Woodedge Estate

It is not an overstatement to say Woodedge is one of the most historically important estates in the Somerset Hills.  Designed by George B. Post, one of the pre-eminent architects of the Gilded Age, this circa 1898 mansion in the borough of Bernardsville was presented to his son, William, as a wedding present.  William married Lilian Hood Adams, a daughter of the Confederate general John Bell Hood.

In fact, Woodedge is such a scenic estate that it was featured on the cover of New Jersey Country Estates, The Somerset Hills, Volume I, a pictorial history book written by Jack Turpin and co-author W. Barry Thomson.

Various members of the Post family lived at Woodedge until the 1990s, when new owners moved in and were respectful of the home’s structural integrity.  As experts in late 19^th century architecture and decoration, they appreciated its unique character.  Stately rooms and antique details have been meticulously maintained, and showcase many original features such as hardwood floors, four fireplaces, interior columns, high ceilings, arched entryways and oversized windows.

The architectural firm of George B. Post & Sons produced many high-profile commercial and residential buildings in the late 1800s and early 1900s, among them the New York Stock Exchange and the Collegiate Gothic-style City College campus in New York.  William Post played a leading role in the firm’s residential commissions, including many of the 30-plus homes in Bernardsville they designed. 

The stately, columned exterior of Woodedge belies its more relaxed interior, where one room opens directly onto another for an easy flow when entertaining.  Set on two separate lots comprising 12 acres, the country setting is enhanced by manicured grounds which are framed by a century-old allée of towering boxwoods.  Beautifully designed and classical in proportion, the elegant 17-room layout contains five bedrooms, four full baths and three powder rooms.  A long center hallway provides open sight lines and columned entries to some of the main gathering spaces.  The interior’s traditional aesthetic hasn’t been compromised with the addition of a newer kitchen and adjoining butler’s pantry, spa-like master bath and central air conditioning.

Woodedge is located about 60 miles from New York City, with Manhattan-bound train service available in downtown Bernardsville.  Newark Liberty International Airport is about 40 minutes away, and a network of local and interstate highways are an additional convenience.  World-class shopping, dining, recreational and cultural events abound in the region.

 Rarely does a home of this magnitude and significance become available in the Somerset Hills.

The Marble House

Every home tells a story, and a classic Georgian Colonial in the Hill section of Madison is no exception.  This vintage home has a remarkable history that dates back to the early 1900s.

Built in 1905, original owners A. Wallace and Alice Brown called their stately residence Marble House.  A. Wallace Brown was involved in the marble trade, and his liberal use of that signature material can be seen throughout the home’s interior and exterior.  The circular entry drive is marked by marble pillars, a low brick wall is capped in marble, and pergolas feature marble columns.  Marble front steps and exterior trim work are other timeless details.

A native of Newark, Brown attended Lawrenceville Academy and Cornell University.  After studying classical architecture in Athens, Greece for two years, he joined the George Brown Company, his father’s stone and marble work firm in Newark.  Five elaborately-mantled marble fireplaces were created especially for the home by the company, and they are still in working order.  The stately Grecian-inspired columns at the front entrance were no doubt influenced by Brown’s studies in Athens.

Brown designed the home himself, and commissioned John V. Corbett to build the mansion.  Corbett was well-known for constructing many important private and public buildings in Madison during that time period.

In 1920, the Marble House was sold to Hans Otto Schundler and his wife, Bertha Schundler. Mr. Schundler was one of the leading independent ship operators in New York City from 1921-1926. He was governor of the New York Shipmasters Club and one of the oldest members of the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

In 1946, Thomas English O’Connor and Adaline O’Connor purchased the house.
Mr. O’Connor was associated with the J.C. Penney Co. for 26 years.  In 1981, Jack and Ruth Glantz bought the house from the O’Connor estate. They had the property subdivided and they renovated– but never lived in– the house.  It was sold to the present owners in 1982.

Today, this residence is a rare showplace filled with state-of-the-art updates while maintaining all the best aspects of its original style.  For those seeking a classic home in Madison, it represents a rare opportunity in one of New Jersey’s most-coveted locations.