--- title: "Marnie Custom Homes — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/marnie-custom-homes-pfvwus-pf~1921091950 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1921091950.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Marnie Custom Homes" category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/343349950f2d7426_3835-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "PO Box 176, Bethany Beach, Delaware 19930, United States" latitude: 38.531 longitude: -75.0674 phone: "(302) 462-5312" website: http://www.marniehomes.com rating: 5 review_count: 8 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 327 last_updated: 2026-09-02 --- # Marnie Custom Homes Original Houzz profile: [Marnie Custom Homes](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/marnie-custom-homes-pfvwus-pf~1921091950) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** Bethany Beach, DE - **Serves:** Bethany Beach - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (8 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2015–2016), for Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves Marnie Homes builds high-end, custom beach homes in and around Bethany Beach, Delaware. As a fifth-generation builder, founder Marnie Oursler combines a builder's knowledge with a designer's sensibility. She is also a writer, speaker, and consultant, as well as an advocate for sustainable building initiatives, including “We Build American,” a national campaign with 84 Lumber seeking to increase domestic jobs by incentivizing the use of American-made building products. Marnie is also the star of "Big Beach Builds" on DIY Network. In 2012, Marnie Custom Homes built a house constructed from nearly 100% American-made materials, the first attempt made in recent Delaware history. Marnie Custom Homes also constructed the first LEED Certified "Green" home in Delaware, in 2009. ### Services Provided - Custom Homes ### Areas Served - Bethany Beach ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Marnie Custom Homes | | Address | PO Box 176, Bethany Beach, Delaware 19930, United States | | Phone | (302) 462-5312 | | Website | http://www.marniehomes.com | | Followers on Houzz | 327 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/MarnieHomes - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/pub/marnie-oursler/37/74a/14/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Marnie Custom Homes](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/marnie-custom-homes-pfvwus-pf~1921091950) - **Website:** http://www.marniehomes.com - **Phone:** (302) 462-5312 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Entrepreneur of the Year by Stevie Awards, 2013 - 40 Under 40 by Professional Builder Magazine, 2013 - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2015–2016), for Design. **Affiliations** - [National Association of Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-home-builders-pfvwus-pf~562065019) - [Home Builders Association of Delaware](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/home-builders-association-of-delaware-pfvwus-pf~1166934977) - [NAHB National Sales and Marketing Council](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/nahb-national-sales-and-marketing-council-pfvwus-pf~1704914709) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 8 reviews** ### All 8 reviews **★★★★★ — 95percentamericanmade, Sept. 2013** > Marnie is the most talented home designer and builder I have ever encountered: her creativity, adherence to schedule, realistic flexibility, quality control and price were exceptional. > > She built our third and final home on the sea shore in Bethany Beach, DE. Having just finished 25 years in a custom home we loved, Marnie guided us in selecting exterior and interior architectural styles and distinctive yet warm finishes that we love. And it should be no surprise that we used houzz,com to exchange ideas with her. > > And a final point, Marnie built our home with both 95% American content materials and adherence to the highest energy conservation standards. We are confident that we will enjoy this beautiful, safe and healthy home for the next 25 years. **★★★★★ — keenwik, Sept. 2013** > Marnie was an amazing General Contractor throughout the design and construction of our home. She was very easy to work with and was always willing to make (many) changes throughout construction at our request. The quality of work was excellent and she she demanded nothing less from her subcontractors. Her unique and creative ideas and design insights put her homes in a category of their own. The exceptional level of quality from base construction to final finishes and trim work is exceptional. We found several pictures from magazines that we wanted for our house and she created that concept perfectly. Her commitment to quality throughout the house even included our dog's "suite" under the stairs complete with interior trim and a porthole! Her commitment to customer service and follow through continues beyond one year after the completion of our home. She truely wants her clients to be happy We would highly recommend Marnie and would use her again without hesitation! **★★★★★ — claudette04, Sept. 2013** > We have just enjoyed our second summer in our home in Bethany built by Marnie Homes. We had a wonderful experience building it with Marnie and have enjoyed every second of beach living since! We fell in love with Marnie's style at first sight and decided to let her make all of the design decisions. The results were beyond our expectations. Our house is called Sunny Side Up on her website. Feel free to check it out! **★★★★★ — annmarieallen, Aug. 2013** > We are happy to write a review about our experience with Marnie Oursler. > We engaged her to build our dream beach house and she delivered! > The entire process was