As far as we know, Turpin Real Estate’s record-breaking sale of Dunwalke still stands as the most expensive home not only for Bedminster real estate, but in all of New Jersey. 

Dunwalke was originally built for renowned Wall Street financier Clarence Dillon and his wife, Anne.  Dillon headed the successful investing firm of Dillon, Read & Company, Inc.

Completed in 1928, the construction of Dunwalke took two years and was built by the Matthews Construction Company of Princeton.  John Cross, a friend and chief architect of the New York firm Cross & Cross, was chosen by Dillon to design the home.  Dillon proposed five rooms arranged on the first floor so that no room opened onto the other.  When Cross created a pencil sketch on the tablecloth while the two were having lunch, Dillon hired him on the spot. 

Nearly five years was spent in the planning and design of Dunwalke as well as searching for the materials to complete it. A grand curved staircase looks deceptively as if it is suspended in air, although it is actually attached to the wall at two places.  Anne’s morning room had Colonial period paneling from a house on the James River in Virginia.  Six bedrooms featured mantelpieces imported from England, and some of the exterior bricks are historic, having been rescued from the ruins of an 18^th century home in Virginia built by George Washington.

The Georgian Revival style home contains impressive room sizes: the dining room measured 36 by 20 feet, and the music room has equally spacious dimensions. The finished mansion encompassed 20,000 square feet of living space with seven bedrooms and seven baths.  Among the many outbuildings on the estate is athletic building with indoor tennis courts and a swimming pool pavilion. 

 More detailed information about Dunwalke can be found in New Jersey Country Houses, The Somerset Hills, Volume 2, by John K. Turpin and W. Barry Thomson.

Recently reduced, this enchanting home represents Far Hills real estate at its most charming.  Built in around 1850, architectural elements from the Victorian and Colonial periods combine in an appealing way.  Set on top of a gently rising knoll down the street from Ravine Lake, the captivating .75-acre property presents brick pathways, green lawns, a seating gazebo, tiered landscaping, stone walls and an in-ground pool bordered by an entertainment-sized brick terrace. 

Outbuildings are painted to match the red clapboard exterior of the main house and include a storage shed and garage with loft storage.  A wide, covered front porch is a perfect place to take in the rolling scenery that surrounds this welcoming home.

An eight-room floor plan includes three bedrooms, two full baths and a powder room.  The master bedroom contains a dressing room and full bath.  Gathering areas within the home include a living room with fireplace, formal dining room, den, family room and country kitchen.  Outbuildings provide garage parking for nine cars.

Other features of this home are partial, unfinished basement, private well water and septic, multiple zones of central air conditioning and hot water baseboard oil heat.

This inviting Far Hills home has been reduced to $795,000.  Set on a winding country road, it is conveniently located minutes from Routes 202 and 206, Interstate 287, the Far Hills train station and the shops and restaurants in Far Hills, Peapack-Gladstone or Bernardsville.

Turpin Real Estate represented both the listing and sale of this stunning New Vernon home in 2006.  Originally known as Still Pond, it is a sentimental favorite since it is the childhood home of Jill Turpin, a sales associate in the Bernardsville Office and wife of company president, John Turpin. The couple first became acquainted while in high school, and spent much time together at Still Pond, where John occasionally did odd jobs for Jill’s family.

Still Pond, now known as Pleasantview, is located in the estate section of New Vernon in Morris County’s Harding Township.  Set on 9.76 acres, the whitewashed brick manor home capped by slate roofing is approached by a classic circular drive.  Georgian Colonial style is enhanced by traditional shutters, twin chimneys and a balanced, symmetrical façade typical of this architectural genre. 

The current owners of Pleasantview have performed a world-class renovation on the beautiful property, bringing it into the 21^st century while maintaining the home’s architectural integrity.

Built in 1930, the expansive 18-room floor plan contains five bedrooms, five full baths and six powder rooms.  The surroundings present green lawns framed by mature trees and thoughtful landscaping.

