OCEAN CITY — The design and layout of the waterfront single at 315 Bay Ave. compete with the sweeping views of Great Egg Harbor Bay for the best part of this custom island home.
Its upside-down design and multi-level layout put the open gathering areas at the top and spread the sleeping quarters out in three separate spots.
“Perfect as a primary residence, vacation home or investment property, this spacious home offers 2,634 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space in one of Ocean City’s most sought-after neighborhoods,” listing agent Lorie Rice said.
Sporting an asymmetrical design, the tan home with white trim features raised, mulched beds with a border wall lining the front and wooden stairs to the left rising to a cozy covered porch with numerous comfortable seats.
“Located just moments from the beach, boardwalk, restaurants and marinas, this Northend home offers the flexibility today’s buyers are looking for, whether you are searching for a luxury shore house, a year-round residence, a second home or a property with strong rental and investment potential,” Rice said.
The sea blue door opens into a long, narrow living room with wide-plank flooring. On the left is a gas fireplace with a rustic wood-plank surround.
The first of the home’s five bedrooms is on the right, providing bay views through three tall windows and direct access to the full bathroom, which also opens onto the living room.
In the rear, a knee wall partially blocks the stairs from view — one set down to the foyer and another up to the great room.
A unique aspect of this home’s design is that each of the two main floors has a staircase on the left and right, separating the sleeping spaces for maximum privacy.
The right-hand staircase rises to an area with three bedrooms. One, in the rear right, has an ensuite bathroom while the other two share a hall bath.
“Three ensuite bathrooms ensures everyone has their own space,” Rice said.
Back on the first floor, the left-hand staircase promises something fantastic at the top with its shadow-box wainscoting and delivers in a big way.
The spacious great room is a thing of beauty, with its lofty cathedral ceiling, open layout and three-pane sliding glass door offering views of the water just across Bay Avenue.
The narrow-plank hardwood flooring is a throwback to the past, while its recessed and pendant lighting clearly are modern amenities.
“The open main living area is ideal for entertaining and gathering with family and friends,” Rice said.
The wainscoting wraps around the room, adding a touch of elegance. The living room takes up the north side of the space and features a large sectional sofa arranged around a second fireplace, this one with a stacked stone surround and wood mantel topped by a flat-screen television.
Just inside the slider, which opens onto an open porch with an awning, the dining area is just steps away from the gourmet kitchen.
The kitchen features tile flooring, abundant custom cabinets with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and reverse-osmosis water filtration, and flows seamlessly into the dining and living spaces. The center island offers overflow seating for five.
A short flight of stairs on the right ascends to a powder room, convenient for guests, and continues back to the primary suite.
A privacy door opens into the spacious room, which is painted a robin’s egg blue with a white ceiling high above. Two sets of double windows in the rear and a few more to the north and south provide abundant natural light and cooling bay breezes.
The large bathroom has a tile floor, two-sink granite-topped vanity, deep corner Jacuzzi tub and a shower. There’s also a walk-in closet for the new fortunate owner’s bathing suit collection.
“The oversized primary suite offers a private retreat with a walk-in closet and spacious bath,” Rice said.
Back on the second floor, the final set of stairs rises to the rooftop deck, providing sweeping views of the bay and island.
“Enjoy the coastal breeze from multiple decks or take in spectacular sunset views from the oversized rooftop deck, conveniently accessed from the main living level,” Rice said.
Back out front, a concrete walk leads down the north side of the to a side door opening onto a lower foyer with access to the garage and stairs rising to the first floor.
The garage can fit two vehicles, while there is space for four additional vehicles — an uncommon feature in Ocean City and vital in popular parts of the island — on the gravel and concrete parking pad.
Additional highlights include a dedicated laundry room, brand-new HVAC system currently being scheduled for install, year-old roof and enclosed outside shower.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
