OCEAN CITY — It’s not beachfront but it does have a multimillion-dollar view and is just steps away from the sun, sand and surf.
Located on the corner of Asbury Avenue, the second-floor condominium at 403 53rd St. takes advantage of its southwest exposure with multiple decks and numerous windows overlooking the ocean at the end of 53rd Street, where two American flags flapping in the sea breeze flank the scene.
“This is the best view from Asbury Avenue on the island,” listing agent Tim McLaughlin said during a recent tour.
Ocean City is one of the most popular shore resorts on the East Coast, featuring a 2.5-mile-long oceanfront boardwalk filled with hundreds of shopping, dining and entertainment venues, as well as miles and miles of pristine beaches. There also is an award-winning downtown business district centered on Asbury Avenue and a watersports district around Third Street on Bay Avenue.
Island life is a joy regardless of neighborhood and a great location doesn’t only mean beachfront or bayfront on this 8-mile-long island. The Southend neighborhood, from 34th to 59th streets, is narrow with fewer homes and businesses than the center of the island, which makes it the perfect getaway.
Close to the southern tip, the home is near Corsons Inlet State Park and the bridge to Strathmere, Sea Isle City and destinations south. Local businesses include Boyar’s Market, Mike’s Seafood and A La Mode ice cream parlor.
Everything else needed for a beach vacation is located on the 34th Street business corridor or scattered throughout the neighborhood at mom-and-pop shops.
The Garden State Parkway provides access just across the bridge in Upper Township, so there is no need to schlep through downtown to get there, and all of the attractions that make Ocean City America’s Greatest Family Resort are just a couple of miles away on foot or bicycle.
The 1,544-square-foot home has four bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a beach shower on the ground floor, as well as a glorious, light-filled great room and awning-covered back porch facing the ocean.
Beautifully landscaped, the property features raised, mulched beds brimming with flowers and shrubs and bordered by a stacked-stone wall.
A door below the sheltered staircase provides access to the oversized one-car garage, beach shower and large storage room.
Above, the door opens into a hallway where the abundant natural light from the great room draws the eye immediately to the right.
Featuring tile flooring, the area has multiple windows and a lofty vaulted ceiling with a couple of skylight.
“The home is just filled with light,” McLaughlin said.
A fireplace and television are off in the corner if one chooses to turn their attention away from the view.
A swinging glass door opens onto the oceanfront deck, where sitting and watching the waves with a cold drink in hand is in order after a long day of relaxing on the beach.
The dining area, which juts out toward the beach, includes a wood table that seats six beneath a chandelier, as well as a second door opening onto the deck.
Just steps away, a granite-topped island with two stools provides more seating in the transition to the kitchen, which features abundant wood cabinets with granite countertops and a white subway tile backsplash. Stainless-steel appliances include a two-door refrigerator with freezer drawer, five-burner range with a microwave above and a dishwasher to the left of the stainless sink.
A hallway leads past the door to the rear, which has medium-plank hardwood flooring, where the bedrooms are set up to sleep a crowd.
On the right, the first bedroom has twin beds and a loft while across the hall the second has a couple of more twins. The spacious closets have double bifold doors.
The hall bathroom is also on the right. It features tile flooring, a granite-topped vanity and tub with tiled walls and a curtain.
Located in the back right, the third bedroom has a queen-size bed and access to the private deck overlooking Asbury Avenue toward the bay. There are two closets for extra storage space.
On the left, the primary bedroom has a king-size bed beneath a tall peaked ceiling, private bath and access to yet another deck with a view of the ocean.
The ensuite bathroom has a granite-topped vanity with dual sinks and a tiled shower with sliding glass doors.
