The $1 House That Became An Icon: 7 Secrets Of Cape May's Pink House (Eldridge Johnson House)
As of December 2025, the iconic Pink House in Cape May, New Jersey, remains one of the most photographed and beloved landmarks in the entire Cape May Historic District. This vibrant structure, officially known as the Eldridge Johnson House, is no longer just a private residence; it currently houses a popular women's boutique and fine antique jewelry store, giving visitors a rare chance to step inside a piece of living history.
The house's unique bubblegum-pink hue, intricate detailing, and prime location at the corner of Perry Street and Carpenters Lane make it an instant standout among Cape May’s famous "Painted Ladies." Its history is as colorful as its exterior, involving a prominent merchant, a dramatic relocation, and a surprising purchase price that cemented its status as a local legend.
The Untold History of Cape May's Most Photographed Home
The story of the Pink House is a tale of preservation and dramatic change. It is officially named the Eldridge Johnson House after one of its most prominent early occupants.
Eldridge Johnson (1838-1929) was a well-known figure in Cape May, a successful merchant, and a trustee of the local Presbyterian Church.
The house itself was initially constructed in 1882. However, its original location was not on Perry Street.
In a fascinating turn of events, the two-and-a-half-story structure was originally located at 225 Congress Street.
To save it from demolition, the Eldridge Johnson House was famously purchased for the symbolic price of just $1 and relocated to its current address at 33 Perry Street sometime in the 1970s. This extraordinary effort highlights the community's dedication to preserving Cape May’s rich Victorian architecture.
The house's historical significance was further immortalized when it was featured on the cover of The New Yorker magazine in 1974, ensuring its image reached a national audience.
A Masterpiece of Carpenter Gothic Style and Victorian Flair
The Pink House is a textbook example of the Victorian architectural revival that defines the entire Cape May Historic District. Its style is specifically classified as Carpenter Gothic.
This style is characterized by its use of wood construction, steep gables, and elaborate decorative trim, often referred to as "gingerbread."
The structure is a frame building with clapboards, measuring approximately 20 feet by 55 feet.
Its most striking feature is its two-story porch, which is considered by many architectural historians to be the most highly decorated porch in all of Cape May. The intricate scrollwork and spindle details are truly mesmerizing.
While the bold pink color is what gives "The Pink Victorian" its enduring nickname, the Victorians themselves would not have used such vibrant pink or lavender shades. These bright colors are a modern choice, part of the "Painted Ladies" movement that celebrates the fanciful nature of the architecture.
The house’s distinctive features, including its gable roof and detailed ornamentation, earned it a survey number of HABS NJ-853 from the Historic American Buildings Survey.
From Historic Residence to Modern Boutique
Unlike many historic homes that are only viewable from the street, the Pink House offers a unique opportunity for the public to step inside and experience the interior.
The two-and-a-half-story building is currently home to Victorious, a well-known women’s boutique and fine antique jewelry store. The boutique was established in 1994, and its operation within the Eldridge Johnson House ensures the historic structure remains a vibrant, active part of Cape May’s commercial and cultural life.
The commercial use of the Pink House provides a perfect blend of past and present, allowing visitors to appreciate the original architecture while shopping for modern and vintage items. The store occupies both floors of the historic structure.
The location on Perry Street, near the intersection with Carpenters Lane, places it right in the heart of the Cape May shopping and dining district, making it an easy and essential stop on any architectural walking tour.
Essential Entities and Facts About the Pink House
- Official Name: Eldridge Johnson House
- Nickname: The Pink Victorian
- Address: 33 Perry Street, Cape May, NJ
- Original Location: 225 Congress Street
- Initial Construction Date: 1882
- Architectural Style: Carpenter Gothic
- Current Tenant (2025): Victorious (Women's Boutique and Fine Antique Jewelry)
- Unique Historical Fact: Moved in the 1970s after being purchased for $1
- Key Feature: Considered to have the most highly decorated porch in Cape May
- Historical Context: Part of the Cape May Historic District, which is known for its collection of over 600 wooden Victorian homes.
The Pink House, whether you know it as the Eldridge Johnson House, The Pink Victorian, or simply the charming boutique on Perry Street, is a powerful symbol of Cape May’s commitment to its heritage. Its vibrant color and intricate Carpenter Gothic details continue to draw thousands of tourists and photographers annually, securing its place as a perennial favorite among New Jersey's coastal landmarks. Be sure to visit Victorious to fully appreciate the interior of this one-of-a-kind structure on your next trip to the Jersey Shore.
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