The Hen Houses Wildwood NJ
One of the most luxurious, romantic lodgings in Wildwood isn’t an inn or even a hotel. And it’s not on the waterfront. It’s a cluster of 7 not-so-tiny houses that surround a heated pool – a Micro-Resort, if you will – in the heart of Wildwood, a couple of blocks from the ocean. Its name, The Hen Houses, belie the swanky aesthetic of these modern farmhouse-esque 2-story dwellings.
(Need ideas on what to do nearby? Check out our Wildwoods NJ post).
The style of these rentable houses contrasts with the Doo-Wop, Jetsons-like aesthetic of the motels and hotels closer to the beach. Those definitely have their place and are really fun.
But, if you’re a romantic couple and want a bit of privacy – or a family seeking their own 2-or 4-bedroom digs – book one of these homes for a week, a weekend, or longer.
The Hen Houses Resort is a subsidiary of MudHen Brewing (which also owns four nearby restaurants: the MudHen Brewing Co, Poppi’s Pizza, Dog Tooth Bar and Grill, and The Station House). Each domicile is named – and decorated – in reference to a MudHen Brew: so you can choose between the 2-bedroom Wildwood Haze, Holly Beach, Sea Tiger, Captain Doug’s, 1883, and Baker’s Double or the 4-bedroom MudHen Manor.
First Impression of the Hen Houses Wildwood NJ
On a quiet residential street, amid modest homes, the tidy mini resort seems like an undiscovered gem – totally unexpected. The group of homes surround a spa-like heated pool, which of course take center stage.
But, walk into one of the houses, and your first thought – or out loud exclamation – will most likely be “WOW.” That’s what I practically shouted upon entering my lodging, the Holly Beach House, for the night.
Holly Beach House
The 2-bedroom Holly Beach House, in keeping with a beachy theme, is breezy and fresh, with knickknacks like seashells and driftwood scattered about.
The first floor features a couple of upholstered couches, flat screen TV above a gas fireplace, dining table for six, and a contemporary kitchen in an open space.
Upstairs, I choose the bedroom with a pool view. It’s got a wicker bed topped with a voluminous white duvet, hardwood floors, and a window seat festooned with earth-toned pillows. The ambiance was soothing and tranquil, (especially off-season).
The pristine open kitchen is equipped with cooking tools and tableware. A few complimentary bottles of water await you in the fridge. And yes, it’s nice to have a kitchen on vacation, but should you wish to shirk cooking duties for a few days, and don’t want to go out, the abovementioned MudHen Brewing restaurants will deliver food and drink to your door, including Craft Cocktails! If all that won’t do, you can even hire a private chef to come and whip up something in your own home away from home.
The Hen House Amenities
The heated pool is open 9am-9pm. Beach cruising bikes are available comp to guests first come first served.
There are gas grills, a communal fire pit, and outdoor games, like cornhole around the pool.
Join a poolside Yoga session (free) in the summer months. The resort also offers beach gear free to guests (chairs, umbrellas, etc) so you can travel light.
An Immediate Community
Yes, The Hen Houses are individual townhomes and can be a private hideout for those who want to be left alone. But chances are, you’ll be drawn into a block party of sorts, as families barbeque, play games and gather around the pool – creating an instant neighborhood. Apparently, this happens time after time, with strangers becoming friends and then planning their next Hen Houses vacation together.
