a walkway with flowers and bushes
About Us
a bicycle sign in front of a garden

The Sandy Footsteps of History

A Storied Past

The Addy Sea in Bethany Beach, Delaware, is a historical treasure with over a century of stories to tell. Built on the corner of Ocean View Parkway and North Atlantic Avenue, its late Victorian architecture, cedar shingles, and gingerbread trimmings have made it a distinguished landmark. Initially a summer retreat built by John M. Addy in 1901, this oceanfront marvel boasts restored original fixtures, including tin ceilings and fireplaces, and was the first in the area with indoor plumbing and gaslights. Transitioning from a family home to room and board during the Great Depression is now a testament to a rich heritage.

a person sitting in a chair on a beach

Property
Amenities

  • Breakfast, Lunch, Tea, and Treats
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Beach Chairs
  • Beach Umbrellas
  • Beach Towels
  • Complimentary Reusable Water Bottles
  • Spacious Veranda
  • Fire Pit and Yard Games
  • Beach Cruiser Bikes
  • Outdoor Showers
a row of white chairs on a deck

Parlor &
Common Areas

Escape to the Addy Sea's tranquil, early 20th-century charm, where life's hustle disappears. Unwind by a roaring fire in our elegant parlor, savor coffee and books in our ocean-view lounge areas, or relax on the wraparound porch, serenaded by the soothing rhythm of crashing waves.

a black and white photo of a house with a large front yard
diagram, engineering drawing
a building with a broken window
a dining room with a chandelier and a table
Addy Sea Timeline

1904

The newly built Addy Sea symbolized modern comfort in Bethany Beach. Thanks to John M. Addy's expertise, it featured advanced indoor plumbing and gaslights. With luxurious tin ceilings and fireplaces, it epitomized the charm of early 20th-century seaside retreats, reflecting the lifestyle of a pioneering settler.

1927

After enduring coastal storms, the Addy Sea was relocated westward using manpower, mules, and logs. The smaller cottage, Addy #3, was sold to the Perry family, friends of the Addys. In 1998, this cottage was donated and moved to Route 26, now Bethany Beach's Nature Center.

1962

In March 1962, Delaware was struck by an unexpected and devastating storm. Initially forecasted as a mild Nor'easter, the weather quickly escalated, bringing high winds and tides. “The Ash Wednesday Storm” became Delaware's most destructive storm, claiming seven lives and causing extensive property damage, far exceeding any previous expectations.

1974

Leroy Gravatte purchased the Addy Sea from the Addy family and continued renovations and improvements over the forthcoming decades.