a joy. Marnie listened to my ideas and worked to > fit them into a design. She earned our complete confidence with her professional approach to even the smallest detail. Our house > Is fantastic! Her knowledge of design and her management of the construction were top notch. Her reputation in the Bethany Beach community > is highly respected. > Our house is the first "Green" house in Delaware. Before we were completely moved in it was chosen to be on the Bethany Beach Cottage Tour and > viewers were in a word "Wowed"! > Did I mention Marnie was 29 at the time? Since then she has built many beautiful homes; all unique, and has received an advanced degree from > Duke University School of Business. **★★★★★ — susiereichhart, Aug. 2013** > My husband and I contracted with Marnie Oursler- Marnie Homes to build a house for us on Fenwick Island,in Deleware, in 2011. Marnie was a pleasure to work with. I am an Interior Designer, and there for, wanted to make many changes and additions to the original architectural plans both in the interior layout and the exterior. Marnie was always very willing to make changes and adjustments. She is very professional. Our 4,600 sq. foot home at the beach was started just after Labor Day and we moved in just after Memorial Day that following spring, in time to enjoy the summer season! The quality of the workmanship is excellent. Her subcontractors are talented, professional and reliable. I highly recommend Marnie Oursler. **★★★★★ — endlesssummer1, Aug. 2013** > Marnie knows her business well and she continues to learn from each of the new homes she builds. We had a great time building our home with her and we have been so happy to see her continued successes in Bethany. > We were Marnie's first home and hiring her was the best decision we could have made. > Our venture began in Septmber 2007 with the teardown of our beloved little cottage. We had rented it for years and then finally bought it in 1986, so we had a lot of memories with our kids and some of our first grandchildren. It was hard to see it go but Marnie's enthusiasm for the new home made it easier to accept. We knew it was the right move. > We had our plans ready and it wasn't long before the new foundation covered most of our lot. We live in Virginia so this limited us to working with Marnie on the weekends. This never caused a problem. As the house began to go up, Marnie was always there for us to discuss what was going on. While at home in Virginia, I would receive weekly reports of the work being done and the costs. This was how the entire construction process went until the home was finished. > We had a lot of changes as we went along and sometimes Marnie seemed to be more excited about them than we were. Ideas seemed to become reality overnight and each one made the new home so much more "ours". We built out all the window trim so our blinds would fit flush, Marnie designed our main hallway from a picture my wife had found and it turned out better than the picture, we made a small playroom under the steps which has become the grandkids favorite space, we put a little play area in a bedroom, we added a 1/2 bath for the kids, Marnie changed the angles and heights of the bedroom ceilings just for variety. We even changed out some upstairs windows for doors and decks. The reaction to almost every idea was "sure, we can do that", so we did. > We now have a home that feels like "us"and we walk around sometimes realizing just how fortunate we are. The memories of the old cottage remain and we already have great memories with our new one. After we had moved in, Marnie stopped by and presented us with a book that was a pictured story from the teardown of the old house to the finished new house. The book and the thoughtfulness are very special to us. > Through the entire process, she was an absolute pleasure to work with and we have developed a special friendship. In the off-season, we usually get together for an occasional dinner and catch up on what we've all been doing. It has been a great experience and we wish Marnie all the best in the future. **★★★★★ — philipanderson, Aug. 2013** > In 2010, my wife and I had an opportunity to purchase a home that was an unfinished shell abandoned by the developer. We were referred to a number of local developers. We were looking for something more sophisticated and charming than the cookie-cutter interiors offered by the builder. Specifically we told Marnie that we were looking for a "Cape Cod" or "Nantucket" style interior. She showed us several of her current and past home projects and we were immediately sold. She was able to interpret exactly what we wanted and her design ideas far exceeded our expectations. Everyone that visits our beach house is so impressed by the craftsmanship and level of detail throughout the home. Not only would we recommend Marnie to prospective clients, we already have on several occasions. **★★★★★ — Green Street Solar- DE & MD, Sept. 2012** > Marnie Homes rocks! > > Her work is always top notch and beautiful to say the least. > > We worked with Marnie to install solar on a home she was building for some very happy home owners! > > Green Street Solar ran all solar conduit pre-drywall and Marnie was great through the whole process. > > Being LEED certified her designs sure do compliment our solar work very nicely. > > Highly recommend! ## Selected projects - [The Coast is Clear](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-coast-is-clear-pj-vj~429584) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 21 - Description: A small cottage located in Fenwick Island was cleared to make room for this stunning five bedroom, four bathroom beach house. The inverted floor plan puts the living room, kitchen and master bedroom on the second floor where unobstructed views of the open bay are