By Steffen Klenk
If you have ever walked or biked near Ocean City’s bayside, you may have noticed a group of miniature homes. Like a scene out of a Christmas movie or the look of a small Victorian town, many passersby will pause to adore the charm and beauty of this small neighborhood, known popularly as Dollhouse Row. Located at Wovern Place, only 300 feet from the bay, this small street consists of nine tiny cottages, each house providing its own unique character.
For many residents, both year-round and seasonal, this tiny block often gets overlooked. “Every week, there’s somebody from Ocean City, who has been here over 50 years, that never knew this row was here,” says Dave Branning. He and partner Elaine Hepkin purchased one of the cottages in 2019. “My kids learned how to ride their bikes here.”
According to Cape May County records, the dollhouse lot first appeared on city maps as early as 1919, and was originally an open, undeveloped area. It is believed that the homes were first used as fishing cottages. The land changed hands multiple times until the first dollhouses were built in 1927.
On Nov. 11, an open house was held at two of the Dollhouse Lane cottages. Before the front doors opened, lines were already forming down the street. Ginny Chappell is the owner and caretaker of Grayce, a quaint original beach cottage listed for vacation rentals on Vrbo. “It’s wonderful to see the interest,” she says. “These are tiny homes and people want to tour them.”
Upon arriving at Grayce, guests will instantly feel a sense of warmth and coziness. The front porch is the perfect place to start your day. Sip on a morning cup of coffee and watch a new day begin while sitting in an Adirondack chair. The living room provides a nice atmosphere for entertaining or spending rainy afternoons, while the semi-private backyard alcove is the ultimate setting to grill dinner, sip on a glass of wine, and watch the sunset.
This two-story, two-bedroom beach cottage is the perfect place to unwind or take a much-needed vacation. You can read a book in the meditation corner or relax by the macrame swing in the master bedroom. The house can accommodate up to four guests and is a short walk or car ride from Ocean City’s award-winning beaches.
Just a few doors down, Branning and Hepkin were busy welcoming guests into their home. The interior has recently undergone extensive renovations, with updated living space, kitchen, and bathroom. The property is set to be listed on Vrbo in time for Summer 2024.
Chappell says the day turned out to be a success “Everybody was very gracious.”
While there are many recollections about Wovern Place, such as its history as bayfront cottages to its current owners and guests alike, there is still plenty of chronicles left to be uncovered. Whether it is a simple photograph or ownership records, Chappell says the rich history of Wovern Place will come from the community. “There isn’t a lot on paper” she says, “but a lot of people have their own personal stories.”
From its well-preserved architecture to the carefully looked-after façade, its impressive splendor and quaintness, Dollhouse Row shares a special, albeit important, place among Ocean City’s history books.
Additional photos, content, and information can be found via the Dollhouse Row pages on social media. On Facebook, search for Grayce on Dollhouse Row, and follow @grayce_on_dollhouse_row and @girlondollhouserow on Instagram.
