Elegant Living in Readington Township

Built in a development bordered on three sides by Tewksbury, this 11-room executive-style home in Readington Township offers many areas for entertaining. The open design on the first floor flows from one spacious room to the next in addition to a bilevel deck overlooking the backyard.

And for elegant living, the master suite is like a separate apartment, with a 25- by 20-foot sitting room with five windows and double-sided open fireplace that separates the bedroom. His and her walk-in closets line the hall to the sunny bathroom with double vanities, whirlpool bath and separate shower and toilet area.

The exterior of this brick home, which sits on a little over three acres, has been professionally landscaped with ornamental grasses and flowering trees. A tricolor, custom-designed paver walkway leads to the double oak door and two-story grand entrance with a dramatic curved oak staircase under the vaulted ceiling.

The drama continues throughout the main floor, where most rooms have nine or 10-foot ceilings. Storage abounds in the eat-in-kitchen, with three walls of sparkling white European-style cabinets, which are also on the center island. Cooking options include a five burner stove with a downdraft exhaust and a double wall oven.

The breakfast nook is surrounded by a custom tile design and leads to the 21½ by 25½-foot sunken great room with a floor-to-ceiling stone hearth and wood-burning fireplace. Sunlight streams through the three double sets of French doors to the lower deck, where there’s room for a large table. The adjoining deck is about 21 by 17 feet, with ample space for a table, barbecue and several sitting areas.

Indoors, the elegant formal dining room includes a bay window and chair rail and crown molding. All rooms on the main floor, except the kitchen, breakfast nook and bathroom, have hardwood floors, and the custom window treatments are included in the sale. A bedroom, full bathroom, powder room, laundry room, three-car garage and back stairs round out the first floor offerings.

Up the carpeted stairs are three more bedrooms plus the master bedroom suite and two full baths. The bedrooms are large, with wall-to-wall carpeting, generous windows and walk-in or double closets. More storage is available in the attic and full basement with two gas furnaces and two water heaters.

The home is minutes from Interstate 78 and routes 22 and 287. Readington Township schools are first-rate: The middle school is a New Jersey Star School and Hunterdon Central Regional High School is a Blue Ribbon School. In addition, Money magazine named Readington to its list of 100 Best Places to Live.

Charming 1830s Colonial - Under Contract!

This charming colonial was built in the 1830s and is located on a quiet desirable street. Stroll through the neighborhood of large Victorian and colonial homes and you’ll find yourself in downtown Clinton. Once a part of the house next door, it was separated and
expanded into its own lot. Just outside its inviting white picket fenced yard is side-byside off-street parking for two cars. Pink and white hydrangeas bloom beside the rocking chair front porch. A path along the fence leads to the backyard where breathtaking views
of the south branch of the Raritan River and historic buildings on the far bank await.

Inside, the spacious living room has original pumpkin pine floors and a non-functioning fireplace. It boasts beautiful views of the river, as does each room on the first floor. The dining room has carpet over pumpkin pine floors. A powder room created by removing an old Jersey Winder staircase is on one side. On the other side is the entrance to the expansion at the back where a large kitchen was added. Views of the river through windows over the sink is one of the great features of this kitchen. Recently renovated, the kitchen features the usual appliances and provides enough space for a table and chairs. The stairs to the second floor are accessed from the kitchen.

Upstairs, there are three bedrooms which all feature original pumpkin pine floors. Views of the river are also offered from both the master bedroom, as well as the second bedroom, which is currently being used as an office/den. The bathroom, which was completely renovated in 2006, features a river-themed custom pebble and slate floor and shower surround, a Victorian style claw foot tub, and a linen closet. The third bedroom has a walk-in closet and an additional double closet with built-in shelves.

The quaint town of Clinton, with two historic museums that overlook a waterfall and a variety of shops and restaurants is a short walk away. Main Street events include Victorian Dickens Days festivities at Thanksgiving, a holiday parade, summer music events, numerous restaurants, shopping, icecream parlor and coffee shops, as well as the famous Red Mill.

Ten Minutes From I-80

No expense has been spared in this luxury 13-room mansion in Mansfield Township near Morris County. Every countertop, including the 4½ half baths and laundry room, is a handsome granite or marble slab.The mammoth granite counter on the kitchen island and breakfast bar is particularly impressive, an 8½ by 6½-foot carved stone with rolled edges. People who love to entertain will enjoy the kitchen, where two dishwashers, three dual convection ovens, two full sinks and a warming drawer stand ready for duty amidst custom cabinets with pullout spice-racks and coordinated granite backsplashes.

