The top 44 players from the Ladies Professional Golf Association will be participating in the Sybase Match Play Championship at Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone.  The four-day event starts this Thursday, May 19 and runs to Sunday, May 22.  Practice rounds begin today, with the Pro-Am on Wednesday.  The excitement is building at the club as the tents are raised and television and concession stands go up.  The Golf Channel will broadcast live coverage of the event on Saturday.

2011 is the second year that the Sybase-sponsored tournament is being held at Hamilton Farm.  Players will include Tour favorites Michelle Wie, Paula Creamer, Morgan Pressel and last year’s winner, Sun Young Yoo.  Other notable players are Angela Stanford, Cristie Kerr, Juli Inkster, Karrie Webb and Jiyai Shin.

The Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone is hosting the event with charity beneficiaries including the Somerset Medical Center, The First Tee and TGA-Premier Junior Golf.

Situated on about 600 acres in the Somerset Hills, the Hamilton Farm Golf Club is sited on the former country estate of James Cox Brady, a New York financier.  Comprised of two distinct courses, The Highlands and The Hickory, Hamilton Farm is known as one of the country’s premier golf clubs and was named a Platinum Club of America. 

If living in a historic and scenic area like Gladstone sounds appealing, contact our Far Hills office for information about local real estate as well as golf facilities, equestrian farms, recreational events and cultural offerings.

Since spring cleaning is on the mind of many Mendham residents, next weekend’s Community Shred and Electronics Recycling Day comes at a perfect time.  Saturday, May 14, all Mendham Borough and Mendham Township residents are invited to bring their personal paperwork or electronics to this event for proper disposal.  Both events will take place at the Public Works Facility located at 37 Ironia Road from 9am to 1pm.

An on-site paper shredder will safely discard old files, keeping sensitive papers free from identity theft.  Suggested items include bank statements, old tax forms, receipts, medical forms, insurance information and other personal data.  Staples and paper clips do not need to be removed, making it even easier to dispose of outdated papers.  Additionally, all shredded paper will be recycled.

The Electronics Recycling event will be accepting “almost everything with a plug.”  These include desktop and laptop computers (hard drives will be erased by: Advanced Recovery), small electronics, copiers, hardware, printers, monitors, small household appliances, tape recorders, radios, typewriters, fax machines and televisions.  The event will not include larger items such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, stoves or air conditioners.

Both events are sponsored by the Mendham Borough and Mendham Township Environmental Commissions.  With an eye toward preserving the environment, Mendham is dedicated to keeping the community eco-friendly.  If living in this kind of town appeals to you, contact our Mendham office at 8 East Main Street to learn more about Mendham real estate.

Historic c. 1765 Bernardsville Colonial

Two notable aspects of this home are its vast acreage and its Early American history, making it a rare gem among Bernardsville homes for sale.  A beautifully-maintained fieldstone Colonial built in 1765 is the centerpiece of 30+ acres featuring a guest house, small barn, swimming pool and pool house.  The leafy surroundings are dotted with Koi ponds, foot bridges, a charming gazebo, woodland paths, native plantings and mature trees.

Several additions over the years enhance the original structure while adding well-appointed living space.  The expansive 20-room floor plan includes eight bedrooms, five full and two half baths as well as a three-car garage.  Among the gathering spaces are a great room with coffered ceilings, a four-season sunroom off the large master suite, and a spacious kitchen.  For the homebuyer seeking a serene property that’s close to major highways and amenities, this enchanting and historic Bernardsville Colonial is a superior choice.

Classic Bedminster Estate

Estate living in Bedminster reaches a whole new level in an exceptional Colonial home that embraces the traditional New England architectural styles of Cape Cod and Nantucket.  A gated entry marks the sweeping five-acre property set along a private lane.  Deer fencing around the perimeter ensures that the fabulous gardens will bloom throughout the season.  An innovative dark-toned Gunite swimming pool is surrounded by Ipé decking and stone walls.  The climate-controlled barn is ideal for horses since the acreage offers direct access to Bedminster’s network of riding trails.  Alternately, the barn can be used for a car collection.

