When Turpin successfully listed and sold Rathmelton in 2002, it was a landmark transaction among New Vernon homes for sale.  The beautiful estate residence is an authentic reproduction of a James River, Virginia plantation.  It was sold through the joint efforts of Turpin’s Far Hills and Mendham offices after having been listed in November of 2001 for $5.7 million.

The three-story Georgian style mansion on six acres was built by European and American craftsmen over a three year period, concluding in 1928.  Renowned architects Peabody, Wilson and Brown designed the home for New York financier and vice president of the Columbia Trust Company Howard Bayne, the namesake of Harding’s Bayne Park.  Rathmelton was named for the town in northern Ireland which was the birthplace of family patriarch Samuel Bayne.

According to then listing agent, Ashley Christus, the estate was built after the Bayne’s previous house burned down, so each floor was constructed of poured concrete—a fireproofing feature of the times– and the entire house is made of stone.  Architectural details that would be difficult to recreate today include 20-inch thick walls, tongue in groove teakwood flooring, teak over slate main stairway with teak banister, raised paneling, original silver wall sconces and silver and brass hardware.

According to a 1916 article in The New York Times, the property surrounding Rathmelton was originally part of Lord Sterling’s estate, and in the early 1900s a stone house built in 1782 by Gideon Riggs was still on the property.  The Times called the predecessor to Rathmelton “one of the oldest and most interesting landmarks in that part of New Jersey.  It was held by Nathaniel Armstrong and his descendants for several generations.”

The Rathmelton estate is approached by a long graceful drive, where it sits regally amid a grove of mature oak trees.  The acreage encompasses specimen trees, stone walls, a sunken garden with fountain and gazebo, and a stone and grass terrace overlooking the exquisitely landscaped grounds.  There is also a heated pool, two-stall stable and a charming pool house with stone fireplace.

In 2002, the Mendham Office of Turpin Real Estate handled the sale of Fox Chase Farm in Chester which had been listed for $5.8 Million.  Composed of 58 picturesque acres of orchards, pastures and woodland streams, the 22-room main residence was originally an old stone mill combined with a farmhouse.

The sale of Fox Chase Farm came about after much persistence and patience, notes Doris Ju, the selling agent from Turpin.  “My buyers had been looking for quite some time and just could not find that special house. However, as soon as we drove down the winding drive, over the babbling brook, and saw the stone manor house, we knew immediately that Fox Chase Farm was a very special property. I’m not sure when my buyers became totally enchanted with the house but I imagine it was sometime after passing the sugar maple house on our way from the main house to the beautiful new post and beam barn. The buyer turned to me and said, ‘I think this is it.’ Although Fox Chase Farm was a true manor house, stately and somewhat formal, they saw that it was also an amazingly warm and cozy country home and the perfect place to raise their four children.”

Transformed by Eberle Builders and Hiland Hall Turner and Associates Architects, the approximately 6,800-square-foot country mill built in the 1900s served as an unusual starting point for the majestic 13,000-square-foot manor.  Much of the exterior stone was reclaimed from the original structure or from old barns and hedgerows. New millwork was made on-site to duplicate original moldings.  Other materials were recycled for this authentic re-creation. The results are so seamless is that it is almost impossible to tell where the original house ends and the new one begins.

Additionally, landscape architects created perennial gardens bursting with color amid the stonewalled terraces and patios.  Five fenced pastures, a post and beam Amish-style barn, a riding ring, garage apartment, and a three bedroom stone cottage overlooking apple orchards are further amenities at Fox Chase Farm, truly a classic piece of New Jersey real estate.

The spectacular Bernardsville Mountain estate owned by real estate entrepreneur Dick Schlott was listed and sold by Turpin Real Estate in 2007.  Dick Schlott is known to many New Jersey residents as the founder of Schlott Realty, which he later sold to Coldwell Banker.  The fact that he chose Turpin to manage the sale of his home speaks volumes about the company’s outstanding reputation for successfully representing Bernardsville homes for sale.

Styled to reflect an elegant English manor home, this estate is sited on about 15 mountaintop acres.  Built in 1999, the 18-room residence includes five bedrooms, five full baths, two powder rooms, eight custom-designed fireplaces and an attached three-car garage.  Attached to the newer structure is the original home, which was completely renovated to become a large guest wing.  The exterior is an appealing combination of stucco, stone and ash beam, capped by a wood shingle roof. 

