NEIGHBORS: The Happiness Factor

Life is bound to include a few winding roads now and then. With happiness as their starting point, Amy and Brett Breslow discovered that an unexpected turn ultimately led to a destination they might never have imagined.

The most rewarding journeys are often fueled by an eagerness to learn and a willingness to serve. Before they met, Brett and Amy Breslow had ventured well beyond their respective hometowns in the Philadelphia area. Amy pursued undergrad studies at the University of Pittsburgh, later earning a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, Brett enlisted in the Navy, serving as an Electrician’s Mate onboard the USS Proteus in Guam. His service continued onboard the USS Gallant in San Francisco, California during Operation Desert Storm. Brett then moved on to Temple University, where he graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering.

After marrying in the mid-1990s, the couple settled in South Jersey, where they raised a family, pursued their careers, and continued along life’s path. Then, fast forward to 2020, when an unexpected turn in the road appeared out of nowhere. It was the beginning of the pandemic and Brett suddenly found himself in the fight of his life. Navigating months of serious complications, he ultimately became the first ICU COVID survivor in South Jersey. Having overcome a life-changing health experience just as their youngest child was about to graduate from high school, Brett and Amy decided to slow down and consider the path ahead. Amy had worked from home prior to the pandemic, and, after his recovery, Brett began working remotely too. They loved their respective careers, and remote work opened the door to new and exciting possibilities when it came to a home base. Assessing their situation, they reasoned that their daughter would be moving on to college, property taxes in New Jersey were relatively high, and it was a seller’s market. First and foremost, they were focused on happiness. So, late in 2021—inspired by a persistent local real estate agent—they decided to sell their house and set out on a new home journey.

With no definitive plan, they began looking in Orlando, Florida, where Brett’s company had offices, before recalibrating their search to Middletown, Delaware. When neither locale wowed them, the couple decided to take the plunge and look further south to a place they knew little about but had heard described as “Lower-Slower Delaware.”

To get the ball rolling, Amy and Brett contacted a real estate agent who gave them an overview of the market and toured them through available new home communities. During those early visits, the two felt connected to the area, deciding they wanted to live near the beach while staying away from the hustle and bustle. And, when it came to builders, Schell Brothers stood out. “The company’s focus on happiness aligned with the whole reason we were moving in the first place,” Brett said. “On top of that, we loved the quality and style of their homes, both inside and out.” Specifically, they were drawn to the concept of a center-door style of home situated on a wide homesite.

While Schell offered a variety of communities, homesites, and price points, there was really no question when it was time for Amy and Brett to decide where to live. “Amy knew that Walden was the place for us when we pulled into the parking lot next to the model,” Brett said. “We immediately liked the community’s openness and natural setting.”

The couple had been impressed with The Kingfisher at Marsh Island as well as The Cassidy model they toured at Walden. With both homes under consideration, Amy and Brett discussed available homesites, basement availability, lot premiums, and construction timing. They were especially impressed with the sales process. “When we signed our contract, Carole and Joe made sure we knew what to expect,” Amy said. “They were transparent with us and quickly seemed more like family than like people who had just sold us a house.”

By March of 2022, Amy and Brett had selected a Kingfisher that would be built on the last pond-view homesite situated along Bunting Circle. When asked about their home choice, they explained that The Kingfisher was the best fit for their lifestyle because it offers a first-floor primary suite along with ample space for two home offices. They also liked the idea of finishing the room over the garage to accommodate visits from family or out-of-town guests.

After quickly settling on their home back in New Jersey, Amy and Brett moved into a nearby rental property, making it easy for them to visit Walden often to observe the build process and get to know the neighbors. In addition to on-site gatherings hosted at the model, the couple enjoyed comparing notes with their future neighbors online and through Facebook groups. Evenings and weekends were often spent exploring the area for the best grocers, restaurants, and beaches. “It was—and still feels—so new,” Amy said.

Reflecting on the build process, Amy and Brett highlighted some exciting milestones along the way, including the design center visit, the groundbreaking, the framing start, and the frame stage tour. “We felt connected to the team,” Amy said. “I remember that our construction manager and his wife had their first baby just a few weeks before our closing. It was exciting for all of us.”

After closing on their house in November of 2022 and moving the following January, Amy and Brett are every bit as happy about their homesite as they are about the home they selected. “Our location is perfect,” Amy said. “Each morning, the sun comes up over the fountains beyond our backyard and pours in through the big windows in the great room. We love listening to the fountain from our screened-in porch.”

Along with the kitchen, the great room is one of the spaces they appreciate most because the layout is ideal for two of Brett’s favorite activities: watching sports and cooking. “What could be better?” he asked. “I can cook and entertain while watching my Phillies or Eagles at the same time.”

While they love their home, Amy and Brett also highlighted the camaraderie at Walden. “As neighbors, we’re always finding opportunities to do things together. Whether we’re talking lawn care or car care, we’ve formed a brain trust for helping each other get things done. I’m the tech guy in the group—or at least I think that’s what I am,” Brett said with a grin.

Now that Walden’s considerable amenities are complete, the couple can often be found using the gym, relaxing with friends by the pool, or discussing plans to start kayaking on Burton Pond. When asked about their hobbies, Amy and Brett mentioned working, being parents, heading to the gym, and shopping, with the caveat that those interests may not always be pursued in that order.

When they venture out for the evening, their go-to spots include DiFebos for Italian, The Cultured Pearl for sushi, Striper Bites for lobster night, Nalu for nachos, and Matt’s Fish Camp for the Lobster Cobb Salad. As locals, an added perk is discovering the latest off-season specials. When dining in, the meal often begins with a shopping trip to Rays Produce in Lewes.

Having raised two thespians, Amy and Brett especially love being near Clear Space in Rehoboth and the Milton Theatre. Their older child, Jaq, now resides in Illinois after attending Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. Likewise, their daughter, Grace, is a senior studying Musical Theatre at Ohio University in Athens. The other member of the family is Daisy, a sixyear-old Australian Cattle Dog rescue that Amy and Brett describe as “rescuing us.” When asked to share a few words that describe the Walden community, the couple quickly listed fun, enthusiastic, energetic, supportive, engaged, and passionate. Funny thing: after spending time with Amy and Brett, we could use those same words to describe them. Because, when happiness is your starting point—and “work” is genuinely listed among your hobbies—it’s clear that you’re getting the most out of the journey, even through the turns.