(Bethany Beach, DE, May 19, 2023): (Editor’s Note: This is the third in a series of previews of the homes that will be on display during the 31st Beach & Bay Cottage Tour to be held virtually July 16 through August 6, and for 5 preselected homes, in-person on July 26 and July 27.)

With established vacation roots in South Bethany since 1985, the owners moved to Delaware full time in 2019, purchasing a lot in South Bethany with immediate plans to build. The arrival of Covid allowed them to focus on general contracting the homeowner-designed plans themselves. The wife stayed on site supervising a small crew while her husband worked on nights and weekends installing tile and flagstone. With confidence in their vision, they created a classic coastal five-bedroom home with triple gables, a shingled facade, and a welcoming screened front porch.

The couple was passionate in selecting every single element in the home, mixing vintage pieces they’d collected over 30 years into the modern backdrop for a unique blend of old and new that is rich in character. The old church pew and work bench in the flagstone lower entry hint at the treasures that lie ahead up the custom oak and stainless-steel rod stairway.  The main and guest levels are both filled with layers of natural materials and textures, repurposed elements with unique origins and an array of vintage wood accents set against a clean modern white backdrop. Tongue and groove wood ceilings and a brick wood burning fireplace add to the warmth and ambience where every room tells a story about the couple who designed it.

This is just one of the outstanding properties that will be viewed by those who purchase tickets for the 31st Beach & Bay Cottage Tour. This week’s home is one of the 5 homes on the 30th annual tour that will be available for in-person tours by holders of Combo tickets. And, like all 12 homes on the 2023 tour, this home will 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 with a safe 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 31st Beach & Bay Cottage Tour is proudly presented by Leslie Kopp and the Leslie Kopp Group.

Combo tickets are $50 and Virtual-only tickets are $35. Combo tickets are strictly limited to 500 tickets for each of the two in-person days of the Tour. 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.