CAPE MAY — There must be a few hundred units at the Canyon Club, the resort-like condominium complex on the north shore of Cape May Harbor.
Hundreds of people wake up every morning and greet the day with a view of the harbor, the boat slips, the pools, the gardens, or in a few cases toward the very back of the complex, each other.
It’s safe to say, however, that only one unit has the view that Unit 302 has, and that view is incredible. From the home’s two upper-story decks, the pools, gardens and boat slips spread out before one’s eyes. The entire harbor is visible through the south-facing bow window in the great room and again in the upper primary suite.
Built in 1991, Unit 302 has been renovated and updated over the years, brightening the rooms — which weren’t exactly dim to begin with.
An interior staircase leads from the car port up to the front door of the unit, guaranteeing a dry entrance no matter what the weather. The door opens right into the great room; a combination of kitchen, dining area and living area that is bright and cozy yet still doomed to always play second fiddle to the large deck outside.
This space has been heaped with amenities in luxurious natural finishes: tile floors that look like marble in soft, muted shades mean never having to worry about sandy feet on the floor. Stone tiles surround the angled mantel of the gas fireplace, while the actual hearth is covered in marble that matches the kitchen countertops.
Guests have two options for dining: the little nook closest to the bow window overlooking the expanse of the harbor, or cosily seated at the counter, supported by another tiled half-wall in light blue natural materials.
The kitchen itself is completely white to make the brightest possible workspace, and has ample storage — a pantry, a closet, glass-front cabinets along the ceiling — a backsplash of simple white tile and brand new appliances.
Between all these tiled surfaces and windows are accent walls of natural wood, appropriate for the sea view of masts, driftwood and the forest on the opposite shore.
This unit is packed with features that many of the duplexes at the Canyon Club do not have, for instance a small spare room just off the great room.
The space could be used as a small guest room, a hobby room, an office or a safe spot for collectibles away from the day-to-day foot traffic. The bow window overlooking the harbor is also a feature that is unique to this unit.
Like all of the upper-floor duplexes in this resort, Unit 302 is spread across three levels: a quick trip up the short flight of stairs brings one to the two smaller bedrooms at the back of the unit, with views of the forest to the north and west. These share a large bathroom with custom tile, a closet and a large double vanity.
Another short staircase brings one to the primary suite, a huge space with cathedral ceilings overlooking the pools and harbor from its own private deck. The ensuite bath has marble floors and tile in the huge walk-in shower, plus tiny steps leading up to the jetted tub.
The wall has been removed near this tub so the person relaxing in the bubbles can still enjoy the view, perhaps a perfect way to end the day. Add snow and the fireplace in this suite will make it the perfect winter nest.
The rest of the year, everyone will be outside: either on the large decks out front, which can also be used as living, dining and grilling area, or enjoying the amenities the Canyon Club has to offer.
Some are more compelling than others. For instance, the sea: boat slips are only steps away, meaning one can wake up just before sunrise and be out sailing just as the sun pops up over the horizon.
There also are the pools, gardens and pickleball and tennis courts. Should any other distraction be required, the Canyon Club is right on Ocean Drive between Cape May and Wildwood: everything one could want is just minutes away, whether it’s fine dining or the hectic sounds of the Boardwalk.
As for boring necessities such as groceries and bike tires, the Garden State Parkway is just down the block, waiting to take residents to a nearby Wawa, the more practical shopping centers just north of the island or all the way to Broadway, depending on their mood that day. It’s the perfect location to enjoy the coast in any way one likes.
