Built in the Tudor Revival style that was so popular in this country during the 1920s and ‘30s, a regal estate property in Bedminster Township has all the hallmarks of this distinctive architectural form.  Built in 1925, the exterior features decorative half-timbering, steep rooflines, narrow windows and massive chimneys that characterize Tudor Revival homes.

The Tudor sensibility is carried through within the gracious interior of this lavish country estate.  Antique chestnut paneling, diamond-paned windows, ten fireplaces, ceiling beams, arched doorways and gleaming wood floors are among the rich accents.   Situated beautifully upon a 13-plus acre property, the scenery and home are reminiscent of an English manor in the Cotswold countryside. 

New and original features were blended seamlessly during a meticulous restoration of this 17-room home.  Grandly styled for an elegant lifestyle, the seven bedroom floor plan contains a fantastic chef’s kitchen with center island workspace and extensive butler’s pantry, newer baths, and new heating and air conditioning systems.  The luxurious master bedroom presents a dressing room, fireplace and full bath with steam shower and tub. 

Outdoor amenities are equally gracious, with a tennis court and a serene in-ground swimming pool surrounded by rolling acreage and far-reaching views of the Somerset Hills.  The home’s bluestone terrace is generously-scaled for summer parties.  This estate borders protected land, ensuring that the views will remain the same for generations.

As far as locations go, Bedminster Township is known for its exceptional equestrian properties and unmatched convenience.  This property is close to schools, shopping, recreation, dining and a network of major highways including Interstates 287 and 78.  There is train service to Manhattan from neighboring towns, and Newark Liberty International Airport is about 30 miles away.

Jack Turpin

Jack Turpin, 65,  died on Friday, May 21, 2010 following a brief illness. Born at Mitchel Air Force Base in Hempstead Plains, New York to William P. and Virginia K. Turpin, he moved to Mendham as a child and lived most of his adult life in Far Hills.  

Upon graduating from the University of Maryland, Mr. Turpin spent a brief period at the University of South Carolina Law School before enlisting in the army. Following his service at the United States Army Security Agency in Arlington, Virginia, he moved back to New Jersey and joined his mother in the family real estate business.  

Mr. Turpin’s passion and clear vision for Turpin Real Estate along with his keen business acumen soon lead to the expansion of the agency, which he grew into one of the premiere independent real estate firms in the region. Though he passed on the title of president to his son in 2009, he remained the chairman and broker-of-record at Turpin until his death. In all, he spent over three decades guiding the company safely and wisely through a variety of economic ups and downs.  

His love of the great estates of our area inspired Mr. Turpin to co-author, along with W. Barry Thomson, two volumes of “New Jersey Country Houses: The Somerset Hills”. These lavish coffee-table books chronicle the estates that were built in the rolling countryside of Somerset and Morris counties from the 1870s through the Great Depression and serve as a social, historical, and architectural journey through one of the country’s most prominent and private residential enclaves.  

For the ten years preceding his death, Mr. Turpin served as a Trustee of Blair Academy where he was chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. In this capacity he was credited with acquiring a strategically significant tract of land from the neighboring Girl Scouts of America, a task that had eluded several of his predecessors.  

More recently he was elected to Borough Council in his hometown of Far Hills, a duty he was honored to have and cared deeply about.  

Above all, Jack Turpin was a loving husband, a thoughtful and generous father and a doting grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Margery D. Turpin, his brother William P. Turpin of Centreville, MD, his three daughters, Wendy Fryer of Highlands Ranch, CO, Terri Fraser of Tewksbury, NJ, and Barbara Howard of Nantucket, MA, his son, John D. Turpin of Far Hills, NJ and eight grandchildren.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Turpin’s honor to Blair Academy, PO Box 600, Blairstown, NJ 07825.