OCEAN CITY — From the oceanfront deck or inside the spacious great room of Unit 514, a corner property at Gardens Plaza, the scene unfolding daily includes walkers, joggers, runners and bikers passing by on the newly rebuilt boardwalk, others carting chairs, children and towels down the short path to the beach.
On the sand, boys and girls bounce balls, sunbathers lie beneath colorful umbrellas and surfers wax up their boards to hit the waves, a delight to the eyes and ears as they crash ashore.
Farther out, kayaks and sailboats pass by speedboats towing parasailors as fishing vessels make their way out to sea.
The quality of the view from the approximately 1,080-square-foot condominium cannot be overstated. Its location offers more than a 90-degree backdrop stretching east to Europe and north to New York and Boston.
“Unit 514 offers the best direct oceanfront views in all of Ocean City, capturing sweeping, unobstructed panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean with the Atlantic City skyline as a stunning backdrop,” listing agent Burt Wilkins III said.
The complex, at 921 Park Place, is among the winding, pedestrian-friendly streets of the island’s Gardens section, which is a destination rather than a thoroughfare, but close enough to the boardwalk attractions that the scent of caramel popcorn, pizza and other treats wafts by on the gentle breeze.
Gardens Plaza, a 183-unit condominium tower with homes on 11 floors, offers maintenance-free living right on the boardwalk at Park Place. There are two secured entrances manned 24 hours a day.
Located on the fifth floor, Unit 514 is just a couple of doors down from the elevator, making access to the beach even easier.
The door opens into a tiled hallway with a view of the ocean straight through a wide wall of windows.
The home is a two-bedroom model reconfigured into a spacious layout with one bedroom and two bathrooms.
“This design creates an expansive open living area, all centered around breathtaking ocean views,” Wilkins said, adding that the floor plan can easily be converted back to a two-bedroom configuration if desired.
“Ideally positioned on the desirable north end with direct boardwalk access, this exceptional condo showcases panoramic ocean vistas and an oversized wraparound deck, perfect for enjoying the summer breeze and refreshing sea air,” Wilkins said.
The carpeted great room stretches the width of the home and includes a sitting area with a sofa and two cozy chairs, as well as a dining area with a table beneath a ceiling fan.
A glass door opens onto the wrap-around deck, offering views over the water and around the city.
An island with two stools is the only thing separating the great room from the kitchen, where abundant wood cabinets and Corian countertops share space with a glass tile backsplash and Bosch appliances.
“The kitchen has been opened and updated with new stainless steel appliances, allowing for seamless sight lines and ocean views directly from the kitchen,” Wilkins said.
A tiled hallway leads past an updated hall bathroom with a deep porcelain tub and shower with subway tile to the single bedroom, which is in the corner to take advantage of the location. It offers a beach view through a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the boardwalk.
There also is a pleasantly surprising ensuite bathroom, also upgraded to meet today’s discerning home buyers. It has a tiled shower with a swinging glass door and generously-sized closet.
“The interior features an oversized bedroom, two beautifully updated bathrooms, abundant counter space, a breakfast bar, a dedicated dining area and a large living room ideal for relaxing or entertaining,” Wilkins said.
Residents of Gardens Plaza enjoy a full suite of amenities, including a beachfront heated pool, fitness center, multi-purpose gathering room and a recreation lounge with library and large-screen TV.
Additional highlights include front desk personnel and security, on-site management, assigned parking conveniently located near the lobby entrance and private storage.
“Ideally situated with easy access to surrounding shore points, dining, shopping and year-round recreation, this exceptional residence presents a rare opportunity to experience the very best of coastal living, whether as a full-time residence or a luxurious seasonal beachfront retreat,” Wilkins said.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
