My Houzz: Bayfront Beauty in New Jersey
A relaxing ocean view, ample natural sunlight and private dock highlight this traditional New Jersey beach house
Set right on the bay of 18-mile Long Beach Island in New Jersey, Paul and Barbara Barnish's summer home was designed to embrace the beach. From the bay views in every room to the rooftop deck to their private pier across the street, the charming house is the perfect getaway for this couple and their crew of grandchildren.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Paul and Barbara Barnish
Location: Long Beach Island, New Jersey
Size: 4,000 square feet; six bedrooms; three bathrooms
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Paul and Barbara Barnish
Location: Long Beach Island, New Jersey
Size: 4,000 square feet; six bedrooms; three bathrooms
The original home had a smaller deck, so they increased its size and improved the indoor/outdoor flow from the kitchen.
The custom lighthouse mailbox matches the home's exterior colors. On days when they don't make it to the beach, the Barnishes simply walk across the street to their private dock.
The new vinyl siding is made to resemble cedar. Designed to withstand saltwater and humidity, it's much easier to maintain than wood.
The couple limited blinds to just four windows to welcome in plenty of natural light and bay views.
The couple limited blinds to just four windows to welcome in plenty of natural light and bay views.
The original kitchen was cramped, small and isolated, but the new kitchen is bright and open with more room to enjoy dining.
The built-in cabinetry and desk area is one of Barbara's favorite features of the new kitchen.
Laminate flooring throughout the ground floor makes for easy cleanup after a day at the beach.
Laminate flooring throughout the ground floor makes for easy cleanup after a day at the beach.
"The beadboard cabinets were a must," Barbara says. The tan and white countertops are a sparkly granite.
The family savors plenty of fresh crab and clam dinners while enjoying a view of the bay.
Large sliding doors open onto a deck and outdoor dining table.
Black and white family photos, books and nautical accents fill built-in shelves flanking the living room fireplace.
The color palette is beach- and summer-inspired, with large bay windows allowing in plenty of natural light.
Beadboard covers the lower half of the walls, continuing the aesthetic from the kitchen.
Beadboard covers the lower half of the walls, continuing the aesthetic from the kitchen.
The renovations added three bedrooms to help accomodate all of the couple's grandchildren.
Bay windows in the master bedroom offer a beautiful view of the water. Beadboard in a natural finish covers the 18-foot ceilings. Paul and Barbara like to wake up at sunrise and go for a boat ride, and the natural light reflecting off the bay makes an ideal wake-up call.
Paul and Barbara wanted to make their bedroom more of a relaxing getaway than the original one had been. They achieved this through the architectural design of the ceiling, a new master bathroom, a large walk-in closet and enough room for a seating area by the windows.
Paul and Barbara wanted to make their bedroom more of a relaxing getaway than the original one had been. They achieved this through the architectural design of the ceiling, a new master bathroom, a large walk-in closet and enough room for a seating area by the windows.
Sliding glass doors in the master bedroom lead to a private deck. "It's the perfect space to read a book or enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning," Barbara says.
This guest bedroom is reserved for the couple's daughter when she is on vacation with her family.
A brightly painted basement playroom is a fun place for the kids to hang out and watch TV.
The Barnishes catch fresh crab right here off the dock.
The rooftop deck was added during the home's renovation, and it makes a great spot for entertaining or soaking up more sun.
From this deck, you can look past the docks and see the bay and the beach on the other side.