Using architectural elements that call to mind the modern home designs of Frank Lloyd Wright, the exterior of this striking contemporary home in the borough of Bernardsville, New Jersey is characterized by wide overhanging eaves, sets of horizontally-placed windows and simple, clean lines. Numerous windows and sliding glass doors illuminate the floor plan with sunlight while providing an easy indoor-outdoor flow in this contemporary home.  An outstanding 17-room floor plan includes six bedroom suites with private baths and three powder rooms.

This impressive contemporary home is situated on two lots totaling 11 acres. The property is enhanced with established perennials and specimen trees which are protected by fencing.  An outdoor tennis court and an indoor pool are further amenities.

Like many contemporary home designs, the first floor offers the ease of single-story living in two separate wings. Dual mahogany doors reveal an entry foyer linking these private and public areas.

The public wing of this modern home features a step-down great room with three window walls and a towering fieldstone fireplace.  Opening from the foyer is a formal dining room leading to a chef’s kitchen.  Custom cabinets from Neff enhance the contemporary spirit of this appealing room, while a roomy pantry, laundry room and access to the four-car garage are nearby.  The kitchen is open to a family room, the perfect spot for casual gatherings. 

Also in the public wing—and a feature that sets this home apart– is an indoor Gunite swimming pool, a design element that lends a resort atmosphere to this delightful modern home.

On the opposite side of this contemporary home is the private wing, where five bedrooms each provide an adjoining full bath.  Among the bedrooms is a four-room master suite with his-and-hers baths and a comfortable sitting room.

Finished living space on the lower level includes the modern home’s second family room, an exercise room, bath with sauna, workshop, home office, craft room and wine room with a display and tasting area.  Finished and unfinished storage areas complete this level.

Bernardsville is one of central New Jersey’s most sought-after locations.  With a rich history, natural beauty and access to a network of local and interstate highways, the borough attracts residents who appreciate a convenient locale and rarified atmosphere.

Resort-Style Contemporary Home in Mendham Borough.

The phrase “vacation at home” applies perfectly to this outstanding contemporary home in Mendham Borough, New Jersey.  With an in-ground pool, one-bedroom pool house and Ken Dye-designed golf facilities, the lush 9.32 acre surroundings rival those of an upscale resort.  Distant views and professionally landscaped grounds provide a verdant backdrop for the custom-built three bedroom, four bath modern home set at the end of a long circular drive.  No need to fight weekend traffic to a far-flung destination since this contemporary home’s central location in Mendham Borough offers an easy commute thanks to a network of easily accessible highways.

A wide open floor plan takes in panoramic views of preserved state land and gently rolling hillsides from many oversized windows, glass doors and the entertainment-sized brick terrace spanning the rear of this stunning contemporary home.  Lavish entertaining areas are balanced by private spaces, resulting in a comfortable, inviting ambiance throughout.  Highlights include a generously-scaled living room with a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, formal dining room, granite and cherry chef’s kitchen, opulent master suite, and finished lower level with distinct media viewing, exercise and recreation rooms.

Adding to the long list of desirable features characterizing this property is a spacious, sunlit pool house containing a living room, full kitchen, bedroom and two full bathrooms.  Ideal for summer parties or visiting guests, the pool house overlooks the heated freeform pool with integrated spa.  Of special note are the golf facilities offering two par three or four holes and challenges such as sand traps and bunkers.  An irrigation system enhances the professional-grade course right at your doorstep.  Municipal utilities add to the carefree spirit of this inviting home.

Mendham Borough is one of New Jersey’s most-coveted addresses.  Located in Morris County just minutes from New York-bound commuter service in neighboring Morristown, Mendham is famed for its picturesque landscapes, historic village center and refined estate homes. 

Bold Contemporary House on the Bernardsville Mountain.

While Bernardsville is an area known for its many traditional residences and classic estates, there are numerous modern homes available the area, a fact that often takes buyers by surprise. Case in point: this finely-crafted modern home on a prime five-acre location atop the Bernardsville Mountain in central New Jersey. Equal measures of bold design and innovative architecture define the spectacular 20-room floor plan which is enhanced by four fireplaces, hardwood floors, high beamed ceilings, dramatic window walls and generously-dimensioned rooms.

Natural surroundings are beautifully maintained to showcase specimen plantings, rock walls, winding garden pathways and a charming lily pond. An entertainment-sized wraparound deck features a sunken hot tub and a gazebo for outdoor enjoyment. Classic wood clapboard siding and a wood shingle roof lend timeless appeal to this modern home set along a private country road. Distant winter views of the Somerset Hills and a long drive enhance this magical setting.

