Tomorrow night’s tricky tray in Basking Ridge is a great way to begin celebrating Halloween—and maybe even pick up a few holiday gifts along the way.  The Saint James Chapel auditorium at 184 South Finley Avenue in Basking Ridge will be the site for a Halloween Tricky Tray hosted by The Bonafides of Somerset Hills.  Scheduled for Saturday, October 30, all proceeds will benefit local charities in Somerset County.   Doors open at 7PM for previews of the gift baskets, and the drawings will start at 8PM.  Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5.00, and every entry ticket is automatically put into the drawing for a door prize. 
 
About 200 gift baskets ranging in value from $50 to $200 will be offered for raffle.  Additionally, there will be several grand prizes including a Sony Blu-Ray disc player and a Nikon Coolpix 10.0 megapixel compact digital camera.  A 50/50 raffle, refreshments and fun are all part of this exciting event.

The Halloween Tricky Tray is sponsored by The Bonafides of Somerset Hills, a diverse group of women involved in the civic, social and moral issues concerning the Somerset Hills community. Organized in 1968 as an out-growth of Welcome Wagon Newcomers Club, the Bonafides have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years through various fund-raising events.  Local charities benefiting from the Bonafides’ volunteerism have included adults and children with special needs, senior citizens, first aid and fire protection agencies and a variety of community projects. 

The Bonafides have gained the local community’s respect and admiration for their good works, and have received recognition on the county, state and national level for supporting over 50 causes through contributions and volunteerism.  The Bonafides of Somerset Hills have over 80 members. Meetings are held at the Liberty Corner First Aid Squad on Martinsville Road.

For more information about the Halloween Tricky Tray of The Bonafides of Somerset Hills, call 908-647-1145.

Turpin represented The Barns at Gladstone, a handsome office complex located in Peapack-Gladstone.  The Barns at Gladstone were the brainchild of Finn Caspersen, the late philanthropist and business executive.  He had a vision to expand and convert an antique stone barn and additional outbuildings set on 1.55 acres into a picturesque commercial center along Main Street.  It is ideally located in the center of town, across the street from the New Jersey Transit train station.  Now a local landmark, the custom office campus is widely considered to be a masterpiece of form and function. 

The formerly rustic interior of the main stone barns played a major role in the transformation process; they were reconfigured with design elements typically found in a barn such as high beamed ceilings, loft overlooks, tin roofs and wide plank wood floors. A sun-filled conference room is an inspiring work space, accented with fieldstone walls and floors, rich wood paneling and oversized windows.  A large stone terrace connects to the barns for outdoor dining or special events.

The entire complex offers approximately 11,000 square feet of commercial space with T-1 connections and geothermal heat.  The barn building has an elevator, and there is on-site parking for 30 cars.  The Barns at Gladstone were listed and sold by Turpin in 2006.

Peapack-Gladstone resident Finn Caspersen was the former chairman and chief executive of the Beneficial Corporation as well as a major philanthropist and donor in New Jersey politics.  He led Beneficial for about 20 years before it was sold in 1998 to Household International.

The Barns at Gladstone are a good example of the varied offerings Turpin represents; while we are known for our residential listings, we are equally comfortable marketing commercial.  We can offer sound advice about a variety of aspects of real estate, whether it’s New Jersey condos, a mortgage broker recommendation, investment properties, office space or home for sale.

Surrounded by Parkland in Chatham Township

Location is key when investing in a home, and this stylish Cape Cod residence is enviably situated amid protected parkland in Chatham Township.  The two-acre surroundings border the Loantaka Brook Reservation along the rear property line and preserved lands of the Harding Trust on one side.  Living here ensures that future development won’t be a factor due to the protected acreage defining the home’s borders.

This inviting residence is set far back from the road on an open, level lot.  Adding to the serene surroundings, the private rear yard includes an in-ground pool, stone patio, gazebo with lighting and an elevated wood deck with hot tub.

A roomy six bedroom, three-and-one-half bath floor plan is joined by a three-car garage.  Four upstairs bedrooms are separated into two wings, with two bedrooms and a full bath in each section.  The lavish master bedroom suite is conveniently located on the main floor, offering the option of single-story living.  As well, there is a first floor office which could easily be used as a sixth bedroom.

Generously-scaled gathering spaces include elegant formal living and dining rooms, a great room and connecting solarium fitted with a wet bar, a gourmet eat-in kitchen, and a loft area above the garage featuring a Juliet balcony.