A nearby dining nook leads visitors through double French doors to another gathering spot, a paver patio that’s larger than many homes. Hardwood floors, wainscoting and creamy, off-white walls lend an elegant touch to the vaulted foyer. In the rear is a carpeted 23- by 21-foot family room, separated from the kitchen, den/office and patio by double French doors. The den adjoins a bluestone porch the entire width of the home. Rounding out the first floor are a dining room with hardwood floor, a formal living room and powder room, with a back staircase to a potential nanny suite.

Set back from the road by a long, paved driveway, the property is about 10 minutes from Interstate 80 and close to shopping in Chester and Long Valley. The school district is Warren Hills High School, near Centenary College and near several private schools, including the Purnell School and Blair Academy.

Carefree Village Living at 55+ Condominium in Hunterdon

Just under a square mile, Lebanon maintains a small town feel, with a 250+ year old church, some professional offices, a luncheonette, restaurant, bank, dollhouse factory and about 1,200 residents who rally together for special events such as the annual Fourth of July parade. Adding to the small town charm is a collection of stately Victorian homes.

Set in a within walking distance of the tiny borough of Lebanon,This one bedroom home is on a private cul-de-sac in the 36-unit Grist Mill Village that requires one occupant to be 55 or older.

A second floor unit past an entryway flanked by rhododendrons, peonies, rose bushes and other plantings, this condominium is surprisingly spacious, featuring oversized rooms, an attic, locked basement storage, a hall closet and pantry. The bathroom is almost the size of a small bedroom, and the 23 by 10-foot bedroom has an ample walk-in closet, not to mention a cozy sitting room that could double as an office or area for watching TV.

The condominium is very sunny and also features a balcony set off from the living room/dining area by French doors for taking in a leisurely cup of coffee in the morning. The 14 by 12-foot eat-in kitchen by a window has a double sink and oak cabinets plus new laminate flooring that extends to the hall and foyer. A large pass-though in the kitchen opens to the 18 by 10-foot living room that’s spacious enough for a dining room table.

Luxury Townhome For Rent - Clinton Twp, Hunterdon

Nestled in a quiet, tree-lined street by the fifth fairway of Beaver Brook Country Club in Clinton Township is a newly listed condominium at 15 Greenbriar Lane. The vaulted ceiling and skylights in the living room/dining area bring the outdoors in, bathing this immaculate, two bedroom home with lots of natural light.

The home is also filled with windows, which serve as a constant link to the greenery outside, which includes rhododendrons, junipers and a diverse mix of plantings.
A working gas fireplace adds warmth to the living room, and a large ceiling fan helps keep the home comfortable year-round, supplemented by central air conditioning in the summer.

The neutral décor downstairs is accented by warm oak laminate flooring and chair rail molding in the living room/dining area, which opens to a rear deck. For those who love outdoor dining, there’s enough space on the deck to comfortably seat a half dozen people or so.

Back in the kitchen is a double refrigerator, dishwasher, trash compacter, microwave and ample counter space. The cheery breakfast nook, lit by three windows, also has a chair rail. A nearby powder room rounds out the first floor offerings.

Past the wide staircase with oak banister are two full baths and two bedrooms. The master bedroom has a spacious walk-in closet and the master bath features a whirlpool tub, separate shower stall with tile surround and a casement window. Just down the hall are a large linen closet and the laundry area, whose washing machine and dryer are included in the purchase.

The second bedroom is very bright, thanks to a skylight and vaulted ceiling. Built-in storage adds to the feeling of spaciousness. More storage is available in the partially finished basement, which is divided into two separate spaces. One of these is about 15 by 27 feet and is currently being used as a workout room and den.

The clubhouse at Beaver Brook Country Club has very picturesque views of the golf course, and is open to all condominium residents. For those who want to get a workout while enjoying the scenery, the community offers sidewalks, tennis courts and a jogging/biking path. Separate golf or pool memberships are also available. A nice perk at the clubhouse is the restaurant, which serves several meals daily.

Clinton Township is conveniently located near routes interstate 78 and routes 31, 287 and 22. The township also borders the quaint town of Clinton, with two historic museums that overlook a waterfall and a variety of shops and restaurants. The award-winning North Hunterdon High School is in the school district and Clinton Township features several parks and ball fields.