An intense renovation using careful attention to detail was recently completed, including behind-the-walls wiring for flat screen televisions.  Other interior highlights are extensive millwork, arched room openings, custom paneling and intricate moldings.  Of special note is the stylish all-white kitchen balanced by black countertops of honed absolute granite.  Custom finishes also detail the gracious master suite of rooms which offers two baths.  A total of four bedrooms, four full baths and a powder room enhance the meticulously-designed floor plan.

A jewel among Bedminster homes for sale, this grand estate is close to equestrian facilities, recreational pursuits and golf at Hamilton Farm or Trump National.  Historic and cultural offerings are a short drive away in Morristown.  Bedminster Township is about 45 minutes from New York City and about 35 minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport.  A network of local roadways includes Interstates 78 and 287 for commuters.

After last year’s resounding success, The Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary is once again offering its May Day Celebration on Saturday, May 7 from 10am to 4pm.  This free event will feature music and entertainment; hands-on nature activities; live animal demonstrations, face painting and displays from local organizations.  Scherman Hoffman is located at 11 Hardscrabble Road in Bernardsville.  It includes 276 acres of scenic woodland, field and floodplain habitat supporting about 200 species of wildlife. The registration table will have event programs highlighting the day’s events.

This springtime celebration is a great way to get children involved and interested in nature.  There will be a wildlife radio telemetry classes which will help children track wildlife on the grounds of the sanctuary and will also show how professional wildlife biologists track different species as they travel around the world.  There will be a Tour the Young Audubon Art Show, featuring the works of young masters from area schools. 

A special visit by Ranger Rick is sure to be a May Day Celebration highlight. 

All ages will appreciate the live animal displays from The Raptor Trust, Rizzo’s Reptiles, birds from The Chimney Swifts and a close look the sanctuary’s own corn snakes and box turtles.  Musical performances on the schedule include Eco-Man, the NJ Folk Project: Circle Round the Sun, The Fabulous Furry Harmonica Brothers, Kathy Moser, and Tom Picard.

Nature presentations will be given by Peter Dunne, director of the Cape May Bird Observatory, vice president of the New Jersey Audubon Society’s vice president of Natural History Information, and founder of the World Series of Birding.  Gordon Thomas Ward: The New Jersey natural history author, presenter, and educator returns to offer his popular “Hike through History” within the sanctuary and the neighboring Cross Estate.  Pat Kane, the retired New Jersey Audubon vice president of education will tell stories of nature’s most beautiful and creative images.

The Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary is a magical oasis in the heart of Bernardsville.  It’s just one of the many reasons homebuyers are drawn to Bernardsville real estate.  The Turpin Office at 163 Morristown Road in Bernardsville is always ready to answer your questions about local amenities.

Inviting Mendham Commons End Unit

Characterized by classic Colonial facades in an attractive neighborhood setting, residents of Mendham Commons enjoy a carefree townhome lifestyle.  On-site amenities include supervised swimming in indoor/outdoor pools, tennis courts, a playground, and a clubhouse with exercise room and kitchen.  The open space and pond within the community are easily viewed from most rooms in an end unit offering a prime waterside location.  A spacious layout includes three bedrooms, two full baths and a powder room, as well as an attached one-car garage. 

This home’s open layout incorporates a bright and airy living and dining room combination fitted with large windows, glass doors to the patio and deck, dentil moldings.  Lending additional charm is a floor-to-ceiling brick hearth gas fireplace in the living room and sparkling pond views.  Continuing the flow is a sun-filled kitchen, half bath and access to the attached garage.

Upstairs, the master bedroom is designed with a private deck overlooking the scenic pond.  A luxurious master bath provides an oversized vanity and stall shower.  Two more large bedrooms offer water views.  Hardwood flooring is found throughout the home, although some rooms are carpeted.  The basement is currently used for storage but could be converted to future living space.

Mendham Commons in Mendham Borough is close to Interstate 287 and New Jersey Transit’s Morristown train station for commuters as well as the Mendham Golf and Tennis Club and the circa 1774 Ford Mansion (George Washington’s Headquarters) at Morristown National Historical Park.

For more insights about Mendham real estate, call or visit the Mendham Office of Turpin Real Estate at 8 East Main Street in its historic village setting.

