“Simplify” is a magnificent vacation home. For those who love unspoiled nature but also want to spend time at beach doing all the beachy boardwalk type things, it offers the perfect base for doing both.
We spent a long weekend at the house, launching a kayak every day from the back yard for excursions across the Little Assawoman Bay and up Dirickson Creek. There we saw many blue herons, egrets, ducks, gulls, osprey, a kingfisher, red-winged blackbirds and, yes, one bald eagle. On the edge of the water we spotted crabs and frogs. One grasshopper-sized frog jumped into the kayak, then out.
The house provides an open-air, third-floor balcony overlooking the tidal marshes and bay, and from there we spent wonderful hours, reading and watching egrets and herons stalk their prey. On the second floor, there is an enclosed Florida room, also overlooking the bay, that would offer similar views with shelter from the heat in mid-summer.
The house itself is smartly designed and furnished. The kitchen, Florida room and bathrooms are tiled, the bedrooms carpeted, the dining room polished wood. The furniture is contemporary beach style, not the 70’s leftovers so many families stuff into their beach houses. This furniture appears nearly new and well cared for.
We liked the small, thoughtful touches around the house. On the third-floor balcony, for instance, the resin Adirondack chairs sit high, elevating your line of sight over the porch rail, for an unobstructed view. All the light switches are labeled, so you won’t fumble around hitting a hall light when you want a front door light. The refrigerator is humongous. TVs in every bedroom and broad DVD collection are over the top, and the library of paperbacks more than ample.
The community in which this townhouse sits is upscale, with manicured lawns and flower beds, fountains, a large, clean pool, and well-equipped fitness center. While the house offers privacy, all the activities and facilities associated with a beach are nearby. In September, when we visited, it was a seven-minute drive to the grocery; ten minutes to seafood restaurant row; 14 minutes to miniature golf courses and beach shops. We got to Rehobeth in 40 minutes for sensational dining.
Finally, Holly and Ron are gracious owners. They patiently and promptly answered questions and provided advice. They made sure our experience at their home was everything they promised. We loved everything about this house, and we'll be back.