Enjoy the Rich Heritage of the U.S. Golf Association Museum

Among the many wonderful aspects of living in northern New Jersey are the local gems that are often located right in our own backyard.  Case in point is the United States Golf Association’s Museum and Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History, right down the road from the Far Hills Office of Turpin Real Estate.  It is located about two miles away at 77 Liberty Corner Road.

As well as being a valuable resource of golf history, the museum’s historic mansion is an architectural standout designed by John Russell Pope.  Now through January 31^st, visitors can view “Swing With The Stars: Golf and Hollywood.”  This exhibit displays vintage photographs of Hollywood stars and golf-related movie posters.

Visitors to the museum can also take in the mansion’s holiday decorations through January 9.  The circa 1919 mansion has been decked out by four area designers, including  Robin LaMonte of Rooms Revamped, Inc. in Basking Ridge and Sagri Frieber of Accents by Design in Bedminster.

A uniquely memorable destination, the USGA Museum showcases the largest and most significant collection of golf memorabilia in the United States. Interactive exhibits tell the story of the game’s development in this country, highlighting the greatest moments and greatest champions in the game’s history.

You are welcome to stop by our Far Hills office at 21 U.S. Route 202 before or after your visit to the USGA Museum to learn more about Far Hills real estate and the other exciting aspects of living in the Somerset Hills.

Turpin’s Oldwick and Mendham offices co-listed the sale of French Hill Farm in 2008, one of the most notable of all Mendham homes sales that year.  This Colonial farmstead on over 51 acres sold for $6.99 million to buyers who were interested in subdividing the land among multiple generations of family members.

Catherine Weinstock remembers that it was an interesting transaction.  “We have lots of stories about this sale of French Hill Farm.  The sheep were included in the sale which we thought was nifty.  It was purchased to become a family compound with a total of five houses for the family.  The setting and land was gorgeous.”

Karen Tourville also recalls this sale, “I second Catherine’s thoughts! We sold this farm to a family that made plans to build a family compound.  It was purchased by the parents, who have four grown children.  They really liked the property because of its size and the ability to build other homes for each of their four children.  As of today, the construction on three of the four homes is well underway.  They renovated the original Colonial home, and kept many of the outbuildings for use by the very large extended family that will be living there.  The sheep were a big attraction for the grandchildren, and were actually brokered with the deal!  We had to make sure that all the sheep in the flock survived until closing…no easy feat since the property was under contract for a very long time while the buyers were able to confirm that their future plans for the land would be approved by the officials in Mendham.”

The centerpiece of French Hill Farm was a four bedroom Colonial built in 1978 which was surrounded by eight outbuildings.  The property consisted of three contiguous parcels in the heart of Mendham.

Elegant Colonial in Mendham’s Oak Knoll Neighborhood

Buyers who are currently looking at Mendham homes for sale will be impressed by this authentic center hall Colonial in the township’s popular Oak Knoll neighborhood.  The true front-to-back hallway serves as a vital link in the home’s open floor plan.  Large rooms feature elegantly-designed interiors with hardwood floors, high ceilings, built-in cabinetry and intricate millwork.  

Main floor gathering areas are characterized by wood burning fireplaces in the living room and library, an updated granite kitchen with sun-filled dining area, a formal dining room, inviting den and screened in porch taking in serene wooded views.  Upstairs, five bedrooms include a lavish master bedroom suite.  The ten-room layout includes three full baths and a powder room.  An unfinished basement allows for future living space, if desired.

Built in 1973, this Colonial has been beautifully maintained and updated throughout.  Set on a generously-scaled five acre property, it is close to Route 24 and the historic village of Mendham as well as Morristown’s lively downtown for restaurants, shops and cultural events.  New York City-bound rail service is also available in Morristown.

January 4th Luncheon – “Social Security Numbers and Other Kinds of Frauds”

If one of your New Year’s resolutions for 2011 includes taking control of your identity—online and otherwise– consider attending a seminar titled “Social Security Numbers and Other Kinds of Frauds” sponsored by the Chatham Kiwanis.  This presentation by Mary Lloyd will take place at noon on Tuesday, January 4^th at Charlie Brown’s Restaurant at 522 Southern Boulevard in Chatham Township.  Guests are welcome to attend this informative luncheon.

The Chatham Kiwanis was chartered over 80 years ago on August 7, 1930. Members come from Chatham Borough and Chatham Township as well as Madison, Florham Park, Morris Plains and Livingston.  An active membership of 60-plus people support worthy local causes and present interesting programs two times a month.  Chatham Kiwanis are affiliated with Kiwanis International, a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time.

