There’s Something About Rolling Hills in Chatham Township

In the attractive neighborhood called Rolling Hills, homes are among the most-coveted in Chatham Township.  In fact, during the past few years a good number of buyers purchased homes here and replaced them with larger, more modern residences.  The result is an appealing mix of older and newer homes, each with their own distinctive character. 

What makes Rolling Hills so desirable?  There are several good reasons:

• A truly scenic neighborhood setting of tree-lined streets amid gently rolling properties measuring about a half-acre or so.
• Diverse architectural styles, from some of the community’s original ranches and split-levels to newer Colonials and luxury homes.
• The central location near downtown Summit as well as outdoor recreation such as the Fairmount Country Club, Colony Beach Club, Noe Pond and parks.
• Safety is always a consideration for those with young children, and these buyers like the fact that only local traffic travels along the winding streets.
• The Rolling Hills Association offers membership and social events like play dates, parties and nights out to residents.  This enhances the friendly feeling of the neighborhood, and makes it a welcoming place for newcomers.

Contact our Chatham Office for more information about home sales and market conditions in Rolling Hills.

Landmark Tudor in Chatham Borough

Located on Chatham’s Mansion Row, this circa 1908 Tudor residence is set on a lovely half-acre hillside property with impressive views from its elevated vantage point.  Characteristic details reflect the craftsmanship and details of the last century, such as diamond-paned windows, beamed ceilings, hardwood floors and classic millwork.  The brick, stucco and half-timber exterior is instantly recognizable as traditional Tudor architecture.

A grandly-styled floor plan is arranged on four finished levels, and thoughtful updates give it a fresh, airy look.  For instance, the spacious chef’s kitchen is appointed with professional-grade appliances, granite countertops and exquisite cabinetry, including a center island breakfast bar.  Gathering spaces include a formal living room which is separated from the formal dining room by a dramatic archway.  Built-in cabinets and a wood burning fireplace characterize the inviting family room.  On the lower level are a recreation room, wine cellar and powder room.

Three of the home’s five bedrooms are located on the second story, and two are on the third floor.  There are a total of three full baths and two half baths in this appealing Tudor.  Additional amenities include enclosed porches, a patio, and two-car garage.

This rare in-town location is walking distance to the Midtown Direct train to New York City, shops, restaurants and services in Chatham Borough.  It is conveniently located near schools and a network of local and interstate highways, and represents the very best of Chatham homes for sale in today’s marketplace.

Welcome to The Manor Section of Chatham Borough

Many of our homebuyers relocate here from larger cities in New Jersey like Hoboken or Jersey City, and quite a few come from Manhattan, Brooklyn or one of the other five boroughs in New York City.  These buyers may find it hard to completely give up on the city conveniences they can walk to, such as restaurants, public transportation and shopping.  We often show this group of buyers a charming neighborhood in Chatham Borough known as the Manor section. 

The Manor section has the safety and space that urban buyers seek along with a more metropolitan atmosphere than some of the surrounding suburbs.  Residents here can walk to the center of Chatham’s charming village from the leafy streets that are lined with well-tended single-family homes.  Parents are often seen walking with their children to Milton Elementary School and Chatham Middle School from the Manor section. 

Home styles here vary, although many were originally built in the 1930s and 40s using predominantly Colonial architecture.  Today most of these vintage homes have been expanded, modified and updated.

From the Manor section there is access to New Jersey Transit’s popular Midtown Direct service at the Chatham train station.  Midtown Direct offers a one-seat ride to Manhattan, or passengers can switch to go to Newark or Jersey City.  Also nearby are three major hospitals in Summit, Morristown and Livingston.

Chatham homes for sale in the Manor section come in a range of sizes, styles and price ranges.  Visit our Chatham Office at 186 Main Street for more information about the Manor section or any of the other wonderful neighborhoods in the area.

Maple Sugaring Demonstration This Sunday

The Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham Township presents maple tree tapping demonstrations this Sunday, January 16 from 2 to 3PM.  Learn to identify and tap maple trees, make maple syrup over a wood-fired evaporator, and taste the results.  This all-ages event cost $3.00 per person and will also be offered January 22, 23 and 30, as well as February 5, 12, 13, 19 and 20.  On Saturday, February 26, a Maple Sugaring Festival at the Great Swamp will offer games, crafts, wagon rides, guided walks and more tree tapping demonstrations. Admission to next month’s festival is $4.00.

Located off Southern Boulevard in Chatham Township, the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center is operated by the Morris County Parks Commission.  A mile-long boardwalk trail, natural science programs and guided tours are offered by the Center.

The Great Swamp is a unique natural resource in Chatham, and is just one of many reasons residents enjoy living here.  If you are interested in Chatham homes for sale, contact Turpin’s Chatham office at 186 Main Street in the Borough for more information about the amenities in this popular area.

Turpin represented both the listing and sale of Ballymere Farm located on 32 acres in Chatham Township.  According to the Garden State Multiple Listing Service, the home, listed for $6.6 million in 2006, was the highest residential sales price ever recorded in the Chathams*.  It was both listed and sold out of Turpin’s Bernardsville office.

