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.

Toy Drive in Basking Ridge Sponsored by Christmas is for Children

Stop by the Postal Annex at 411 King George Road in Basking Ridge to donate new toys and clothing to needy children from now until the days leading up to December 25.  Located across the street from the A & P, the Postal Annex is in Dewy Meadow Village.

The Postal Annex will be a drop-off point for Christmas is for Children, a 501(c) (3) organization based in Basking Ridge.  This organization provides holiday gifts to local social service agencies supporting underprivileged children. 

When dropping your donation off, keep in mind that Christmas is for Children needs:

• New books for children (ages 0-5)
• New toys for children (ages 0-3)
• New socks (children’s sizes)
• New hats for children
• New mittens/new gloves for children

Various organizations throughout the area help Christmas is for Children identify families who otherwise would not have a holiday celebration and help their children complete wish lists with three gifts: something each child wants, something he or she needs and something educational.  The program has expanded over the years to include food baskets for the entire family. Christmas for Children will match the donated toys collected in Basking Ridge with the children on their lists that have not yet been chosen by sponsors.

On their website, the organization explains its mission this way: “What makes Christmas is for Children unique is our approach to bestowing charity so that our beneficiaries retain their dignity, witnessing the true spirit of Christmas and the very best of humanity.”

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.

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.

Convenience Meets Charm in Basking Ridge

Brimming with mid-century charm, this inviting white clapboard Colonial even has an original wall-mounted telephone complete with a circular rotary dial.  Built in 1952 by Weyerhauser, its central location on South Finley Avenue makes it an incomparably convenient Basking Ridge house. 

This two-story residence is close to the Lyons train station, downtown shopping in a historic village setting, Civic Center Park, Lord Stirling Park, the Basking Ridge Country Club, local public and private schools and the community pool.

Sited on about one and one quarter level acres, the property has a detached two-car garage outbuilding with two bays a side door entrance.  Inside the home, a sunny floor plan contains three bedrooms and two baths.  Interior highlights include hardwood maple floors, decorative six-panel wooden doors and plenty of windows which allow the natural light to stream in.

The main floor is arranged with a spacious formal living room, a formal dining room and an eat-in kitchen.  A partially finished basement offers a recreation room and steps leading to the rear yard.   Upstairs are the three bedrooms.  Among the recent updates is a newer furnace.

A balance of open lawns and mature trees offer both shady and sunny areas.  Public school students attend the Cedar Hill Elementary School, William Annin Middle School and Ridge High School.

Simple Colonial lines and traditional black shutters on both the main house and garage outbuilding give this home classic appeal.  There is ample space in the back yard for a future deck, swing set, sports activities or a swimming pool.  All this, plus low property taxes, make it a rare residential offering in the heart of Basking Ridge.

Build A Dream Home in Basking Ridge

Still looking for the perfect spot to build a luxurious Basking Ridge house?  The wait will be over when you tour the lush property awaiting a new home in Bernards Township.  This prime lot is located on 1.44 verdant acres in the new Laurel Court enclave, sited along a quiet cul de sac street yet close to all conveniences.  The level property is partially wooded and includes a balance of shade trees and open, cleared land.  It presents an optimum setting for a grand single-family home.

The pristine acreage has no structures or dwellings on it, presenting favorable conditions for new construction.  A future home will be connected to municipal sewers and public water.  Underground utilities, natural gas and cable will serve the neighborhood.

Interested parties are invited to review the property’s topography map, boundary line survey and site plan.  Since this sub-division has been approved for residential development, percolation testing has already been done.  Curbs and sidewalks are planned for this upscale new home community.

Residential building lots in Basking Ridge are rare, especially in such a remarkable cul de sac setting. Opportunity awaits the visionary buyer who seeks a suburban lifestyle in a central location.

Public school students will attend the Oak Street Elementary School, William Annin Middle School and Ridge High School.  There are numerous private schools in the area as well.

This neighborhood setting is ideally located minutes from the amenities of Basking Ridge and the Mt. Airy Road exit of Interstate 287.  The Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township is a historic section of Somerset County. A convenient one hour commute to Manhattan and easy access to major corporate centers in New Jersey are other reasons for the town’s strong appeal among residents, who appreciate the area’s highly-rated schools and world-class shopping minutes from home.

100th Anniversary Celebration of the Liberty Corner Fire Company

Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 25, when the Liberty Corner Fire Company celebrates 100 years of service to Liberty Corner residents in Bernards Township.  The Fire Company is hosting a parade and family carnival, which promises to be fun for all ages.  The parade kicks off at 11am in the center of Liberty Corner and will end at the firehouse at 95 Church Street, just west of the Liberty Corner School.  The fair will begin at noon at the Fireman’s Field and includes live music, food vendors and inflatable rides. 

