Cape May's Gingerbread Gems

by Tina Skinner, Bruce Waters

Sixty-five color images of summer cottages and guesthouses create a treasured souvenir for all who have visited New Jersey’s southern cape, and an indispensable reference for anyone who loves Victorian Era architecture and exterior ornamentation. This is a visual smorgasbord of Victorian architecture and ornamentation, adorned with sparkling coats of colorful paint. Gorgeous examples of Carpenter Gothic, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Edwardian, American Bracketed Villa, and Stick Styles are presented. Most date from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, and all are dripping with finely wrought wood bric-a-brac and ornaments. Includes work by celebrated architects Frank Furness, Samuel Sloan, and Stephen Decatur Button. This selection of summer cottages and guesthouses was drawn from one of the greatest collections of late 19th century buildings in the United States.

64 pages, Hardcover

First published December 4, 2004

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cape May, part of the Jersey Shore, but definitely not that kind of Jersey Shore, is known for its beach but also its quaint Victorian structures—more than 600 of them. This thin 6" x 6" photo book is a collection of sixty-five of the best.

I’ve never cared much for Victorian-era architecture, but I am fascinated by historic structures. Cape May’s are indeed gems that obviously add to the appeal of this national historic landmark city and nicely set it apart from other more conventional, blander beach towns. Many structures featured here are private residences, and apparently Cape May has an abundance of bed-and-breakfasts and inns, because several are included, too. Each photo is accompanied by some brief facts, including street address. This would be a fitting book to read before a vacation to Cape May and ideally during the planning stage.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A showcase of gorgeous homes all located in the lovely town of Cape May, New Jersey. Though my tastes currently run more to mid-century modern, I probably wouldn't say no if someone wanted to give me one of these houses for Christmas.

[Ilana Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous photographs of the Victorian houses of Cape May. A wonderful reminder of yet another reason I love living in NJ! <3