See Rehoboth mansions on 68th art league tour

It’s about diversity and finding the unexpected for Rehoboth Art League’s 68th annual Cottage Tour of Art. The two-day self-paced tour runs July 11 and 12 throughout the Rehoboth Beach area.

Members of the tour committee work all year to find showcase homes that are the sort of thing your average Joe wouldn’t normally see, said Sara Ganter, chief operating officer for the art league. The homes this year were chosen for their different landscapes, interiors and architectural designs, ranging from historically significant to contemporary and eco-friendly.

“It’s such a joy,” said Nancy Ellsworth, co-chair of the tour this year. She’s excited about the varying colors and styles and artwork people will find. There are hidden kitchens and beds, giant glass sculptures, and even a chicken or two on the tour (all artwork of course).

“There’s just so much on the tour,” said Ellsworth.

The only thing difficult to find on the cottage tour is an actual cottage. Other than the art league’s own Peter Marsh Homestead, most of the “cottages” are more honestly described as mansions.

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More than 1,500 people take the tour, said Ganter. Trying to fit that number into a traditional beach cottage would be a little tight, she said.

Tightness shouldn’t be a problem at the Holmes/Rocha house on Henlopen Avenue. The first floor is basically one giant room, said owner Tom Holmes. Every year the Holmes/Rocha family hosts a cocktail party for 100-plus people and it never seems crowded.

“It’s a great party house,” said Holmes.

It is also a great house for color and art, as the two homeowners have collected art from around the world, including a collection of paintings and prints by American artist Peter Max, the pop artist known for his use of bright color and psychedelic images.

Holmes encourages people to check out the sunburst in the sunroom on the second floor. He swears she’s alive and knows everything that is going on in the house.

“We think it’s a good thing for the community,” said Holmes of why he and his husband agreed to show their home on the tour this year. They were so excited, they talked two of their neighbors into joining them.

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They are "don’t miss" houses, said Holmes. Each house is totally different. The Ellinghaus home at 121 Henlopen Ave. was originally built by riverboat captain, Derrick Lingo, and was recently updated to better take advantage of the beach location. The house is filled with local art and hand-painted accent pieces.

“You can feel love wrap around you when you walk in. Their home is breathtaking,” said Holmes, who also encourages visitors to the Henlopen Avenue homes to look for similarities in the outdoor gardens — the three homeowners are avid gardeners and share plants between themselves.

Highlighting the importance of preserving the environment and the fragile ecosystem that is Rehoboth Beach, is one of the main attractions of the Filipek/Richardson home on Silver Lake. The house is set back from the lake with the yard terraced leading to the lake to protect the bank from erosion. The entire house is inspired with a nautical theme and is situated to capture light and views of the lake.

Some homes have quite an evolving history and many homeowners showcase memories and collections in creative ways, said Ganter.

One of her favorites is the Peter Marsh Homestead on the art league grounds. Usually the house, built in 1743, is decorated with antiques and art to showcase its age and history, with the exception of the tour dates. For the tour, furniture and decorating company, J Conn Scott, takes over the house and revamps it with a modern flare. Ganter said she can’t wait to see what the tour underwriters, Richard and Lisa Scott, will do with bold colors and contemporary patterns to transform the house.

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The tour runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 11 and 12. Tickets are $35 per person and the tour is for people age 13 and older. Houses on the Cottage Tour are located in the Rehoboth Beach area. The tour is self-paced and participants are encouraged to ride the free Jolly Trolley transport provided between houses by the art league since parking in Rehoboth is at a premium. Free parking is available at Rehoboth Elementary School at 500 Stockley Street, for ticketholders, where they can catch the trolley as well.

It is a good tour to do on bike, suggested Ellsworth. The houses are close enough to make it a nice ride, she said.

The Tour’s ticket, the program book, features original artwork of each home and includes addresses, home descriptions, and driving instructions.

“It’s a delight to see all the homes,” said Ellsworth.

If You Go

What: Rehoboth Art League 68th annual Cottage Tour

When: Tuesday and Wednesday, July 11-12; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Throughout Rehoboth. Tickets may be bought the day of the tours at the art league at 12 Dodds Lane, Rehoboth Beach. Those who buy tickets ahead of time may park at the Rehoboth Elementary School, 500 Stockley Ave.

Cost: $35/person. Recommended for people 13 and older

Tickets are annually available for purchase at the following locations:

• Rehoboth Art League: 12 Dodds Lane, Henlopen Acres, Rehoboth Beach. Tickets purchased online at www.rehobothartleague.org and by phone must be picked up at the RAL.

• In Rehoboth Beach: Bellinger’s Jewelers, Browseabout Books, Farmer Girl Exotic Gardens, J. Conn Scott Showhouse, and Windsor’s Flowers & Plants

• In Fenwick: Carolina Street

• In Lewes: Community Bank of Delaware and Lewes Gourmet

• In Bethany Beach: Sea Needles