NORTH CAPE MAY — Hidden behind a modest front in a mature tree-lined neighborhood just minutes from Delaware Bay, the home at 1001 Scott Ave. in North Cape May has surprises galore.
The setup is tidy and tasteful, with a sun-dappled front yard and old-fashioned perennials framing the front walk. A small porch offers a landing area for packages and people-watching, but gives no hint of the extensive porch waiting in the back.
Most people would be content with this porch, however, looking out over the front quarter of an extended 8,295-square-foot lot on the unusually obtuse corner of Scott and Haverford avenues, with a shaded view of other wide, laid-back lots that make this stretch of North Cape May feel like a refuge.
Compared to the hectic trend-hopping of some neighborhoods nearby, this is one little spot that invites all passersby to calm down — way down, and maybe bring a bathing suit and a book for a nice slow day.
At a little more than 1,200 square feet, the house packs a lot of function into a demure footprint but maintains some of the charm and comfort of Grandma’s cottage in an updated way.
The front door opens right into the sitting room, where fresh laminate flooring means never worrying about sandy feet, and the perfect setup for movie nights awaits.
This room leads into the kitchen through a wide archway, so conversation is possible in a who-wants-popcorn way, but then again a more private chat in the kitchen is still possible.
A window between the rooms allows light and air to move freely, but is still high enough that the rooms feel distinct.
The kitchen is a large space with room for dining and working, perhaps even for a corner banquet if that isn’t too trendy for the vibes here, but the cabinets have all been restored to a dark glossy wood balanced by the light countertops and sunlight streaming in from the back windows and door.
That door beckons one forward, to the home’s biggest surprise of all.
The back deck is a showstopper: adding what feels like five more rooms to the total, this is the place for lounging, dining, entertaining, yoga, art — whatever activities make life more enjoyable, they’re going to happen out here.
Best of all, a quick left turn off the kitchen reveals a large hot tub built into the deck — no worrying about muddy or icy feet after a warm soak, and the location means almost perfect privacy even with a view of the stars.
An additional bedroom built after the home’s 1977 original floor plan created a small courtyard-like inner sanctum, and that is precisely where the hot tub was placed.
The railing around the deck provides the necessary security; but as with all hot tubs it can be closed up when not in use, making it slightly safer than an in-ground pool of similar size.
More than any other attribute, it guarantees this deck will see use all year round, and the location in the small nook at the back of the house should block the coldest breezes off the bay, too.
Just five relatively short blocks away is Scott Avenue beach on Delaware Bay, just south of Harpoons (which old-timers persist on calling Harpoon Henry’s), a perfect strolling distance for those times when one wants to hang out with people, get something to eat, hear live music or stare out over the waves during another fiery sunset.
Town Bank Road and Bayshore Road are only blocks away as well: so shopping, schools, a library, athletic fields, restaurants, ice cream and a gym are all a short walk away, and by bike or car one can run off to Cape May, Wildwood or points north with easy access to the Garden State Parkway or Route 47. There’s a reason North Cape May has become so popular since it was first developed, and accessibility is part of the package.
This surprisingly spacious cottage has three bedrooms and two full baths, so it’s ready for a family to move in, for some grandparents looking for that perfect summer place to host the grandkids, or for an investment or rental property.
The primary bedroom includes an ensuite bath, a private sitting room and the addition visible from the back of the house. Windows look over the spacious yard and the deck.
Two other bedrooms along the southern side of the house overlooking the street share a bath at the end of the hallway.
The corner lot allows the driveway to be on the side of the house, keeping all groceries closer to the kitchen and making a grand impression on guests.
The yard is almost completely enclosed with a privacy fence, and has a paved walkway along the side of the house and space for a fire bowl and room for games. There is an uncommon amount of living space in this house, and the location is a gift for many reasons.
