Red Gate Farm was successfully marketed by Turpin’s Bernardsville office in 2005.

Listing agent Molly Tonero recalls the home’s 2005 sale: “The house was in sad disrepair but the bones were fabulous, and I still think of it as one of the two greatest houses in a town full of special properties.  The buyers have since done an historic renovation and the house is, again, fabulous. It seemed destined to happen, and again it was a terrific honor to work with such an important property.”

Red Gate Farm was built in 1925 for Seth E. Thomas Jr. and his wife, the former Josephine Van Beuren Reynolds.  Thomas was president of the clock manufacturing company founded by his great-grandfather in 1813, and his wife was descended from one of New Jersey’s earliest families. 

The estate’s elegant stone Georgian manor evokes timeless images of hunt balls, tea parties on the terrace, and moonlight dances.  This landmark was designed by Harrie T. Lindeberg who, along with Stanford White, was at one time part of the McKim, Mead and White architectural firm. The impressive 27-room home features seven bedrooms—most with their own fireplace–, eight full baths, seven staff rooms and a charming two-bedroom cottage.

All the hallmarks of fine design are found within Red Gate Farm.  The front-to-back foyer opens onto a rear terrace which captures lavish scenery.  Rooms for every conceivable use include a formal dining room, den, family room, media room, kitchen with refrigeration room and more.  An enormous living room was once used as a ballroom and offers a multitude of uses for entertaining on an extravagant scale.  Raised paneling, barrel ceilings, plaster crown moldings, original hardwood pegged oak flooring and marble fireplaces are just some of this home’s impressive interior highlights.

Located in the desirable Red Gate area of New Vernon in Harding Township, the estate property’s 9.27 acres encompass a long entry drive, mature trees, sweeping green lawns and a secluded, brick-walled courtyard with swimming pool. 

As one of the most notable transactions among New Vernon real estate, Red Gate Farm is now a stunning example of how an appreciation for and dedication to the preservation of historic New Jersey homes can revitalize a property!

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.

“Nine Arches,” An Elegant Harding Township Estate

“Nine Arches” was so-named for the graceful series of arched brick openings that form a covered arcade along the façade of this architecturally-distinct home.   Custom-designed in 1959 by Ike Coburn, an architect from Lake Forest, Illinois, it features many hallmarks of mid-century architecture such as an open floor plan, streamlined gathering areas and dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows. Mr. Coburn was best-known for designing prominent properties in the Chicago area.

Set at the end of a private drive on ten acres of manicured property, the exquisite landscape was created by the award-winning New York designer Halstead Welles. Park-like surroundings are enhanced by a courtyard with lily pond, perennial gardens, a Pugliese free-form swimming pool, extensive outdoor lighting and magnificent trees.

Within the east wing of this appealing home is a 2,000-bottle capacity wine tasting room, fitted with wood paneling and a coffered ceiling. The lower level contains a billiard room designed with rich wood paneling and a fireplace.  An 18-room layout offers six bedrooms, five full baths and one powder room. The serene master suite offers a toile-inspired sitting room and lavish spa-like bath.

A gourmet kitchen is bookended by a firelit dining area and a sunny family room.  Sophisticated formal and informal rooms enjoy abundant natural light from oversized windows and glass doors.

The front four acres of “Nine Arches” have been donated to a local land trust.  This unique Harding home for sale is a timeless example of mid-century design at its most innovative.

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.

Turpin Real Estate represented both the listing and sale of this stunning New Vernon home in 2006.  Originally known as Still Pond, it is a sentimental favorite since it is the childhood home of Jill Turpin, a sales associate in the Bernardsville Office and wife of company president, John Turpin. The couple first became acquainted while in high school, and spent much time together at Still Pond, where John occasionally did odd jobs for Jill’s family.

Still Pond, now known as Pleasantview, is located in the estate section of New Vernon in Morris County’s Harding Township.  Set on 9.76 acres, the whitewashed brick manor home capped by slate roofing is approached by a classic circular drive.  Georgian Colonial style is enhanced by traditional shutters, twin chimneys and a balanced, symmetrical façade typical of this architectural genre. 

