From The Archives

Said to be Somerset County’s earliest Colonial dwelling, this pre-Revolutionary era home is a rare offering in the charming and historic Martinsville section of Bridgewater Township. The original section of this clapboard and wood shutter residence was built around 1723, with subsequent additions in the 1800s and 2007. Set on 1.68 park-like acres, the grounds feature stone walls, green lawns, a circular drive, brick walkways, a stream, gas-powered fire pit, rear deck and original stone spring house.

Interior highlights include three wood burning fireplaces fitted with richly carved antique mantelpieces, four-panel Colonial style doors, exposed ceiling beams, period moldings, deep set windows, original wide plank wood flooring and stone walls. The country kitchen and two full baths were renovated in 2007.

This welcoming home is entered through a front-to-back foyer with wide plank floors, stone walls and exposed beams. A library is anchored by a four-foot wide brick faced fireplace with wood mantel. The sunny kitchen and adjoining breakfast room present a seating bar topped in dark granite, an artisan-style copper farmer’s sink, a Jenn-Aire™ gas stove, stainless steel refrigerator, stainless steel dishwasher and hardwood floors. There is a lighted pantry with double door access, and French doors leading to the wrap around wood fenced patio. The main floor also offers a full bath and mud room.

A cathedral ceiling hallway upstairs leads to four bedrooms, each with wide plank wood flooring. Of special note is the comfortable master bedroom which has an exposed brick wall. A full bath designed with granite and tile and a linen closet complete the second story.

Local history says General George Washington and his troops had an encampment on the property for several months during the Spring and Summer of 1777, and Washington may have had his headquarters on a stone house that originally stood on the present-day foundation. That original stone house was built in 1723, making it one of Somerset County’s earliest dwellings. Reports from six generations of families who lived in the house said the former stone house burned down and was rebuilt in 1820. The home’s colorful history was outlined in “North of The Rariton Lotts: A History of the Martinsville, New Jersey Area,” published by The Martinsville Historical Committee.

The Martinsville section of Bridgewater Township is an historic area known for its rolling fields and country manor homes. Bridgewater has an excellent school system. The prestigious Pingry private school is nearby. This residence offers a one-of-a-kind living experience in one of the most prestigious communities in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area. Train and bus service is available to Manhattan, and Routes 287, 78, 206 and 202 are nearby for commuting to the many business campuses and international corporations in the area.