From The Archives

CIRCA 1850, RENOVATED BARN CUSTOM HOME, PEAPACK GLADSTONE

This renovated five bedroom, four and one half bath barn features three levels of sun-filled living space totaling over 6,000 square feet. A loft-like feeling from soaring ceiling heights, some with exposed beams, give select rooms an added sense of spaciousness. Many inviting features grace the layout such as exposed stone and brick walls, four fireplaces, hand hewn ceiling beams, plaster walls, stone flooring and random width pine flooring.
The entry foyer is appointed with terrazzo tile flooring and hand hewn ceiling beams, a welcoming space that reveals some of the homes main gathering areas. Special occasions and everyday living are equally appealing in the bright and spacious living room. A series of three windows presents a wall of leaded glass in a spot that once held a barn door large enough for hay wagons to make their deliveries. The wood burning fireplace topped by an antique carved marble mantel ties in with the rooms radiant heated marble tile flooring. In the dining room, a striking focal point is the decorative antique mantle fashioned of hand hewn wood. An art niche, silverware cupboard, hand lined plaster walls and vintage chandelier from the 1920s add to the elegance of this oversized space. Natural light illuminates the heated sun porch, where a boldly designed coffered ceiling, window walls, white washed pine flooring, built-ins and a wood burning stove are among the outstanding amenities. Of special note is the gourmet kitchen, appointed with a long list of upper-end features. Oak cabinetry, a butcher block center island, slate and handmade tile counters, exposed oak ceiling beams and terrazzo tile flooring in rich terra cotta tones are among the remarkable design elements. Stainless steel appliances from GE and Magic Chef are joined by a commercial-grade gas stove from Garland. Deep-set leaded glass windows are an ideal counterpoint to a series of elongated leaded glass window panels. Opening from the kitchen is a cheerful fireside conversation area characterized by a brick wall fitted with an old slate chalkboard, antique oak mantle set over a wood burning fireplace and the same richly-toned terrazzo tile floor found in the kitchen.
A wonderfully detailed powder room featuring an antique vanity and a well-appointed laundry room complete the main floor. Additional gathering spaces are found on the walk-out lower level, including the grandly-scaled family room anchored by a stone wall fireplace. Hand-hewn oak ceiling beams, stone walls, wine cellar area, and wet bar capped in granite and slate flooring bring abundant charm to this character-filled room. Log beamed ceilings and a gas fireplace give a warm feeling to the recreation room. A full bath, kitchenette with gas stove complete this level, and the multi-use spaces which include two large rooms with a separate entrance can be used as a home office or as an ideal future mother-daughter living arrangement. A spiral staircase accented by hand carved raised oak panels imported from Europe at the turn of the century ascends to the main floor.
The phenomenal master suite of rooms on the second story is a perfect place to begin and end each day. A dramatic double door entry reveals beamed and vaulted ceilings in the bed chamber. His and her dressing areas contain three closets and skylights set into the vaulted ceilings. In the sitting room, a brick wall, French door and electric fireplace are distinctive design elements. Luxurious appointments in the master bath include a marble framed two-person jetted tub, an oversized marble shower with seating and dual shower heads, marble tile floors and two pedestal sinks. French doors open onto a private balcony. There are four additional bedrooms on this level, each with imaginative details such as a mural, loft space, beamed wall or built-in furniture.
Attached to the main home is a two level guest cottage/guest house, each floor offering a complete and separate living arrangement. This unique addition brings 2,000 square feet of living space to the home, with 800 square feet on the first level and 1,200 square feet on the second level. The first level contains a living room, bedroom, kitchen and bath. The second story presents a living room, three bedrooms, a kitchen and bath. Details in these living quarters include pumpkin pine floors, stone walls, shelving and lighted ceiling fans. The three-bedroom cottage is rentable.
Remarkable grounds provide a one-stall barn with tiled laundry room, three storage sheds, paver walkways, a front paver patio, an expansive, multi-level deck with built-in, oval shaped pool, arbor with lattice fencing, split rail fencing and mature pine trees.
The front and rear yard and select rooms are served by a sound system. Other mechanical workings of this compound include security systems, natural gas forced hot air baseboard heat, central air conditioning, two attic fans, public water and sewer.
Peapack-Gladstone Borough is located in the heart of Somerset Countys Hunt Country. This charming part of the state has a main street lined with boutiques, fine dining and historic homes. A network of interstate highways close by include Routes 78 and 287, while commuters to New York City have the convenience of a NJ Transit train station right in town.