The backyard dining and lounge areas of this Spring Lake colonial feature yellow accents—just like the inside. Photo: Alyssa Mancini
Built in 1910, as Spring Lake was gaining popularity among New Yorkers and Philadelphians for its serene seaside boardwalk, beautiful beaches, spring-fed lake and quaint downtown, this home still delights with time-honored details and modern-day comforts.
The home is nearly 5,000 square feet and has six bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms, and a wealth of windows for abundant natural light. The current owner and her family “loved the bones of the house, but wanted to give it a very different feel,” says Geneva Goldsmith, founder of Lightcodes Style, a boutique interior design firm serving clients in the Jersey Shore area. “The previous owners had a very traditional look with dark flooring, trim and decor.”
Her client preferred a light and airy feeling that also felt “beachy, cozy, and welcoming to both adults and kids.” This concept would extend to the adjacent cottage/pool house, which has its own kitchen, living area, bedroom and bathroom.
Inspired by the town’s sense of place and the allure of other coastal destinations, such as the Italian Riviera, the French Riviera and the Riviera Nayarit, Goldsmith gave this project its own flavor by naming the main house and cottage the Riviera Beach House and Riviera Beach Cottage, respectively. “When I learned that Spring Lake was called the Irish Riviera nearly a century ago, the name felt like a perfect fit,” she says.