Situated on 3.1 level acres in the scenic Washington Valley section of Mendham Township, this all-new stone and stucco-accented manor home awaits the future owner’s distinctive finishing touches.  A rare opportunity exists in terms of both value and location; this custom home is just minutes from historic Morristown for the New York-bound train, shopping, dining and more.  Completion of this exceptional residence is on schedule for a quick closing.

 Inside, the 13-room open and flowing floor plan consists of five bedrooms, four full baths and two powder rooms.  Garage parking for three cars is an added bonus.  Starting on the main floor, well-appointed gathering areas include a formal dining room, chef’s center island kitchen, breakfast room, formal living room, family room and library.  Stone, tile and wood flooring add depth and character to the inviting rooms.   Upstairs, the spacious bedrooms overlook the open and wooded property.  Stylish baths are fitted with remarkable fixtures and finishes.  The basement offers walk-out access and can be finished for future living space.

 State-of-the-art home systems include multiple zones of gas hot water heat, central air conditioning, central vacuum, well water, private septic and underground utilities.

 Buyers who are looking for new construction with near-immediate occupancy will want to investigate this outstanding custom-built residence.  Representing a wonderful value at $1,950,000, this Mendham home for sale exceeds all the requirements of an ultimate dream home.

Turpin Real Estate is one of the sponsors of Beyond The Walls’ 5K race and one-mile walk/fun run tomorrow.  This event takes place at Natirar, called “A Crown Jewel of New Jersey’s Open Spaces.”  Making the race extra special is the fact that this is the first such event to be held at Natirar.  Adding to the festive atmosphere will be live music by Scrambler.  There are plenty of seating areas throughout the course from which to observe the beauty of Natirar while cheering on the racers.

Spread out among the neighboring municipalities of Far Hills, Bedminster and Peapack-Gladstone, Natirar is the historic 411-acre former estate of the King of Morocco.  It was originally occupied by Kate Macy Ladd (heir to the Macy’s department store) and Walter Graeme Ladd.  The property features panoramic vistas of open lawns, forests, as well as farm buildings, residential structures and outbuildings dating from the mid-18^th to the mid-19th centuries.  The Peapack Brook and the North Branch of the Raritan River run through the property.  Today, the land is owned by the Somerset County Park Commission.

Registration begins at 10:30am and the one-mile fun run/walk is scheduled for noon.  Dogs are welcome to accompany their owners on this fun run.  There will be awards for the top three male and female finishers under the age of 13. 

 The 5K race begins at 12:30pm.  Awards will be given for the top three male and female runners overall.  Specific age group winners for the 5K race will be for the top three male and female runners 14 years or under and those age 15 to 19, and for those in five-year increments from 20 to 80 and above.  The awards ceremony will take place as soon as the 5K race is completed.

Beyond The Walls is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making substantial long-term impact in the lives of the poor and disadvantaged through focused opportunities in the community, the country, and the world. They believe meaningful impact is achieved by focusing on the physical, relational and spiritual needs of those they serve. This holistic approach addresses a variety of needs: education, food, housing, medical care, micro-enterprise, job training, and mentoring.

In addition, Beyond The Walls encourages, empowers and inspires volunteers “to whom much is given” to be the agents of change in these under-resourced communities by connecting them to relational, hands-on-service.

Turpin is proud to sponsor this exciting event and welcomes all observers and attendees to visit their nearby Far Hills office for the latest information about Far Hills real estate.

The Cottage is a captivating lodge-like residence that was once part of the Appletrees estate on Bernardsville Mountain.  Turpin has represented the sale of this property on three occasions, and it is presently on the market for $1.6 million.  While there are many Bernardsville homes for sale in today’s marketplace, few offer the abundance of local history and high levels of designer style found at The Cottage.

