OCNJ Local Home of the Week: Coastal Luxury Meets Iconic Charm at 544 E Atlantic Blvd
Ocean City’s Gardens area is famous for its tranquil, winding streets, expansive beaches, and distinctive architecture. This week, we’re introducing our new House of the Week feature by showcasing a stunning coastal home that illustrates why this neighborhood remains one of the East Coast’s most sought-after beachside communities.
A Premier Address in the Gardens
Located at 544 E Atlantic Boulevard, this beautifully designed single-family home blends contemporary luxury with the timeless appeal of Ocean City living. Priced at $3,499,900, it offers a rare chance to own a pristine, move-in-ready property with thoughtfully curated details throughout.
This home’s location on East Atlantic Boulevard strikes a great balance between privacy and convenience. Living in the Gardens means you are close to some of the most spacious, uncrowded beaches along the coast, yet only a short bike ride or drive from downtown shopping, local restaurants, and the historic boardwalk. For outdoor enthusiasts, the area offers scenic walking paths along the inlet, quiet streets ideal for morning jogs, and a neighborhood where children can safely ride bicycles. The value of this property in the enclave is based not just on its size but on the exceptional quality of life associated with a premium Gardens address.
Exterior Craftsmanship and Coastal Curb Appeal
The home’s exterior makes a strong impression with cedar impression siding, sleek composite trim, and classic brickwork that create a classic shore aesthetic. Situated on a 50-by-78-foot lot, it features spacious front and back decks ideal for relaxing in the sea breeze, an outdoor shower for rinsing off salt and sand after beach days, a fenced yard for privacy, and plenty of parking with a dedicated garage for summer visitors.
The outdoor living areas are designed to seamlessly extend from the indoors. The large front and back decks offer wonderful viewing spots throughout the day, whether you’re sipping coffee in the morning as the sun rises over the Atlantic or hosting drinks with friends in the evening. Below, a fully enclosed outdoor shower is essential for beach life, serving as a practical buffer that keeps sand and dirt out of the home. The fenced yard provides a safe space for children or pets to play freely, while the concrete driveway and garage add significant convenience in a town where parking is always in demand during the summer.
Grand Open-Concept Interior Spaces
Step into this two-story home, where a bright, naturally lit space welcomes you with custom trim, shiplap accents, and beautiful hardwood floors. The main level features an open layout that seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas. The family room, with its built-in gas fireplace serving as a cozy focal point, is illuminated by LED recessed lighting that brightens the whole space. For cooking enthusiasts, the gourmet kitchen offers marble countertops, a custom tile backsplash, a central island, top-tier appliances, a dedicated pantry, and a wine cooler, making it ideal for weekend gatherings.
The interior design emphasizes maximizing natural light and fostering a welcoming atmosphere. The smooth flow among the living, dining, and culinary areas allows the home to comfortably host large groups without feeling crowded. Custom trim and shiplap accents combine modern style with traditional coastal architecture, subtly referencing maritime traditions while maintaining a fresh, clean, and contemporary look.
The kitchen features a central island that serves as both a practical meal-prep area and a social gathering spot where guests can mingle during dinner preparation. The high-end marble countertops create a vivid contrast with the custom tile work. Additionally, amenities such as a built-in wine cooler and a spacious pantry demonstrate the home’s capacity for upscale entertaining. In cooler autumn and winter months, the built-in gas fireplace makes the main living area cozy and inviting, showing that this property is suitable for year-round living, not just a seasonal summer beach house.
Thoughtful Layout and Multi-Generational Flexibility
This home offers exceptional flexibility, featuring five bedrooms and three and a half baths spread over two floors. The main level has a spacious primary suite, a powder room, and a laundry area, ensuring convenient single-story living.
The addition of a spacious first-floor primary suite provides unmatched convenience for those preferring single-level living, eliminating the need to use stairs daily. Additionally, the residential elevator removes physical obstacles, making the home fully accessible for seniors or easy for large grocery runs, ensuring the property comfortably accommodates a family throughout all life stages.
Upstairs, the second floor functions as a spacious retreat, including a second primary suite, three more elegantly designed bedrooms, a full hallway bathroom, and an additional laundry room.
The home offers an exceptional layout for hosting extended family or weekend guests, enabling multiple couples to enjoy equal privacy and luxury. The three additional bedrooms on this level are spacious and versatile, suitable for children’s bunk beds, guest rooms, or a dedicated home office. Including a second laundry room upstairs demonstrates practical design, removing the inconvenience of carrying heavy baskets of wet towels and linens up and down the stairs.
Modern Systems and Enduring Value
Despite being built in the past five years, the home exudes a modern, refined vibe through its craftsmanship and design. Inside, the mechanical systems are just as notable, with dual-zone central air, forced-air heating, and two tankless water heaters, guaranteeing hot water for everyone after a day at the beach.
Dual-zone climate controls enable precise temperature regulation on both levels, enhancing energy efficiency and individual comfort. The inclusion of two separate tankless water heater systems addresses a common shore-house issue, providing a reliable, uninterrupted hot water supply even during busy days with multiple showers.
Whether you’re looking for a stunning year-round residence or an ideal multi-generational summer retreat, 544 E Atlantic Boulevard stands out as a true gem in the Gardens. Its pristine condition, high-end finishes, and prime location make it an exceptional property that exemplifies the quality highlighted in our new Home of the Week feature.
- Address: 544 E Atlantic Blvd, Ocean City, NJ 08226
- Price: $3,499,900
- MLS Number: 608450
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 3 Full, 1 Half
- Key Features: Elevator, dual primary suites, gourmet marble kitchen, wine cooler, dual-zone HVAC, tankless hot water, outdoor shower, and premium decks.
For more information or to schedule a tour, reach out to Pete Madden, broker/owner, at Goldcoast Sotheby’s International Realty.
Phone: 609-513-4781
Email: Pete@petemadden.com
Location: 200 34th St, Ocean City, NJ 08226
More about the Gardens Neighborhood
Where exactly is the Gardens section located?
The Gardens occupies the northernmost tip of Ocean City, encompassing everything from North Street up to the Great Egg Harbor Inlet and the Longport Bridge. It is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the bay on the west, offering residents an incredible double dose of waterfront proximity and stunning views of both the sunrise and sunset.
Why do the streets look so different from the rest of the island?
If you’ve ever taken a drive, a walk, or a bike ride through the Gardens, you’ve probably noticed that the standard grid pattern found throughout most of Ocean City completely disappears. Instead, the neighborhood is famous for its winding, curved, tree-lined streets. This intentional, picturesque layout gives the area a distinct, relaxed “neighborhood” feel rather than a typical beach-town grid, making it feel like a quiet sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle.
What is the vibe of the beaches in the Gardens?
Because the Gardens sits past the northern end of the famous Ocean City Boardwalk, its beaches are naturally more secluded, quiet, and peaceful. It’s the perfect area for anyone looking to read a book, enjoy a peaceful morning walk, or watch the surfers catch waves near the inlet without the heavy foot traffic found down-beach.
Is the neighborhood mostly year-round residents or summer homes?
It is a wonderful mix of both. The Gardens is highly prized by second-home owners looking for an upscale, quiet summer retreat, but it also supports a deeply rooted, passionate community of year-round residents. The spacious lots, lower traffic, and proximity to local mainstays like the Ocean City Yacht Club make it an ideal place to live in all four seasons.
What kind of real estate dominates the area?
The Gardens is overwhelmingly defined by large, prestigious single-family homes. The neighborhood features some of the largest residential lots on the entire island, showcasing a beautiful blend of historic, grand estates alongside stunning, state-of-the-art new construction properties.
