Lucas Shepard, 43, of California was found unresponsive in the water while snorkeling at Kaakaaniu Beach, Kauai. Witnesses said they heard an explosion at the house followed by flames.

An international dealer of objects and jewelry wanted to refurbish his family’s faraway beach home — but only if he could do it his own way.

When Mitchell Kass tells people where he lives based on his street address, they give him a puzzled look. But when he says, “it’s the Gingerbread House,” they know just what he means. “It stands out,” ...