A landmark estate privately tucked into its vast acreage, the wonderful 1910-built shingle style Colonial serves as the centerpiece of Ballymere Farm. It was completely renovated in 1997 by local architect Peter Dorne and contractor John McFayden, both of Morristown.  The artfully arranged landscape design was envisioned by Michael Knapp of Convent Station.

This home’s traditional center hall layout is detailed with original hardwood floors, nine-foot ceiling heights, classic moldings, raised paneling and wainscoting throughout.  Its spacious floor plan includes seven bedrooms, six full and three half baths.  Light-filled gathering spaces on the main level consist of a formal dining room characterized by extensive millwork, formal living room with fireplace and elegant piano alcove, sunroom with black and white checkered marble floor and den with raised paneling, built-in bookcases and a fireplace.

Ballymere Farm has numerous agrarian offerings.  Far-reaching landscapes contain three ponds and an apple orchard with blueberry, blackberry and raspberry bushes, as well as many mature trees and plantings including a formal boxwood garden.  Several outbuildings dot the estate; among them are horse stables, a heated tack room, a farm equipment storage building, a large hay loft, a chicken coop, two run-in sheds and two three-car garages.  The farmland-assessed property has been used to tend horses, miniature donkeys, llamas, chickens and honey bees. 

A swimming pool complex with two pool houses, a large Pennsylvania bluestone terrace and formal English gardens are further outdoor amenities. The magical children’s playhouse featuring its own secret garden enhances the abundant charms of this property.

In keeping with the upscale nature of this property, Ballymere Farm also features a licensed heli-stop.  By anyone’s standards, this record-breaking Chatham home for sale was a rare achievement in the world of New Jersey real estate.

*Information supplied by GSMLS and may exclude sales data that was not listed through the GSMLS.

Welcome to Wickham Woods

A picturesque enclave of intertwining streets forms the community of Wickham Woods in Chatham Township.  With entryways from both Fairmount Avenue and Southern Boulevard, this centrally located neighborhood was established in the late 1950s, although the majority of homes here were constructed in the 1970s.  Original dwellings reflect that time period in American architecture, with many fine examples of well-kept Colonials, ranches, split-levels and Cape Cods.  Numerous homes have been transformed over the years with additions, expansions or full renovations that appeal to today’s homeowners.

Residences with large rear yards are typically situated on properties of approximately ½-acre.  Nearby are the Southern Boulevard Elementary School and the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center.  In fact, some homes along Hampton Road and Westminster Road border protected parkland of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.  Other nearby amenities on Southern Boulevard include the Noe Pond Club for swimming and a sandy beach; Fairmount Country Club with facilities for golf, tennis, dining, and swimming; and the Hickory Square shopping center, located at the corner of Shunpike Road and Southern Boulevard.

As one of Chatham’s most sought-after neighborhoods, Wickham Woods is a gracious presence in the heart of the township.  For more information about Chatham homes for sale in Wickham Woods– or any of the other exceptional neighborhoods in the borough and township– call or visit our Chatham office at 186 Main Street.

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.

St. Paul’s Holiday Bazaar in Chatham on Saturday

Slept late on Black Friday?  Forgot all about Cyber Monday?  Don’t worry, you can still get a jump on your holiday shopping close to home and give back to the community at the same time.  Admission is free to the St. Paul’s Holiday Bazaar taking place in Chatham tomorrow, December 4^th, from 10am to 3pm. 

Over 15 vendors will be showcasing an eclectic mix of home decorating items, jewelry, candles, clothing, doll clothes and other gifts that are perfect for the giving season.  All proceeds will go toward St. Paul’s outreach program, including a youth mission trip to China in 2011.

In addition to the craft and gift items, there will be a special homemade “soups to go” section as well as home baked cookies, and a selection of sandwiches and snacks to enjoy at St. Paul’s Café when you need a break from shopping. 

Visit Turpin’s Chatham Office before or after you shop at St. Paul’s Holiday Bazaar.  We are just a few doors down at 186 Main Street, and we are always glad to share our knowledge of the area’s real estate market or let you know about the latest Chatham homes for sale.  Whether you’re in the market for holiday gifts or a new home, we wish you happy shopping this weekend!

Graceful 1930s Brick Home in Chatham Township

An enchanting layout featuring large, sun-filled gathering spaces defines this magical brick residence in Chatham Township.  Custom-built in 1938 in the style of a carriage house, it is a fine example of period architecture and has been lovingly restored and updated through the years.  The result is a seamless blending of old and new in a most imaginative way.

Set at the end of a private drive, this charming residence is situated on 1.67 serene acres.  Enveloped by a romantic courtyard, the patio, gardens and swimming pool are screened by an exterior brick wall.

Inside, the floor plan offers beautifully-appointed rooms, including four bedrooms, four full baths and a powder room.  A cheerful color palate serves to visually link the interior, which contains stunning details such as hardwood and stone flooring, vaulted beamed ceilings, a dramatically tall brick fireplace, oversized windows, skylights and classic millwork. 

Of the many exceptional Chatham homes for sale in today’s marketplace, this vintage residence is especially noteworthy for its welcoming feel.  Located in a neighborhood of other lovely homes, it has a Madison mailing address.

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.