CAPE MAY — Back in 1987, the entrance to Cape May was a bit rougher around the edges than it is now but the home at 1415 Harbor Lane commanded the best view even then.
Warehouses and workshops that had been in place since the 19th century boom in commercial fishing, shipbuilding and the bivalve trade (oysters and clams packed up in sawdust to journey to the northern cities via the same train lines that brought tourists south) still loomed above the narrow streets at Schellenger’s Landing.
The Devil’s Reach, a tiny harbor within the natural harbor at the north end of the island of Cape May, was past its heyday when Dutch yachts and actual pirates played cat and mouse games along the coast.
This perfect hideaway was now home to a few tumbling shacks on stilts, built in the old way that lasted through storm after storm but didn’t offer much luxury to their inhabitants, beyond survival.
Through two world wars and the development of the U.S. Navy base (now the U.S. Coast Guard base) just beyond it, this little neighborhood gradually crumbled and emptied, except for a few stubborn old salts who liked the view too much to leave.
When the first new buildings in decades began to be built along the shoreline of Devil’s Reach, it seemed like a pipe dream.
Although Harbor Lane ended in a spectacular panorama of harbor and marina, something about the entrance to the neighborhood looked too unpaved and puddle-prone to inspire confidence.
Many rode up to the edge of Texas Avenue and promptly turned around again, thinking of the rust ready to form in the undercarriage of their car. That turned out to be a blessing in disguise, for not only was this little pocket of Cape May the oldest and northernmost neighborhood on the island, it was the oldest because it was sheltered and safe.
Out of sight of the traffic and the crowds, a series of condo buildings bloomed upward, although none of them commanded the view at the edge of the land quite like the three-story, peaked-roofed building at 1415 Harbor Lane.
The very top of this building, at the very edge of the water, holds Unit 302 — now for sale for the first time in 37 years. This is one property in which the words “airy” and “light” threaten to be easily overused: while not made entirely of glass like many newer builds, this condo unit is decorated in shades of warm white, ecru and beige, allowing the colors of sunset or the red hull of a passing scallop boat to gleam through the space like the sun through stained glass.
The overall effect is like living inside a particularly clean seashell, suspended above the tideline. A front deck looks over the marina where the Lobster House and Lucky Bones are just a short walk away.
From here, the remaining commercial fishing fleet feels like the nearest neighbors. This is the view from the living room and kitchen, where entertaining is made simple and relaxation is easy.
A long hallway from the front door leads to this space, with the kitchen located in the back right corner but still with a commanding view.
Everything from the softly distressed off-white wood cabinets to the warm tones of the square tiled backsplash coordinate to look clean without feeling sterile.
The countertops match perfectly, recently upgraded appliances catch the light but without veering into a commercial kitchen look. The island contains the large sink and the dishwasher, and has seating for five, yet it doesn’t dominate the space in the way some more modern builds have begun to do. The result is a calm space with ample work surfaces and storage that can host a shocking number of guests.
The living area is centered around the sliding doors leading out to the deck, exactly as one would expect, but tilted on its axis just a bit, allowing the view to dominate instead of the television.
An open plan like this is flexible enough to withstand almost any arrangement, although why one couldn’t just have an easel or telescope instead of the usual coffee table is a question for the next owner.
Back along that entry hall, one passes in quick succession: a laundry nook leading to the full bath with more expertly matched tile and fixtures (matching shades of white can be infuriating, but someone had the knack) and a wide vanity; a guest bedroom with space for two twin beds; and the primary bedroom suite which is full of surprises.
This wide room maintains privacy from the hallway by placing the bed around the corner from the door where it can face more sliding glass doors with a particularly clever view for a bedroom.
To the bed’s left is a wide closet with double folding doors, and the entrance to the ensuite bath. This bath is decorated to match the other bath, again with a calm color palette and simple choices that enhance light and comfort.
The view from the bedroom must be addressed, however, and here is a truly excellent surprise: a short flight of steps leads to a hidden rooftop deck with views of almost the entire harbor.
Somehow the little eaves and turrets this wide sunny space is situated between only enhance the feeling of sitting atop the world, unseen in a private eyrie.
The turret is actually the top of the elevator shaft, which was rather clever of the original builders back in 1987. Any really strong gale will be buffeted by the angled rooflines around it, but other than that, this deck is the perfect place to watch the lights of the harbor come on at night or watch the fleet return in the morning.
In addition to the elevator, the building offers an elegant entryway accessible by a spruce staircase whose landings also lead to the elevator doors, making it easy for guests to find the correct unit.
All the way down, regardless of one’s method of descent, is a dedicated parking garage for the unit, four covered guest spots, storage and a boat slip: 45 feet long, right at the entrance to the cozy shelter of Devil’s Reach and offering a simple route to the open harbor.
Should one want to head out for a brisk walk, the vestibule has a door leading out to the landscaped path that takes one directly to the Harbor View Park directly across Harbor Lane. Gazebos, flowers, benches and peaceful views can be part of one’s daily habits, enjoying to the fullest every aspect of the other kind of island life, far from the hectic tourist trade.
This opportunity comes around almost never (well, every 37 years or so) and it won’t last long.