abundant. - [Relaxin at the Beach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/relaxin-at-the-beach-pj-vj~614032) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: This beautiful beach house in Bethany was constructed with unique custom interior design and finishes. Equipped with a gourmet kitchen, this home also boasts cathedral ceilings, custom built-ins and numerous intricate details throughout. - [The Lookout](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-lookout-pj-vj~261833) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: This 4 bedroom, 4 bath comfortable yet elegant home features reclaimed wood floors, coffered ceilings, wood planked walls, exposed beams and beautiful trim. Topping off an exquisite interior, outside the home, a spiral staircase leads to a rooftop deck which offers gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean. - [Sunny Side Up](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunny-side-up-pj-vj~261849) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: This enchanting cottage is just steps from the beach and was built for generations to enjoy. The exterior is highlighted by a large front porch that is perfect for visiting and conversation on warm summer nights. Inside, exposed brickwork and reclaimed wood floors illustrate timeless elegance throughout the living room and kitchen. - [Deja View](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/deja-view-pj-vj~614002) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: This family outgrew their beach house located on a waterfront lot in South Bethany. In order to preserve a piece of their beloved cottage, we salvaged a few deck boards to create a unique wall behind the custom built-ins in the great room. This beautiful home will be part of the 2014 Beach & Bay Cottage Tour. - [Barefoot Elegance](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/barefoot-elegance-pj-vj~261775) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: This home’s cedar shake exterior with glass jar style light fixtures is reminiscent of New England beach cottages. Inside, scraped maple hardwood floor complements the stylish interior as do the 8ft doors and spiral staircase with wrought iron rails. The home also features wainscoting, raised panels, bead board ceilings and window seats. A claw foot tub brings you back to the vintage era while keeping with modern amenities. - [All Decked Out](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/all-decked-out-pj-vj~261845) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: This spectacular ocean side home is in the heart of Fenwick Island. The stunning cedar shake exterior demonstrates stately sophistication as well as classic beach style. The entrance welcomes guests with an extra wide custom front door, a signature of Marnie Homes. Inside, creativity is abundant, with custom built-ins, a designer kitchen and bar, a butler’s pantry, reclaimed wood accents, and spacious bedrooms and baths. The picturesque ocean view is captivated from the rooftop deck, perfect for… - [Beach Break](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beach-break-pj-vj~261791) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: This custom home is located on the ocean block, just steps from the sand. It features a unique floor plan with private guest suite, elevator and third floor party room with rooftop deck and beautiful ocean views ! - [All-American](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/all-american-pj-vj~613995) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: Built in 2012, these homeowners challenged Marnie Homes to build a beach house using all American made building materials while still remaining financially viable. What we found was that buying American was, for the most part, comparable to buying imported goods. The final product, the All-American, is a beautiful beach home constructed of approximately 95% American-made materials and products. - [Eco Beach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eco-beach-pj-vj~614041) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: This is the first home in Delaware certified by the US Green Building Council. The wood planked walls highlight the exceptional pine flooring, which came from a local monastery, nail holes and all. The kitchen features a gorgeous soapstone countertop with a coffered ceiling and tumbled marble backsplash. The grandchildren’s bedroom is covered in pine and stained natural, reminiscent of old pine walls in traditional beach houses. During construction, 90% of all material was used and 96% was rec… - [Sea Breeze](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sea-breeze-pj-vj~614027) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: This charming 3 bedroom 2.5 bath beach house has natural coastal tones and a craftsman touch. Nestled under the tall pines, this home looks as though it could have been there for generations. - [Dun Rentin'](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dun-rentin-pj-vj~261843) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - Description: Four bedroom, four bath home with two living rooms, cathedral ceilings and custom state of the art kitchen with fantastic ocean views! Custom detail work with exposed beams, wood ship-lap ceilings and walls, and custom built-ins. - [Canal Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/canal-cottage-pj-vj~261852) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: Quaint summer cottage located within walking distance to the beach on a quiet canal. Completely renovated home, original newly painted oak kitchen cabinets, large granite kitchen island with subway tile back-splash and open shelving. Exposed rafters, reclaimed barn wood and distressed flooring truly customize this home making it gorgeously unique. The