August 25th, 2014

The House, Parkwood Street, The Tidewater, Bethany Beach, Delaware, Developer? Tidewater Realty, Ltd., John Merryman’s Family, Builder? Lane Builders, LLC, Lewes, Delaware, It Settled!!, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

My husband, John Merryman, III’s testimony before passing away last August 31st was that during over the 3 decades in Bethany Beach, Delaware, he had developed more than enough houses to know the business.  He referred to Jeff Burton of Lane Builders as a consummate professional, easy to deal with and someone he was happy to be doing business with.

John and Jeff designed The Tidewater, a home that was to be built on Parkwood Street in Bethany Beach.  The lots in Bethany are usually long and narrow, so a special house with plenty of bedrooms for a family and friends was born.

This house was within walking distance to the Town of Bethany; its beaches, boardwalk, shops and restaurants.  It was located in a quiet street in Bethany.  Instead of coming through the front door all wet, you could come from under the house and leave your beach belongings there.

Jeff Burton is the Managing Partner and President of Lane Builders, LLC, located at 1009 Kings Highway, Lewes, Delaware.  Tel. 302-645-5555.   Website?  http://www.lanebuilders.com.  You can also find Lane Builders on Facebook.

Upon John’s passing, we called Jeff and we also called the buyer who was from Northern Virginia.  I cannot imagine their thoughts in having to then deal with the widow.  Having been assured that the building was going to go as planned, they were confident in our ability to carry it through.

I am writing this post, which by the way, is very personal, since the year anniversary of John’s passing is around the corner.  I wanted to tell you the kind of builder Jeff was for us.  The first thing he said without hesitation was “I will make this process as easy as I can for you.”  And, he did.

Jeff Burton taking care of last minute details.

Spiritually, John was guiding me through this process.  I believe that.

The house turned out to be so nice.  I met the owners on the day of the settlement when we were checking the house.

The floors were hand-scraped wood flooring, the tones of the house were soothing, lots of gray, white and blue on the walls and countertops.

The family is going to love having all those bedrooms and bathrooms.  A spacious laundry room…a must!

I know that when the owners come up the stairs they will certainly enjoy the smooth flowing of their beach house.  They are already enjoying it, along with everything Bethany Beach has to offer.

This family had been coming to Bethany for many years.  They told me they were waiting for the right house….The Tidewater is going to be a place for rest and relaxation.  Bethany Beach is a family resort.  It is also known as The Quiet Resort.

Jeff Burton surprised me on that day.  The Tidewater is going to be always The Tidewater; in memory of John.  A home design that was their first one to be considered a preplanned home, custom built on your lot.  You can see a more detailed description of this house if you click on http://www.lanebuilders.com.

I will probably not have any contact with the new owners.  Our business is finished.  But, this house will always hold a special place in my heart.  John would have been so proud.

My testimony?  I can’t say enough about Jeff Burton, his building partner, Keith Hastings, and their staff at Lane Builders.  If you are planning on building or remodeling at the Delaware Beaches, please give them a call.  You will not be disappointed.

Have a great day!