A Modern Showing of an Englewood Classic from ASP1RE TV on Vimeo.
ASPIRE TV joins Prominent Properties Sotheby's International Realtors Frances Aaron and Miriam Finkel in Englewood NJ for a Private Showing of a fabulous for sale estate.
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A bucolic oasis light-years from the mad dash of Wall Street, Princeton offers not only the cache, but the milieu for which many families long: a college town close to major hubs, cultural amenities and shopping. Yet along with the erudition for which Princeton is recognized, it also boasts strong property values and the beautiful Mercer County countryside, well-known for its horse country with grassy rolling hills and manicured white fences.
So it is no surprise that a retired Wall Street executive purchased the property 21 years ago with a vision – far from the maddening crowd of lower Manhattan. What was his epiphany?
“Aha! I can garden!” he exclaimed. He possessed the tenacity to take on the flat, as-yet-unlandscaped 2 ½ acres, but his architect urged him to enlist the help of landscape architect Dennis Hickok of Dennis Hickok Landscape Architecture in Los Angeles, California (and of the Los Angeles Getty Museum).
“I can’t use a landscape architect from California!” the homeowner said. Yet, he did.
Homeowner and architect spent a week and a half talking and dreaming about the garden. Together they forged a design team that created seven separate gardens on an X-Y axis, which forms the landscape. In addition to mature flora, other features include 2 ponds – one for fishing and one for Koi – a magnolia alee´, moss gardens, pool and cabana, and a Parisian fountain that he and his photographer wife purchased in Paris. Among their inspirations was the Pretty Brook, which meanders along the namesake road, crossing this way and that, at once over on the right and the next minute on the left. Thusly, a small tributary of the brook skips across the back expanse of the property, delineating the “X” of the dual-axis garden.
The homeowner definitely saw potential in the house, which when purchased was a simple Cape Cod on a good, yet uncared for, piece of land. Viewing it now, with the enveloping landscape and beautifully integrated additions, the exterior is a picturesque garden cottage, complete with cedar shake roof and curved stone pathway which leads to a huge, arched arbor and gardens. An enclosed breezeway from the original house to the addition is home to a second, galley kitchen or butler’s pantry, laundry facilities, bathroom and multiple closets. Another closet leading into the great/family room hides a wet bar behind folding doors. Not just a great room, not just a family room, this room provides abundant space for dining, TV viewing and gaming. A sizable granite slab creates not only a serving area, but open separation of the main room from the gallery-like hallway which leads to the studio. Wonderfully warm Brazilian cherry floors combine with walls of windows, fireplace, and lushness outside to create a spacious yet cozy retreat for everyone.
A score of years has passed since this property was first sighted by the homeowner. As if in tacit reverence to the surroundings, “X” marks the spot where his vision and dreams came to fruition.
A 2000 sq ft studio addition with a separate entrance, offers endless possibilities. It can serve as a teen wing, guest wing or mother-in-law wing. An exercise room adjacent to the studio enables a convenient, no-excuses workout.
Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty
Contact: Norman T. Callaway
Phone: 609-558-5900
