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FeedBeachy Keen
In designing a beach house from the dunes up, a family gets the rare opportunity to build its own sand castle.
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Imagine a sprawling, seaside cottage with a contemporary twist. Think open spaces for gathering, balanced with cozy crannies for private time. Visualize a home in harmony with the natural world of sea and sky.
To transform those musings into a 7,000-square-foot getaway in Lewes, the homeowners turned to Biff Bartron and Kevin Weinstock, partners in BW Design Group of Wilmington. Bartron handles the design end of the business, while Weinstock is in charge of getting the work done.
“The goal was to build a new house that looked as if it had evolved over time,” Bartron says. “This project was particularly exciting because we were doing everything from the architectural design to the landscaping to the finishes and the furniture.”
Located in an established neighborhood of large, classic cottages, the site offers panoramic views of the Delaware Bay. The existing structure, out of place with the surrounding homes, was razed. Maximizing the original footprint was the first step in designing a new cottage more in keeping with the setting.
T
o achieve an authentic look and keep the elements at bay, the exterior walls are clad in cedar shakes. The roof has the rustic texture of natural cedar, but the shingles are actually made from recycled rubber. Contrasting accent roofs were crafted from seamed metal. Stacked stone pillars topped with large bronzed lanterns define the entrance to the property. Sculptural river beech trees stand sentry.
“Love that peeling bark,” Bartron says. “So beautiful, especially in winter after the leaves have fallen.”
A retreat that is a destination for lots of visitors calls for a parking plan for multiple vehicles. Two separate garage bays can accommodate five cars. A small gravel plot can handle several more. To give the garages a more residential feeling, Bartron designed raised-panel wood doors stained in a honey finish that complements the cedar and stone exterior.
Page 2: Beachy Keen, continues...