Below is some information about the bordering parkland:

Loantaka Brook Reservation is comprised of over 570 acres, including about five miles of trails for jogging, biking, hiking, cross-country skiing and horseback riding.  There are also three ball fields and an exercise area that is universally accessible within the reservation.  Areas of the park include Seaton Hackney Stables, the South Street Recreation Area, the Loantaka Way trail access area and Loantaka Brook Park at Kitchell Road.

The Harding Land Trust continues the land conservation legacy of the township’s 19th and 20th century landowners and farmers. Since 1990, the Land Trust has acquired over 300 acres of property and conservation easements in the community. The organization is committed to preserving the township’s open space for both aesthetic and ecological reasons.  Working with township officials, residents and conservation experts, the Harding Land Trust continues to successfully protect environmentally-sensitive land.

A restored antique farmhouse for sale in Chester Township will forever be connected with Hollywood since it was once owned by James Gandolfini, aka Tony Soprano of the HBO’s acclaimed television series, The Sopranos. 

Sold by Turpin in 2001, listing agent Rose Murphy recalls that Gandolfini was attracted to the home’s early American history and Colonial design elements.  “He loved the fact that it was an antique home with large rooms and high ceilings, which is rather rare in the very old houses. Jim loves old houses. It also gave him the space and calmness to rehearse lines for the Soprano show when he was there by himself. After all, it was across from Hacklebarney State Park.”

The farmhouse is charming example of Chester real estate; featuring a four bedroom, two and a half bath layout, it was set on over five acres with a potting shed/greenhouse, horse corral and sheep pen.  At the time of the 2001 sale, it was listed at $1.175 million.

A Bergen County native, Gandolfini also had an affinity for this part of New Jersey.  “He loved driving the roads of Chester like Black River road and the convenience of shopping at the Chester Shop-Rite,” Rose Murphy explains. “Years after he sold the house, he would say to me, ‘I wish I had never sold that house. I loved it.’”

Gandolfini was gracious about his experience working with Turpin when he was quoted in a company newsletter about the sale.  “The working relationship with Turpin was a very positive experience.  Rose understood what we wanted and did not waste our time.  Turpin did all that was possible to protect our privacy and anonymity throughout the entire process, and that was just as important to us as finding the right home.  We achieved both purchasing this property through Turpin.”

Sophisticated New Vernon Colonial

Set far back from the road, an appealing New Vernon home for sale is sited on four scenic acres of magical grounds.  White gates mark the entrance drive to this traditional Colonial fashioned of whitewashed brick and cedar shakes with a classic covered portico front supported by white columns.  Surrounding the home are leafy trees, rolling lawns and specimen plantings, which are dramatically accented by landscape lighting at night.

Originally built in 1957, this sophisticated home Whas been gloriously updated through the years while still retaining its delightful vintage charms.  Large rooms, leaded glass windows, hardwood floors and classic millwork are among the characteristic details inside.  Several additions in the ensuing decades have enhanced this spacious, light-filled home.  Large gathering areas are ideal for entertaining large groups, while smaller spaces within the layout invite quiet contemplation.

This home’s dramatic point of entry is a wide foyer with an elegantly curved staircase detailed with wainscoting.  A walk-in closet and stylish powder room adjoin the foyer.  Formal areas of the home include a firelit living room, a dining room with a hidden stairway to the wine cellar, and a sun-filled garden room fitted with three walls of windows.  This room overlooks and opens onto a brick and flagstone terrace through multiple sets of French doors. 

Also adjoining the oversized garden room is a well-appointed gourmet kitchen.  Another large gathering area is the beamed ceiling family room designed with rich wood paneling and a brick fireplace.

Upstairs, the privately situated master bedroom is set away from the other bedrooms on this level.  It contains the home’s third fireplace as well as a dressing area and full master bath.  Four more bedrooms are joined by two full baths to complete the second story. 

On the lower level are two bonus rooms, another full bath, and a wine cellar.  This delightful New Vernon home has one of the most desirable addresses in Harding Township, adding greatly to its appeal.

Sold by Turpin in 2001, the Mediterranean-style Faircourt estate ranked among the top transactions of all Bernardsville homes for sale when it was listed for $3.6 million.  Its handsome stucco façade is detailed with balconies, gables and a Ludovici red tile roof capped with seven chimneys.   Situated on 13 acres, it enjoys a location on the celebrated Bernardsville Mountain.

