Tucked into a corner on the main drive into the classic beach community of Cape May, New Jersey is a little gem of a property previously known as the The Cape Winds, a 1950’s-era 11-room motel located on Lafayette Street. The owners, a resident family who also own The Montreal, a thriving beach-front hotel in Cape May, wanted a new type of authentic destination—something that respected an era when this type of hotel was popular and would attract a beach loving guest that was looking for a unique brand in Cape May.
DAS Architects took on the job of transforming the classic motel, into a beach hideaway that harkens back to an old-fashioned beach atmosphere, and The Boarding House was born.
“It’s all about coming back to this place to experience an honest beach vibe,” says Susan M. Davidson, IDC, principal of DAS Architects. “It’s a combination of mid-century modern and found objects, such repurposing surfboards in a sophisticated way and softening up the rooms with natural finishes.”
A total of 11 guest rooms and one suite were completely re-done as a modern take on a mid-century surf motel. Whitewashed and reclaimed wood, wicker, rope, concrete tile, navy blue ikat and other bohemian-inspired fabrics. Artwork in each room was sourced by the owners, who have a strong love for the beach and a family history in Cape May, when you visit, you can expect a mix of found surf-related objects and vintage-inspired photos that will give each room a unique flavor.
A rooftop deck is used as a quiet sun lounge or a daytime cocktail party space. Each guest room has a outdoor dining table and chairs on the ground floor veranda and balcony. The lobby will has been completely renovated to include brighter, beach-oriented finishes in white, navy, and canary yellow, a casual coffee bar, along with rope accents and a bold wall mural.
Other recent area hotels and restaurants designed by DAS Architects includes the Cambria on Broad Street ; the forthcoming Hyatt Centric off Rittenhouse Square; a new yet-to-be-named hotel in the Mid-town Village section of Philadelphia, PA; the Tidewater Inn; and the Inn at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club in Maryland. Cape May area projects include The Reeds at Shelter Haven located in Stone Harbor, NJ and The Lobster House, Mayer’s Tavern and Harry’s Restaurant and Sun Deck in Cape May, NJ. DAS was recently listed among Interior Design Magazine’s Top 100 Hospitality Giants for 2018.
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Hi, what type of wood was used for the Boarding House exterior slays? It’s such an awesome look!