134 Bridge Avenue

Description

This historic home was built by renowned boatbuilder Hubert Johnson. The current owners have modernized and elevated the home. It is located on a large lot that offers a private yard with room for a pool and expansion of the existing deck. The property extends to Willow Drive, where there is a cottage with a two car garage, and off street parking. Charming features include a wraparound porch with awnings, window seats, and a deck. The newer kitchen overlooks sitting and dining areas, and the baths have been updated. On the second floor, there are four bedrooms, including a master suite. The third floor offers bedroom space, or whatever you may need, including the possible addition of a bath. All of this is just a short walk to the beach, bakery, restaurants, shops, and more...134 Bridge Avenue is listed on page 7 of the National Register of Historic Places (Bay Head Historic District) as a "Contributing" structure due to its age" (circa 1912), architecturally significant design, and commanding street presence". The listing continues "It is a 2 1/2 story, 3 bay, rectangular plan, wood frame, "Four Square" design, shingle-clad house articulated by a "Doric Columned" post-supported wrap-around porch, a traditional hipped roof with matching dormers, and a pair of semi-hexagonal bays on the second floor. A diamond-shaped detail composed of patterned shingles decorates the wall space between two bay windows." The house was built by the renowned boat builder Hubert Johnson whose children were born in the house and lived there for many years. 134 Bridge fell into neglect for a period of time, and was purchased by Florence & Bryan McFadden in 1992 in dreadful condition. The McFaddens, over the years, have refurbished & modernized the house replacing antiquated electrical, plumbing, & heating systems, plus modernizing the bathrooms & kitchen, etc. All the kitchen appliances were replaced in 2021. The roof and siding were replaced in 1996. The house was elevated to conform to current standards in 2016. The foundation was replaced and conforms to the stringent current structural standards. The ground floor level is @ 1380 square feet, 6 foot 5 inches clear height, with 5 windows and three access doors one at ground level, in addition to required flood vents. 134 Bridge has 200 amp breaker electrical service, one zone central heating & AC and 4 zone fully sprinklered yards and flower beds. It is an easy walk to the well guarded Bridge Avenue beach through town past the Post Office, shops, restaurants, and bakery. The property has a very large rear yard (2000 square feet @ 40' long x 50' wide) and can easily accommodate a large swimming pool, expanded decks, etc. The Cottage/garage is located adjacent to Willow Drive with public access and services. In addition to a two car garage there is off-street parking for four vehicles. The detached Cottage/garage is completely insulated, sheetrocked, spackled, polished, and painted. Public water & electricity is accessible, and a discharge line has been connected from the Cottage to the sewer.