NEIGHBORS: Finding the home that moves you

When world travelers Lisa and Gregory Gray discovered a community with a poolside bar and café reminiscent of their vacations in Playa Del Carmen, their interest was piqued. A closer look at The Peninsula revealed an authentic club lifestyle that included golf, tennis, gourmet dinners, water activities, and friendly neighbors who shared their interests. And, just like that, they knew they were home.

After establishing roots in Bethany Beach, Lisa and Gregory Gray soon realized that their first home in coastal Delaware fell short of the perfect fit. Not only was the kitchen a bit small for the self-described foodies, the community’s lifestyle didn’t live up to their expectations. In short, it didn’t feel like home.

Deciding to venture back into the new home shopping arena, they visited several Schell sites to compare different models and options. Drawn to the model at Bayside, they soon learned that Schell had no lots remaining. That’s when they heard an advertisement for The Peninsula–and 17 months later Lisa and Gregory celebrated Christmas in their new home.

“We immediately fell in love with The Peninsula community after visiting the model in late fall of 2020,” Lisa explained. “The neighbors were so welcoming and friendly to us during those early visits.” In fact, before their home construction started, the couple was invited to a neighborhood party replete with food, libations, music, and new friends. And, their sales manager, Tyler, hosted a meet and greet in a magical secluded section of Schellville just before Christmas. “The more we learned about the community and the amenities, the easier the decision was to move again,” Gregory explained. ”But it was really the people who made all the difference.”

Throughout the decision-making process, the couple’s love for travel was instrumental in developing their sense of home. After choosing the Bluebell floor plan, Lisa and Gregory were especially selective when it came to the kitchen, which had the culinary character they were looking for. “Our trip to Tuscany in 2005 had a profound influence on the way we decorated our home,” Gregory said. “We stayed in a small resort called Locanda dell’Amorosa, reminiscent of the book, Under the Tuscan Sun. Taking a cooking lesson with Locanda’s former chef Walter Redaelli was the experience of a lifetime: cutting fresh herbs from his garden and preparing every morsel ourselves! And we had the opportunity to try Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Steak Florentine) for the first time when we were dining in Florence. We’ve found that food and wine tours are a great way to experience the cities we visit around the world.”

While the kitchen is the couple’s favorite room, the open floor plan artfully connects it with the dining area and great room to create the perfect gathering space for family and friends. To further enhance the space, Lisa and Gregory added a bar area in the great room and the window seat in the dining room. “These two finishes are standouts for us,” said Gregory. “They make the main living area special, both aesthetically and functionally.” Another highlight of the home is the primary bath, which is a welcome retreat for the busy couple. Along with the large rain shower head and multiple jets built into the wall of the expansive shower area, the jacuzzi soaking tub is the perfect place to relax and soothe aching muscles after a bike ride or a workout at the gym. And, in the months ahead, the two are looking forward to morning coffee and an evening glass of wine on their screened-in porch.

In reflecting on their home, Lisa pointed out the value of small details. “We have truly enjoyed finding and installing the perfect lights, ceiling fans, blinds, and accessories to complement our new furnishings,” she said. “Each element is part of making this our home.” Given the couple’s extensive hobbies that include wine, cooking, and a range of outdoor activities, Lisa and Gregory are sure to feel right at home at The Peninsula for many years to come. The community features resort-style amenities that deliver a vacation lifestyle on a daily basis. “The wine club, gourmet dinners, and other member activities were all things we were looking for,” Gregory said. “And we like to paddleboard and kayak, so the proximity to the bay was a huge plus.”

Both are avid tennis players and Gregory plays golf, so the two especially appreciate the community’s offering of outdoor activities, athletic workouts, and spa services. They also enjoy relaxing by the pool and taking their Golden Retrievers, Simba and Kiara, for walks on the beach at sunset. “It’s really everything we wanted in a community,” Lisa said.

When they are not busy enjoying life at The Peninsula, you might find Lisa and Gregory strolling along the quaint streets in Lewes or attending the SODEL wine dinners at Fish On, Baywood Greens, and Catch 54. As wine aficionados, they have ventured to Nassau Valley Vineyards as well as Salted Vines. Yet, one of their favorite pastimes is simply to find a small beach on the bay and watch the sunset. “We’ve had unique dining experiences around the world and look forward to creating more here,” Gregory explained. “I love the movie Something’s Gotta Give, and on our last night in Paris, Lisa took me to the restaurant where Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton and Keanu Reeves meet up towards the end of the movie. That experience will be hard to top.”

One of the things Lisa and Gregory appreciate most about their new home at The Peninsula is sharing it with friends and family, including their daughter Kelly in Columbia, Maryland, daughter Hunter in Denver, Colorado, and son Gregory who lives at home. Now that Lisa has a new bike—and Gregory plans to purchase one—they are looking forward to exploring the plethora of scenic trails friends have described. “We see family bike rides throughout southern Delaware in our future,” Lisa said.

Envisioning a retirement filled with relaxing days on the beach or by the pool eating ceviche, shrimp ajillo, buttered clams, and lobster, Lisa and Gregory expected a move to their favorite summer vacation spot in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. And that’s when they discovered all those things—at home—at The Peninsula. Lisa summed it up saying, “This is the perfect home base for hosting family and friends. We’re glad we didn’t settle for anything less.”