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Shore Comfort
Along the ocean, the emptiness is broken only by the cries of gulls and the crashing waves. On the bay, the occasional late-season fisherman motors by, enticed back onto the water by unseasonably warm temperatures and calm waters. Nearby, the sound of a seagull cracking an oyster on the asphalt heard from two stories up can be the only thing that breaks the silence for minutes at a time. The streets are deserted in a way usually only seen in post-apocalyptic science fiction movies. Six story tall landmark Lucy the Elephant gazes out to sea with little company, the I Love Lucy Snack Bar – along with what seems like half the restaurants and retail stores – closed for the season. A few beach-combing stalwarts roam the sand or recline on folding chairs to take advantage of the wide expanse of shoreline that is now theirs for the taking. But along with a conspicuous absence of human activity comes the steady hum of commerce continuing just beneath it. Stand on the beach and listen. Not far away, beneath the roar of the waves and the whipping wind, there are the sounds of circular saws and hammers wielded by men in the midst of creating the Shore’s next wave of luxury homes – often on the demolished footprint of the modest beach cottages that preceded them. Hidden behind the doors of real estate offices, meanwhile, agents and assistants bustle with a stream of high-end buyers and sellers that continues unabated even in the face of a real estate market that for most everyone else has turned a bit sour. “Teardown” is the latest buzzword, usually describing as many as three 1950’s-vintage homes, usually on the “beach block” just off the ocean, giving way to make room for one expansive new one. It is confirmation that even in these seller-unfriendly times, there will always be a market for homes that combine either historical charm or modern luxury appointments with a spectacular view of water. So if you are tired of renting for those few months each summer and have $3 million-plus on hand to drop on home No. 2, we’re happy to help you spend your money. Just don’t hold it against us if we ask to crash at your place for a few days when summer rolls around.
10 East 12th Street
, Avalon – $4,195,000
There will be no danger of falling over aunts, uncles, cousins or in-laws at this Avalon beach block stunner, with seven bedrooms, five full baths and two half-baths spread over three stories to keep out of each other’s way. The best part is the space isn’t limited to just inside. Five decks – two each on the first two stories and a private area off the master bedroom – give everyone plenty of room to spread out, congregate or be alone. The home is designed with an “upside down” floor plan that is popular with beach homes because it places most bedrooms on the lower floors, while reserving the second and third floor for living spaces and bedrooms for owners who want to take better advantage of the stunning ocean views.
But
that doesn’t mean the first floor is all about utility. It is freely
acknowledged that a full beach house, particularly when there are kids
and teenagers present, will not always agree on a sole source of
entertainment. That’s why the designers of this home have paid special
attention to the lower level family room. Custom built-in book cases
house the flat-screen TV and Other details abound, including granite countertops throughout, an interior that has been completely professionally decorated (and that includes all furniture and décor) and a professionally landscaped yard that is downright expansive for a piece of Shore property.
The views alone should sooth nerves shattered by pre-vacation stress and a little too much holiday family togetherness, and it’s comforting to know that the blissful solitude of Avalon’s broad beach awaits within easy view and a short walk away. The prime corner lot location also means there are fewer neighbors to be on top of – or to have on top of you. For those who don’t feel like getting sandy and salty, the home features an in-ground heated swimming pool with a deck big enough to accommodate plenty of summertime partiers. For the owners, privacy is a key consideration, with the expansive master suite tucked away on the third level with its own private balcony. From here you get best views of the reason you came in the first place – the ocean – as well as constant reinforcement that you made a very good home buying decision. 9835
Sunset Drive,
Of course, life “on the bay” would be made that much better with a luxurious home from which to appreciate it. But why scream about your luxury acquisition like some insecure kid when you can instead bask in the understated elegance obvious only to the discriminating eye?
Certainly the house is beautiful. Just walking around the corner from the bay, it’s easy to see what sets this two-story, 3,000-square-foot home apart. But again, the details tell the story. Ledgestone facing adds to the rich detail of the exterior, as do the solid wood doors on the exterior storage area. The cedar shake shingle siding is specially prepared to resist the brutal onslaught of coastal weather. Unfortunately, unlike its beachfront cousins, this home can’t accommodate a swimming pool. That doesn’t mean, though, that the residents can’t enjoy a little outdoor living. The two-level weather-resistant deck built from TREX material guarantees that there will be plenty of room for the party to move outside. Guests will be well served from the indoor cabana with its own refrigerator (including two separate beverage drawers), dish washer, trash compactor and ice maker. Off the deck, there’s plenty of room in the boat slip for a craft up to 25 feet long, as well as space for personal watercraft like Waverunners or Jet Skis. Inside, things only get better. The opulent details continue with granite countertops in the kitchen, the four full and two half-baths and even the laundry room. The Andino cherry wood floors throughout the home gleam, and fit and finish is at luxury levels in all parts of the house. And perhaps best of all, the purchase price gets you not only the home itself, but its tasteful furnishings and décor, too.
