At Pot-Nets, six communities share one coastal rhythm, where neighbors wave from golf cars, waterfront days unfold naturally and homeownership feels more within reach
Written by Kristen Hampshire
Photography by Pamela Aquilani & Pot-Nets
At Pot-Nets, daily life tends to begin with a simple question: beach, boat, pool or lunch with friends? From there, it might be a quick hop in the golf car, a boat ride on the bay and a wave to neighbors along the way.
For Gordon Basht, Pot-Nets first became a weekend escape while he was still working in the corporate world. “I’d come down on the weekends and whenever I could,” he says. “I loved it so much that I moved here full time.”
He still remembers the feeling of arriving.
“When I pulled into Pot-Nets’ Bayside community, my blood pressure always dropped,” says the Pot-Nets Homes realtor-turned-resident about the Coastal Delaware community.
Marinas, beaches, gathering spots and waterfront views are woven into everyday routines, creating a coastal lifestyle where so much of what residents enjoy is already right outside the door.
For Rachel Tarbutton, a typical Pot-Nets day begins on the water. “My boat’s out in front of the house, and I have beaches I can enjoy every day,” says the Pot-Nets Homes realtor. “You look out on the bay and see kayaks, jet skis, boats—it’s just a fun place.”
Some mornings start quietly: coffee outside, a look across Indian River Bay and the steady movement of boats heading out. Others are more active.
“We’ll spend some time out back, whether that’s sitting by the fire pit or just watching the boats go by, pulling crab traps,” Rachel says.
Gordon describes his own setting differently but with the same appreciation. He lives in a wooded section of Pot-Nets Seaside with tall trees and breezes rolling through. “I enjoy gardening. I like working on my yard,” he says. “The views are unbelievable out here.”
This contrast—bayfront energy or wooded retreat—is part of Pot-Nets’ appeal. Residents can choose their version of coastal life with resort-style amenities in any of the six communities.
Six Communities, One Family
Developed by Tunnell Companies, Pot-Nets stretches across six connected communities along the Delaware Inland Bays. Each neighborhood has its own character, yet together they share an easygoing, social rhythm that residents often describe as their own version of island time.
“They’re all unique in their own way,” Rachel explains. “Bayside is the largest with many of the amenities, while Lakeside is calmer and quieter.”
Gordon describes Bayside as the hub of activity, where Paradise Grill, beaches and marinas create a lively waterfront atmosphere. Other sections offer larger lots, wooded streetscapes or a more tucked-away feel.
Even within the same neighborhood, options can vary widely.
“Gordon and I both live in Seaside,” Rachel says. “There’s a wooded area tucked away from the water, not in the flood zone, and then there are homes right on the bay. Even within each one of these communities, there’s a lot of variety.”
This variety extends to housing. Pot-Nets offers pre-owned residences, newly installed manufactured homes, open lots for customization and select site-built opportunities. Sizes, layouts and price points vary, making the community appealing to retirees, second-home buyers, growing families and year-round residents alike.
Throughout the community, a social atmosphere inspires impromptu dinner plans and fire pit hangouts. Familiar faces become part of the routine.
“Every single day, I hop on my golf car and drive through the community,” Rachel says. “It’s just the most beautiful place.”
Residents use golf cars to head to pools, marinas, beaches, restaurants or neighbors’ homes. Often, though, the ride itself becomes part of the experience.
“You certainly feel funny taking your car around the neighborhood,” she says. “But you hop on that golf car, barbecue tools in the back, zipping all around—it’s great.”
And because amenities are woven throughout the neighborhoods, many residents say they can spend entire days without needing to leave the community.
Gordon cites one favorite local hangout, Paradise Pub, which has the feel of “Cheers.”
The sense of connection in Pot-Nets also spans generations. Gordon’s parents recently purchased a home close to his property, and Rachel’s family lives next door.
“This kind of family clustering has become common, with parents, adult children and grandchildren all finding room within the Pot-Nets network of neighborhoods,” says Diane Sulkovsky, broker and sales manager at Pot-Nets Homes.
Best of Both Worlds
Pot-Nets residents also benefit from proximity to nearby attractions, including Baywood Greens, known for its golf course, gardens and dining.
Diane says the nearby attractions add another layer to the appeal. “Residents can enjoy a laid-back waterfront home base with popular destinations just minutes away,” she says.
Gordon adds, “You can spend the morning on the bay, meet friends for lunch and explore the surrounding Delaware beach towns before returning home.”
At the same time, Pot-Nets offers the best of both worlds: summer energy and winter calm, with about half of residents living in its communities full time.
Cooler months bring calm waterfront views, neighborhood routines and peaceful walks. By spring, anticipation builds. “This time of year, I’m ready to watch the water and see the boat activity,” Rachel relates.
Summer brings kayaks, jet skis, boat traffic, weekends at the sandbar, packed golf car rides and community events. Fireworks at Paradise Grill are a seasonal favorite, and residents mention kids’ recreation clinics, gatherings and entertainment throughout the warmer months.
The seasons shift and the pace changes, but the reasons people come here remain the same: easy access to the water, room for family and a community where everyday coastal living is within reach.
Rachel sums it up: “It’s just the most beautiful place, and so welcoming.”
Visit them at potnets.com
