Just Listed at the Shore: Renovated Beach Block House in Cape May
This World War I-era Cape May classic has been updated to accommodate modern tastes without sacrificing one iota of its original charm.
Deriving its form from the American bungalow, this newly renovated house is one of the younger ones in the Cape May Historic District. Several other historic houses live near this one at 1615 New Jersey Ave., Cape May, N.J. 08204 | Cape May County MLS images via Chris Clemans Sotheby’s International Realty
Cape May lays claim to the title of America’s first seashore resort. From the 1850s to the early 1920s, it was the destination of choice for sun- and sand-seekers from Baltimore to New York. From the 1850s to the 1870s, and again after a devastating fire wiped out half the town in 1878, a succession of builders erected gingerbread-laden Victorians, Shingle Style houses, and later on, variations on the American bungalow style.
The 600-odd houses in Cape May that date to this era now form the only National Landmark Historic District at the Jersey shore and one of only two beach resort districts or communities to bear this designation on the East Coast.
This nicely renovated beach block house for sale in Cape May is one of those 600-odd houses. Built in 1916, it appeared on the scene towards the end of Cape May’s heyday as a shore resort. Like other nearby landmark houses on New Jersey Avenue, it was built in a simpler style than the Victorians and Shingle Style houses that preceded them; the style is sometimes called “bungalow” and at others “new Cape May.”
This house has just emerged from a renovation that refreshed and renewed its essential character while dressing it up in the colors and style Shore-goers of today prefer.
Living room
Bright nautical colors now define the living room on the open-plan main floor. A gas fireplace provides visual appeal and some warmth on those cooler Shore nights.
Kitchen
The most extensively renovated part of the house is its kitchen, which got a total upgrade that gave it new cabinets, two sinks, granite-topped counters, and up-to-the-minute appliances.
Dining room and wet bar
Dining and living rooms
The kitchen renovation extends into the adjacent dining area, which got a wet bar with wine fridge in the process.
Sunroom
An ell off the back of the dining room contains a sunroom that’s perfect for breakfast. Steps lead from its back door down to the heated backyard pool.
Master bedroom
The upstairs bedrooms all received a refresh; the master bedroom on the second floor also got a gas fireplace.
That bedroom also has a private balcony over the house’s welcoming front porch. From that balcony you enjoy a great view of the beach and ocean.
Pool
New wooden rockers and chaise lounges grace both the front porch and the pool.
Buy this Cape May beach block house for sale and you will enjoy income all summer long; it’s currently rented out from June 6th through Sept. 5th. Everything you see in the pictures comes with the house; all you need to do is pack your toothbrush and beach clothes when you want to spend some time in it. What’s more, you’re about a mile and a half from Cape May’s busier center, which should make enjoying the nearby beach a bit easier in the peak season.
THE FINE PRINT
BEDS: 6
BATHS: 3 full, 1 half
SQUARE FEET: 2,542
SALE PRICE: $2,195,000
OTHER STUFF: The sellers are licensed New Jersey real estate agents.
1615 New Jersey Ave., Cape May, N.J. 08204 [Barbara Leone | Chris Clemans Sotheby’s International Realty]
