Dawn’s Glory : Family Revamps Rehoboth Beach Home with Bold Coastal Modern Design

Daybreak and sunset color the beach in its most magical hues. On a deserted beach, the vastness of sand, sea, and sky is a hypnotic, soul-soothing escape.
A serene retreat in Rehoboth allows its owners to enjoy Atlantic sunrises while still being able to view sunsets over Silver Lake to the west. This newly built haven fulfilled a long-held dream for a Northern Virginia couple and their children.
« I’ve visited nearby Bethany Beach since I was a child, » recalls the husband. « We always admired the homes on Silver Lake. I thought it would be amazing to have the lake in front and the ocean at the rear. »
Four decades on, the stars aligned. After they’d bought the property, the couple began envisioning a retreat of their own. « We wanted something that would respond to the coastal location, but with a contemporary sensibility, » he says. « A house for our family and, hopefully, generations to come. »
To bring their vision to life, they commissioned architects to create a plan. They took cues from Sullivan’s Island beach houses off Charleston, Florida’s Rosemary Beach, and even Bermuda. The group refined the ideas through an iterative process to a minimalist, Shaker-style design that nodded to the property’s history while creating a contemporary identity.
Turned toward the lake, traditional elements—stucco and shingle siding, gables, and a stair with a gentle curve—present a classic face. The ocean side, in contrast, is sleek lines and vast areas of glass. « The house bridges two environments—the wild ocean and the serene lake, » the architect states.
Built by Horizon Builders, the 8,875-square-foot, three-story escape reflects the spirit of relaxed coastal living. Open kitchen, dining, and living areas flow freely for entertaining, and intimate nooks and crannies throughout offer hidden rest. « We added bays and porches to break up the house’s volume and bring in more water views, » the architect points out.
Cool sea breezes flow through casement windows and nine folding doors, combining with a sophisticated modern interior. From the tray ceiling in the great room to a glass-framed sculptural staircase, the details elevate the design well beyond the typical beach house.
The first floor is fun time—with bar, golf simulator, TV lounge, and bunk room for kids’ sleepovers. Sliding glass doors give way to a pool deck; marble floors flow outward to a terrace, pool, and spa for the ultimate in relaxation.
« Downstairs is a little rougher—it’s where people will come in from the beach, » says the architect. « Upstairs it gets more refined and polished. ».
On the second level, the open living area is flanked by the kitchen and living room, all opening to a large deck. The master suite, owners’ offices, and private deck crown the third level on the ocean side. On the lake side, guest suites with private baths on both upper levels welcome friends and family.
After finishing their main residence, the couple tackled interiors for their retreat. « We wanted it to be modern and sleek, but comfortable, » he says. « Somewhere where you don’t care to put your feet up. »
An Ochre chandelier with jellyfish-like, hand-blown lights was a focal point in the dining area. A moody blue acrylic area rug anchors the conversation zone. These pieces drove the décor—elegance and everyday livability were the goals. Easy-to-live-with fabrics and a soothing blue, gray, and white color scheme dominate.
Art was a priority for us, » the husband describes. « We needed pieces that would hold their own against the architecture. » Dramatic modern works in the high foyer hint that something unexpected lies ahead of the doorway.
The architects landscaped the site as well, developing a welcoming arrival court with checkerboard pavers in turf, carefully aligned with the front door. Hydrangeas, crape myrtles, salvia, Russian sage, and colorful planters add texture and interest throughout the house.
The family loves their time at the home—whether it’s entertaining guests or enjoying quiet mornings. For the wife, however, the sunrise is the star. « We wake up and see the ocean first thing, » she says. « It’s breathtaking. Once we get there, we don’t want to leave. »