Chatham is a vibrant community where organizations like the Kiwanis are supported by local residents.  If living in a town like this appeals to you, call or visit Turpin’s Chatham office at 186 Main Street to learn more about Chatham homes for sale.

Turpin’s Far Hills office sold LuShan in Chester for $7.3 million in 2000.  A storied piece of New Jersey real estate, this hilltop estate was originally owned by Time and Life publisher Henry Robinson Luce and his first wife, Lila. 

Henry Luce’s time at LuShan, however, was short lived.  Shortly after its completion in the mid-1930s, he filed for divorce from his wife of eleven years when he fell in love with Clare Boothe Brokaw, a playwright and former editor of Vanity Fair magazine.  Lila Luce granted her husband a divorce with a heavy heart, keeping painted portraits and photographs of her first husband displayed at LuShan even after her second marriage to lawyer Sewell Tyng. 

Selling agent, Leigh Fenwick recalls that “The Luce property sale was fun!  The buyer cleaned the tile floor in the dining room and found two tiles that were hand painted by the two Luce boys when they were little.  The house was in terrible shape but the new owners made it into a real showcase.  The views were always fabulous.”

The grand Norman style manor was at the time sited on approximately 153 acres.  Noted architect Louis Adams of Adams and Prentice in New York designed the baronial home of limestone and washed aggregate blocks capped by a red tile roof.  Panoramic views from the garden terrace take in the peaceful countryside and the distant Manhattan skyline.

Extravagant details found within LuShan carry the personal stamp of its primary owner, Lila Luce.  A hedge maze she designed graces the rear of the property.  She attended to every aspect of the décor, from the rare books found in the library to the 18^th century Asian tapestries lining the walls.  A 15^th century French oak bench, an ornately carved 600-year-old chest of drawers, and antique wallpaper designed for a French king were some of her purchases.  “That house and all the things in it were her artistic creation coming to life,” noted daughter-in-law Ann Luce, the former wife of her son Peter Paul.

Lila Luce Tyng remained at LuShan until her death in 1999, several days after her 100^th birthday.  In 2000, the new owners re-named the estate Sycamore and brought the home into the 21^st century with renovations like central air conditioning, state-of-the-art telephone and security systems and electronic air cleaners.

For more information about this estate, see New Jersey Country Houses: The Somerset Hills, Volume  2, by John K. Turpin and W. Barry Thomson.

Condominium Living at Society Hill I

When considering all the Basking Ridge houses in today’s marketplace, a select number of buyers are opting for the maintenance-free lifestyle afforded by a condominium community.  This appealing end unit on the first story features one-level living with a two bedroom and two full bath layout.  Located in Society Hill I, it offers many of the amenities buyers expect to from a single-family home in a more efficient living space.

Inside, numerous updates and a neutral backdrop make this home a real standout.  New lighting fixtures and an abundance of natural light give a sense of openness and brightness to the floor plan.  Stainless steel appliances in the kitchen and updated baths are among the thoughtful features.  Since this is an end unit, there is plenty of sunlight and privacy, as well as outdoor space.  Sliding glass doors reveal a patio and lawn area for outside enjoyment.  The rear of the home overlooks woods and open lawns, adding to the serenity of the setting.

An established neighborhood built in 1987, residents of Society Hill I have use of an outdoor community swimming pool.  All exterior maintenance is handled by the homeowner’s association, such as snow removal and landscaping.  Its central location in Bernards Township’s Basking Ridge section is convenient to Interstate 78 and Route 287, making it ideal for commuters.

Turpin sold a magnificent Hunt Country estate for $7,350,000 in 2004.  Approximately 44 rolling acres provided a scenic backdrop for this stately 27-room Bedminster home for sale.  The majestic wooded and open property on Long Lane has distant views of the storied Somerset Hills.  A host of distinctive features characterize this expansive seven bedroom, eight full and two half bath country manor, a classic country property where no detail was overlooked.

Built in 1999, the Colonial Revival style home is reminiscent of the grand estates that were constructed in the area at the turn of the 20^th century.  An artfully detailed exterior is a graceful combination of whitewashed brick and painted cedar clapboard.  Traditional porticoes flank the main entry door, while the impressive exterior employs innovative details such as open colonnaded porches and a rounded brick tower.   The home’s interior seems to glow with the many windows illuminating its generously-scaled rooms. A gourmet kitchen is designed with state-of-the-art appliances and an inviting country ambiance.  Formal living and dining rooms, a game room and library each feature fireplaces as a focal point.