One of the unique aspects characterizing this home begins right at the point of entry, where a custom-created oak door is fitted with a leaded glass window and antique English hinges.  Interior appointments showcase a variety of unusual architectural details such as antique ceiling beams, hand painted murals, glazed walls and leaded glass windows imported from France.  In keeping with the British feeling of the home, an authentic bar from an old English pub is the focal point of a billiards room with ten-foot coffered ceilings.  In the luxurious master suite, a fireplace framed by a French limestone mantel is a charming centerpiece, while a secluded sun terrace, dressing room and opulent master bath with polished limestone floors are further amenities.

An outdoor living room and an outdoor dining or “folly” room set beyond an antique garden gate from France takes in wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.  Enhancing the bucolic setting are a three-bedroom guest cottage, two-bedroom carriage house, a 40-foot Roman-shaped swimming pool, formal English gardens and spacious bluestone terraces.

Moggy Falls Farm is a glorious expanse of Far Hills real estate sited on approximately 14 acres of rolling property.  This magical estate was sold by Pam Goss in the Far Hills Office for $5.6 million in 2005.  The stone manor home’s unique name comes from its location near Moggy Hollow, a 29-acre wooded stream valley at the neighboring Leonard J. Buck Garden.  Several cascading waterfalls on the acreage add to the serene mood of the surroundings.  Moggy Falls Farm was created for the owners in 1997 to replicate the look of the area’s exquisite mansions.

Vast living, gathering and entertaining spaces are found within the ornate 29-room floor plan.  Interior highlights include detailed millwork, exposed ceiling beams set into high ceilings, four fireplaces, arched doorways, hardwood and stone flooring and custom finishes designed by Butler’s of Far Hills.  Over 13,800 square feet of interior space provides five bedrooms, seven full baths and three powder rooms.

The classic approach –a long, private drive leading to a circular entry—showcases the majestic architecture of this imposing home.  Steeply pitched rooflines capped in wood shingles and the home’s massive stone faced center point flanked by dual wings give the structure an imposing appearance.  Linking the interior and exterior are large stone terraces and porches for outdoor entertaining.  These outside spaces take in sweeping views of manicured lawns, flowering tress and perennial gardens.  The elaborate pool complex features a gazebo, stone patio and meandering stone walkways.

Inside, a stunning collection of rooms includes an elaborate chef’s kitchen, observatory, garden room encased by stone walls, conference room, first floor master suite, in-law suite, and wine cellar.  Secondary bedrooms include the maid’s quarters with a living room, bedroom, full bath and kitchen.  A finished attic and lower level contain more square footage, such as the lower level’s media and recreation areas.  A home for the ages, Moggy Falls Farm is an outstanding example of New Jersey real estate.

Listed by Turpin’s Oldwick office for $5.95 million and sold out of that office as well, Tandabrook Farm near Pottersville in Washington Township represents the pinnacle of Washington Township real estate as well as equestrian property sales.

A rare offering in New Jersey real estate, especially in terms of its size and scope, Tandabrook Farm presents 121 acres of prime land including a 5,500 square foot main residence, a 1,900 square foot manager’s residence, and an 11-stall main barn with living quarters above.  There are two separate three-stall barns and seven in-and-out barns dotting the property.  Lessons or recreational riding are handled easily in an indoor riding arena with all-season cushioned riding surface, outdoor jumping arena, outdoor sand dressage arena, numerous cross-country jumps and fourteen fenced-in paddocks.  As a working farm, amenities include miles of riding trails, a four-bay garage for tractor storage, 2,500-hay bale production fields and a compost area.  Constructed in 1998, this New Jersey equestrian estate is a world-class facility.

Sellers George and Linda Tucker, who have since relocated down south, recall the transaction.  “Over the years we have purchased or sold four homes with Turpin Real Estate in Morris and Somerset County. Catherine Weinstock has represented us in three of these sales. The highlight was Catherine’s successful marketing of our horse farm in Pottersville about four years ago in a very difficult market. It was a unique property that would appeal to a very limited number of people in the equine community. In a short period of time, the Turpin office found a qualified buyer that would carry out the traditions of our beloved farm, and the purchasers have even become friends!”

