Special feature: Watersports and more on Eastern Shore

Maryland’s Eastern Shore spans nine counties filled with beachfront resorts, quaint towns, historic sites and farmland. There’s something to entice everyone, which is why the shore attracts both residents and tourists.

Ocean City is one of the most popular destinations on the Eastern Shore. A beachfront retreat with large hotels, amusements and night life, the area has plenty to offer the locals who choose to call Ocean City their home year-round. Many of the new construction buildings offer swimming pools, fitness centers, children’s clubs, tennis courts and more.

The Gateway Grand Residences in Ocean City is a luxurious high rise with 250 feet of pristine beachfront to give homeowners a clear view of the coastline. The homes feature open floor plans with soaring ceilings and private balconies or patios. There are oversized windows with panoramic views and Italian marble floors in the owner’s bath.

Many of the residences are 1,800 square feet with three bedrooms, with the exception of the corner units that have four bedrooms and close to 2,500 square feet. For pricing and more information, call 888/898-8135 or visit www.thegatewaygrand.com.

Belmont Towers is on the Boardwalk in Ocean City and only 300 feet from the Route 50 bridge. Elegant two- and three-bedroom units feature gas fireplaces and gourmet kitchens with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. The building has two towers called the Boardwalk and the Talbot.

The typical three-bedroom unit in the Boardwalk Tower is 1,722 square feet and has a master suite with a sitting room, a great room and a balcony. The building is also home to Ocean City’s only new construction town homes on the Boardwalk. The prices start around $900,000. For more information, call 443/235-6552 or visit www.belmonttowers.com.

The Seaside Escape condominium by developer Thomas P. Monahan LLC is on 79th Street and Oceanside in Ocean City and offers eclectic styling with architecture similar to homes found in the Caribbean. Within steps from the beach, Seaside offers residents an outdoor swimming pool, large balconies and luxury baths. The model unit is 1,400 square feet and has a base price of $519,000. For more information, call 410/677-0112 or visit www.oceancitycondos.com.

Toll Bros. Inc. has new residences at Bayside at Ocean City overlooking Assateague Island. Charming single-family and villa homes are in a community with tranquil views of the water and a 1,200-foot bayfront boardwalk and crabbing pier. Additional amenities include a state-of-the-art clubhouse and community kayak dock.

The Bayfront Collection of single-family homes is priced from the upper $400,000s and features homes from 2,510 to 4,000 square feet. The Cape May Collection has single-family homes that average 2,500 square feet and are priced in the mid-$400,000s. Town homes and one-level flats are found in the Villas Collection priced from the mid-$300,000s and range from 1,470 to more than 2,000 square feet. For more information, call 410/553-0444 or visit www.tolleasternshore.com.

Centex Homes has single-family houses and town homes just minutes from Ocean City in Berlin. GlenRiddle is an upscale single-family neighborhood that features a private clubhouse, golf course, marina, coastal waterways and preserved nature areas.

There are six floor plans to choose from ranging in square footage from 2,500 to 5,000. The uniquely designed War Admiral model is the largest home and comes with an expansive main-floor master suite and two dining areas. Prices range from $476,990 to $729,990.

Glenriddle Marina Town homes are nearby. The three-story homes have three bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths and two-car garages. The square footage is 2,372, and the base plan is priced from $419,625. For more information, call 866/432-7212 or visit www.centexhomes.com.

Ryan Homes is building town homes at Purnell Crossing in Berlin. An intimate enclave of 46 villa homes makes up the low-maintenance community within waking distance of charming downtown Berlin. The homes come with a two-car garage and main-level master suite. Buyers can choose custom options such as a sunroom, computer loft or finished basement. The two models available are base priced from the upper $190,000s and upper $210,000s. For more information, call 410/641-2730 or visit www.ryanhomes.com.

St. Michaels is a scenic waterside village said to attract retirees from Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia who want to buy waterfront sites and century-old houses. Located in Talbot County, St. Michaels was named among the “Top Ten Romantic Escapes” by Coastal Living magazine.

Marea is a new waterfront home community within walking distance from the St. Michaels historic district. Each of the 16 1-acre or more homesites by Elm Street Development Inc. is located on San Domingo Creek.

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