Find the latest news and trends at Turpin Real Estate Blog. This is an archive.
image link is broken

Unique This Week: Fairmount Country Club, Chatham, NJ

March 14, 2011
By Turpin Real Estate

Fairmount Country Club in Chatham Adjoins Rolling Hills Neighborhood

With the official start of spring just one short week away, it seems like a good time to talk about outdoor activities like golf.  New Jersey is home to many challenging courses, and one that has stood the test of time is at the Fairmount Country Club which borders the Rolling Hills neighborhood in Chatham.  Located at 400 Southern Boulevard, this 18-hole regulation course was designed by Hal C. Purdy and opened in 1958. 

Members can use the country club’s facilities including the par 72 golf course, driving range, tennis courts, swimming pool and dining rooms.  The clubhouse is often used for weddings, charity luncheons, pool parties, company meetings, reunions and more in several different rooms.

Located adjacent to the desirable Rolling Hills neighborhood in Chatham, the Fairmount’s golf course borders several streets including Ferndale Road, Woodmont Drive and Wexford Road, providing a verdant backdrop to homeowners along those streets.  One of the many benefits of living in Rolling Hills is the ability to walk to the golf course, which can simplify an early tee time.

The Chatham Office of Turpin can offer firsthand advice about recreational amenities in the area as well as Chatham homes for sale. As a full-service agency, we are always happy to answer questions you may have about local points of interest and neighborhoods like Rolling Hills.

image link is broken

Unique This Week: 17 Glen Gary Drive, Mendham Twp., NJ

March 9, 2011
By Turpin Real Estate

17 Glen Gary Drive, Mendham Twp., NJStately Brickfront Colonial in Mendham Twp.

Fine details are incorporated into the sun-filled floor plan of this four bedroom, four-and-one-half bath brickfront Colonial sited on 1.81 acres in Mendham Township.  The inspired layout is characterized by noteworthy features such as Jacobean stained hardwood flooring, deep crown moldings, a professional-grade kitchen fitted with imported terra cotta floors dating back to the 1700s,  a dining room fitted with recessed panel wainscoting, and a family room fireplace fabricated of reclaimed vintage brick, to name just a few.

Built in 1985, thoughtful renovations and sophisticated décor enhance this delightful home.  Set far back from the road, the surroundings include colorful perennial gardens, professional landscaping and a rear deck.  Other highlights are a relaxing master bedroom suite with sitting room and marble-accented bath, and a finished lower level featuring an en-suite bedroom.  Additionally, this Colonial has been meticulously kept and shows pride of ownership throughout.

For more information about this move-in ready home, or to learn more about Mendham homes for sale, contact the Turpin Office at 8 East Main Street in Mendham.

image link is broken

Unique This Week: Rolling Hills, Chatham Sales Statistics

March 7, 2011
By Turpin Real Estate

Rolling Hills Boasts Top-Priced Home in 2010

One of the most-desirable neighborhoods in Chatham Township—the Rolling Hills community of single-family homes—enjoyed an top sales statistic based on the township’s record of home sales during 2010.  A seven bedroom Colonial on Dale Drive in Rolling Hills sold for $2,710,000, making it the highest-price home sold in Chatham Township last year.  The statistics took into account a total of 152 homes sold in the township, and it’s interesting to note that the median sales price for all of Chatham Township was $770,000.

This speaks to the desirability of living in Rolling Hills.  Buyers will certainly find homes priced for less than $2 million in this attractive tree-lined neighborhood, but it’s clear that even when a home is higher-priced than the norm (and in this case, over three times higher than the median price), Rolling Hills retains some of the area’s most sought-after real estate. 

For more information about the Rolling Hills neighborhood, or about Chatham homes for sale in today’s market, contact our Chatham Office at 186 Main Street.

image link is broken

Unique This Week: Rolling Hills in Chatham, NJ

March 2, 2011
By Turpin Real Estate

The Rolling Hills Home Owners Association in Chatham

In several recent posts we have talked about the merits of the Rolling Hills neighborhood in Chatham Township, and it continues to be a topic of great interest among home seekers who visit our Chatham office.  One of the unique aspects of this neighborhood is its home owners association, an organization that keeps the community connected in a number of different ways.

The Rolling Hills Homeowners Association offers voluntary membership to Rolling Hills residents, and it’s a great way to get to know neighbors and in-depth information about the Chatham area from those who live here, according to Caroline Van Leer, a sales associate in our Chatham Office.  Depending on the time of year and interests of the residents, there is an ever-changing line up of events. Offerings have included a book club, ladies nights out featuring dinner and a show or card games, men’s poker night, progressive dinners, block parties and themed parties.  The association even has a list of local baby sitters recommended by residents.

Always a coveted neighborhood in Chatham real estate, Rolling Hills homes for sale are highly desirable.  If you are interested in learning more about Rolling Hills, call or visit our Chatham Office at 186 Main Street.

image link is broken

Unique This Week: 26 Maple Road, Chatham Twp., NJ

February 28, 2011
By Turpin Real Estate

26 Maple Road, Chatham Twp., NJExceptional Colonial in Chatham Township

A beautifully-kept Colonial in Chatham Township offers about 2,900 square feet of inviting living space on three levels.  Set on .34-acre, the property backs up to protected state parkland for an additional sense of privacy.  Its location on a cul-de-sac street is another outstanding feature.

Custom built in 1981, this Colonial has been exceptionally well maintained throughout the years, and features a new chef’s kitchen, new baths, a new roof and new siding.  An inviting floor plan of five bedrooms and two and one half baths is joined by an attached two-car garage. 

