Exquisite Gated European-Style Estate in Far Hills on 25+ Acres
All the opulence and splendor of a European-inspired manor is displayed in a magnificent Far Hills estate set on 25.27 acres of lushly landscaped privacy. Tucked far beyond the gated entry at the end of a winding, tree-lined drive is an architecturally nuanced residence finished in brick and capped by a slate roof. The elaborate layout offers five bedrooms, eight full baths, two powder rooms, plus a heated four-car garage with a one bedroom, one bath apartment above. Picturesque grounds contain a circular entrance with a fountain edged in landscaping, formal gardens, extensive masonry and stonework, a greenhouse with half bath, basketball court, and a pool complex featuring a pool house and entertainment-oriented outdoor kitchen/bar area.
Hinting at the elegance inside, a covered, columned facade reveals an arched glass front door outlined in scrolled metalwork. Dramatic details within the sophisticated floor plan include flooring of inlaid marble, oak and wood parquet, sparkling crystal chandeliers, arched doorways, solid wood doors, intricate ceiling treatments, extensive moldings, decorative gold leaf trim, stately interior columns, four gas and two wood-burning fireplaces surrounded by elegant mantlepieces, multiple sets of French doors and an elevator serving three finished levels.
The resplendent point of entry is a two-story foyer illuminated by a dazzling crystal chandelier, while a circular staircase edged in ornate iron railings, inset marble floors, custom millwork and the adjacent arcade hallway spanning the width of the home create an unforgettable first impression. Straight ahead, the step down living room is designed with decorative columns, parquet wood floors, a marble surround gas fireplace, high ceilings featuring intricate moldings, a windowed seating area and French doors to the terrace for a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. In the banquet-sized dining room, marble inlay floors, French doors opening to the terrace and a carved wood fireplace mantle artfully repurposed from an old door in the butler’s pantry are highlighted. A unique ceiling treatment of gold leaf in a geometric pattern lends overhead interest to the family room, which is warmed by the glow of a cast stone gas fireplace. The adjoining conservatory has curving window walls overlooking garden views, a domed ceiling, luminescent chandelier and stone tile floors.
Beautifully designed and modernized, the upgraded chef’s kitchen features quartz countertops, a massive center island with Wolf warming drawer, white cabinetry, a dimensional ceiling, unique tile backsplashes and a collection of upper-end appliances from Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove. The butler’s pantry flanked by the kitchen and dining room offers granite counters, multiple storage built-ins, a wine refrigerator, crisper refrigerated drawer and Asco dishwasher. A convenient scullery includes a Sub-Zero refrigerator, icemaker and sink.
This part of the home continues in a laundry room with storage options and Corian countertops; a mud/garden room providing a double door closet, crown moldings and French door to the outside; and a powder room featuring a free-standing sink and eye-catching chandelier. Lined in custom cherry cabinetry, a home office presents a wet bar, parquet wood floors, coffered ceilings, a carved stone fireplace and French doors to the terrace. Entered by a set of double French doors, the inviting den features a walk-in closet with built-ins. Completing this level is a spacious en suite bedroom and a hallway to the shaded terrace set under wood plank ceilings.
Upstairs, oak-floored hallways lead to multiple bedrooms, including the retreat-like primary suite. This space begins in an entry parlor featuring a Murano glass chandelier, marble floor and built-in closets. The oversized primary bedroom adjoins a sitting area with a marble surround gas fireplace, cove lighting and gracefully embellished crown moldings. Dual walk-in closets are both fitted with windows and custom built-ins. Two full baths service this suite; the first has a tray dome ceiling, soaking tub and extra wide sink vanity. The second features a tray ceiling, marble floor, steam shower enclosed in clear glass and a handsome sink vanity. Three additional en suite bedrooms all include ample closet space and spa-like private baths.
Additional living space is found in the finished lower level providing a variety of spaces for hosting large groups, small-scale get togethers or quiet relaxation. The same level of detail seen on the upper floors also defines this amazing level. An epic family room is notable for its marble fireplace, while an authentic wine tasting room at the end of a barrel ceiling hallway is accented with Old World detailing such as a painted mural, pebble floors, stone walls, built-in custom cabinetry, a chandelier and wall sconces. Continuing the flow is a butler’s pantry with built-in glass cabinets, a sink and beverage fridge which links to a massive climate-controlled wine cellar. A spacious home office contains two walls of built-in cabinetry, a wood ceiling and chandelier.
Full meals or quick snacks are accommodated in the lower level’s well-appointed kitchen offering richly toned wood cabinetry, a Wolf cooktop, wall oven and microwave, Thermador warming drawer, Sub-Zero refrigerator, Miele dishwasher, hammered copper sink and custom tile backsplash. The powder room showcasing whimsical hand painted murals is another convenience.
Also on the lower level, the secondary oversized home office has a built-in desk, recessed lights, decorative windows, columns, seating area and a closet. Daily workouts are welcomed in the gym designed with two mirrored walls, a storage closet and carpeting. This level is rounded out by a full bath with steam shower and sauna, a gallery hallway with wood board ceilings and stained glass windows, and glass doors opening to the outside pool and spectacular gardens.
Of special note is the designer two-story pool house which provides a kitchenette, two changing rooms, a shower room and half bath. The pool house walks out to a rear basketball court for spirited competitions. Perfect for warm weather fun, a refreshing pool is enhanced by waterfalls and cool decking surround. Nearby, the outdoor kitchen includes bar seating, a sink, grill cooktop and under counter refrigerator. Imaginative gardens on a grand scale include serene fountains, ionic columns, a shade arbor, expansive terraces, classic statuary and winding pathways, all fitted with lighting and irrigation. Gardeners will appreciate the professional-grade greenhouse with its potting room and half bath. A bonus apartment over the four-car garage is arranged with a bedroom, full bath and kitchen, a useful space for staff, extended family or guests.