Turpin Real Estate sold Sky Acres Farm in Bedminster for over $5 million in 2007.  Turpin’s  Oldwick Office was involved in the sale of this exquisite equestrian property set on 50 acres of preserved land in the heart of the Somerset Hills’ celebrated Hunt Country.  Located near the banks of the Black River, this property was a unique offering among Bedminster homes for sale that year.

The centerpiece of Sky Acres Farm is a gracious farmhouse built in 1999.  This home was designed by Jack Beyer of Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and Planners, the same group that planned the restoration of many famous New York City landmarks like Grand Central Station and South Street Seaport.  Classic exterior details such as cedar siding, a slate roof and front and rear porches enhance the welcoming feel of this inviting farmhouse.

A long winding gravel drive crosses over a rustic fieldstone bridge to the farm’s private setting which overlooks fenced pastures and pastoral countryside.  Extensive fieldstone walls, bluestone walkways and patios, and professional landscaping are enhanced by mature trees, native plantings and perennial borders.

An open floor plan features a gourmet kitchen, dining and living rooms anchored by fireplaces, two home offices, a spacious mud/breakfast room and laundry room.  Among the three bedrooms is a privately-situated master suite on the first floor.  Three full baths and one powder room serve this country property. 

Additional interior features call for hardwood floors throughout, custom paneling and cabinetry, central air conditioning, electric thermal heat, central vacuum and a back-up generator. 

As a true working equestrian farm, Sky Acres Farm has several outbuildings such as a six-stall horse barn with wash stall, tack room with washer/dryer, half bath and outside pressure washer.  Other dependencies are a two-bedroom cottage, a three-car detached garage, tractor shed with heated office and a chicken coop.

When the subject of New Vernon homes for sale is the topic of conversation, Glynden is typically mentioned as one of Harding Township’s premier estates.  Listed by Turpin for $6.5 Million and sold by Turpin in 2003 for $6.1 million, the transaction was handled entirely out of the agency’s Bernardsville office.

Glynden is located in the Van Beuren section of New Vernon.  Exceptional estates once owned by publisher Charles Scribner and clockmaker Seth Thomas characterize this section of the township.  Located on ten acres along Van Beuren Road, Glynden is a Norman Revival home featuring a handsome brick facade.

Historic records indicated that Glynden was built in 1929 and was originally a carriage house for the Tyvan Hall estate, which was the summer home of Mr. and Mrs. John Castles of New York City.  It was generously sized at the time with a three bedroom apartment for the estate’s chauffeur, a seven-car garage and a six-stall stable.

After World War II, Mr. and Mrs. Castles divided up the estate and sold the carriage house and surrounding acreage to Judge Thomas Walker and his wife Elizabeth.  The couple named their dwelling Glynden; Glyn stood for Thomas Walker’s middle name, and Den represented a stand of linden trees on the property.

Horse stables that once encompassed one side of Glynden have since been replaced with a formal dining room, hallway, living room, library and home office. A kitchen was added onto the home, using bricks from Boston to reflect the original architecture.  The third-floor play room features a soaring ceiling fitted with exposed beams and an old barn door leading to a storage area.

A central courtyard is embraced by the home on three sides; one side of the courtyard has two barn doors opening to the original garage, which is still in use.  The restoration of Glynden is a reminder that with boundless hard work, effort and determination, vintage New Jersey real estate is always worth saving.

The sale of The Meadows at New Vernon was represented by Turpin on both sides; it was listed by the Far Hills office and sold by the Bernardsville office.  The transaction took place in 2005 when it sold for over $4 million, making it one of the top New Vernon homes for sale at that time.

From its grand exterior styled with striking rooflines to its cheerful yellow wood shingle exterior, it is hard to envision that The Meadows had humble beginnings as a carriage house in the early part of the last century.  This converted carriage house was originally part of the Rathmelton estate mentioned in an earlier post.

One of the grandest estates in the area, the main home at Rathmelton was designed by celebrated architects Peabody, Wilson and Brown for New York financier Howard Bayne, the namesake of Harding’s Bayne Park.  Rathmelton was named for the Northern Ireland town and birthplace of family patriarch Samuel Bayne.

