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.