Preserving the Past: Restoration success story at 841 E. Fourth St.

Editor’s note: This article is part of a Ocean City Sentinel series showcasing owners of historic Ocean City homes and their preservation success stories. If you would like to tell your success story, please email maryann@friendsocnj.org.

By Barbara Schmidt and Maryann Pionegro-Smith

OCEAN CITY — Jim and Tracy Carlino have beautifully restored their charming home at 841 E. Fourth St. The Carlinos took over from Jim’s uncle Bill Bunt and his wife Kitty, who owned the home from 1980 to 2009.

They continue to honor their aunt and uncle with lovely porches shaded by billowing canvas awnings, American flags, wicker furniture and hanging baskets. A rooster weather vane looks down from the garage roof.

When Bill and Kristen Griggs considered buying the second-floor unit from the Carlinos in 2016, they worked together to reflect the history of the house and enhance its beauty. Bill, a contractor, brought his skills and experience to help create a special old-fashioned but modern seashore home.

The home is located in a unique neighborhood near the Ocean City Life Saving Station, created as the ocean receded and land became available for building. The Fourth Street homes, many of them duplexes, were built in the 1920s and 1930s in Craftsman style with detailed cabinetry, wood carvings and unique glass features. Special trademark roofs known as jerkinhead or clipped hip include a triangle with hips clipping or holding down the corners — designed to sustain heavy shore winds and rains and add interest to the roof line.

The Carlinos and Griggses recognized their house had “good bones.” They joined forces and began with restoring the exterior. They removed three layers of siding, replacing it with white cedar shakes. They replaced windows with molding resembling inside trim work. They updated electrical work and plumbing and added insulation. They installed durable and attractive mahogany wood porch floors and outdoor steps between the floors. The exterior painting used the favorite Hale Navy nautical paint color.

The charm continues inside. The Carlinos’ downstairs unit includes polished original pine floors. Wonderful glass cabinets contain interesting objects including pottery and glass in sea spray colors. A giant nautical clock graces the dining room. Modern kitchen appliances and amenities blend with subway tiles and wooden cabinets for a nostalgic feel. Additions made in the rear of the house provide more room for family visitors.

The Griggses undertook similarly ambitious changes in their second-floor unit. They remodeled and added rooms while still keeping with the home’s historic character, including a commanding stone fireplace and a rooftop room with a view between the eaves — lovely features of seashore Craftsman homes.

The Carlinos also renovated the garage apartment behind the main house, aiming for a practical residence while reflecting elements of the historic property in the neighborhood.

Although many homes on Fourth Street have been replaced with newer construction, some still exist in different styles and colors. Walking along there is a step back in time.

“Restoring the traditional look of the shore cottage has been very rewarding,” Jim said. “We particularly like sitting on the porch and overhearing passers-by commenting on how cute it looks. You really can’t get that with what you see being built today. It’s been so worth the effort.”