The Addy Sea | 99 Ocean View Pkwy., Bethany Beach, 539-3707, www.addysea.com
Don’t be surprised if the Addy Sea’s wraparound porch is dusted with sand from time to time, or if the sound of waves through your window is a little louder than usual. This 110-year-old Victorian mansion boasts oceanfront views—a rarity for Delaware’s bed-and-breakfasts and one of The Addy Sea’s biggest draws.
“That makes it special right there,” says general manager Maggie Vert of the view. “That’s all you need.”
The establishment has catered to Bethany Beach visitors for more than 30 years, but the house itself holds a significant place in Bethany’s history. John Addy, one of the town’s founders, completed the mansion in 1904. His family owned the house until later generations lost interest and let it fall into disrepair. Leroy T. Gravatte III rescued it in 1975 and ran it as a boardinghouse until renovations transformed it into a beachfront bed-and-breakfast several
years later.
The period furniture and Victorian decor showcase The Addy Sea’s historical ties, and an extensive art collection adds sophistication. Guests can choose from 13 rooms, including the coveted Room No. 10, with a full view of the ocean, plus north and south views.
While only one room is equipped with a TV, The Addy Sea staff encourages guests to spend time on the beach, shopping in Bethany or relaxing on the porch after afternoon tea. Jacuzzis and wireless Internet service are also available. The full gourmet breakfast (served daily) and wine-and-cheese gatherings on the weekends give guests the full B&B-by-the-sea experience. But after 10 years at The Addy Sea, Vert most values its charm and relaxed atmosphere.
