As our journey to get to know the founding members of Black Oak continues, we’re excited to introduce you to two fantastic people: John and Jeanne. I have to say — I really like these two. They were among the very first (maybe the first!) to head out to the Black Oak site and explore potential home sites. Okay, explore might be a stretch — it was more like me pulling up the LandGlide app and guiding them to where their future home will be.
Now, usually when I send out an email asking homeowners to share what they love about their community, I get one response back. But there’s a first time for everything — and this time, both Jeanne and John replied individually. Pretty cool, right? So let’s see what they had to say!
Tell us a bit about yourselves and your current situation?
JEANNE: We have a son and a daughter and 4 granddaughters who live in the DC area. We are presently selling our home at the New Jersey shore so that we can be closer to them.
How did you hear/know about Lewes and the beach?
JOHN: Over the years, driving up from a vacation in Florida or North Carolina to the Lewes-Cape May Ferry we got to know and appreciate the beauty of Cape Henlopen, the fun of Rehoboth and the intimacy and history of Lewes. Our plans to move here have taken shape over several years of off-season visiting.
“We wanted to be east of route 1 and wanted to have a home with a natural setting. The preserved wetlands and forest areas are ideal, and having the back of our home surrounded by trees gives us the serenity that we are looking for.” – JEANNE
Why did you pick Black Oak as your new home community?
JEANNE: We wanted to be east of route 1 and wanted to have a home with a natural setting. The preserved wetlands and forest areas are ideal, and having the back of our home surrounded by trees gives us the serenity that we are looking for. We both are bike enthusiasts and having access to the bike paths was also important to us. I need to be near open water where I can swim and have already swum at Savannah beach a couple of times and look forward to swimming at Cape Henlopen State Park. Also, where I hope to jog a bit on the hard sand.
JOHN: The location suits us as well. The proximity to all that the area offers, yet removed from the crowd, and we find it easy to get to from our trips to the DC area. Last but not least, we appreciate the quality of a Schell build.
Why did you pick The Bethany as your floor plan at Black Oak?
JEANNE: We picked The Bethany because we like the exterior sloping line of the house and the side garage.
JOHN: Combination of simplicity, space and function with a connection to the outdoors along with rooms for visiting family. We valued the screened in porch and the ample storage space as well.
What do you look forward to the most once you live in your new home in Black Oak?
JEANNE: Having our granddaughters visit and swimming, biking and running at the many places that Lewes has to offer.
JOHN: A house that is completely well conceived for our needs, with little effort to maintain it. We envision bike rides, beach walks and getting to know any cultural events nearby.
“We appreciate the quality of a Schell build.” – JOHN
Where are your favorite places to go out and eat at the beach?
JEANNE: We just discovered Old World Breads Bakery about a mile from Black Oak. I love their bread and John loves the pastries.
JOHN: We love the breakfasts – Honey’s Gourmet, Lewes Bake Shoppe and Eggcellent.
Any other places/locations/events that you love at the beach and can’t wait to attend?
JEANNE: I have always loved the beach and can’t wait to explore the trails more and swim in the ocean at Cape Henlopen State Park.
How do you feel you will use, or your family will use the amenities in the community?
JEANNE: I can’t wait for the pool and the opportunity to play with my granddaughters in it. John and I may try to learn pickleball. I expect that any playgrounds and water features will be a big hit with the grandkids (please build in a shade canopy!). If there is a fitness center, I would look forward to some workouts.
What will your first purchase be once you live at the beach and why?
JEANNE: A pass to Cape Henlopen State Park so we can swim, bike, hike and jog there.
I will also visit some of my favorite shops there such as The Stepping Stone, Lewes Mercantile Antiques and the Jewelry Exchange.
JOHN: Shade umbrellas! As lovely as the sun can be, these days it can be overwhelmingly hot in the open sun.
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