This year’s parade and carnival is just one of the Fire Company’s special events.  They host the annual Memorial Day Parade, Fire Prevention Day and Holiday Parade.  A dedicated group of volunteers raises funds through their annual fund drive mailing and holiday gift delivery, among others.  These efforts result in new fire fighting and rescue equipment and training.

The 45 volunteers of the Liberty Corner Fire Company responded to 357 calls in 2009 and over 240 calls so far this year.  They have provided fire and rescue services to the Liberty Corner section of Bernards Township since 1910.  The Fire Company covers a service area of about 16 square miles, which includes over 6,500 homes and businesses.

The Fire Company’s 100th Anniversary celebration is a fun-filled way to show support to the many volunteers who are dedicated to protecting its citizens.  This event showcases the small-town roots of this Bernards Township community, located in the southern portion of the township. 

Turpin has represented this part of Somerset County for 50 years, and continues to list and sell homes in all price ranges throughout Bernards Township, including the Basking Ridge and Liberty Corner sections.  From luxurious estate-caliber homes to in-town Colonials and updated condominiums, we offer a variety of choices when the subject of Bernards Township, New Jersey homes for sale is part of a discussion about local real estate.

An All-American Colonial in Bernards Township

Few architectural styles can compare to the elegance and livability of a Colonial.  With its clapboard siding, traditional shutters and graceful symmetry, this stately house for sale in Bernards Township is a perfect example of that classic American design.  Sited at the end of a cul de sac street amid one acre of professionally landscaped grounds, a balance of open and wooded land is enhanced with mature trees and perennial plantings. Outdoor highlights include a custom in-ground pool with a waterfall and a roomy rear deck, presenting the perfect backdrop for warm weather entertaining.

Freshly painted inside and out, this turn key residence was built in 1978 and abounds with thoughtful updates and exceptional details.  New baths and a newer chef’s kitchen are among the amenities.  A four bedroom, two-and-one-half bath layout is open and airy, with an easy flow from one room to the next.

Formal living and dining rooms are right in keeping with the home’s Colonial layout, while casual gathering areas include an inviting sun room fitted with casement windows and a massive family room.  Measuring 44-by-26 feet, the cathedral ceiling family room features a wood burning fireplace, an abundance of natural light streaming through multiple windows, and a large set of French doors capped by a circle top window leading to the deck.  An updated kitchen is warmed by a brick fireplace in the breakfast area, while wood cabinetry, a granite-topped center island and recessed lighting are stylish details.

Four bedrooms are located upstairs.  This Colonial also has partially finished basement with workshop, attached two-car garage with automatic openers, paved driveway and stone front walkway.

Situated close to Route 202 and Exit 30 of Interstate 287, this home is minutes from downtown Bernardsville’s train station, shops and restaurants as well as the Basking Ridge Country Club.  Students in the neighborhood attend Oak Street Elementary School, West Annin Middle School and Ridge High School.

For some homeowners, living on a cul de sac street is an amenity that has extra appeal.  Fewer cars traveling on the road translate to surroundings that are measurably safer and quieter.  This Bernards Township Colonial is located a peaceful cul de sac in the desirable Canterbury Estates neighborhood of other fine homes.  The enclave offers trails for walking and bike riding as well as a foot path leading to the local elementary school.

Enduring style characterizes the all-brick Colonial in the Basking Ridge section of the township, from its classic Georgian lines and black shutters to the exterior dentil molding and a white columned portico entry.  Inside, a sunny floor plan of 12 rooms contains five bedrooms and three-and-one-half baths.  The 1.4 acre property surrounding the home is enhanced with green lawns, a bluestone front walkway, a rear terrace enclosed by brick knee walls, mature trees, perennial gardens and specimen plantings.

The equally inviting interior is sun-splashed and filled with sophisticated gathering areas.  French doors connect the living room to the family room, and the dining room to the study, making it easy to transform the layout as needed.  Of special note is the spacious center island kitchen fitted with cherry cabinets, granite countertops and upper-end stainless steel appliances.  In keeping with the open flow of this Colonial, a roomy dining area and inviting sun room adjoin the chef’s kitchen.

Located in its own wing is a second story master suite containing four rooms, including a bed chamber, sitting room, dressing area and private master bath.  Four more bedrooms are generously sized and offer plenty of closet space.  The upstairs also features a rear staircase to the kitchen and laundry room on the main floor.  Rounding out this luxurious Colonial is an attached three-car garage and an unfinished lower level.

Strategically located near a network of local highways and the Lyons train station for rail service to Manhattan, this Canterbury Estates residence is among the finest of Basking Ridge homes for sale in today’s market.

While the news media seems to have gone on a feeding frenzy over the recent report on existing home sales, many of us in the industry were not that surprised. After all, most people who purchased a home at virtually any time during the spring months would have timed it to close by the end of June in order to take advantage of the tax credit. Please see what our friend, Steve Harney, of Keeping Current Matters has to say about the recent NAR home sales report.

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