The current owners of Pleasantview have performed a world-class renovation on the beautiful property, bringing it into the 21^st century while maintaining the home’s architectural integrity.

Built in 1930, the expansive 18-room floor plan contains five bedrooms, five full baths and six powder rooms.  The surroundings present green lawns framed by mature trees and thoughtful landscaping.

Sophisticated New Vernon Colonial

Set far back from the road, an appealing New Vernon home for sale is sited on four scenic acres of magical grounds.  White gates mark the entrance drive to this traditional Colonial fashioned of whitewashed brick and cedar shakes with a classic covered portico front supported by white columns.  Surrounding the home are leafy trees, rolling lawns and specimen plantings, which are dramatically accented by landscape lighting at night.

Originally built in 1957, this sophisticated home Whas been gloriously updated through the years while still retaining its delightful vintage charms.  Large rooms, leaded glass windows, hardwood floors and classic millwork are among the characteristic details inside.  Several additions in the ensuing decades have enhanced this spacious, light-filled home.  Large gathering areas are ideal for entertaining large groups, while smaller spaces within the layout invite quiet contemplation.

This home’s dramatic point of entry is a wide foyer with an elegantly curved staircase detailed with wainscoting.  A walk-in closet and stylish powder room adjoin the foyer.  Formal areas of the home include a firelit living room, a dining room with a hidden stairway to the wine cellar, and a sun-filled garden room fitted with three walls of windows.  This room overlooks and opens onto a brick and flagstone terrace through multiple sets of French doors. 

Also adjoining the oversized garden room is a well-appointed gourmet kitchen.  Another large gathering area is the beamed ceiling family room designed with rich wood paneling and a brick fireplace.

Upstairs, the privately situated master bedroom is set away from the other bedrooms on this level.  It contains the home’s third fireplace as well as a dressing area and full master bath.  Four more bedrooms are joined by two full baths to complete the second story. 

On the lower level are two bonus rooms, another full bath, and a wine cellar.  This delightful New Vernon home has one of the most desirable addresses in Harding Township, adding greatly to its appeal.

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.

Classic Equestrian Property in New Vernon.

Less than an hour from the bustle of Times Square is a peaceful New Vernon equestrian property set on 7.88 acres.  A rare equestrian offering in New Vernon—and on the market for the very first time– the residential portion of this Morris County horse property is a 1952 center hall Colonial conceived by noted architect James Timpson, Sr.  Taking in sweeping seasonal views of Silver Lake, this gracious home has a timeless feel, thanks in part to the classic exterior fashioned from handcut argillite stone from Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  While its traditional façade is filled with character, additions made in the 1980s enhance the original portion of this New Vernon horse property. 

Highlights of the four bedroom, five-and-one-half bath Morris County equestrian property include wide board pumpkin pine flooring, four fireplaces and reproduction hardware from Ball & Ball.  Beautifully maintained and updated through the years, it shows pride of ownership throughout.

Equestrian amenities within the pastoral acreage comprise three windswept pastures surrounding a four-stall horse stable, tack room and turnout shed.  The New Vernon section of Harding Township has long been recognized for its wonderful collection of Morris County horse properties and equestrian facilities.  A drive through the region reveals places like Logans Brook Equine Center and Crewe Hill, both located in New Vernon; Lord Stirling Stables in Basking Ridge and Cima Stables in Bedminster, to mention just a few. Riders will find local horse facilities for boarding, lessons and training, as well as equestrian pursuits including hunting, jumping and dressage.

Approximately 50 miles of riding trails maintained by the Harding Township and Green Village Bridle Path Association are located in Harding Township.  The New Vernon section of Harding Township was named “One of the Most Expensive Zip Codes” in the United States by Forbes magazine in 2006.

This New Vernon horse property is a remarkable offering that hasn’t been available for 58 years.  It represents a singular opportunity to become immersed in Morris County’s equestrian lifestyle.

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.