CAPE MAY POINT — Few locations on the East Coast can offer what one small neighborhood on the tip of Cape Island holds: the swoop of the lighthouse beacon over the rooftops at night, the susurration of the waves at sunrise and the close-knit community of a one-time prayer camp that has become an artist’s enclave, architect’s playground and sailor’s haven.
Cape May Point has so many charms it seems almost crass to try to list them, as one must respect the quiet nature of this small town on the roiling edge of the sea. But anyone who knows the area knows this diminutive community is absurdly blessed with beautiful little cottages from every era, in almost every style. The delightful home at 300 S. Lake Drive is a standout in this crowded competition for many reasons, but the location has to top the list.
Just three neighbors away from the beach, one short block from the abundantly photogenic St. Peters by-the-Sea Church, this home is flanked by the spreading branches of trees, creating a dappled entry with a pretty little pergola at the front gate.
The rest of the front yard is either well–planned garden beds or flagstone-look pavers, so even the utilitarian front driveway is prettier than usual.
Steps lead up to a shaded porch with a bright yellow door; the warmest pop of color against the “greigey” shingled facade of this home, signaling calm and cheer to all who enter.
Once that yellow front door opens, one is immediately in a bright front room with plenty of windows, built-in shelves surrounding the gas fireplace, hardwood floors and the staircase leading up.
This last piece of the puzzle is set back a bit and built at an unusually open angle, facing the room instead of just ushering people away from it. One can’t help but think of family photos and holiday gatherings, brides and prom-goers making their entrance on those milestone days.
This room leads to two others, both with high, transomed archways. The first room is a slightly more formal sitting room, with an inlaid compass rose in the hardwood floor. A coffered ceiling matches the high lintels over the windows and doors, pulling traditional elements into this home built in 1999.
The next archway leads to the dining room, located on the side of the home. This is the simplest room, just a sunny square that opens along the back wall to access the kitchen.
The kitchen is a warm, bright horseshoe of honey-toned Brookhaven cabinets. A rustic tiled backsplash coordinates well with the light granite countertops, helping to keep the workspace bright and clean. A window over the sink at the far wall offers a focal point, and is also flanked by two glass-fronted cabinets.
The appliances are all recent and are KitchenAid brand, expected to last for years, just like the simple homey style of the room around them.
A back door opens to a short but very pretty deck that leads down to the manicured backyard, with a shed, dining patio and outdoor shower surrounded by garden beds and specimen shrubs and bordered by a simple picket fence.
The staircase doubles back on its way up, facing a huge mural of Delaware Bay. Three bedrooms offer different views of the lovely surroundings. The smallest is still a good-sized room with a double-door closet and light carpeting. The next is a vibrant room large enough for twin beds. These two rooms share a bathroom with a combined shower and tub and a spacious vanity.
The primary bedroom suite is a large room with a curving alcove looking over the front of the house. A private ensuite bathroom offers the exact same amenities as the hall bath but this time in a soft light green.
The laundry room is just off this room, making chores less back-breaking. Best of all, sliding glass doors open to the front balcony, a dreamy space beneath the trees but only a short distance from the beach. From up here, morning coffee or late-night chats can be cozy, romantic or just bug-free.
One more bathroom downstairs by the kitchen brings the total to 2.5 baths in this 1,854-square-foot home. The simplicity is the point, offering calm comfort as well as access to all of the best things about living on the cape.
A bike can take one anywhere from the flag ceremony at Sunset Beach to the best restaurants in the Historic District. The splendors of the West Cape May Farmers Market are a short distance, regular grocery stores are even closer, and when one must travel, it’s only a 10-minute drive to get to any of the major roadways north.
While there is a hint of the romantic about this home and the builder’s obvious love of vintage charm, it’s still at its heart a very comfortable place, with no nonsense about the necessities.
All the nonsense one could want is only minutes away, however, as a new resident could easily take up painting on the beach or begin photographing some of the migrating birds flocking in massive numbers at the sanctuaries that quite literally surround this neighborhood.
One could park their car in June and not touch it again until September here. Whatever way to enjoy the area one chooses, from sport fishing to jazz nights over in Cape May, this home is the perfect headquarters, just waiting for the right family.
