BEACH & BAY COTTAGE TOUR SNEAK PEEK #8

A Forever Home in Salt Pond

(Bethany Beach, DE, June 26, 2026):  (Editor’s Note: This is the eighth in a series of previews of the ten homes that will be on display during the 34th Beach & Bay Cottage Tour to be held virtually July 12 through August 2 and, for 8 preselected homes, in-person on July 22 and July 23.)

For 45 years, the Owners have been coming to Bethany Beach and built a home in the area two decades ago.  After retirement and living in the home full time, their priorities changed. The choice was easy. The Owners decided to move to an active beach community with friendly residents, interesting homes, pickleball courts and a golf course.  So, in 2025 they built their forever home in Salt Pond.

The Owners describe their home as “open, fun, beachy.”  Family and friends are treated to an open great room graced with high ceilings and an impressive staircase.  They can relax in comfortable seating areas, gather in the sparkling kitchen, and share a meal and conversation in the dining space and breakfast nook. Behind a coastal blue barn door lies a spacious room devoted to entertainment and games. Upstairs, a quiet nook provides a retreat for reading as well as some fun spaces for children.  Coastal artwork, seaside motifs and accent walls in shades of blue and green, complete the beachy vibe.

The Owners also describe moments of serendipity as a change in design during construction brought unexpected benefits. During a visit with the Jobsite Superintendent, the staircase finish and balusters (done differently than envisioned) were so impressive they asked to keep it as constructed. In the first floor’s guest bedroom suite, an accent wall error artfully shifted the entire perspective of the room.  Instead of a tall Murphy bed, the Simmons found a stylish queen bed console and designed around that element.  They created an unexpected favorite spot to welcome the day with yoga and coffee when no guests are visiting. 

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 Platinum Sponsor 84 Lumber.

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 beachandbaycottagetour.com.  

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