20 Cool Beach Houses With Curb Appeal

Summer means a full house when you live at the beach. Marnie Oursler, host of Big Beach Builds, created this retreat with guests in mind. There’s plenty of comfy furniture, a screened-in porch and three roomy balconies for breathing in the salty air. Plus, a bunk room for her nieces and nephews.

Location: Bethany Beach, Delaware

Size: 6,400 sq. ft.

Paint colors: (house) Intellectual Gray, Sherwin-Williams and (front door) Heritage Red, Benjamin Moore

Homeowners Betsy and Ryan Chapman were drawn to the home’s light blue color and great location. With the beach only a block away, it’s easy to pack the wagon and go.

The family can soak up the tropical scenery from the second-story balcony, which is outfitted with outdoor woven chairs, pillows and a table.

Location: Anna Maria Island, Florida

Size: 2,200 sq. ft.

Paint color: (house) Try Delano Waters by Benjamin Moore for a similar look.

Lots of people dream about moving to the beach. Holly and Mike Izard took the plunge, leaving behind Northeast winters for balmy Florida. Their home, located a few blocks from the beach, fully embraces its beach house identity with nearly every shade of blue under the sun. “It’s practically a neutral when you live on the coast,” says Holly. The result is, “a vacation home we never have to leave.”

As for the coastal cool exterior, an aluminum roof can withstand salty air, and the porch’s three shutter panels between the columns offer much-needed shade.

Location: Atlantic Beach, Florida

Built in: 2019

Paint colors: (house) Whitetail and (shutters) Storm Cloud, Sherwin-Williams

Sandy and Victor Gringas knocked down the dumpy 1970s house that originally sat on the property, located steps from the water. They had to keep the home’s original foundation because of zoning regulations, so they built upward, spreading 2,000 square feet over five narrow half stories. Sandy hired an architect who specializes in historic beach homes and stuck with a lived-in look. “People always assume our house has been around for ages,” she says. “It’s the ultimate compliment!”

Location: Long Beach Island, New Jersey

Size: 2,000 sq.ft.