Buyers in New Jersey’s real estate market often go straight to the Internet to find out about the latest listings, additional home information, or community amenities.  But sometimes learning about the history of a property is simply the result of the long-lost art of conversation.  A perfect example of that is a land sale that took place in the Washington Valley section of Morris Township.  The property, totaling just over four acres, was sold by Turpin’s Mendham office in 1999.

Barbara Barisonek, currently the Chatham Office Manager and Vice President of Business Development, relates a firsthand story from the former property owners about the land’s unusual background.  “The information on the property when we bought it was strictly word-of-mouth, but from ‘old timers’ who had lived in Washington Valley for a long time.  According to the stories, the property with its log cabin was originally a Boy Scout camp.  No one could ever give me a timeframe as to when it stopped being a Boy Scout camp.”  While the location of the Boy Scout camp was never confirmed, it was local lore that added some color to the sale, Barbara notes.

The owners continued their story, adding, “Apparently the property had been unused for several years before we bought it.  When we started building our house, neighbors were annoyed that they had lost their private park with a cabin and pond.”  Barbara reports that the cabin is still on the property, and the new home is like a private oasis with a swimming pool in the backyard amid the peaceful surroundings.

Turpin successfully marketed this parcel of land, prime acreage which included a stocked pond and stream set back from Gaston Road at the end of a long drive on a flag lot.  It is an enviable location minutes from downtown Morristown and near the protected land that comprises Washington Valley.  “It was a wonderful property to market,” Barbara adds.

Custom-built Farmhouse Melds Old and New in Mendham Township

As many residents and home seekers in the area know, Mendham homes for sale run the gamut from brand new estates to older residences with an abiding sense of history.  This circa 1870 home falls into the second category, yet still appeals to buyers looking for a completely updated dwelling.

Once a two-story farmhouse—its antique barn still graces the property—this home is now a three level custom home filled with an incredible amount of detail.  Wide plank pine flooring, a side staircase, stone walls and wood burning fireplace are among the vintage design elements.  Spacious and bright formal rooms are situated in the original part of the home.  Renovated in 2006, the chef’s kitchen offers custom wood cabinetry, granite and butcher block counters and stainless steel appliances.

The charm of a bygone era is joined by a two-story addition featuring a more modern and streamlined outlook.  Here, the first floor master suite is a bright and spacious retreat, adjoining an opulent master bath.  Spiral stairs descend to the lower level’s family room featuring exposed stone and brick walls, a wet bar and French doors to the brick patio.

Three bedrooms and a peaceful reading room are found on the second story.  In all, the home has four bedrooms, two full baths and a powder room.

Located on one of Mendham Township’s most coveted streets, this delightful home is an imaginative combination of old and new.  Sited on 1.21 acres, its central location is close to commuting routes, the village of Mendham and downtown Morristown.

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.

Luxurious Fieldstone Colonial in Chatham Township

This fieldstone Colonial takes design cues from the historic stone homes found in the Bucks County, Pennsylvania countryside.  Filled with architecturally distinctive details throughout, it presents sophisticated rooms which flow easily from one space into the next.  Those who are familiar with Chatham homes for sale will instantly recognize the rarity of this exceptional Colonial.

Built in 2004, pride of ownership is evident in every corner of this five bedroom, four full and two half bath home.  Brazilian cherry floors, custom woodwork, handsome built-ins and four fireplaces are some of the noteworthy interior features.  The exterior is enhanced by a covered portico entry with stately white columns supporting a balcony above, traditional black shutters and window boxes, a dormered roofline and clapboard siding balancing the fieldstone façade.  The 3.4 acre grounds are rolling and open, with a brick terrace taking in park-like views.

The dramatic point of entry is a two-story foyer appointed with deep moldings, wainscoting, hardwood floors, an angled staircase and railed balcony overlook.  An incredible level of detail went into the design of this elegant home, from the custom wall finishes to the intricate crown moldings.  Formal living and dining rooms are perfectly suited for special occasions, and the granite butler’s pantry adjoining the dining room is an additional convenience. 

