A Retired Couple Trades Their Pennsylvania Horse Farm for Beach Life in Coastal Delaware

Sarah Akkoush
·2 min read

This seaside retreat was designed to put family—including pets—first with a dedicated dog wash area, "catio," and more.

The corner bedroom’s inspired ocean view is made possible by wall-to-wall Marvin Modern Multi-Slide doors.
The corner bedroom’s inspired ocean view is made possible by wall-to-wall Marvin Modern Multi-Slide doors.

For Scott and Sue Kinney, a new chapter of their lives as retirees brought with it the itch for a change of pace—and scenery. Deciding to become permanent beach dwellers, they gave up farm life in rural Pennsylvania for coastal comfort in the quiet, family-friendly town of Bethany Beach, Delaware.

The home’s handsome exterior features cellular PVC siding—a weather-resistant, low-maintenance alternative to cedar—along with Marvin Elevate windows and doors.
The home’s handsome exterior features cellular PVC siding—a weather-resistant, low-maintenance alternative to cedar—along with Marvin Elevate windows and doors.

Engaging Marnie Oursler, president and owner of Marnie Custom Homes, the Kinneys shared their hopes for what an ideal coastal retirement home would look like. The couple—with grown children and many grandchildren—were also proud pet parents to two dogs and several cherished cats. "They wanted a pet- and kid-friendly home that looks sophisticated and beachy at the same time," Oursler, a fifth-generation homebuilder, recalls.

Wood beams, light oak-toned flooring, a breezy white sofa and multi-slide doors from the Marvin Modern line complete the neutral living room.
Wood beams, light oak-toned flooring, a breezy white sofa and multi-slide doors from the Marvin Modern line complete the neutral living room.

The 3,366-square-foot home—with three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and two half baths—was designed by Oursler in a "transitional coastal" style. "We blended traditional and modern elements of coastal design to create a fusion of classic and contemporary," she says. To achieve this aesthetic, they used organic materials and light, natural woods—bringing in texture with tile and fabrics. "We maintained a neutral color palette to evoke a sense of organic warmth and connection to the natural surroundings," she adds. Selectively-incorporated textiles, tile, and pops of accent colors like blue and black add depth and dimension, tying the neutral elements together in an effortlessly cozy way.

The home’s kitchen features white oak cabinets, beaded Ro Sham Beaux pendants, and even a custom feeding alcove for the couple’s dogs, complete with built-in pot filler to easily replenish water bowls throughout the day.
The home’s kitchen features white oak cabinets, beaded Ro Sham Beaux pendants, and even a custom feeding alcove for the couple’s dogs, complete with built-in pot filler to easily replenish water bowls throughout the day.

See the full story on Dwell.com: A Retired Couple Trades Their Pennsylvania Horse Farm for Beach Life in Coastal Delaware
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