open and airy floor plan creates the perfect spacial arrangement for entertaining and relaxing. - [Atlantic Charm](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/atlantic-charm-pj-vj~261779) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: Step into this warm, inviting beach-style cottage and feel at ease. Atlantic Charm’s relaxed, open floor plan is detailed with custom moldings, solid wood doors and antique oak hardwood floors which offer a feeling of casual beach elegance. The five bedrooms and four and a half baths contain coffered and cathedral ceilings along with tumbled marble tile and custom showers. The custom kitchen offers white wood cabinetry, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. A spectacular front porc… - [Coastal Tradition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-tradition-pj-vj~261799) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: This charismatic bayfront cottage is new construction, but designed to have the details and character of a 100 year old home. Sun-drenched windows and a second floor deck boast beautiful views of the surrounding bay. Inside the house, exposed wood beams, wood walls, and reclaimed wood floors throughout add a rustic element to modern luxury. The custom kitchen showcases inlaid cabinetry, state of the art Sub Zero and Wolfe appliances, and a hand crafted mobile island. Antique stained glass, custo… - [Endless Summer](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/endless-summer-pj-vj~261769) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: This home is a true Bethany Beach cottage for the next generation. All of the features of a modern day home, with all of the elegance and charm of an old Bethany cottage. As you make your way past the white picket fence and picturesque landscape, you will enter a cozy front porch outfitted with sea shells and wicker furniture. Enter the 8ft tall custom built door to the look of a traditional beach house with today’s features. The yellow pine flooring restored from local barns is throughout the f… - [Shore Perfection](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shore-perfection-pj-vj~261763) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: Fantastic ocean views are just one of the astounding characteristics of this elegant beach home. Situated in a private ocean side community just steps from the Atlantic, the 4700 square foot home is detailed to perfection. Equipped with seven bathrooms, six bedrooms, three living rooms and abundant outdoor living spaces including two outdoor showers, wrap around decking and massive porches, this a beach lover’s dream home. Beyond the expansive front porch, one will enter the large breathtaking f… - [Sunrise Landing](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunrise-landing-pj-vj~261783) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: unrise Landing, is an entertainer’s delight. With five bedrooms and baths, the owners are able to host a multitude of friends and family with ease. This house is filled with bold and inviting colors, creative touches, and custom built-ins. Within the house are beautiful intricate tile work and birch hardwood floors. The custom designed kitchen is truly the heart of this home. It boasts alder and cherry cabinetry, gorgeous granite countertops and an inviting radius island, perfect for socializing… - [Ocean Sands](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ocean-sands-pj-vj~261803) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: Ocean Sands is a renovation to a three-bedroom ocean block beach cottage. The home is updated with modern amenities – with the charm and comfort of a traditional beach house. The many large windows allow for refreshing sunlight to pour into the home space, a constant reminder that even in the living room – you’re only a short walk away from the beach. - [The Sea Shell](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-sea-shell-pj-vj~261759) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: Waterfront home with many unique features including custom built ins, detailed wood ceilings, custom kitchen and tile work. The homeowners have carried a nautical theme throughout choosing bold paint colors which highlight the intricate trim work. Plenty of windows capture the views and keep the home feeling airy and bright. [See all 25 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/marnie-custom-homes-pfvwus-pf~1921091950) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/94546356/list/wish-list) — 2 ideas - [DIY](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/62157851/list/diy) — 2 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/marnieoursler) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love the exposed brick! What color are the painted walls? Thanks!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Sherwin Williams "Sea Salt". Thanks! **Q: love the chandelier, where is it from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thank you ! The chandelier was purchased at a small local store called Carolina Street Home & Garden in Fenwick Island, Delaware. **Q: Beautiful kitchen - what are the counter and back splash materials, an** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thank you. The counter top is made of ice stone. It is a concrete with stone mixed in. The back splash is a glass tile. **Q: Please tell me what this bedding is. (:** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thanks for the question. I'm actually not sure. These photos were taken after the family moved in -- we didn't stage it. It's a fun pattern though! **Q: what type of wood is in the kitchen?** *(in Photo Questions)* is the wood hickory? A: You have a good eye! I did use hickory in this kitchen. Thanks! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-02.*