‘Someday’ in Longport
Roy and Barbara Law, as high school sweethearts, always imagined a future where they lived near the beach.
Living in a bungalow near the ocean in Longport was destiny for Roy and Barbara Law. The high school sweethearts, who both vacationed in the beach town with their families as kids, talked about that shared dream.
“By college we said, ‘Someday we are going to live in Longport,’” recalled Barbara.
That dream came true in 1996. They sold their Egg Harbor Township home in 12 hours and had four weeks to pack up 18 years’ worth of mementos, including 14 surfboards. Though neither Roy or Barbara surf, their two sons and four grandkids love the sport.
“I got permission to go over to the new house immediately to start building surfboard racks in the garage,” said Roy.
The home’s location, just 2½ blocks from the beach, was the main draw. The 1,500 square-foot cottage with three bedrooms and two bathrooms is a haven for the Laws’ sons, as well as their grandchildren and their friends.
“They come off the beach and hang out, which is why we bought this house,” said Barbara. “I had five younger brothers who were all surfers, so surfing has always been part of our lives.”
The kitchen is the family gathering spot where Barbara enjoys feeding a full house. She’s famous for her sourdough bread — the starter came from the Oregon Trail. Burgers, homemade pizza, and pepperoni bread are always ready for weary and hungry surfers.
“Even though the kitchen isn’t very big, it can accommodate more people than you would think,” said Barbara. “It goes out to the deck which makes it perfect for entertaining.”
The cherry cabinets are original to the home and the sand-colored Corian countertops and luxury vinyl floors throughout the house are recent additions. Hanging on the wall is a wooden surfboard that Roy made during a course he won in an online auction. He planned to send one of his sons, but neither was available on that particular date.
Roy stepped in and learned how to hand-plane a wooden Alaia board, distinctive because it doesn’t have fins. The board hasn’t hit the water yet — Roy imagines one day one of his grandchildren will take it for a spin.
The couple have many antique pieces of furniture that they find at thrift shops, yard sales, and during their travels, which handy Roy touches up and restores.
One of the Laws’ favorite pieces is a layered resin coffee table with embedded seashells. They had it custom-made for their 25th wedding anniversary by Joe Twombly, a now-deceased surfer and artist with a shop in Cocoa Beach, Fla. Their son Adam and his buddy brought it back from Florida on the Auto Train.
Roy began collecting Bosson chalkware heads about 50 years ago. Made in England, they hang on the wall and depict characters from books. Roy’s favorite features a pirate.
The couple spend a lot of time on the beach, enjoying the sun, watching the surfers, and searching for sea glass for Roy’s large collection. Some pieces go into the jewelry he makes.
“Almost every piece is from Longport,” he said.
Their two-level backyard includes an upper deck and a lower portion hardscaped with bricks. White Polywood furniture with blue and white cushions offers seating on both levels, and the lower portion features a small koi pond with water hyacinths and lily pads.
The fenced-in yard is filled with thriving plants and flowers. Their son Adam, with a degree in environmental studies, brings in native and unusual plants, including heavenly bamboo, milkweed, trumpet vine, and Maximilian sunflowers. Their son Michael has also added tropical flowers to the garden.
“It’s a great space in early spring and fall when it’s cold in other places, but the sun keeps it warm,” said Barbara.
The home’s shaded front porch is perfect for reading and greeting neighbors.
“People are very friendly here and stop as they walk by,” said Barbara.
The couple, both retired teachers, volunteer for many local causes, including the South Jersey Field of Dreams and the Donny Fund. Especially in the summer, they can usually be found entertaining their families and friends.
“Our sons have larger spaces and bigger properties, but they all want to come here,” said Roy.
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