The busy promenade of Rehoboth Beach, the placid Bethany shore, and the pedigree of Lewes, Delaware’s beach towns are full of wonders.
An architect’s vision, however, goes beyond the sandy beaches and light ocean breezes. The structures and their crafting style strike the most. And Delaware’s beach does not fail to amaze.
The fusion of historic buildings with modern establishments develops a unique characteristic that says more than meets the eye. In this write-up, I will uncover this in vivid detail.
The Allure of Architectural Styles
Delaware’s Beach towns have distinguishable architectural styles. Let’s get through them:
A. Rehoboth Beach
Delaware’s offshore city, Rehoboth Beach, possesses an archetypal restless boardwalk where nautical whiffs jumble with the ocean breeze. With picturesque shops along the line, the seafront unfolds over a mile. They include retro arcade machines, bistros, and so much more.
From an architectural point of view, the Victorian influence from the bygone era sets the tone for its establishments. They are nothing short of treasures. Baffling woodwork with meticulous attention to detail, flamboyant gables, vivid color themes, and towered roofs scream the rich history and magnificence.
At the same time, Rehoboth Beach has fascinating cottages all over the place. They incorporate sliding doors made out of wooden boards, porches filled with rocking chairs resonating a welcoming aura, and a laid-back waterfront living.
B. Lewes
The standing buildings of Lewes are the witness of the middle age and colonial period. These preserved structures portray the staggering history dating back to 1631. The dawn of Lewes.
Wandering through Second Street will take you into the past. A blend of Dutch, British, and American styles is apparent throughout the town. The display of Georgian townhouses with scalloped moldings and red-brick technique perfectly depicts the colonial architectural designs.
Ryves Holt House, one of the oldest buildings of Lewes, was built in 1665; A prime model of colonial heritage and a classic Dutch style of architecture. It has a steep slopped roofing system and bricks are laid in the Flemish bond pattern.
C. Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach’s architectural pattern circles around a connection to nature. This can either be a large garden or an outdoor living space. The homes are curated to create a family-friendly ambiance that values relaxation and simplicity.
You see, Cottages and Bungalows are the major types of construction here. Both incorporate distinct features yet foster a similar cozy sense of warmth.
Arcadian style revealed lumber beams, stone exterior, and arched entrance define the cottages. These are extraordinary in creating a unique persona for every taste. The impression of closeness and intimate compact arrangement lure families to spend time together. Be it in the kitchen or around the fireplace.
Bungalows, by contrast, are more of a single-story layouts. You can call them practical yet enchanting. Spacious front porches supported by tapered columns, open floors to move between the rooms seamlessly, and large windows to summon natural light and air are the key highlights.
D. Dewey Beach
Cutting-edge modern technology and art style coming together with ageless seaside appeal, yes that’s Dewey Beach. Such architectural variety depicts the town’s evolving history.
Gigantic glass windows of modern beach houses let you behold the breathtaking view of the ocean right from your bed. These homes also feature open floor plans, minimalist yet elegant interiors, and renewable materials.
Now, that modern vibe has taken an unexpected turn with beach-side cottages and houses embracing shingle-style architecture. Antique woodwork and old-world patios reveal the town’s heritage.
Traveling through time, Dewey Beach is now associated with an energetic nightlife. The town wakes up at nightfall with surprises. Live music venues, beachfront bars, and clubs, you name it, draw tourists and locals like flies to the light.
Suffice it to say, it’s a culmination of entertainment and refreshment.
Beyond the Beach: Architectural Gems
A. Nearby Historic Towns
Encompassing Delaware Beach, quite a few towns stand with pride for their extraordinary architectural design. They serve as a fresh retreat with a few hours of drive from the beach resorts.
Georgetown is not far off Delaware Beach and stands out for its Georgian buildings. The heart of the city, The Circle is constructed with classic brick which is reminiscent of the 18th century. The buildings feature symmetrical exteriors with windows evenly spaced. These are decorated with fanlights and sidelights.
Milton town, Delaware Beach’s kin, is another town with a rich history. Victorian and Queen Anne architecture dominates the city. Home here is embellished with critical wood engravings, broad balconies, and colorful facades.
Last, but not least, Milford town deserves special attention. Spanning between Kent and Sussex counties, the downtown area is a peak into the 19th century. From maritime establishments to shops and restaurants, all possess 19th-century architectural elements such as iron steel, and concrete.
B. Sustainability and Modernity
The best part of modern architecture is the embracement of sustainability without compromising the beach vibe. It develops from the thoughtful design practice that gives precedence to environmental responsibility and aesthetic appeal.
An eco-friendly architecture makes use of the local materials. It reduces carbon footprint due to the lack of transportation. Take a beach house for example. With modern practices, such a construction features wood from nearby sources.
So, no impact on the environment, and rustic attraction builds on the construction. Likewise, shells and stones for decoration increase the aesthetic value.
Imagine a house with large windows and open floor plans. Sounds like a typical modern beach house, right? And what do they achieve?
Well, for one, this creates natural ventilation and maximizes the daylight. As a result, the need for air conditioning or artificial light is reduced monumentally. This is an example of energy-efficient design.
Not to mention, renewable energy sources are a common practice in modern beach houses, such as solar panels. Roofs and facades support photovoltaic cells to embrace energy ecologically.
Envisioning Your Beach Life
As Delaware’s beach towns offer diverse neighborhoods and cultures, not everyone can fit in all of them. Taste and preference define which architectural style resonates with you.
Active social life, vigorous boardwalk, boutiques, dining of your choice, etc., are the tempting items of the Rehoboth Beach. If these ring a bell to you, it will be a perfect place to settle in.
Bethany Beach on the other hand attracts families the most due to its relaxed ambiance. It offers a close-knit community and an overall slower pace of life.
History geeks will love the town of Lewes. In every corner of the city, the long-lived heritage is well pronounced with a placid atmosphere.
For a quieter ambiance and secluded experience, Fenwick Island is the place you want to be. The harmony of natural beauty, sound, and smell comes together beautifully to calm your soul.
Conclusion
For over multiple centuries, Delaware’s beach town has shaped up. This heritage comes in the form of architectural design. It presents you with a rich history with captivating tales and legends.
Each town is extraordinary with features blended with nature’s gift. This makes Delaware Beach an unparalleled location.