Located in its own wing, the master suite of rooms includes a spa-like bath with tub and steam shower, a dressing room, fireplace and two balconies.  In addition to the secondary bedrooms on this level, a guest wing on the third floor features a bedroom suite with a walk-in cedar closet.

Casual living space defines the finished lower level with an exercise room, recreation room, professional climate-controlled wine cellar, wine tasting room with fireplace, and workshop.

An oversized, heated in-ground pool and countless other fine details result in a one-of-a-kind estate home that brings luxury living to a whole new level.

Rare Land Offering in Mendham Township

When the inventory of existing Mendham homes for sale doesn’t suit your needs, maybe it’s time to consider creating your own estate home.  If so, the 10.07 acre property at Irene’s Spring Tree Farm could be just the opportunity you’ve been seeking.  As a custom-built enclave of classic residences, buyers are encouraged to bring their own plans to build the home of their dreams.  Amid the rolling scenery of open meadows, gentle hillsides, rambling stone walls and leafy forests, residents will enjoy an exceptional lifestyle that’s just minutes from major highways and shopping conveniences.

The building process is streamlined with the existing utilities already in place, including fiber optic (FIOS) cable lines, 800 amp electric service, underground gas and telephone lines. Additionally, all the land management, environmental considerations and paved roadways are already in place.

A very limited group of properties are available at Irene’s Spring Tree Farm, including this one at 9 Exmoor Drive.  Every new home will be situated on large-scale parcels of ten-plus acres.  Architectural guidelines are available and include time-honored styles such as classic revival, Colonial, Georgian, Tudor and others.

Irene’s Tree Spring Farm is an equestrian landmark in Mendham, and will continue its legacy as a prime residential community for those who are drawn to the area’s historic and central location in the heart of Morris County.

Hidden Pond Tree Farm a Local Treasure

If your holiday decorations include a fresh Christmas tree, consider a visit to the Hidden Pond Tree Farm located behind the Mendham Municipal Soccer Field at 4 West Field Road.  The festive atmosphere at the farm combines Christmas music, a free hayride to the tree fields, and free hot chocolate or coffee.  Customers can cut their own tree or choose from a selection of pre-cut trees.  Then warm up by the bonfire and toast a marshmallow or two.

Selections include Norway Spruce and Colorado Blue Spruce in the fields, or pre-cut Douglas Fir or Fraser Fir trees.  Family owned and operated, Hidden Pond Tree Farm is an annual favorite among Mendham residents and visitors alike, many of whom return every year for the fun-filled ritual of picking out a perfect Christmas tree.

Hidden Pond Tree Farm participates in Trees for Troops, a program providing military families with Christmas trees as a way to show support for their service.  This organization delivers more than 16,000 trees to military bases here and abroad.  Customers can purchase a tree for a military family at a special Trees For Troops price.

Visitors to the farm are charmed by the windswept fields and bucolic landscapes they see in Mendham.  We invite you to bring any questions you may have about Mendham homes for sale to our office, just a half-mile from Hidden Pond Tree Farm.  Make a right turn as you leave the farm and you’ll see the Mendham Office of Turpin Real Estate at 8 Main Street.

Turpin Real Estate has been involved with the sale of the splendid Appletrees estate in Bernardsville on two occasions.  In 2004, it was marketed and sold by Turpin for $7.4 million, fetching one of the highest prices of a Bernardsville home for sale that year.

Constructed in 1893 and altered and enlarged seven years later, Appletrees was occupied by the family of Ramsay and Martha Turnbull for close to 100 years.  The original architect is thought to be George B. Post, who designed alterations and additions to the home in 1900 and 1901.  The Turnbulls were early citizens of the Somerset Hills during the late 1800s whose contributions helped shape the community.  Ramsay Turnbull was a key proponent of improving roadways in and around the Bernardsville Mountain.

Beyond its status as the legendary Turnbull estate and the honor of working on an estate with such historic significance, Molly Tonero, who was involved in both transactions, says one of the most notable aspects of the 2004 sale was the surprise greeting she received when first going there with company president Jack Turpin for a price opinion.  “He and I were touring the house and opened a closet off the solarium (which was actually the dog’s kennel) and immediately out walked an Irish Wolfhound that was eye-to-eye in height with Jack and just on his way out…we didn’t know whether to put a saddle or a leash on him.”  It all ended on a high note, however, Molly recalls.  “(It was) a rather inauspicious beginning for a property that I then sold to a relocating buyer from Virginia who started out as a rental client. The property included a very quaint renovated cottage down the hill.”

For more information about Appletrees, see New Jersey Country Houses: The Somerset Hills, Volume 1, by John K. Turpin and W. Barry Thomson.