From The Archives

The Mill and Historic Oak Cottage: Reigning Again as The Gem of The Mountain

Oak Cottage has been lovingly restored from the top of the Mansard roof to the floor of the walk-out basement.

The only thing better than what is new at Oak Cottage - is what is OLD! Absolutely NO preservation effort was spared. Every element possible has been authentically restored. The stone foundation and cedar siding survived time in overall excellent condition. The plaster walls and the woodwork were preserved and repaired. The picture framing details were restored throughout the first floor. The original windows were rebuilt by hand (in a woodworking shop temporarily constructed in the Mill.) - Broken glass was replaced with antique glass. The processes were extremely labor intense - but the results are priceless.

The combined house and mill total approximately 5,600 square feet. This square footage includes: 13 rooms (6 bedrooms) PLUS 4 baths (2 full and 2 half), an unfinished basement, 2 covered porches, and the 1400 square foot mill/carriage house.

The first floor consists of a formal parlor, a formal dining room, a large kitchen, a great room, an informal parlor (or first floor office), a powder room, and an 9' x 16' activity/laundry room (which has a separate entrance, a breath taking view of the mill and the pond, as well as plumbing and electric to accommodate laundry facilities) PLUS 2 covered porches.

On the second floor you'll find all 6 bedrooms and 2 full baths (one bath is accessed from a common hallway and one is located off the master bedroom.)

The 3rd floor had once been divided into 3 children's rooms. This space has been opened into one large room and a half bath (perfect for use as a home office.)

Oak Cottage also has a walk-out unfinished basement.

In addition to the house, the property offers a 2 story 'Apple Cider Distillery' / Carriage House(built in 1828 - while owned by Ephriam Marsh.) This 'mill' (once powered by a water wheel)consists of approximately 1,400 square feet ~PLUS a large storage attic.

The 1+ acre property also has a private pond(which is great for fishing!) And it is located within an easy NYC commuting distance. (Less than a 5 minute drive to the train station - and about a one hour drive into Manhattan.)

Oak Cottage and the Mill are located at the peak of Historic Schooley's Mountain near the center of Schooley's Mountain Historic district - in scenic Long Valley (Morris County) New Jersey. This property was a contributing factor to the designation of this area as a National Historic District. Because of this contribution, it has every protection and benefit afforded properties on the National Historic Register. It is also on the New Jersey register of historic places. And, in 2007, Oak Cottage received the "Best Historic Preservation Work in Progress" Award.

Oak Cottage is also known as 'The Gem of the Mountain' and 'TheGeneral Grant'. It is very rich in history. Oak Cottage is likely one of the first homes in the region to display the Second Empire style.

Many well known historic figures are said to have visited Oak Cottage. Schooley’s Mountain was, after all, the location of one of this country's very first “health resorts”. It boasted several grand resort hotels - with 300 to 425 rooms each.

Oak Cottage (The Gem of the Mountain) itself is featured on at least two postcards. Schooley’s Mountain was *the* summer community - populated by America’s elite. Some noted visitors to Schooley's Mountain include: Thomas Edison, Vice President George Dallas, Governor Edward Coles, General J. Chadwalader, Governor William Pennington, E.D. Morgan, the Vanderbilts, C.V.S. Roosevelt, and Ulysses S. Grant and his family. Oak Cottage's Second Empire style became Grant's chosen and utilized style of architecture during his presidency. Due to his fond memories of Oak Cottage? ...We like to think so. ;)