Tim and Holly came to us already living in Lewes. They are the best social proof you can get in living Lewes-life. They came as weekend warriors / part-time locals and now want to make it their full time life. That’s pretty cool. You tried it out, loved it so much and now want to commit to it (hopefully) for forever. What more do you need to know? Well, if you do need to know more here you go.
Welcome Tim and Holly to Black Oak. We can’t wait to build your Cassidy floor plan!
Tell us a bit about yourselves and your current situation?
We’re approaching retirement and looking forward to settling into the Black Oak community full-time. For the past 18 years, we’ve had a second home in Lewes and have truly fallen in love with the area. I grew up in Scranton, spent five great years living and working at the Jersey Shore, and eventually returned to Pennsylvania, where we’ve made our home in the Oley Valley in Berks County. My wife has lived in Berks County her entire life and always enjoyed her yearly Delaware beach vacations ever since she was a young girl. Lewes was a perfect fit for us, allowing us to enjoy the small town feel at the beach. We’ve both spent our careers in Information Technology, and now we’re excited to embrace a slower pace, connect with new neighbors, and enjoy everything this beautiful community has to offer.
How did you hear/know about Lewes and the beach?
When we started looking for a second home in Delaware, our initial focus was on Rehoboth Beach and Indian River. But our realtor suggested that Lewes might be a better fit for our lifestyle and he was absolutely right. Lewes offered everything we were looking for: a quieter pace, beautiful outdoor spaces, and great biking opportunities. We’ve always loved spending time outside, and Lewes quickly became our favorite spot. Its charm, natural beauty, and welcoming community made it the perfect place for us to put down roots.
“Black Oak checked all the boxes: a beautiful setting, thoughtful community design, and the perfect location.”
– TIM & HOLLY
Why did you pick Black Oak as your new home community?
We’ve been looking to upgrade our condo for the past five years, exploring many different locations throughout Delaware beach areas. While each had its own appeal, we kept coming back to the Nassau area. We love how close it is to town, the beaches, great restaurants, and especially the bike trails, which are a big part of our lifestyle. When we discovered Black Oak, it checked all the boxes: a beautiful setting, thoughtful community design, and the perfect location.
Why did you pick The Cassidy floor plan at Black Oak?
We chose the Cassidy floor plan because it perfectly matches the way we live and the lifestyle we’re looking forward to in retirement. Its open layout creates a spacious, welcoming environment that’s great for everyday living and entertaining. One of the biggest draws was the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors more. The additional deck and screened-in porch are ideal for relaxing and simply taking in the fresh air. When it is too cold to enjoy the deck, the large windows bring the sunlight into the house. After years in a condo, we were ready for a home that offered both comfort and connection to nature, and the Cassidy delivers on all fronts.
What do you look forward to the most once you live in your new home in Black Oak?
We’re excited to make new friends in the community and welcome old friends and family when they visit. Our new home offers the perfect balance. The finished basement allows us to have an area for the kids to play while the adults socialize upstairs in the spacious kitchen and great room. Being close to the beach allows us to spend a day at the Roosevelt Bay or the Cape, then come back and relax. Whether staying in or heading out, we love the flexibility and lifestyle this home provides.
Favorite drink / favorite food?
We’re big fans of happy hours and love trying out new places, especially local breweries and restaurants. A cold beer at Big Oyster or orange crushes at the Grain on the Rocks are some of our favorite happy hours. When it comes to food, we enjoy exploring different flavors, but fresh seafood and casual bites with good company always hit the spot.
Where are your favorite places to go out and eat at the beach (more specifically in Lewes)?
We have been in Lewes for 18 years, so we have been to nearly every restaurant. One of our new favorites is the Lewes Oyster House.
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 always enjoy the Sea Witch festival in the Fall and Lewes Christmas Parade. We have been going to Schellville since the first event at the Lewes Ferry. Going to Schellville is our new yearly tradition with our grandson. In the summer we enjoy the Ten Sisters Races series at Dewey beach. We are looking forward to all the activities in Lewes in Summer 2026 as part of the First Town in First State for America’s 250 birthday!
How do you feel you use, or your family will use the amenities in the community?
We enjoy going to the pool. We don’t have a clubhouse in our current community, so we are looking forward to joining the activities being held there.
What will your 1st purchase be once you live at the beach and why?
An outdoor living room set to enjoy on our deck.
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