Visitors have the unique opportunity on this self-guided tour to go behind closed doors and see restored private homes, bed and breakfast inns and guesthouses. Tourgoers can meet the homeowners, managers or innkeepers, see unique furnishings and décor, and find inspiration for their own homes and hearths.
Properties on tour:
The Colonial House (c. 1730) 653 ½ Washington St., Cape May
The headquarters of the Greater Cape May Historical Society, the Colonial House Museum was originally a tavern and the family house of Revolutionary War Patriot Memucan Hughes. The front room has been recreated as a tavern with a colonial era cooking/eating room behind. A research/exhibit room at the rear was added in the 1930s. The house and gardens will be decorated for fall in colonial tradition with all natural and native items. Enjoy live colonial music and storytelling on the porch, along with refreshments to celebrate our museum’s 50 year anniversary.
The Norris Smith House (1904) 1023 Washington St., Cape May
Welcome to the Norris Smith home— a Victorian built in 1904 for a Cape May Maritime family. The first floor is reminiscent of grandmother’s home and displays many decorations of the period. Warm and inviting. Come on in!
The Carlin Residence (1855). 1102 Lafayette St.
The Blue Heron, a private residence, recently completed their much-anticipated renovation. The original dwelling, built circa 1855, had multiple additions done along the way and served during the 1990’s thru 2014 as the Primrose Bed & Breakfast offering 6 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. Purchased in October 2014 by the Carlin family, the vision of The Blue Heron began. No longer a B&B, the latest renovations kept the original dwelling intact, prior additions were removed to allow for more modern amenities, including a master bedroom with master bath, new larger kitchen (formerly a gally kitchen), gathering room, mud room and laundry room, rear covered porch, upper balcony, garage, and pool. As a private residence, the dwelling now consists of 5 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. While the exterior renovation stayed true to Victorian architect, a transitional design can be enjoyed throughout the interior rooms with an occasional Victorian touch. Renovations included significant improvement to the outside landscape enjoyed by many venturing past as they make their way to the Physick Estate.
The Marianist Family Retreat Center 417 Yale Ave., Cape May Point
Welcome to The Marianist Family Retreat Center – formally the summer cottage of John Wanamaker (of the famed Wanamaker Department Stores of Philadelphia and beyond). Wanamaker built this home in 1875 at the corner of Beach & Emerald Aves. Some time in the early 1900’s severe beach erosion required moving the Wanamaker home to its present location at the corner of Cape and Yale Aves. It now serves at the Marianist Family Retreat Center – and since 1970 we have been offering family and individual retreats in the Catholic Marianist tradition – welcome to our home!
The Bedford Inn 805 Stockton Ave.
In 1870, Joseph French, a wealthy Philadelphia stockbroker, purchased 801 Stockton Ave. and later built the double home at 805–807 Stockton Ave. (now the Bedford Inn) for his children’s families. Known then as a “Mother-Daughter” house, it remained in the Page family until 1921, when Annie Page sold both sides to unrelated buyers. In 1966, two Indiana couples, the Fords and Bedworths, bought and converted the building into a summer rental, naming it the Bedford Inn. After one season, the Bedworths left, and the Fords managed it until 1975, when they sold it to the Schmucker family, who began extensive restorations. For nearly 30 years, Cindy Schmucker ran it as a Victorian bed and breakfast. In 2005, Archie Kirk bought and updated the property, followed by new owners Paula Murray, Marc Jacoby, and Roxanne Went in 2019. The Bedford Inn continues to evolve while preserving its historic charm, offering guests a comfortable and welcoming stay. The Bedford Inn in Cape May is now part of The Queen Victoria Bed & Breakfast family. This merger represents an exciting new chapter for both properties, combining the charm and elegance you’ve come to love with the exceptional service and amenities for which The Queen Victoria is renowned.
The Queen Victoria 102 Ocean St.
The Queen Victoria was built as a private residence by Douglas Gregory, a pilot on the Delaware River and Bay. Restored for its centennial, it has been lovingly maintained by just three owners since that time. The Queen Victoria’s small hotel architecture, like a true Victorian, is a blend of several styles, including Italianate Villa (the twin turret windows), Edwardian (the front porch), and a French inspired mansard roof, very popular in Cape May during the period.
The J Stratton Ware House 655 Hughes St.