Meet Dan and Melissa—our very first members of the Black Oak Founders Club!
Dan and Melissa are already locals who know and love this area. And really, what better testimony could there be? They already have a home East of Route 1, yet chose to build their forever home with Schell Brothers at Black Oak. I couldn’t be happier that they waited for this community. There’s no doubt they’ll be wonderful ambassadors for both Black Oak and Schell Brothers. Keep reading to hear why they made the move!
Tell us a bit about yourselves and your current situation?
We’ve been married for nearly 26 years and have two grown sons. In 2019, we purchased our first home in Lewes as a “weekend place.” Like for many others, the pandemic shifted our plans, and in 2021, we sold our primary home in Pennsylvania, making Lewes our permanent residence. My husband, Dan, still commutes to his office in Pennsylvania a few days a week, staying with his mom to help care for her and her home. He comes back to Lewes on weekends. I own a marketing consulting business and work remotely from home. We’re both eagerly anticipating Dan’s retirement in a few years, when he’ll be home in Lewes full-time!
How did you hear/know about Lewes and the beach?
We first fell in love with Lewes thanks to two sets of close friends who have homes here. Our visits to them led us to “dip our toes in the water” (pun intended!) and buy our weekend place.
Why did you pick Black Oak as your new home community?
When it came to choosing our new home community, Black Oak was an easy decision due to its prime location. The house we bought in 2019 wasn’t our “forever home,” but we knew we wanted to stay in this area—east of Route 1 and near the bike trail. We waited a long time for Black Oak to open for sales, so we’re incredibly excited to start this new chapter.
Why did you pick The Monterey as your floor plan at Black Oak?
The Monterey floor plan at Black Oak checked all our boxes. It offers a spacious and open layout without being too large, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a powder room. I was committed to having a powder for non-overnight guests.
“Black Oak was an easy decision due to its prime location.” – DANIEL & MELISSA
What do you look forward to the most once you live in your new home in Black Oak?
What I’m looking forward to most in our new home is having a “real kitchen” again, complete with ample counter and cabinet space, and a gas stove. I love to cook and we love to entertain, so we can’t wait to host our expanded group of Lewes friends, as well as family and friends who visit from out of town.
Favorite drink / favorite food?
Dan has become quite the mixologist, making a fantastic Berlin Cosmo (we’re happy to share the recipe!) and a great Tom Collins. Our food tastes are quite diverse. We love seafood—a special shoutout to the amazing dayboat scallops from Breakwater Seafood—and we also enjoy Indian, Thai, Mexican, and a good filet mignon now and then.
Where are your favorite places to go out and eat at the beach?
When we dine out in Lewes, Kindle is at the top of our list for its excellent food and service, especially their Thursday night filet. Teguila Real in Milton is a gem! We also frequent Striper Bites, Pig and Publican, and Arena’s in Five Points for weekend breakfast. Nectar is another favorite. And you don’t have to twist our arms too much to make a stop at Lewes Brewery along the bike trail.
Any other places/locations/events that you love at the beach and can’t wait to attend?
During the warmer months, we love gathering on the beach with friends on a Friday or Saturday night to enjoy a beautiful sunset. The Freeman Arts Pavilion is a true gem; I love attending concerts and performances there. Twin Branch Winery in Milton and Nassau Vineyards are also wonderful spots to unwind.
The bike trail is truly my happy place. When the weather’s nice, I use my bike not just for recreation and exercise, but as a primary mode of transportation—to and from beach yoga, for shopping and errands in town, or to have lunch with a friend in Rehoboth. It beats sitting in traffic!
How do you feel you will use, or your family will use the amenities in the community?
We both prioritize our trying to stay healthy, so the fitness center will definitely come in handy. Dan is eager to play pickleball once he’s here permanently. If we’re blessed with grandchildren someday, the tot lot will be a wonderful amenity. And, of course, spending time at the pool will be fantastic.
What will your 1st purchase be once you live at the beach and why?
Since we’ve lived here for a few years, we’ve already made our fair share of “first” purchases. However, we’re incredibly excited to furnish our new home and truly make it our own.
Surrounded by preserved wetlands and forests, Black Oak offers resort-style amenities, top-rated schools, and quick access to Beebe Hospital. Skip the traffic, soak in the scenery, and enjoy the best of coastal living right at home.
Discover a rare chance to live East of Route 1—just a bike ride from downtown Lewes, beaches, Cape Henlopen State Park, and more. Schedule a visit with Adam!
ADAM PETTENGELL
(302) 228-2719
adam@schellbrothers.com