An imperfectly ideal cottage at the Shore

Just as they had given up on vacation-house hunting for the day, Maryellen Cammisa and husband Peter Flaherty spotted a cottage on an unusually large lot in Margate. They were instantly intrigued. Homes in that area typically had very limited grounds.

There was a sale sign on the lawn, the owner was on the porch, and before going back home to East Falls, the couple were able to get in with the Realtor to see the house.

It would be simplistic to say it was love at first sight, but it surely was something akin to that. Looking beyond the preponderance of blue and the presence of too much furniture, what they saw was enormous potential in this 1936 summer home.

"The house had been on the market for a long time, but even on that first visit, we could see how much charm was waiting to be uncovered," says Maryellen, who was eminently qualified to look beyond first impressions. She is a Realtor with Plumer & Associates Inc. in Philadelphia, with an eye trained to see not just what is, but what can be.

Peter, who grew up on Cape Cod beaches, was just waiting to find a home that would let him return to those roots - and one that was not hours way.

In short order, they bought the bungalow, knowing sweat equity would be required to make it what they envisioned that first day.

"We spent just about every weekend from September through June that year working weekends on the Margate house," recalls Peter, a dentist with a busy practice.

In those arduous months, blue walls and wallpaper, rugs and trim in every room vanished. The cottage was refreshed, restored, bathed in neutral tones, and left to emerge as the jewel it was.

"The location was perfect for us - a short walk to the beach - and its simplicity also appealed to us," says Maryellen, noting that their year-round home in Philadelphia, a sprawling mid-20th-century rancher, is far larger, more formal, and not as carefree in mood.

The couple anointed the Margate retreat their "Imperfect Zone," and that's just how they like it - perfect for summer weekends in its imperfections.

Peter and Maryellen also concede that the original wooden floors, moldings, and stairs add a certain warmth that's easier felt than explained.

Furnishings here are deliberately informal, and Peter has gotten one of his fervent seashore wishes: a blue-denim sofa that seems to stretch for miles in the living room, and accommodates his 6-foot-4 height without a bit of compromise.

A special feature here is a kitchen in the spirit of the straightforward bungalow vibe. White cabinetry and appliances allow a 1950s-style red banquette to get star treatment, and a black-and-white tile floor seems meant to be just where it is. The room is as happy and friendly as a puppy.

Upstairs is just a white wonderland of a master suite, a room at once glamorous and peaceful.

"I have a lot of women friends, so we've designated 'The Pink Room' for their visits," Maryellen says, referring to a cozy guest bedroom that lives up to its name. Nestled nearby is another guest room, this one a study in soft pastels.

An upstairs hall bath boasts its original tile, still in prime condition and another example of the home's fidelity to the past.

But ask Peter and Maryellen about their absolute favorite feature of the house, and they don't miss a beat: The entire yard has been transformed into an enchanted garden, with flowers, hedges, and shrubs. It's a rare outdoor element with the kind of beauty and tranquillity seldom found at Shore homes, where gardening can be a challenge.

Peter, who takes on many chef duties, is delighted to present outdoor meals that seem to match the fresh sea breezes. He's modest about his culinary skills, but his wife lauds his specialties.

"Everything about this home is actually therapeutic for me," says Peter, who can't wait to get down to Margate on long weekends for his dose of R&R.

For Maryellen, an avid bicyclist, the same therapeutic benefits apply. Real estate may be a demanding business, but there's always the cottage's front porch and expansive yard to work its decompressing magic.

Come late fall, the cottage will have another visitor to share its charms. Maryellen's son and his wife will be adding a baby boy to the "Imperfect Zone," altering things just a bit.

"A baby," Maryellen says, beaming, "is the perfect addition."