710 Columbia Avenue - A Meticulously Restored 1880s Craftsman Victorian in the Heart of Cape May

Winner of a Historic Preservation Award from the City of Cape May and the Cape May Historic Preservation Commission, May 2026,

Step into a rare piece of Cape May history that has been brought back to life with extraordinary care. Built in the 1880s as a simple craftsman Victorian, 710 Columbia Avenue has been restored from the studs with the original character fully intact. Restored windows and original stained glass filter soft coastal light through every room, while the front and side porches invite you to linger with a morning coffee or evening glass of wine and enjoy the summer breeze as the town’s horse-drawn carriages pass by. In May 2026, the home received a Historic Preservation Award from the City of Cape May and the Cape May Historic Preservation Commission in recognition of the authenticity and craftsmanship of the restoration.

This is not a typical vacation rental. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated. The custom kitchen is a cook’s dream, anchored by a professional-grade Miele 6-burner range, dual dishwashers, a microwave drawer, and high-end finishes that make preparing meals for family or friends a pleasure. Step outside to the dedicated outdoor grilling and dining space, where a Weber gas grill stands ready for the perfect Cape May evening under the stars. An outdoor shower is available for rinsing off after the beach.

The bathrooms are equally refined: custom marble finishes paired with elegant glass showers that feel more like a boutique hotel than a historic home. Upstairs, a unique third-floor deck offers a private perch above the neighborhood, providing an unexpected and serene space for reading, conversation, or simply watching the light change over Victorian Cape May.

Inside, a curated summer reading library and a collection of board and card games provide quiet pleasures for rainy afternoons or evenings after the beach. Practical comforts include two stacked laundry areas (one on the first floor and another in the second-floor hall) so handling beach towels and clothes is effortless. The home is fully equipped for real summer living, not just sleeping.

Beach access made effortless. Guests enjoy a private beach box on Howard Street Beach, stocked with eight beach chairs ready for your group. Ten commercial beach tags are included for the season, so you can head straight to the sand.

A front-row seat to Cape May’s living history. The home backs directly to the legendary Chalfonte Hotel, Cape May’s longest continually operating hotel and a beloved local landmark. The Chalfonte is known for its gracious porches and lively summer atmosphere. Live music drifts across the property many evenings, and Thursday nights bring The Ramble, a popular local gathering that draws a cheerful crowd. Occasional weddings and events also take place at the hotel. For many guests, this proximity is part of the charm of staying in the historic heart of town; the energy of the Chalfonte feels like an extension of Cape May’s vibrant summer season. That said, those seeking absolute quiet may prefer a more secluded setting. (Guests looking for a quieter residential atmosphere are welcome to inquire about our 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home at 820 Sewell Avenue.) Cape May’s quiet hours run from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and the neighborhood retains its residential and historic character.

Parking. Stacked parking for 3–4 cars is available on site. Additional non-metered street parking runs the length of Columbia Avenue. Please note that the driveway is narrow; unload passengers and belongings first, then carefully park.

Whether you’re gathering for a multi-generational family week, a reunion of friends, or a beach escape, 710 Columbia Avenue delivers the perfect blend of historic soul, modern luxury, and Cape May’s unmatched location. The combination of restored architectural detail, thoughtful indoor-outdoor living, and effortless beach access makes this home one you will want to return to year after year.

Book now and claim your place in one of Cape May’s most carefully restored Victorian homes - newly available for the first time.