108 S Bayview Dr, Strathmere, NJ 08248

This unique, classic bay front home was a gift in 1928 from Lessing Rosenwald the President of Sears, to Doctor A.S.W. Rosenbach, the legendary purveyor of rare books. Known as The Boathouse, this Strathmere NJ treasure (go to www.Strathmere.net/boathouse), features an open beam construction great room(24x38 23high), highlighted by a 16th century stained glass window at one end, , and a large brick fireplace at the other. A game room/balcony overlooks the area. A large kitchen with granite counter tops and a dining room overlooking the bay is contiguous with this space. A den and full bath complete the first floor.What was once Dr. Rosenbachs boat house is now a large two car garage and workshop with a one bedroom mother-in-law apartment opening onto the water.The centrally air-conditioned second floor contains five bedrooms and two baths. The master suite has spectacular bay and inlet views. The meadows provide an unobstructed vantage point for sunsets. FqThe wrap-around deck may be accessed from two doorways.Two of the most distinctive features of the house are the three story tower and the roofed pavilion.A lighthouse style chandelier diffuses gentle light through the open staircase of the tower to the first floor. That staircase consists eof 45 steps and 9 landings, that, when viewed from above, recall an Escher drawing. The uppermost 12x12 room opens onto a deck through either of two French doors. The views defy description.The bayside of the house has been restored with trex decks and azak railings that pay homage to the original configuration. The copper-roofed pavilion (20x12) extends about 40 feet into the bay where there always seems to be a breeze. We eat most meals there. The decks, docks, and pavilion are over land under water that is titled to the property in an irrevocable land grant.The house has been meticulously restored over the past ten years with new plumblng, heating, wiring, insulation, roofing, siding, kitchen, and bathrooms. The front garden overflows with hydrangea, and hollyhocks as well as herbs in abundance.This property is only two minutes from Ocean City; but it is truly a world away.Additional property info: http://www.forsalebyowner.com/listing/5-bed-Vacation-Home-for-sale-by-owner-108-S-Bayview-Drive/23919955?provider_id=28079