The Newsmagazine of Long Beach Island and Southern Ocean County
By Maria Scandale | on July 14, 2022
THAT’S LIVING: What passersby have seen from the Boulevard has turned heads for 23 years. The inside is an oceanfront masterpiece, like a storybook castle. Each of the 18 rooms (minus the laundry room) has a spectacular oceanfront view. The luxuriously detailed mansion and intriguing landscaped grounds encompass 2 Loveladies acres. (Supplied Photos)
Long Beach Island’s highest-valued property listing has been a showplace ever since passersby watched the Victorian estate rise from the oceanfront in Loveladies between 1997 and 1999.
For the first time, the spectacular mansion – with home theater and ice cream parlor, freshwater swimming pool and cabana, and its landscaped grounds graced by a koi pond, three waterfalls and a monarch butterfly habitat – is available for sale to a new owner.
The opportunity of Tract 67 Long Beach Boulevard is offered by listing agent Craig Stefanoni and business partner Sharon Stefanoni of Berkshire Hathaway Zack Shore, REALTORS.
The morning it came on the market July 1, the phone rang at 8 a.m. from an agent representing an overseas customer. On Zillow, on its 10th day listed, “American Beauty” had attracted 23,000 views.
“It is one of the most viewed listings we have had,” noted Craig Stefanoni, and “probably one of the most talked-about houses on the Island,” added Sharon Stefanoni.
Precious few of those tens of thousands of online viewers would possess the “proof of funds” required to obtain such a property. In addition to the $13.9 million price tag, annual taxes are currently $118,768. Even to preview the property in person, a prospective buyer must show proof of funds or proof of the financial ability to purchase the house.
The 18-room house is 9,104 square feet with seven bedrooms and 12 bathrooms.
The tract stretches 152 feet on the ocean and encompasses 2 acres.
“The nice thing about this property is that it holds not only the oceanfront compound, but it also has three additional subdivided lots sitting behind all of that. That’s where the perennial garden and the koi pond and gazebo are … that’s what makes it very unique,” noted the listing agent.
The home was custom designed to the property owner’s wishes, inspired by the Victorian homes of Cape May. Architect John J. Olivieri, of Stone Harbor, had offices in Collingswood before his death of cancer at age 43.
The estate owner, Albert F. Stevens, “has mixed emotions” about parting with the masterpiece, representatives said, noting that the Loveladies home is not his primary residence.
Asked if he envisioned it carried on in its current manner, Sharon Stefanoni answered in the affirmative, saying he pictures perhaps “somebody with a big family” enjoying it.
“He’s very generous and hosts different organizations, and I’m sure he wants to see somebody carry on the house, but he’s realistic also. We’ll see what happens.”
Serious prospective buyers who even experience viewing the home are in for a treat. The list of additional amenities and features is stunning:
• Driveway into property is designed in a pattern of diamonds and roses with a rose bud progressing to a fully bloomed rose;
• All rooms have an ocean view (except the laundry room);
• Amish-made wrought iron custom fence around the property secures the house, pool and garden;
• Pool house is equipped with a complete kitchen including large grill, dishwasher and small refrigerator with marble counters and storage cabinets;
• Landscaped, heated swimming pool is a freshwater ionized system with diving board and hot tub. Colored lights shine in the pool;
• Sound system plays outside in the pool and deck areas, including the front deck.
• Theater/ice cream parlor opens up to an outdoor deck;
• Victorian style street lights provide lighting for evening events.
• Home is two floors of living space, and the floors are heated in the lower third-level gym and garage;
• Floors throughout the house are American cherry. Hall areas have inlaid natural colored wood including corner blocks designed as roses;
• Kitchen features backlit cabinets with custom stained glass in a bird-and-floral design. Lights have preset combinations for easy use of the chandeliers;
• Dining room features a chandelier made by Dresden and sconces that are Meissen. Living room has a working wood fireplace;
• Top floor has two decks, the “sunset” deck facing the bay and a wraparound large front deck;
• Master bath toilet and bidet are in a separate room with a hidden TV that is motorized and rotates for viewing while in the room. All bedrooms have their own shower and toilet facilities;
• Ice cream bar and counter are made from reclaimed bars from Savannah that have been modified with new materials. The barista will appreciate using the Italian-made, two group head espresso machine that is fully plumbed. There is a high-end coffee bean grinder.
And the list goes on …
You must be logged in to post a comment.
The SandPaper 1816 Long Beach Boulevard, Surf City, NJ 08008-5461 Phone Number: (609) 494-5900 • Fax Number: (609) 494-1437
Our Hometown DMCA Notices Newspaper web site content management software and services