Completely renovated inside and out in the late 1990s, the circa 1900 dwelling incorporates details such as antique flooring, exposed timbers, and covered terraces overlooking the Somerset Hills.  Amid the five acres of property are a stocked pond, an English flower garden tucked into a courtyard, meandering stone walls and green lawns.

The Cottage’s handsome brick, stone and stucco exterior is capped by a wood shingle roof and resembles English Tudor architecture.  Sophisticated interior rooms with beamed ceilings and wood accents are warmly elegant.  An efficient six-room floor plan contains three bedrooms, two full baths and a powder room.

Built in 1893, the majestic mansion on the Appletrees estate that once contained this cottage was occupied by Ramsay and Martha Turnbull for close to 100 years.  Ramsay Turnbull was a civic-minded member of the Mountain Colony of Bernardsville Mountain in the late 1800s until his death in 1924.  A New York stockbroker by trade, he became involved in community issues, focusing his energy on improvements to local roadways when there was a lack of township funding.  In 1908 he was a founder, and also served many years as the chair, of the Road and Improvement Society of Mine Mount.  This organization financed the repair and maintenance of roads on Bernardsville Mountain using donations from local residents.  Turnbull was also a key person in the nearly 20-year campaign to establish Bernardsville Borough as a separate entity from Bernardsville Township, an event which occurred in 1924.

Ramsay Turnbull died that same year, although his wife, Martha, remained at Appletrees until her death in 1957 at the age of 94.  The property then passed on to the Turnbull’s daughter Helen, who was born at the estate in 1893 and died there in 1990 at 97. The 1990s represented the first time in almost 100 years the property passed out of Turnbull family ownership and into the New Jersey real estate market.

A sentimental favorite for sure, this lovely country home’s first owner was company founder Virginia Turpin.  She and her husband built their home in 1955, five years before Virginia established Turpin Real Estate.  It was sold by Turpin in 2000, and has recently been sold again, by Turpin’s  Bernardsville and Far Hills offices.

Altered, updated and renovated through the years, this home still retains much of its original charm and character.  Located on a quiet cul de sac street in an excellent Mendham location just south of the historic village of Mendham, the private, park-like neighborhood consists of just 12 lots with a common park area as its centerpiece.  The 70-acre community was carved out of the former H. Rufus Eppler farm in 1950 for residential use, and each home enjoys a special setting. William and Virginia Turpin constructed their home across the lane from the common. Enhancing the magical three-acre setting are beautiful gardens, outdoor terraces, stone walls and inspirational views.

Inside, a spacious nine room floor plan offers four bedrooms, two full baths and a powder room.  Some of the changes to the original layout include the addition of bay windows for more natural light, turning the former garage into a dramatic high ceiling family room anchored by a massive stone wall fireplace, a newly-created two-car garage connected to the home by a covered passageway, a new master bath and new master bedroom closets.  A re-designed kitchen was completely transformed using high-end fixtures and finishes.  In the formal dining room, a handpainted mural depicting Hunt Country scenes is a whimsical touch.

Virginia Turpin would undoubtedly be proud to note that an upstairs bath was special enough to retain its original design.  Buyers who are looking at Mendham homes for sale will not be disappointed in this enchantingly bright and airy home.

Pre-planning for pre-school is on the calendar in Chatham.  Those with a three or four-year old in the family should plan on attending the Annual Pre-school Night at the Library of the Chathams, which is coming up on Monday, November 8 from 7 to 8:30 pm.  Hosted by Chatham Newcomers and Neighbors Club, this free event is open to the public.

Those attending will receive an informative resource booklet outlining the local pre-schools, nursery schools and child care centers in the area. Representatives will be on hand from these schools and organizations to answer your questions and offer a variety of details and literature. 

In addition to their popular Pre-school Night, the Chatham Newcomers and Neighbors Club offers many other activities throughout the year such as a book club, ladies night out, playgroups, and special events like wine tastings, golf outings, progressive dinner parties and more.  This non-profit organization is open to both new and longtime residents who would like to meet new people and become more involved in their community.  The group also supports residents in need and promotes local businesses.