Set on 15 acres, The Meadows featured colorful interiors decorated by Mario Buatta, whose reputation for using vibrant prints earned him the nickname The Prince of Chintz.  Equally appealing were the grounds which contained spectacular gardens, a tennis court, barn, in-ground pool and cabana.

One of the things that have made The Meadows such a special place is its flag lot location along Village Road.  Approached by a quiet lane to the home’s entry, there is a large measure of privacy and seclusion.  The open, level property is fringed by leafy trees and green lawns, adding to the stately atmosphere.

Built in about 1900, the former carriage home’s spacious 13 room floor plan included five bedrooms, five full baths and two powder rooms.  An attached garage offered parking for five cars.  Updates through the years have included 21st century conveniences like underground lawn sprinklers and central air conditioning.

A custom-created shingle style home was sold by Turpin Real Estate in 2005.  One of the year’s most striking listings among all Mendham homes for sale, this memorable 23-room residence contains over-the-top details like a 38-foot indoor lap pool, sports room with Astroturf flooring, a concealed wine cellar and unique rooms located within a two-story turret. 

The home’s classic shingle exterior is accented with stone work and capped by a hand-split cedar shake roof.  Set on over 16 open and rolling acres with panoramic views of the Mendham countryside, outbuildings on the property include a barn and stone shed.

Interior appointments such as random width wide plank oak floors throughout the first and second floors, handcrafted millwork and antique-finished hardware are gracious touches.  Cutting-edge integrated home wiring was designed meet high technology needs.

Gathering areas invite gracious living.  A dining room is fitted with French doors to a bluestone terrace.  The living room is appointed with coffered ceilings, a fireplace and charming turret area.  In the library, mahogany paneling, fireplace and built-in cabinetry are stately details. Casual living space includes a playroom tucked beyond pocket doors and a family room anchored by a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. 

The kitchen encompasses a series of rooms, including a breakfast room and butler’s pantry.  Arched stone walls, radiant heated travertine marble floors and tumbled marble countertops are among the timeless design elements.

An indoor lap pool measuring 38-feet long is enhanced by a Jacuzzi spa, sauna and steam room, a stone fireplace and full bath/changing room.  The main floor continues with a guest suite and staff suite, laundry room and mud room.

Upstairs, the master bedroom’s focal point is a limestone-manteled gas fireplace with a built-in television above.  One of the two master sitting areas is located in a 15-foot turret with private balcony.  An opulent master bath adjoins.  A home office on this level connects to the library by a separate staircase.  Additionally, there are four more bedrooms, three full baths, a laundry room and spacious exercise room with balcony on the second story.

Beautifully-finished areas on the lower level include a billiard room with fireplace, media room, wine cellar with arched stone walls concealed behind stained glass doors, a kitchenette, sports room with Astroturf flooring and tempered glass window, and a crafts room.

Located in the premier Charolais Farm section of fine residences, Turpin Real Estate handled this Mendham home for sale in 2007 with an asking price of $6.75 million.  The home has somewhat of a legacy with Turpin, as then selling agent, Alaina Pyontek points out:  “Turpin was the selling (buyers’) agent when the builder sold to the first owners, then the listing agent when this house sold to the second owner, and the selling agent again when the current (third) buyer bought it. Turpin has been involved with every sale of this home.”

Alaina, now the manager of the Mendham office, remembers some of the features from her 2007 sale, “This is a very striking home with an unparalleled finished walkout lower level.  It also has a beautiful pool and pool house.”  The buyers used Turpin to sell their existing Chester home and purchase this one in Mendham, and Alaina reports that they are very happy Turpin buyers and sellers.

Set high on a hilltop to take in stunning panoramic views, the custom home was designed to replicate an English country manor.  It is situated amid over five professionally landscaped acres with stone wall, lush green lawns and extensive gardens. 

The 16-room interior offers six bedrooms, eight full baths and a powder room.  There is a suite on the main floor for staff as well as a master suite for the owners.

As Alaina pointed out, the lower level is majestically appointed with numerous amenities such as a luxurious home theater with surround sound and adjoining cigar room, a temperature controlled wine cellar, a mirrored exercise room, conference room, pub-style club room with large wet bar and a snack kitchen.

Outside, the luxurious pool complex has an oversized heated pool, separate hot tub spa, and a guest house featuring a firelit living room, kitchen, full bath and window walled bedroom adjoining a private patio.