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

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.

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.

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.