The Library of the Chathams is located at 214 Main Street in Chatham. Residents of Chatham Borough and Township, as well as Morris County residents, are welcome to use the library’s facilities. The library is a member of the Morris-Union Federation of Libraries, which means cardholders’ privileges will be cross-honored at several libraries in Union and Somerset counties.

Chatham’s focus on community spirit is clearly demonstrated by organizations like the Chatham Newcomers and Neighbors Club and The Library of the Chathams.  If you are thinking about relocating to this charming town, or would like to learn about Chatham homes for sale, we are just a phone call or e-mail away.  Our Chatham location at 186 Main Street is right in the heart of town and a great place to start your real estate search.

Gracious Manor in the Heart of the Roxiticus Valley

Everything about this Mendham home speaks of elegance and beauty.  Award-winning architects Beer & Coleman envisioned this gracious manor, which was built on 5.21 rolling acres in 2006.  Three levels of living space contain 19 rooms, including seven bedrooms, six full baths and a powder room. 

High levels of luxury and detail characterize the home’s amazing gathering spaces.  For instance, an all-white Leonardis-designed kitchen, Schonbek lighting fixtures, Horus and Herbeau designer faucets, six fireplaces and intricate moldings are just a few of the notable features. 

Other spectacular amenities include:
• A dramatic two-and-a-half story grand entrance foyer
• Calcutta white marble surround fireplace in the living room. 
• Music alcove connecting to the rear foyer
• Cherry-paneled library with attached side porch
• Sun room adjoining an oval-shaped veranda
• Stunning Leonardis kitchen featuring upscale cabinetry from Downsview
• Butler’s pantry with open bar and honed black marble counters serving the family room and dining room
• Five en-suite bedrooms upstairs
• Opulent master suite in a separate wing offering a fireplace and spa-like bath
• Finished lower level with four-room guest suite, plus billiards and exercise rooms
• Heated Gunite swimming pool with jetted spa overlooking country views

The grounds contain curving stone and brick walls, green lawns, mature trees, an oversized parking court, and a detached two-car garage with storage loft to supplement the home’s attached two-car garage.  Ultimately, this is one of the most special offerings among Mendham homes for sale you are likely to find.  It is at once stylish and inviting, making it a rare opportunity.

Completely Updated Basking Ridge Colonial

Two years ago, this Basking Ridge home experienced an amazing transformation inside and out.  The result is a custom Colonial filled with sophisticated details on three distinct levels.  Sited on just over one acre of landscaped property, this home was originally built in 1970 and is located within an established neighborhood.  A complete re-design involved expanding the floor plan and adding a host of new design features during the thoughtful rebuilding process. 

Today, the light-filled layout includes four bedrooms, four full baths and a powder room. On the finished lower level, a side entry reveals a bonus area which could be used as the home’s fifth bedroom, with a connecting full bath and a private living room.  This area would be ideal for use as a guest or in-law suite. 

Beautifully-proportioned gathering spaces within the open floor plan lend themselves to entertaining and everyday living.  Updates in the baths and the gourmet kitchen are both innovative and stylish.  The remodel of this home incorporated lots of closet space and a multitude of windows and doorways to showcase the surrounding park-like grounds.  Fireplaces add warmth and charm to the spacious family room and lavishly-appointed master bedroom.  A fenced garden at the rear of the home offers a serene fountain, seating patio, leafy trees and green lawns, while the open front porch is a quiet spot for reading a book or relaxing amid the natural scenery.

Approached by a classic circular driveway leading to the three-car attached garage, this Colonial is close to the New Jersey Transit train station in Lyons and the community swimming pool in Pleasant Valley Park.  The future owners will enjoy the small-town feel of Basking Ridge as well as the commuting convenience that comes from being near Interstate highways 78 and 287.