But some of the best features are hidden – or at least not immediately evident. Take, for instance, the home’s high-tech electronic Smart House system, that includes built-in iPod “docks” in each room. These handy electronic ports allow a guest to plug in their MP3 player and hear their digital music through the room’s built in speakers. Elsewhere, flat-screen TVs (wired to digital cable) are featured in the common areas and almost every bedroom. Upstairs, the kitchen is a cook’s paradise, with a Sub-Zero refrigerator, plus two supplemental refrigerated drawers that let you grab a cold one without worrying about reaching past leftovers in the big fridge. The Wolf gas cooktop will ensure gourmet meals are at least a possibility, even if the gang feels like ordering pizza (again). A beautiful custom mosaic backsplash adds a burst of color and individual style.
Those who prefer to make their Shore visits in the cozy winter months – or who just plan on living here year ’round – will appreciate the radiant heat floor in the master bathroom after they step out of a drenching shower in the oversized, mosaic appointed stall. In the second-floor great room, the exterior ledgestone theme is brought inside around the fireplace, mantle and chimney. Vertically oriented “palm frond” ceiling fans above are a constant reminder – kind of like the ceiling fan version of a Jimmy Buffet song – that you’re living the life to which others simply aspire.
Her striking red hair and gleaming smile make it certain that she’ll be noticed in a crowd, and her tendency to highlight a home’s sheer fabulosity by asking a question, having it answered, then asking it again for emphasis (“Is this a great place, or what?” “Yes, it is fantastic.” “No. Isn’t it? Isn’t it great?”) makes her damn near unforgettable. But when she says a property is stunning, it’s not just because she’s trying to sell you. Chances are excellent that opinion won’t even come into play about the home of which she speaks because it is, based on all empirical evidence, wonderful. One
such gem in her portfolio is
Who
knew that the same feeling could be transplanted to within yards of the This sprawling early 20th century brick beauty brings old world charm and workmanship almost up to the beach, combining Georgian-inspired architecture with modern amenities that rival any of its newer neighbors.
The home sits perpendicular to the street, allowing for a private side entrance, a coveted two-car garage and room for more parking in the driveway. The spacious sun porch, lit by arched windows that cross the width of the house, looks out onto the (no-doubt jealous) homes across the way. Inside, enjoy the peaceful sounds of water burbling through the mosaic-backed fountain as the roar of the nearby ocean is audible in the background.
Taking that early morning dip won’t mean you’ll miss breakfast, though, because the intimate breakfast nook just off the kitchen looks out through a double window into the enclosed pool area. If you happen to be the person stuck inside toasting a couple of bagels, rest assured that you’re equipped to do plenty more. The kitchen maintains many of the features that made it functional back when the home’s owners employed a staff to keep things running smoothly – an intimate design and multiple work stations that include two separate sinks being the most obvious. But don’t think this space – or the rest of the house, for that matter – hasn’t benefited from some modern updates. The kitchen is fitted with a restaurant-quality range just right for preparing Sunday morning bacon and eggs for a huge summer crowd still a little bleary from tanning and tippling. Throughout the three stories there seem to be bedrooms (there are six) and bathrooms (six and a half) at every turn. All of the bathrooms have been updated from their original Spartan turn-of-the-20th century style to accommodate nearly anyone’s needs, and some have even been fitted with luxurious steam showers – a sure reminder that you’re enjoying 21st century hospitality. Guests staying in the former servants’ quarters above the garage even have their own second laundry room and a direct route to the kitchen via the back staircase.
It’s
truly the best of several worlds, combining old-world luxury with modern
living in a glorious resort setting. When do we move in? |
coming soon! |
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Off
season at the 
That’s
a perfect description of this New England-style home. It sits modestly
on a corner lot on one of 
The
outdoor pool is accessible from the house by a grand brick porch with
dual stairways leading down to the deck. And yes, it’s important to
make the distinction because there’s another one – a two-lane lap
pool – inside the adjacent cabana/pool house combination.
Living
spaces have kept pace with the times, too, with a surround sound system
complementing the flat-screen television in the living room, which also
features original fittings like a marble fireplace with a mahogany
mantle. Hardwood floor will beckon bare feet all summer long, and custom
stained glass adds to the rich, antique feel.