Well-Appointed Rolling Hills Home

There is renewed interest in split level-style homes since their innovative floor plans serve to bridge mid-century modern and Colonial styles, making their flowing layouts adaptable to any type of décor.  This delightful five bedroom, three-and-one-half bath residence is located in the desirable Rolling Hills neighborhood of Chatham Township.  Surrounded by over a half-acre of professionally designed gardens and green lawns, it was recently updated with a chef’s kitchen.

Highlights of this ten-room home include a spacious living and dining room combination, a renovated kitchen with breakfast bar, a den, family room and a recreation room in the finished basement.  Among the outstanding interior design features are two fireplaces, nicely-sized rooms and hardwood floors.   In the master bedroom, a private master bath features a steam shower. 

Storage options are easily met in the attached, oversized two-car garage with workshop and partially finished basement.  The beautiful grounds are appointed with a patio, wood fencing, mature trees and verdant landscaping.  Public utilities are in place for sewer and water.

The Rolling Hills neighborhood in Chatham is known for its winding, tree-lined streets and beautifully-maintained homes.  It is centrally located to all that Chatham has to offer.  It is less than a mile from the Noe Pond Club for seasonal swimming, boating and tennis or the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center which schedule nature-related activities all year ‘round.  For more information about this home, or other opportunities in Chatham real estate, contact our Chatham Office at 186 Main Street.

One of the area’s most-recognized landmarks is the historic Far Hills train station.  Located a short walk up Route 202 from our Far Hills Turpin office, the station provides NJ Transit service to Hoboken, Secaucus Junction or New York’s Penn Station in midtown Manhattan.  Spanish Revival in style, it was built in 1914 and in 1984 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Trains run on the Gladstone Branch of the Morris and Essex line, and the trip to New York City generally takes about an hour and a half, usually involving a transfer in Summit or Newark.  Midtown Direct service is also available from the Far Hills station, reducing the New York-bound ride to about 80 minutes.  Parking on holidays, weekends, or after 9AM on weekdays is free of charge, with a nominal fee at other times.  Permit parking is a good idea for commuters; a six-month permit is available at Far Hills Borough Hall.  Train tickets can be purchased on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

If you arrive early at the station (or if you miss the train), take advantage of The Butler’s Pantry Trackside.  This homey restaurant offers sit-down meals or to-go orders, and is a local favorite.

For more information about Far Hills, whether it’s about commuting times, train schedules or Far Hills real estate, visit the Turpin Office at 21 U.S. Route 202 in the heart of our hometown.

Tucked at the end of a private lane on the Bernardsville Mountain, this property was once part of the Pfizer estate.  The original 1890s gardener’s cottage encased by a modern steel outer shell is set on three serene acres with pond, stone walls and mature trees. 

Expansive openings and generous rooms within the large box create vast living areas, which are balanced by smaller nooks and crannies.  The resulting layout presents a variety of spaces that are ideal for projects of any size or scope.  The cottage anchors one end of the home, while the other end is detailed with a grid of nine rooms.

The interplay of sleek modern spaces stands in striking contrast to cozy rooms in the former gardener’s cottage.  Of special note are the interiors of the cottage, which were artfully designed by noted New York designer Albert Hadley.  His firm has a long list of celebrity clients including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Al Gore and Oscar de la Renta.  Windows in the two-story cottage look out on a vast living room and the series of nine rooms grouped together at the opposite end of the home.   Stepping onto the front porch of the cottage and into the contemporary rooms, the distinction is clear in the architect’s use of industrial materials.  Metal staircases, modern fixtures and oversized windows give the outer shell a crisp, clean outlook in comparison to the snug cottage rooms.

When both homes combine, there are a total of 14 rooms with five bedrooms, four and a half baths, two fireplaces, and a chef’s kitchen.  To bring the outdoors in, two enormous glass garage-style doors can be raised to expose countryside views that are close enough to touch.  Using an artistic eye and an appreciation of the whimsical, Adam Kalkin has rendered a space that is both imaginatively designed and exciting to live in.  This innovative residence represents a whole new level of architectural achievement in New Jersey real estate.