
Ed and Liz will someday make it to one of my events—I swear it here on this blog.
Other than missing events due to busy lives and family commitments, they may be two of the most patient homeowners we’ve ever had at Black Oak. We first met through their fantastic realtor, Turner Hastings—a local Lewes boy himself—in late March 2025. From the start, Ed and Liz had a very specific list of “needs” that required a particular type of homesite. Homesite 8 was the one. A rare site that could accommodate a basement, a side-load garage, and the Mayberry floor plan. We mapped everything out, and I told them that when the time was right, I’d be in touch to move things forward. Late June rolled around, and I let them know the news: Homesite 8 was theirs, paired with their Mayberry—and Black Oak was officially their new home community.
I always say I only sell to “good” people. Well, I do try—and with Ed and Liz, I definitely succeeded. I can’t wait for this couple to get to the Five-Eight!
Tell us a bit about yourselves and your current situation?
My wife and I are recently retired and decided it was time to relocate after having raised three children in our Long Island home, where we have lived for over 30 years. We look forward to exploring what Delaware has to offer in our retirement years.
How did you hear/know about Lewes and the beach?
A friend of ours recommended Lewes or Rehoboth when he heard we were thinking of relocating to Delaware. Growing up and living on Long Island our entire lives, we knew we want to retire on the East Coast in a beach community that was not Florida.
Why did you pick Black Oak as your new home community?
We picked Black Oak community because Schell Brothers offered us all the things we were looking for in a new home (quality 2×6 construction, Hardy Cement Fiber Board siding, 1st floor owner’s suite, 3rd car garage option). Coming from Long Island we wanted to be near the beach and east of Route 1 to avoid the summer traffic. Another factor was that the ferry from Cape May to Lewes will make it easy for our children in NJ to visit us at the beach.
“Schell Brothers offered us all the things we were looking for in a new home – quality 2×6 construction, Hardy Cement Fiber Board siding, 1st floor owner’s suite, 3rd car garage option.” – ED & LIZ
Why did you choose The Mayberry as your floor plan?
We chose the Mayberry because we loved the layout, with the owner’s suite on one side and the two guest bedrooms on the other side. We love the open concept of the kitchen, dining and great room. Really like the vaulted ceiling and large window expanse offered in the great room.
What do you look forward to the most once you live in your new home in Black Oak?
The beaches and meeting new people in the community.
Favorite drink / favorite food?
Favorite summer-time drinks Tanqueray & Tonic. Winter Drink: Bourbon Old Fashions
Favorite food: Thanksgiving Turkey with wife’s scalloped potatoes
Where are your favorite places to go out and eat at the beach?
We look forward to spending more time exploring eateries in Lewes, but being from NY we had to check-out the pizza and were pleasantly surprised at the hand-made pizza & flatbreads at Half-Full on 2nd street along with their selection of wines.
Any other places/locations/events that you love at the beach and can’t wait to attend or favorite memory from being at the beach?
We look forward to Memorial Day & 4th July parades and fireworks displays and concert series at the Ferry.
How do you feel you use, or your family will use the amenities in the community?
Look forward to learning pickleball in the future. We are also looking forward to the planned gym in the clubhouse.
What will your first purchase be once you live at the beach and why?
I believe our first purchase will be a set of new bicycles to explore some of the many trails on the way to Cape Henlopen State Park, the beaches & downtown Lewes.
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