SAVOR THE GARDEN STATE’S SOUTHERN SHORE IN A CUSTOM SHOWCASE HOME THAT EXUDES WARMTH AND MAXIMIZES EVERY SPACE INSIDE AND OUT

BY LAURA D.C. KOLNOSKI

Between the bustling beach meccas of Ocean City and the Wildwoods lies the haven of Seven Mile Island in Cape May County. Comprised of Avalon and Stone Harbor, it is bordered by the Hereford Inlet and the Great Sound. Largely residential and focused on natural and nautical pursuits, its beaches are renowned for pristine cleanliness and relative serenity. Dining and shopping are top activities, as are boating and visiting the famed Wetlands Institute.

Pick the right house and you can observe both the ocean and the bay, or at least walk from one to the other with ease. Ideally suited to the island, its splendor, and the Seven Mile lifestyle, there stands an impeccably designed and decorated five bedroom, six bath, 4,136 square foot residence situated on a generously sized corner lot in the heart of it all.

“Custom” aptly describes this gracious yet practical property, ideal for enjoying the shore’s bounty as well as entertaining family and guests year round. Built in 2011, it was designed by Blaine Steinman Architects of Cape May Courthouse, specialists in seashore architecture. The builder was Matthew Pappas, president of Brandywine Developers, Inc. of Avalon, a Georgetown University graduate.

A block and a half from the beach with stunning views, the dwelling’s outdoor living area includes multiple decks, porches, an outside kitchen with granite countertops, and a detached garage with storage area, plus bicycle, beach, and pool equipment storage. The spacious custom pool is enhanced by a waterfall, fiber optic lighting, sun shelf, and a swim up bench surrounded by a travertine lounge area. Two stone gas fireplaces enhance the deck and patio areas.

The home’s exterior is clad in double dipped cedar siding, topped by a cedar shake roof, and surrounded by exquisite lush landscaping. Two outside fireplaces provide a relaxing ambience while electric screens on the upper level deck afford privacy and protection from the elements. In addition to a blue stone entryway and walkway off the travertine driveway, there are 14 irrigated window flower boxes to make successful seasonal planting a breeze. An expansive enclosed outdoor shower offers privacy for post beach rinses. The yard is fenced in for child and pet safety and carefree fun.

Immediately upon entering through the arched mahogany front door, the attention to detail, craftsmanship, and custom finishes are apparent. The light and bright interior spaces begin with transom windows atop every door and archway throughout. Soaring cathedral ceilings grace the interior great room and its family space, wet bar, and two sided glass fireplace. Elsewhere, special touches include shiplap ceilings and wainscoting, Cumaru Brazilian teak five inch wide plank flooring, and tumbled marble. In addition to the convenience of a three stop elevator, there are two sets of washers and dryers, and two tankless Navien on demand gas hot water heaters.

“The original, current owners had the home custom built to their specifications and were very hands-on with the finishes,” said realtor Guy Sudell, a Cape May County real estate expert since 1974 who is presenting the home. “They picked out everything inside and out. Located on prestigious Pennsylvania Avenue, this is a must-see home for the discriminating buyer who wants only the best.”

The spacious, well-planned kitchen designed by Hargest Custom Kitchens of Cape May Courthouse boasts a six-burner cooktop plus griddle, pot filler, Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, Bosch dishwasher, a microwave drawer, Wolf warming tray, wine chiller, granite counters, and a tile backsplash. The large island is the ideal spot for dining and entertaining.

The master bedroom has an oversized shower with body sprays plus a total steam shower, separate Jacuzzi tub, and double vanity. A marble surround fireplace and access to a private Romeo and Juliet balcony overlooking the pool and landscaping completes the picture. Other bedrooms are all en-suite with custom baths and showers, plus ample closets outfitted with cabinetry and shelving.

A private office with built-in cabinetry is accessible through pocket doors and has its own access to the exterior deck. The perfect ambiance and illumination is afforded by a custom lighting system throughout. A Crestron sound system was installed on both levels, and there is a hard-wired security system as well as a sauna.

“Seven Mile Island is only seven miles long tip to tip, and one mile wide,” Sudell said. “The forefathers of our local municipalities plotted and planned to create a barrier island, which preserved the natural beauty of the High Dunes along the ocean, and natural growth and expansive preservation of freshwater wetlands. The white soft and gentle sloped beaches are unique to the island. This careful zoning and preservation created a single-family community with limited commercial area and no high-rise construction, preserving the quaint area everyone comes to enjoy and love.”

This home is listed for $6,197,000.
C. Guy Sudell / Ferguson Dechert Real Estate
2789 Dune Drive / Avalon / 609.967.0334 / guysudell.com