With a brand-new clubhouse, locker rooms and more that it can now show off to membership, Bayside Resort Golf Club in Selbyville, Del. offers a welcome haven for those seeking camaraderie and community.
Enjoying all the amenities that club life has to offer—from golfing on the state’s first Jack Nicklaus signature course, to dining in one of several distinctive venues—members at the Bayside Resort Golf Club in Selbyville, Del., have come to appreciate the comforts of life at the coast.
Located just four miles from the Atlantic Ocean and within minutes of neighboring Fenwick Island, the burgeoning beach resort community of 1,205 residential homes was in need of a formal clubhouse to support its growing membership. “Bayside never had a permanent structure for a clubhouse, as the previous one was meant to be a ‘place holder’ to allow the community to build its ‘forever’ amenity,” explains General Manager Sean Gradomski, PGA.
Marking the occasion of the property’s fifteenth anniversary, the $13 million, 29,670-sq. ft. Signatures at Bayside clubhouse opened its doors in October 2020, showcasing a brand-new dining facility, golf shop, locker rooms, event space and bridal suite. Even in the midst of a pandemic, this multi-layered facility is proving its value as a destination that exceeds member expectations.
Signed, Sealed and Delivered
Adding to the club’s already expansive dining landscape, the Signatures at Bayside venue is designed to embrace an idyllic setting, with sweeping views of the golf course. Situated on the first floor of the two-story clubhouse is a 2,160-sq. ft. dining room and 2,300-sq. ft. indoor bar. (An office center, small gathering room and high-tech golf simulator round out the space.) “The rooms are expansive, but the architecture isn’t overwhelming,” describes Michelle D. Freeman, CEO of Carl M. Freeman Companies, owner and developer of the Troon-managed property.
Signatures at Bayside’s overall design reflects the simple, yet sophisticated vibe of a seaside community. “I wanted to give a nod to our coastal demographic, but take a subtle approach in incorporating that feeling,” says Leslie Braun, owner of White Orchid Design Studio, the project’s interior designer.
Grass-cloth wallpaper, bamboo light fixtures and rustic fireplace mantels exemplify Brown’s use of organic textural elements. White walls paired with black trim offer crisp, visual contrast, while globe fixtures, a three-dimensional wall accent and floor tiles add some pop without detracting from the natural backdrop. “The room has such exquisite views, I had every reason to keep it as uncluttered as I could, while working towards that final eclectic aesthetic,” Braun notes.
In addition to the look and feel of the restaurant, the layout affords greater functionality. The original design featured the bar in the middle of the dining area, but it now has its own separate space that is closed off from the main dining room by sliding doors. This practicality has proved especially useful in recent months, with Signatures operating at 30 percent capacity and spaced-out bar seating, to comply with state guidelines.
Another set of doors leads to The Backyard, outfitted with a large bar, bocce court, short-game area and firepits which, Gradomski notes, “have extended the outdoor dining season, providing a safe place to enjoy a beverage in the fresh air.” In addition, a heated hitting bay, dubbed The Overhang, allows golfers to practice their swings regardless of the weather.
On the second floor of the clubhouse, 3,200 sq. ft. of banquet space and a 550-sq. ft. bridal suite (containing a dressing area, lounge and vanity table) are ready and waiting for the next wave of brides. While event bookings are currently on hold (Bayside is conducting reservation-only tours for weddings), the club has been able to repurpose the space by hosting floral-design workshops and other special-interest programming via the Bayside Institute.
“With COVID, a lot of the classes have been moved to virtual,” notes Gradomski. “However, the clubhouse has served as a great place to space out.”
Change is Good
Other notable additions to the Bayside Resort are men’s and ladies’ locker rooms—a first for members who previously did not have designated space to shower and change clothes. Complete with a mix of half- and full lockers—totaling 189—each room’s black-and-white color palette mimics the clubhouse style.
The wet area features a modern interior with white subway tiles and black bathroom stall doors. Of special note is tile flooring, sporting whimsical phrases such as “Queen of the Green” and “Par Fore the Course” that, Gradomski says, “provide a playful nod to golf.”
With such a versatile facility brimming with opportunities to mingle and make merry, the clubhouse at the Bayside Resort is providing members with ways to experience the best of their surroundings, even during times of restricted access.
Design Snapshot
BAYSIDE RESORT GOLF CLUB
Selbyville, Del.
Interior designer: White Orchid Design Studio, LLC
Architect: Wade Architecture, Hagerstown, Md.
Lighting:
– Arteriors Home (bamboo and sconces),
– Regina Andrews (black dome lights),
– West Elm (triple-hung sculptural lights)
C+RB
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