OCEAN CITY — Bordered on two sides by tall evergreen shrubs, the picturesque home at 522 Waverly Blvd. has possibly the most secluded backyard on the island.
Featuring a paver brick patio with furniture made for lounging, the space is sheltered by the detached garage on one side and the house on another, creating a private oasis amid the hustle and bustle of America’s Greatest Family Resort.
The home is an easy walk away from the ocean. The northernmost protected beach is just a couple of blocks away at the intersection with Seaspray Road, without having to cross any streets before getting toes in the sand.
Located near Gardens Parkway and the north end bridge, the 1,285-square-foot single was built in 1952 and still features the original cedar siding and narrow-plank hardwood floors.
Listing agent Lorie Rice said it’s one of the few remaining original Carey Cottages on the island, offering three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
“This meticulously maintained home offers character, functionality and low-maintenance living,” Rice said.
The 48-foot by 100-foot lot offers a lush green lawn out front, where a walled garden bed with shrubs borders the shady front porch, as well as a grass and concrete drive on the left leading back to the garage.
What really makes this home stand out is the awnings around the front porch and on every sun-facing window, creating a cohesive old beach town aesthetic.
A concrete walkway leads down the right. Atop the front porch, where four chairs wait for their chance to shine, the front door opens into the living room.
Featuring a two-story ceiling and multiple windows with plantation shutters, the living room is light, bright and welcoming.
A doorway opens into the dining room, where three windows on the side provide natural light and a view of the tall hedgerow outside. A chandelier hangs from the bead board ceiling over the long wood table. There’s also a built-in Viking wine refrigerator.
A granite peninsula with three stools partially separates the dining room from the kitchen, which has solid-wood cabinets with granite tops and a tile backsplash.
Stainless steel appliances include a side-by-side refrigerator/freezer, a four-burner Viking range/oven with a microwave above and a dishwasher to the right of the two-basin stainless steel sink. A door to the rear is in the back corner.
The home’s first bedroom is conveniently located on the first floor, just off the dining room. It features a private bathroom for added convenience.
Back in the living room, wood stairs rise along the right wall to the second floor, with several windows lighting the way up.
At the top, a hallway overlooking the living room leads to the two bedrooms and full bathroom on the second floor.
In addition to space for a car, the garage has a walk-up loft storage area for keeping extra surfboards or beach chairs. The patio area also features two rear porches and an enclosed outside shower.
The home is among the winding, pedestrian-friendly streets of the Gardens, 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.
Ocean City is one of the most popular shore resorts on the East Coast, featuring an oceanfront boardwalk filled with hundreds of shopping, dining and entertainment venues, as well as miles and miles of pristine beaches.
The beach and boardwalk — 2.5 miles of oceanfront entertainment, restaurants, thrill rides and souvenir shops — get most of the attention in this seaside resort, but the island has much more to offer.
An award-winning downtown stretches from Sixth to 14th streets along Bay Avenue and has expanded onto other nearby streets, offering more than 100 shops and cafes.
There’s also the popular watersports district around Third Street on Bay Avenue, where the brave can rent powerboats, go parasailing, join the crew of a pirate ship and take a kayak tour of the back bays. Private and party boat fishing tours are also available.
“Whether you’re looking for a year-round residence or a summer retreat, this property offers a rare opportunity to own in one of Ocean City’s most desirable neighborhoods,” Rice said.
The property is listed for $2.399 million with Lorie Rice of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Fox & Roach Realtors. Call(609) 602-1295 or email lorie.rice@foxroach.com for more information or to set up an appointment to see this wonderful home.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff