A NEW SEASIDE SANCTUARY RISES ON THE JERSEY SHORE, OFFERING A PEACEFUL ESCAPE IN ONE OF THE STATE’S BUZZIEST BEACH TOWNS

BY AMANDA McCOY

Named for its position along a branch of the South Shrewsbury River, Long Branch has long been a sun kissed playground, attracting visitors to its sandy shores since the late 18th century. The turn of the millennium saw a roaring renaissance for the small resort town, spurred by dramatic developments like the mixed use mammoth Pier Village and its myriad retail shops, restaurants, and resorts, and contemporary, boho chic hotels and B&Bs. A long stretch of boardwalk buzzes with jamboree, from art installations to carousel rides and fire pits to outdoor movie screenings. And tucked away on a quiet stretch of beach, a new residential oasis is brewing, one that’s a short distance from all the action yet once behind the gate, feels like a private island.

The Reef is being developed by the Matalon Group, where construction is currently underway, led by Monmouth and Ocean County based custom home builder CMM Construction. The oceanfront residential community comprises 26 five bedroom, five bath multi-level homes. Famed architect Phil Kean, named the best custom home builder in the U.S. by Home Builder Digest in 2018, led the design, and his team was tasked with ensuring each residence boasts uninterrupted ocean panorama. While each unit spans 3,100 square feet of luxe living space, every floor plan is unique to maximize views.

There are several options for watching the sun dip below the Atlantic. Massive glass walls blanket the living areas in natural light and offer sweeping vistas of the sand and sea, while private roof decks are outfitted with built in outdoor grills and fireplaces for sizzling salmon steaks in the open air with the sounds of the surf as your music.

“The location is simply spectacular,” noted Samuel Matalon of Ocean Holdings Dev., owner of the Matalon Group, the firm helming the development. “Long Branch’s history as a beach resort town has been reimagined in a renaissance of new development highlighted by Pier Village, one of New Jersey’s most luxurious shopping and dining destinations. Miles of boardwalk bring endless entertainment, all within walking distance yet without disturbing each home’s privacy.”

Privacy is a clear design theme here, and each residence is equipped with a dedicated two car garage and private elevator in addition to the private balconies and roof decks. The first level houses the grand foyer, full bathroom, massive walk in closet, and bedroom number one, which can also be outfitted as a sunny home office or fitness room.

Journey up the wooden stairs to find the master corner suite, flanked on two sides by floor to ceiling windows overlooking the beach. Indulge in your own private spa in the bathroom, replete with a freestanding soaking tub abutting the window (with, you guessed it, ocean views). Sparkling quartz countertops and a rainfall shower complete the luxury experience. Two additional bedrooms each with full private bathrooms round out the second level.

The third floor reveals the living and relaxation zone, topped with towering ceilings that flood the formal living room, dining room, and kitchen with the soft blues of the ocean. There’s also a dedicated media room for home movie nights, a laundry room, and final bedroom with private balcony.

Designers chose to blanket the interiors in a warm, earth toned color palette using a tapestry of natural textures like wood and stone. Neutral shades of white, beige, and gray complement the blues and whites pouring in from the glass walls. The kitchen, dressed with Kohler fixtures, features white cabinetry, glistening quartz countertops, and natural white stone paneling that are juxtaposed by brass and bronze hardware. One last flight of stairs opens to the roof top haven, a sprawling open air deck overlooking the ocean with a built in grill and food prep area, an outdoor dining table, and deep, plush couches wrapping the resort caliber fire pit.

Several luxe amenities top off the lifestyle experience, including two heated lap pools, community bathrooms with outdoor showers, state of the art fitness center, a leafy nature walking path winding through the development, and a community center. Residents can travel from their front doors to the beach in only a few minutes, but at sunset, few vantage points can best the roof deck, where flames from the fire pit dance in the breezy ocean air.

The Reef is scheduled for a fall 2022 completion. Pricing available upon request. Listed by real estate agent Kerry O’Brien and her team at O’Brien Realty.

The Reef, 200 Ocean Boulevard, Long Branch / 732.508.7819 / thereeflongbranch.com
Kerry O’Brien, O’Brien Realty, LLC / obrienrealtyllc.com