Set along the dunes of Bethany Beach, Delaware, a 6,000-square-foot shingle-style house redefines coastal living for families that span generations. Designed by Becker Morgan Group with interiors by Katherine Crosby of Crosby Jenkins Associates, the home balances sophistication and comfort without relying on nautical clichés.
The owner, a Naval Academy graduate from Annapolis, Maryland, sought more than a seasonal retreat. The design team created an upside-down layout, placing main living areas on the second floor. There, 15-foot ceilings and large windows capture ocean views. The ground level houses a family zone with a lounge, bar, and guest bedrooms for adult children and extended visits.
Sloping rooflines and eyebrow windows shape dynamic interior spaces. Reclaimed Portuguese marble floors in the two-story foyer establish a relaxed elegance. Soft neutrals, layered blues, and natural textures shift with the light instead of competing with the seaside surroundings.
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The home took shape around the family’s lifestyle—large gatherings in the kitchen and quiet moments in the primary suite. The lower-level room serves as both a casual space for relaxation and entertainment.
The kitchen, featuring a herringbone tile backsplash and custom cabinetry, sits at the heart of the second floor. It opens into the family room, ensuring cooking never feels isolated. A covered porch extends the space outdoors, where meals can be enjoyed with views of the sea.
A pair of oversized shingled arches frames views of the dunes. The durable yet warm marble floors draw frequent compliments. The outdoor dining area, with its dune views, is where the family gathers longest.
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Throughout the home, moments of contrast create visual interest: lively, playful hues animate the lower level, while the primary suite offers a calm, restrained retreat. Layered materials, custom millwork, and original artwork add depth and character, resulting in interiors that feel collected rather than overtly designed.
The home is already fulfilling its role as a place where holidays feel unhurried and the ocean remains in sight.
