Marnie Oursler’s Annapolis home marries subtle sophistication and an easy, indoor-outdoor vibe

Marnie Oursler’s serene demeanor is exactly what you’d expect from a long-time beach lover. “There’s something about living by the water that brings me a sense of calm and peace,” she admits.

The celebrity designer, who has starred on such home improvement shows as DIY’s “Big Beach Builds” and HGTV’s “Dream Home,” is in fact a Washingtonian who grew up in Maryland and Virginia. A fifth-generation home builder, she learned the business while accompanying her father to construction sites and has since made her career designing and building distinctive homes in Delaware’s Bethany Beach. In 2023, she became the first woman to be named NAHB Custom Home Builder of the Year.

Still, when it came to her own vacation spot, she chose Annapolis, close to where most of her family now lives. “While I live most of the time in Bethany Beach, I love venturing out and exploring surrounding waterfront towns,” she explains. Annapolis, she decided, fit the bill. Halfway between DC and Delaware, this passion project turned out to be a perfect home away from home for Oursler, her husband David Richardson and their two young children. What’s more, its closer-in location makes it convenient for clients to drive out to see her design ideas and gather inspiration in real time.

The new build sits on a double lot atop a high cliff with a stunning view of the Severn River. As architect Cathy Purple Cherry, who designed the residence, recalls, it presented its fair share of challenges, starting with its topography. “The house was like solving a Rubik’s cube,” she says. “Because of the steep slopes and the required buffer around them, there were regulations limiting lot coverage and development.”

Together, architect and owner came up with an ingenious solution to maximize the home’s footprint and views while still meeting zoning and other tight building restrictions. “We call it a one-room-deep house,” notes Purple Cherry. Small spaces, such as hallways and powder rooms, are situated on the road side, while a row of bedrooms, offices, living and family rooms align on the water side. “It gave us a floor plan with a balanced elevation that worked on a difficult site, and the room to accommodate all the functionality and enhancements Marnie wanted,” she explains.

Having collaborated in the past, the two complemented each other’s expertise. “Marnie is not your typical client,” the architect continues. “She knew exactly what she wanted and was involved in every aspect of the design and build.”

For her part, Oursler envisioned an innovative home offering cutting-edge materials and concepts. “Beach houses are fun,” she affirms. “They can be bolder than primary homes and that gave me more creative freedom, which I love.”

Now complete, the Shingle Style residence measures 10,000 square feet on three levels and includes five bedrooms, each with an ensuite bath; two half baths; a family room; kitchen/butler’s pantry; and sunroom. Outside, a large deck holds a hot tub and built-in pool and descends to a landscaped green space ideal for playtime and entertaining.

Every room brings Oursler’s beach-house aesthetic to life. A fusion of classic and contemporary, interiors are accented in durable, unfussy organic materials such as wood, tile and textiles—arrayed in neutral shades to blur the boundaries between indoor and out. In the great room, walls of windows and glass doors with a millwork surround (one of Oursler’s custom trademarks) open to the back porch, outfitted with weather-resistant, rust-proof furnishings.

The eat-in kitchen and butler’s pantry continue the white and wood theme with thick butcher-block counters, a marble backsplash and sleek cabinetry sporting covered or glass fronts. For contrast, six-inch oak beams accent the high ceiling.

The sunroom off the kitchen is easily the prettiest space in the house. Bright with natural light throughout the day, it overlooks the pool and sits within a large bay window punctuated by vintage diamond pane inserts.

Upstairs on the second level is the primary suite, where a massive Carrara marble-laid bath awaits. It boasts a statement tub with a river view; an extra-large, frameless-glass shower; extensive cabinetry and a decorative shell chandelier.

In many ways, Oursler’s life and career have come full circle. From a childhood spent on construction sites and the sale of her first construction/renovation project in 2007 to the completion of this Annapolis home, she has remained focused on fine craftsmanship. “My goal on every project,” she reflects, “is not only to create an ideal waterfront retreat, built in harmony with nature, but also a piece of art that makes the owners’ dreams a reality.”

Architecture: Cathy Purple Cherry, AIA, Purple Cherry Architects, Annapolis, Maryland. Interior Design & Construction: Marnie Oursler, Marnie Custom Homes, Bethany Beach, Delaware.

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