Long Beach Island may be the Hamptons of New Jersey. But if you are looking for a hotel room, with few exceptions, you’ll be sweeping sand off the sheets in a low-rise family-friendly motel.

Soon, there will be a new alternative. And we predict you’ll like it.

Leave the kids with your mom and book a room at the Williams Cottage Inn (www.williamscottageinn.com) in Beach Haven this summer.

Pick one of the eight brand new, luxury rooms and baths just a few doors down from the ocean in a historic house that was rescued and renovated by a local family. None of them is the same; they range from romantic to Asian-influenced, from spa-showers to soaking tubs. Some have both.

The Innkeepers – a lovely couple, are living on-premises and right out of central casting. The home-baked butter Danish will fuel your island explorations.

Jim Blahut, whose family chipped in and bought the 1886 Victorian says it was in a state of disrepair, from its peaked roof to a porch which had been enclosed by windows, hiding the fascade.

With some family members acting as interior designers, others as construction workers, the Blahuts have re-created the details of past glory and added unpredictable features. We got a This Old House-like tour a few weeks ago.

“Twenty years from now I don’t want anyone to walk into this bathroom and say this is what they would have done in 2007, “ Blahut says.

It’s pricey, the rooms range from $325 to $425 in season. But then again, there are very few B&Bs on LBI. You’ll have to head north to Spring Lake, or south to Cape May, to find a full selection.

The Inn opens for business at the end of this month. If you go, let us know how you liked it.

We saw the work in progress. We think you’ll enjoy this new Old House.