Resort home: Family getaway in Delaware

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By Michele Lerner

As the holiday season nears, many families eagerly anticipate curling up in front the fireplace and watching out the window as snowflakes drift into the woods. However, some families think the winter is the best time of year to head to the beach.

Owners of vacation homes in Bethany Beach, Del., may actually stay away from the shore in July and August, preferring to rent their home during those busy months and visit when the beach resorts are quieter. Owning a vacation getaway within a few hours drive allows families the freedom to celebrate the holidays wherever they want and turn a long weekend into a short vacation on a whim. Families who can splurge for a large vacation home can share the joy with extended family members and friends all year long.

In the Preserve community in North Bethany, a five-bedroom home is now on the market for $2,600,000. The gated community offers a complete resort lifestyle, with an outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts. The best amenity of all, however, is the beach. Annual homeowner association dues are $1,950.

North Bethany, known for being one of the quietest beach towns along the Atlantic Ocean, offers both views of the ocean and of the Indian River Bay. Homes have been designed to maximize the water views in every direction. In addition to the amenities found within many communities, residents and vacationers enjoy swimming, surf fishing, kayaking, sailing and surfing in the ocean, along with boating, kayaking and fishing in the bay.

The three-level home at 39719 Hampton's Lane in North Bethany offers ocean views from many rooms and is within one block of the ocean. Clearly, the home has been designed to casually entertain groups of family and friends. In warm weather, guests can relax on any one of three decks that wrap around the house.

The cedar and redwood siding home has covered, off-street parking and a security system, with an outdoor shower and a storage shed. For complete comfort in any weather, the home has multizone heating and air conditioning along with ceiling fans in many rooms. The home has an elevator for easy access to every level.

French doors link nearly every room with a deck, a screened porch or a covered patio. The generously proportioned kitchen includes a center island and breakfast bar, along with space for casual dining. The kitchen includes granite counters and recessed and pendant lighting. The great room includes a fireplace. The first floor also has a conveniently located laundry room.

Guests can be entertained in the upper-level loft, which has a deck, or in the fully equipped home theater, which has a wet bar nearby. The five bedrooms include two master suites with private baths, with marble and ceramic tile floors. One of the master bedroom baths includes a whirlpool tub. The home has five bedrooms, four full baths and two powder rooms.

For more information, call 800/851-8997 or visit www.bestofbethany.com.