Unique to Faircourt is a paneled Pheasant Room, where a ceiling of polychrome squares was each painted with a different species of pheasant.  Other highlights include a grand marble staircase, rooms and halls of marble flooring, a 27-by-40-foot ballroom, stained glass windows and deeply carved moldings accented with gold leaf.  Local Italian artisans created detailed Rococo ceilings. 

Faircourt, earlier called Blythewood, was designed by Henry Rutgers Marshall and built for Henry and Mabel Kunhardt in 1897 on 175 acres.  After the property was sold to Anthony and Susie Kuser in 1916, the architectural firm of Hoppin & Koen designed extensive alterations and additions.  The Kusers renamed the estate Faircourt after their previous home nearby.

The Kuser’s son, Dryden, married Brooke Russell (later Brooke Astor), and the newlyweds lived for a while at Faircourt.  One night while the household slept, Brooke, Dryden and others in the house were chloroformed and Brooke’s jewelry, including an engagement ring which was slipped off her finger, was stolen.  Culprits were never found.

In 1961, company founder Virginia Turpin was involved in negotiations for Faircourt.  An old telegram in the company files reveals how the buyer made an offer of $150,000, just $5,000 off the asking price at the time.  The estate’s low price in 1961 was partially based on the economic theory of supply and demand in New Jersey real estate.  Grand homes like Faircourt weren’t in vogue during the 1960s based on the economy of the day; buyers simply couldn’t afford the property taxes, heating bills or staff needed to keep such large properties.  Interest in estates was eventually renewed during the mid to late 1970s, when sales of so-called White Elephants began to increase.

For more detailed information about Faircourt, read New Jersey Country Houses: The Somerset Hills, Volume I.

Carefree Townhouse Living at The Polo Club

The adjectives that immediately come to mind when considering this townhouse include stylish, maintenance-free and convenient.  The Polo Club is a well-kept secret in Far Hills real estate, offering a carefree yet sophisticated lifestyle in the Somerset Hills.  Tucked away in a quiet enclave setting, it is walking distance to the Far Hills train station and village shops.

An end unit with many amenities of a single-family home, this residence presents an ideal opportunity for empty-nest or downsizing buyers.  The sunny layout offers two bedrooms as well as a second floor den, three full baths and a powder room on three levels.

A spacious ten-room floor plan includes two fireplaces, high and cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors and an open flow from one room to the next.  The finished lower level contains a generously-sized finished bonus room– presently used as office space– and a full bath.

Manicured grounds and a paver front walkway characterize the townhome’s inviting covered entry, which is supported by classic white columns.  The front door opens to a bright, airy step-down living room anchored by a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. In the cathedral ceiling family room, a second fireplace is an elegant focal point with its painted white wood mantelpiece.  Special occasions or everyday meals are equally at home in the dining room.  The appealing eat-in kitchen is clad in all white cabinetry with some glass upper doors and white-paneled appliances for a seamless look.  A rear deck is ideal for outdoor dining, with wooded views and steps to the yard.

Upstairs, the master suite with walk-in closet has a private, full bath with oversized glass door shower and angled whirlpool tub.  Another bedroom, full bath and den complete this level.
 
Other amenities in this immaculate townhouse include an attached two-car garage, oversized windows, cedar storage closets, skylight, fire alarm and security systems.  Built in 1995, pride of ownership is evident in this residence, which features neutral paint colors and is in move-in condition.

The Prospect Point section of Lake Hopatcong in Jefferson Township was the site of a memorable transaction for two reasons.  First, it was a vintage 1945 summer log cabin on the shores of New Jersey’s largest lake, filled with original details and offering a dock and a boat house built using the same logs as the main house.  Second, the home was sold by the owners to benefit the Morristown Memorial Health Foundation.

The furnished cabin was donated by the original owners’ middle-aged children who had summered there their whole lives.  Sold in 2004 for above the $549,000 asking price due to competitive bidding, the lakefront cabin remained much as it was 60 years ago when it was built as a summer home with no central heat or air conditioning.  Listing agent, Alaina Pyontek, remembers the charm and character of the rooms, saying “The beds and dressers were built-in and the original owners had carved quaint sayings over the doors, like “Winkin” “Blinkin” and “Nod.”” 