Spectacularly appointed with upper-end features, the chef’s kitchen presents an oversized center island topped in granite, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors and an adjoining dining area.  There are open views from the kitchen to the family room.  An elaborate entertainment system in the family room has indoor and outdoor speakers as well as a touch pad control for the television.

Five spacious bedrooms include a grand master suite with a sitting room, gas fireplace and spa-like master bath.  Additional living space characterizes the lower level, where an exercise room and media room are welcome amenities.

This Colonial is sited on a cul de sac street that is ideal for commuters.  It is just minutes from Interstate 78 or downtown Chatham for direct train service to Manhattan.  Private yet convenient, this home represents the best of New Jersey real estate.

Chatham Farmers’ Market takes their philosophy of “Putting Health on Your Table” seriously.  Every Saturday from 8 am to 1pm, a dedicated group of farmers, bakers and artisans present a dazzling selection of locally sourced fresh food, flowers and handcrafted home items at the Chatham Borough train station located off Fairmount Avenue.  The farmers’ market has been in full swing all summer long, and will continue until Saturday, November 20.  Local businesses from Chatham and throughout New Jersey gather each Saturday to help keep the garden in our Garden State. 

A wide array of baked goods includes everything from crunchy biscotti to beautifully decorated cupcakes and homemade bread.  Gourmet foods, organic produce, fresh fish, top quality meat, flavored coffees and teas, and even specialty pickles and kettle corn are for sale, as well as unique items for the home.  Candles, soap and fresh cut flowers are among the non-edible offerings. 

For more information and a complete list of participating vendors, visit the Chatham Borough Farmers’ Market website at http://www.chathamboroughfarmersmarket.org/.

The weekly farmers’ market is just one of the many events that make Chatham a great place to live.  One visit to the charming downtown area is enough to convince many people to relocate here.  A quick commute to Manhattan, a central location near many local business campuses, and involved citizens who are passionate about the future of Chatham are some of the top reasons our residents cite for settling here. 

At Turpin Real Estate, we can assist you if you’re interested in finding Chatham homes for sale, or if you need information about anything related to New Jersey real estate.  Visit our newest office at 186 Main Street after you’re done shopping at the farmers’ market—just like our fellow business people under the tents at the train station, we’re open on Saturdays!

Directions to Turpin Real Estate in Chatham: As you leave the train station parking lot, make a left on Fairmount Avenue to a right on Main Street/Route 124 to our office at 186 Main Street.  It’s about a five-minute walk.

Walk to All From Center Hall Colonial
For Sale in Chatham Borough

In your search for New Jersey real estate you may have heard about a home’s “walkability factor,” which is a way to determine just how favorable a home’s location is to walking. An updated center hall Colonial gets high points for its walk score since it is located a short distance from Turpin’s Chatham Office as well as walking distance to the train station, downtown shops and restaurants.

A picture perfect Colonial in every way, it is located in a quiet tree-lined neighborhood of other gracious homes, adding to the serenity of the landscaped .19-acre setting.  Built in 1946, the three bedroom, one-and-one-half bath layout has been carefully updated through the years, yet maintains much of its mid-century appeal.  Detailed moldings, built-in cabinetry and lustrous hardwood floors define character-filled gathering spaces on the main floor including the formal living room, formal dining room and den.  A newly updated kitchen is fitted with stainless steel appliances—including a wine cooler—sparkling granite counters and a tile floor.  Casual get-togethers can be enjoyed in a cheerful family room on the finished lower level. 

Upstairs, a charming window seat at the top of the staircase is an inviting spot for reading a favorite book.  Three bedrooms with spacious closets and a full bath grace the second story, where there is access to the walk-up attic. 

Exterior upgrades include new windows, a new driveway edged in Belgium block, a newer paver front walkway and rear patio plus a newer roof and central air conditioning system. 

