Homeowner Spotlight: Maria C., Manasquan
On a quiet canal in Manasquan sits an eye-catching, three-story home with unique style and character that beachgoers often complement.
“I’ll be sitting on the porch or raking pebbles, and people will stop and tell me what a beautiful home it is,” says Maria C., the owner. “It makes me feel good because it’s the exact home I wanted. I wouldn’t change a single thing.”
CMM built Maria’s custom home in 2019 and has kept in touch with her ever since. Built on pilings above the flood line, “The Brielle” has four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, an additional third floor that can sleep 10-18 people, spacious decks, a self-ventilating garage, and Maria’s personal design preferences throughout. Learn how the dream home came to life in this brief Q&A with Maria.
How did you find CMM?
It’s a funny story. I owned a condo up the street as well as the lot where my current home is built. One Sunday when I was biking with my sister-in-law through the area, we passed by this one home and I stopped. “That’s it,” I said. “That’s the look I’m going for. I need that builder.”
I knocked on the door as my sister-in-law rode away embarrassed. The homeowners were very kind. They gave me a full tour despite having company, along with permission to duplicate the home and contact info for CMM, their builder. Chris Amato’s dad, Paul, had built the home, and Chris had remodeled it after Hurricane Sandy. I told Chris I was going to be the easiest customer ever because I knew the exact home I wanted. But that home was built before Sandy, so we worked on my home’s slightly different design for a year and then it took another year to build it. Some easy customer!
Why build a custom home?
I’ve been a lawyer, business owner and workaholic for 45 years. I’ve had nice homes in the past, but never one that was custom-built, and so there were always little things in each home that I would have done differently. I wanted a place that would get me out of the office on weekends and make me embrace time at home. I also come from a large, Italian family and wanted to create a beach house where we could all gather—not fancy, but family.
What home features were important to you?
Eating space and sleeping space were musts. I also wanted a home that feels very fluid—a place you can just enter and enjoy. I love how the kitchen is connected to the dining room and then the outdoor space. Everything is comfortable and you have a beautiful view of the water. Fun fact: I’m a Yankees fan, so I suggested navy blue to anchor the interior. CMM took it a step further with line variations and patterns inspired by the Yankees’ pinstripes.
How was the home building process with CMM?
It was fun because I had ideas in my head—but I also knew when to let them take the lead and even trust their eye over mine. They are top-of-the-line experts, as are their subcontractors and vendors. Still, I had the final say and influence in every aspect of the home, from lighting to fixtures to colors, appliances, and all of the things that go into planning a custom home.
The design team was amazing. The staff was delightful. The communication was clear and constant. CMM learned my style and built on it. I couldn’t have asked for a better builder.
How does your custom home make you feel about life?
I did not come from a wealthy family. My parents were the children of immigrants. When I walk into my home and look around, I think to myself, “You’re a very lucky person.” I’m truly blessed to be able to have this home and grateful to CMM for building something so special to me.
What did you appreciate most about working with CMM?
When it came time to do the final walkthrough, Chris told me to make a list of anything that I felt was not 100% perfect. I said, “I’m a lawyer and I’m critical—are you sure you want me to do this?” And he said, “Yes, it has to be perfect.”
So, I made my punch list while he made his. When we compared the two, his list was twice as long. That’s the honest commitment and attention to detail you’re getting with CMM. And they’ve been my go-to for home maintenance ever since. Chris says, “It will always be a CMM home and you’ll always be part of the CMM family.”