Resort living: First-floor master suites at Cannery Village in Milton, Del.

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, thoughts turn to summer vacation plans. While many Washington-area residents wait to enjoy a rental home for a week at a Delaware beach town sometime this summer, those who purchase vacation homes are able to slip away to the beach whenever they want.

Sometimes these vacation homes become retirement homes. Potential vacation home buyers should look into the long-term possibilities for their home purchase, making sure they choose a large enough home that is built for year-round living. Buyers may also want to consider a home with a first-floor master suite.

At Cannery Village in Milton, Del., each of the homes built by Capstone Homes have first-floor master suites and are built to meet Energy Star specifications. This village, which re-creates the small town streets and alleys of the larger town of Milton, is a traditional coastal community.

Residents can enjoy walking within the community or to nearby shops and restaurants in Milton. Other Delaware beach towns, including Rehoboth Beach, are just a short drive away.

Cannery Village’s 12,000-square-foot community club is currently under construction. It will include an indoor swimming pool, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and gathering places for community social events.

Three single-family-home styles are available at Cannery Village from Capstone Homes, with 1,288 to 1,768 finished square feet. These homes are priced from $199,900 to $234,900. “Twin” homes (duplexes) are also available, with 1,340 square feet and a base price of $194,900. Homeowner association fees are $1,400 annually.

The homes at Cannery Village feature a front porch (on most homes), a coach light, maintenance-free beaded vinyl siding and a one- or two-car garage. Energy-efficient features include Energy Star windows, Energy Star heating and air conditioning and tankless water heaters.

Each home has 9-foot ceilings on the first floor; wood baseboards, door and window trim; a structured wiring package; a ceiling fan rough-in and a lighting package. The kitchens have 42-inch oak cabinets with crown moldings and a ceiling light or recessed lighting.

The Taylor model, which is the largest single-family model, has 1,768 square feet and is priced from $234,900.

The two-story living room has an optional corner fireplace and is adjacent to the kitchen and breakfast area. Buyers can add an island to the kitchen, which has a walk-in pantry and a door to the laundry room.

The first-floor master suite includes a walk-in closet and a luxury bath with an optional whirlpool tub. Upstairs are a loft, two more bedrooms and a full bath. Buyers can convert the loft into a fourth bedroom.

This model can be expanded with a sunroom off the breakfast area.

For more information or directions, call sales manager Jon Louden at 302/684-4480 or visit www.capstone-homes. com/cannery.php.