Keeping a home’s walkability factor in mind appeals to a growing number of buyers who are interested in the physical, social, economic and environmental benefits that come from leaving their car in the driveway. 
Not many New Jersey homes for sale offer all the amenities that this Chatham house provides, from its enhanced walkability to its sophisticated interior.  For the homebuyer who wants to be in the heart of everything Chatham offers, yet still have a quiet back yard for outdoor entertaining, this Colonial is very accommodating.

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.

http://kcmblog.com/2010/08/26/everybody-calm-down-armageddon-is-not-upon-us/

Much has been made about the poor home sales numbers from May. Nationally home sales plunged 30% in May, and regionally New Jersey saw a decline of 23% over May 2009, according to local market guru, Jeff Otteau. And so, while the recovery process reverses course both nationally and in our fair state, it is somewhat of a surprise, albeit a pleasant one, to see that Chatham real estate and Madison real estate are actually on the rise!

Indeed, Madison and Chatham home sales actually rose in the period from May 1, 2010 to July 1, 2010 about 32% above the same period last year. The icing on this good news cake is the fact that during that same period new listings were down slightly. Fewer homes coming to market- more homes going under contract: these are the trends that make for a market recovery!

For a current look at Chatham homes for sale click here, and for a look at Madison homes for sale click here.

Careful preservation, sensitivity to the environment and stately residences are the hallmarks of Hartley Farms, a planned residential community and national landmark in Harding Township, New Jersey.  Nationally recognized for its success in preserving properties of historic interest, it encompasses 171 acres of bucolic woods, meadows and hayfields near the village of New Vernon.

Listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places, Hartley Farms is the former estate of Marcellus Hartley Dodge (1881-1963), owner and chairman of the Remington Arms Company, and his wife, Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge. The Dodges moved to the farm the same year they were married, 1907.  Presidents Wilson, Hoover, and Eisenhower were all visitors to the estate, although not during their presidencies.

During its existence as a private estate, Hartley Farms housed the principal office of the Remington Arms Company, a firm that supplied 69% of the guns and ammunitions used by U.S. and Allied troops during the first and second World Wars.  The estate’s Polo Fields were the site of strategic discussions with the War Department on the design and shipment of these arms.  It was also the stage for the world’s largest one-day dog show (Morris and Essex Kennel Club), which was hosted by Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge on the Polo Fields from 1927-57.  The Morris and Essex Dog Show was actually the predecessor of today’s Westminster Dog Show.

After the death of Mr. Dodge in 1963, the property was purchased by Dr. Adrian T. Platt and his wife, Helen Hartley Platt, who maintained it as a private family estate and farm until 1997.  It remains the largest individually-owned historic district in Morris County, and the third largest in New Jersey.

In 1998, new homes began to be built in this remarkable enclave, and to date 14 exceptional residences have been constructed.  The Hartley Farms Plan adheres to architectural codes and a constitution of design guidelines used to influence the size and style of each dwelling.  A total of 32 land parcels sized from three to seven acres are contained within 122 acres.  Each lot configuration is designed to maintain open views and harmonize with the natural landscape and topography. A stunning example of just such a home, currently offered for sale, can be viewed on our website by clicking here.

Preserved land within the vast acreage includes a 14-acre polo field for recreational use, hedgerows, antique barns, meadows and vintage estate outbuildings.  Remington Forest is an ancient beech and oak forest for migratory birds which is protected against further development by the New Jersey Audubon Society.  A network of walking trails and several sports fields enhance the rolling vistas.

Hartley Farms is located three miles from Morristown or Madison, with train and bus service to New York City available locally.  Access to Route 287 is three miles to the north; Route 78 is eight miles to the south.  New York City is twenty-eight miles east and can be driven in an hour or less.  Newark Liberty International Airport is 25 minutes away, and Morristown Airport can accommodate private aircraft. Today, a limited number of scenic land parcels are available at Hartley Farms for those interested in making this historic estate community their home.

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.