prior to
their eventual construction so the challenge for builder Bruce Mears was to design a home that
met his clients’ needs within the confines of the previously laid pilings.

Building on their years of experience spending summers in Tower Shores, this New York family
collaborated with Mears to design each level of their new four level home with thoughtful
attention to details that accommodate everyone’s vacation needs. A powder room in the ground
floor garage provides convenient post beach access and is adjacent to two outdoor showers
leading to a mud room and beach laundry room. Nearby an exercise room and ensuite bunk
room that sleeps eight contain the busy comings and goings of their kids. The second floor is
dedicated to visiting guests and includes three ensuite bedrooms, an office, guest laundry room,
powder room and a fully equipped guest lounge opening out to the pool deck and gas fire pit.
The open concept upper level is designed for easy entertaining with a stunning lighted glass-

enclosed wine closet, a massive marble kitchen island, two screen porches and a secluded
primary suite tucked away in the rear. The décor is crisp and modern utilizing a soft beach
palette and natural elements of driftwood, shells and sand to keep the mood relaxed and in
perfect harmony with the coastal setting. A rooftop deck offering panoramic views of bay and ocean tops it all.