Bright, light-filled rooms characterize the spacious nine-room floor plan.  Gathering spaces are neutrally decorated and offer amenities such as hardwood floors, traditional molding treatments, an abundance of windows and a thoughtfully finished bonus room on the lower level.  The updated kitchen is appointed with stainless steel appliances including a Dacor stove and dining area.  This home’s flexible layout offers a large fifth bedroom which could alternately be used as a family room or a new master suite. 

Located in the Meyersville section of Chatham Township, the home is surrounded by open, level grounds with a deck and a hot tub for outdoor enjoyment.  This welcoming Chatham Township home for sale is a short drive from Chatham’s lively downtown for shopping, dining and Midtown Direct train service to New York City.

image link is broken

Unique This Week: Chatham/Shunpike Field, NJ

February 23, 2011
By Turpin Real Estate

Rolling Hills Neighborhood Borders Chatham’s Shunpike Field

Chatham’s Rolling Hills neighborhood is partially bordered by Shunpike Road, where the town’s Recreation Department maintains an excellent outdoor facility.  At Shunpike Field, a large playground for the younger set (and their parents) is a wonderful find. 

Located adjacent to the sports fields is a newer playground that replaced a wooden castle-like structure a few years ago.  As the weather gets nicer, toddlers and older children will be found enjoying the slide or climbing on the colorful equipment and oversized boulders at this popular site.  Nearby picnic tables are perfect for a meal or snack.  The playground here is adjacent to sports fields, so it’s also a good place for younger children to explore while older siblings have soccer practice or a baseball game.

Residents of Rolling Hills can easily walk to the playground and playing fields, adding to the many reasons why this neighborhood has maintained its highly desirable status.  Beautifully-kept homes in the community line the winding streets in a picture perfect setting.  If you’re interested in Rolling Hills Chatham homes for sale—or one of the other remarkable area neighborhoods—please contact our Chatham Office at 186 Main Street.

image link is broken

Unique This Week: Hedgerows, Chester, NJ

February 21, 2011
By Turpin Real Estate

Hedgerows: An Exceptional Chester Neighborhood

Nestled into a peaceful setting just minutes from the historic village of Chester is Hedgerows, a premier neighborhood of homes replicating New England architecture.  A true vision of Americana, the finely-detailed residences offer bright, open floor plans ideal for entertaining.  Just three tree-lined streets make up Hedgerows, and each street is named for local tree species dotting the landscape such as red oak and sugar maple.

Most of the homes were built during the 1990s, and properties are situated on about an acre or more.  Current listings of Hedgerows homes for sale can be previewed here.

Each home in Hedgerows displays equal measures of character and warmth.  Classic layouts are designed with high ceilings, expansive rooms, hardwood floors, custom carpentry and elegant period appointments.  The exteriors are equally authentic to the Colonial time period, featuring cedar shake and clapboard finishes.  These timeless home styles are appropriate for any style of furnishing, from traditional to ultra-modern.

Hedgerows is a standout community in Chester real estate; its residents enjoy living in this lovely established neighborhood that is convenient to so many local amenities.  Discover more about Hedgerows in Chester by reaching out to one of our local offices in Mendham, Far Hills, Bernardsville, Oldwick or Chatham.

image link is broken

Unique This Week: Rolling Hills, Chatham, NJ

February 16, 2011
By Turpin Real Estate

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.

image link is broken

Unique This Week: 15 Herbann Lane, Mendham Twp., NJ

February 14, 2011
By Turpin Real Estate

15 Herbann Lane, Mendham Twp., NJUpdated Woodland Lake Hideaway

Bring your Valentine to this appealing lakeside home in Mendham Township, a charming offering that is truly something different in our market area.  Its easy-to-maintain size makes it a great choice for first-time or downsizing buyers who seek a central location that’s still privately-situated.

When looking at Mendham homes for sale, most buyers aren’t aware of a unique suburban community that’s in the center of it all, yet seemingly worlds away. Woodland Lake is a hidden gem in Mendham, the perfect retreat amid nature’s majesty that’s actually just a short drive from historic Morristown and a network of regional highways.  Unspoiled natural surroundings characterize the 28-acre community of Woodland Lake, which is a private land-owning cooperative.  This provides the buyer with all the conveniences of a condominium lifestyle combined with the privacy of a single-family home.

Originally built in 1950, this bright and airy raised ranch has been carefully updated and expanded over the years.  A single-story layout, open floor plan and abundant natural light define the open floor plan of three bedrooms and three baths. 

Renovations include opening the sight lines to visually connect the formal dining room, kitchen and living room, making it an ideal space for entertaining.  A window wall in the cathedral ceiling living room overlooks sparkling views of Woodland Lake.  The angled fireplace set into a brick surround and hearth is a commanding focal point.  Custom maple cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a tumbled marble backsplash are outstanding design features in the kitchen.

Also on the main floor is a master suite with fitted closets and full bath, a den/third bedroom, two additional baths and another bedroom.  Additional living space is contained in the partially finished lower level which provides a home office, laundry room, storage room, work bench and separate entrance.

The history of Woodland Lake begins in the 1930s and 40s when it was a summer bungalow colony for city visitors.  Today, 36 single-family homes have mostly been winterized, added onto or torn down for new construction.  Residents have use of the community’s clubhouse, swimming pool, playground, ball field, lake and acres of nature trails.

This quiet, picturesque enclave borders the Dismal Harmony Natural Area, a 146-acre preserve in the Brookside section of Mendham Township. Dismal Harmony then connects to Morris County Patriot’s Path, where cyclists and hikers enjoy miles of trails through a leafy setting.

image link is broken

Unique This Week: Nine Arches, Village Road, Harding Twp., NJ

February 8, 2011
By Turpin Real Estate

Nine Arches, Village Road, Harding Twp., NJ“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.

: