About Beach Houses
Beach houses offer vacationers a home away from home for a few days or months out of the year. They are designed to offer a relaxing getaway for those who want a change of scenery. Most people seek refuge in beach houses during warm months. For some, a beach house is part of their permanent residence, as they reside along the seashore throughout the year.
Significance
Most beach houses are directly on the beach or, at most, 500 feet from the edge of the beach. Homes are built as close as possible to the water or on a bluff overlooking the ocean or lake for the best scenery. Most are designed to be protected from the possibly harsh weather of the seashore. Many are built on stilts or retaining walls to prevent flooding and offer protection from hurricanes and strong storms.
Function
A beach house gives residents or vacationers a place close to the sea to be able to relax, observe sea life and participate in water sports. Some of the elements obtained with staying in a seaside home is the scent of salty air, the sound of the waves and the feel of the sand. Beach houses can be used throughout the year in many climates. In tropical, sub-tropical and warm climates the beach house is often used for entertaining and vacation getaways for friends and family. In the winter or cold months, some houses are used as hunting camps or places for fisherman to stay while ice fishing. Some people who live in the beach house year round may have a heating unit in place to battle the cooler elements.
Types
When building or choosing a beach house one of the main architectural specifications should be windows. Windows are the visual portal to the beach, water and main focal points of the landscape. Large wraparound decks should accompany a beach house to provide an outdoor living space as needed. For smaller cottage-style beach houses, creating an outdoor patio or living area will help expand the interior of the home into the outdoors. Attached to the house, a screened-in porch, sun room or cabana that covers outdoor furniture will provide adequate sun protection for hot summer days.
Decor
Some of the main elements of decor in a beach home are light, airy colors that promote nature and relaxation. Seashell-inspired items, including lamps, pictures and shell curtains, are popular in many beach houses. Wicker or rattan furniture gives most homes an island or beach feel and can be used both inside and out on the patio or beach. Nautical items such as fishing poles and small lighthouses make decorative accents to place in a beach house. Stained glass inspired by nautical or tropical items such as sailboats, flowers and sea life adds color and elegance to any window overlooking the sea.
Considerations
A person should consider the risk of inclement weather, such as hurricanes, before renting an oceanfront house. Because most rental agreements do not offer a money-back guarantee, funds can be lost. Hurricane season is from June through November. If purchasing a beach house during this time, keep in mind the property insurance may be double what it would be on a mainland home. Choosing a rental or property that overlooks the beach or is not directly on the beach will save personal property and keep insurance premiums lower.
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