The circular drive and grounds surrounding the cabin were planted with rhododendron and mountain laurels for an added measure of privacy.  Other memorable features Alaina remembers include a stone path down the backyard hillside to the lake, the one main floor room with a fieldstone fireplace, a small kitchen tucked away in a back corner, and a dining room set up on the back sun porch. “The basement was walkout; small, low-ceilinged, but not scary.  There was a stone patio under the overhanging main level porch, both offering breezy full views of the lake and passing boats,” she adds. New Jersey houses like this vintage cabin are few and far between, she notes.

Established in 1995, Morristown Memorial Health Foundation is a nonprofit, public foundation whose mission is to inspire community philanthropy to advance exceptional health care for patients at Morristown Memorial Hospital. The Foundation’s objective is to use philanthropy to preserve and expand the hospital’s programs and services in patient care, clinical research, medical and public health education, and preventive medicine.

The acreage surrounding this new Mendham home for sale was once part of the original Bernardsville Mountain Colony, which was established by wealthy New Yorkers in the years following the Civil War.  It was developed nearly 100 years ago by the Stevens family, who founded Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken.  The family was also closely involved in the advancement of steam-powered boats and trains at the turn of the last century. 

Set on over 12 bucolic acres, the opulent 8,000 square foot estate home contains five bedrooms, five full baths, a powder room and a three-car garage.  Delightful gathering spaces within the home are enhanced by wood flooring, four fireplaces and soaring ceiling heights.  The home’s sophisticated backdrop is perfect for either casual or formal gatherings.  Whether preparing meals in the center island gourmet kitchen, relaxing in the opulent master suite with private resort-style bath, or hosting a movie night in the walk-out lower level, this custom-designed residence has vast appeal.  A multitude of windows takes in majestic views of open green lawns and ancient forests.

The acreage surrounding this regal estate has a storied past.  Caroline Bayard Stevens Alexander Wittpenn was the first property owner.  The estate was later inherited by Caroline’s grandson, Archibald Alexander III, who had a distinguished career as treasurer of the state of New Jersey and Undersecretary of the Army for President Harry Truman. 

More recently, Irene’s Spring Tree Farm was owned by the Irene family, founders of Armada Health Care.  The natural beauty of its windswept acres has made it a memorable backdrop for everything from high profile fundraising events to a Ralph Lauren commercial. 

As this landmark property is transformed into an upscale residential enclave of estate-caliber homes, special care is being taken with site development.  Properties will measure ten acres or more to ensure privacy and land preservation.  In order for estates in the new community to harmonize with one another, an overriding architectural vision includes classic forms such as Colonial, Georgian, Tudor, shingle style, classic revival and others.

Turpin’s Far Hills Office successfully listed and sold the Sarah Condict Cottage in 2004.  The term “cottage” is a bit of a misnomer, since the gracious home is really a full-sized mansion designed by one of the country’s premier firms.

A George B. Post and Sons design, Sarah Condict Cottage on the Bernardsville Mountain was constructed as a summer residence in 1899.  Architectural features often seen in the firm’s works were included in this simple yet elegant Colonial Revival residence.  A two-story columned entry portico, strong classical details and roof rails enclosing a widow’s walk enhance the façade, which was fashioned from stucco and local fieldstone.

How the Sarah Condict Cottage got its name is a mystery.  Sarah Frances Condict (1859-1917) may have lived there briefly, however, her older sister’s name, Caroline Ellen Condict (1856-1949), actually appears on the deed.

The property surrounding the Cottage was once part of the Eliza Ballentine farm, which George B. Post purchased in 1871.  In 1899, Sarah’s sister Caroline bought nine acres from Post.  Research indicates that Post’s son William (a member of his father’s firm and credited with many Bernardsville home designs) drew up the plans for the Cottage.

Real estate records show that the Cottage was rented for $1,800 a year in 1902.  In 1904, five years after she purchased the land, Caroline Condict transferred the title to Edith Sands Graham, who retained it for the next 20 years.  Homeowners in the 1920s commissioned famous landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman to design gardens for the estate.  A perennial garden and fountain on the grounds are lasting reminders of her contribution. 

The Cottage exchanged hands several times in the decades that followed, gaining a reputation as a local treasure among Bernardsville homes for sale.  Extensively modernized through the years, the restoration work was careful to recognize Sarah Condict Cottage’s architectural integrity.  Today, about six acres surround the Cottage and amenities include a pool, tennis court, barn with apartment and several other dependencies.