Built in 1988 with a seamless 2002 addition created by Brandeis Masselli, this contemporary home’s up-to-the-minute feeling is testament to its fine design. An open floor plan contains five bedrooms, four full baths and four powder rooms. Exceptional gathering spaces including an expansive foyer, a living room with walls of windows and a floating fireplace, and a dramatic loft space featuring beamed ceilings located above the kitchen and family room. An opulent first floor master suite contains a sitting room, balcony, fieldstone fireplace and two walk-in closets.

In the chef’s kitchen, complimentary design elements include modern cabinetry, granite countertops, a work island and tiered breakfast bar island, stainless steel appliances and soaring vaulted ceilings. An adjoining dining area takes design cues from a light-filled conservatory with its atrium glass walls and ceilings.

Remarkable amenities on the lower level include an indoor swimming pool, state-of-the-art 20-seat home theater, game room, wine cellar and exercise room. Completing the layout is a convenient guest or in-law suite with its own entrance. This modern home at 46 Post Kennel Road also offers a three-car garage with automatic openers and a Bernardsville luxury home with a Far Hills mailing address.

Much has been made about the poor home sales numbers from May. Nationally home sales plunged 30% in May, and regionally New Jersey saw a decline of 23% over May 2009, according to local market guru, Jeff Otteau. And so, while the recovery process reverses course both nationally and in our fair state, it is somewhat of a surprise, albeit a pleasant one, to see that Chatham real estate and Madison real estate are actually on the rise!

Indeed, Madison and Chatham home sales actually rose in the period from May 1, 2010 to July 1, 2010 about 32% above the same period last year. The icing on this good news cake is the fact that during that same period new listings were down slightly. Fewer homes coming to market- more homes going under contract: these are the trends that make for a market recovery!

For a current look at Chatham homes for sale click here, and for a look at Madison homes for sale click here.

Careful preservation, sensitivity to the environment and stately residences are the hallmarks of Hartley Farms, a planned residential community and national landmark in Harding Township, New Jersey.  Nationally recognized for its success in preserving properties of historic interest, it encompasses 171 acres of bucolic woods, meadows and hayfields near the village of New Vernon.

Listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places, Hartley Farms is the former estate of Marcellus Hartley Dodge (1881-1963), owner and chairman of the Remington Arms Company, and his wife, Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge. The Dodges moved to the farm the same year they were married, 1907.  Presidents Wilson, Hoover, and Eisenhower were all visitors to the estate, although not during their presidencies.

During its existence as a private estate, Hartley Farms housed the principal office of the Remington Arms Company, a firm that supplied 69% of the guns and ammunitions used by U.S. and Allied troops during the first and second World Wars.  The estate’s Polo Fields were the site of strategic discussions with the War Department on the design and shipment of these arms.  It was also the stage for the world’s largest one-day dog show (Morris and Essex Kennel Club), which was hosted by Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge on the Polo Fields from 1927-57.  The Morris and Essex Dog Show was actually the predecessor of today’s Westminster Dog Show.

After the death of Mr. Dodge in 1963, the property was purchased by Dr. Adrian T. Platt and his wife, Helen Hartley Platt, who maintained it as a private family estate and farm until 1997.  It remains the largest individually-owned historic district in Morris County, and the third largest in New Jersey.

In 1998, new homes began to be built in this remarkable enclave, and to date 14 exceptional residences have been constructed.  The Hartley Farms Plan adheres to architectural codes and a constitution of design guidelines used to influence the size and style of each dwelling.  A total of 32 land parcels sized from three to seven acres are contained within 122 acres.  Each lot configuration is designed to maintain open views and harmonize with the natural landscape and topography. A stunning example of just such a home, currently offered for sale, can be viewed on our website by clicking here.

Preserved land within the vast acreage includes a 14-acre polo field for recreational use, hedgerows, antique barns, meadows and vintage estate outbuildings.  Remington Forest is an ancient beech and oak forest for migratory birds which is protected against further development by the New Jersey Audubon Society.  A network of walking trails and several sports fields enhance the rolling vistas.

Hartley Farms is located three miles from Morristown or Madison, with train and bus service to New York City available locally.  Access to Route 287 is three miles to the north; Route 78 is eight miles to the south.  New York City is twenty-eight miles east and can be driven in an hour or less.  Newark Liberty International Airport is 25 minutes away, and Morristown Airport can accommodate private aircraft. Today, a limited number of scenic land parcels are available at Hartley Farms for those interested in making this historic estate community their home.