BEACH & BAY COTTAGE TOUR SNEAK PEEK #1

Searching for something larger than the Ocean City condo they had enjoyed for years, the owners discovered an ideally located property in the heart of downtown Bethany and just a block from the beach. The original home was built in the early 1950’s and had already undergone a renovation by the time they purchased it in 2016. Six years later their family suddenly expanded from 4 to 9 people and once again they needed more space. After considering another renovation they ultimately decided to rebuild the seventy year old home, completing the three story coastal farmhouse in 2024.

The owners’ goal was to create a timeless vacation home that was durable, spacious and comfortable enough for large gatherings of family and friends. The main living area was designed to keep everyone in the same open communal space whether sharing a meal, watching football or playing games together. Fully retractable sliders open the interior to the rear screen porch with a massive two story stone fireplace, 83” TV and direct access to the dipping pool out back for multigenerational indoor/outdoor enjoyment. The owners’ attention to detail in planning the amenities of the home for the maximum comfort of their guests is evident in the thoughtful inclusion of king-sized beds with built-in bedside charging stations and custom closets in every ensuite bedroom. A two-room family suite with additional bunks and twin beds brings the total sleeping capacity to just under twenty.

Stepping away from the beachy décor of their previous condo, they’ve chosen a timeless classic style that blends traditional and modern elements with a mix of old and new pieces for a comfortable space more typical of a year-round home. Contemporary features like the sleek white fireplace mantle in the living room provide an interesting contrast with the rustic wood beam mantle on the screen porch’s stone fireplace while in the kitchen white quartz countertops are balanced by the rugged white stone backsplash. A neutral color palette, layered textures and natural fibers complement the recurring use of warm wood accents throughout the home that reference the family’s lifelong wood flooring business.

This is just one of the outstanding properties that will be viewed by those who purchase tickets for the 34th Beach & Bay Cottage Tour. This week’s home is one of the 8 homes on the 34th Tour that will be available for in-person tours by holders of Combo tickets. And, like all 10 homes on the 2026 Tour, this home will also be available to be seen virtually by holders of both Combo and Virtual tickets. Each of the 10 homes will feature a professionally produced video which will offer Tour patrons an opportunity to view each home as often as they want from anywhere during the three-week virtual tour period. Special features include bird’s-eye drone video footage and the ability to view the Tour on any internet-enabled device.

The 34th Beach & Bay Cottage Tour is proudly presented by Leslie Kopp and The Leslie Kopp Group, and this home is also sponsored by its builder, Platinum Sponsor Marnie Custom Homes.

Combo tickets are $50 and Virtual-only tickets are $35. The number of Combo tickets is limited and may be used either day of the tour, with a single entry permitted to each home. To purchase tickets or for more information, please visit the Cottage Tour’s website at www.beachandbaycottagetour.com.

The Cottage Tour is produced by the Friends of the South Coastal Library. All net proceeds directly benefit the library’s operations.

Get tickets here.

The Cottage Tour is produced by the Friends of the South Coastal Library. All net proceeds directly benefit the library’s operations.