House buy in Peapack and Gladstone New Jersey

It was the coming of the railroad to Peapack-Gladstone in 1890 that transformed these then isolated villages that make up the borough. Soon afterward New York’s captains of business and industry such as the railroad magnate C. Ledyar Blair, the multimillionaire Walter L. Ladd and James Cox (Diamond Jim) Brady, taken by the area’s vast natural beauty, built their estates. Along with others they created the area’s persona of land rich manors and horse farms which continues to this day. Comprising 33.9 acres, this offering’s fieldstone foundation dates to 1776 when it was built as the footing for a modest two story dwelling. The residence was significantly expanded by Anderson Fowler and his wife Genevieve Brady who took possession in 1937. Genevieve was the daughter of James Cox Brady, owner of the neighboring estate, Hamilton Farm. Anderson’s father was Arthur Anderson Fowler (1878-1934) a Renaissance man whose enormous and varied talents included business and for whom the street is named. The senior Fowler began buying land in the area in 1907 eventually amassing approximately 250 acres. The Fowlers added the home’s east wing, now housing the kitchen, dining room and guest quarters. The addition was balanced with a west wing comprising the main level master suite and two second-floor bedrooms. Upon purchase by the present owners in 2002, restricting interior walls were removed in the east wing and an exterior window wall installed to allow for the open light-filled kitchen and dining space one sees today. Also, a pool, with patio and fieldstone wall, was set into the rolling meadow. Along with the home’s bluestone terrace, summer porch and trellis ornamented patio, they provide a stage for enjoying the serene splendor which has inspired some to refer to the area as New Jersey’s Tuscany. Though reimagined over time the home presents a remarkably well-ordered floor plan along with today’s most desired features. An office/library is just off the foyer. The expansive living room with fireplace and wide picture window centers the main level. The master bedroom is accompanied with two baths and walk-in custom closets. Indeed, closets are virtually everywhere including a cedar-paneled room on the upper level. There is a family room with snack station, a second-level laundry room, a secured wine cellar and for guests a private suite with kitchenette. The four full and three half baths were updated in 2016. Further updates to flooring have been completed 2022. Outdoors, only steps away, is a three-car garage, two-story hay barn and cinder-block shed with attached dog run. Its Norman Rockwell charm, pristine landscape and prime location are regular draws for Peapack-Gladstone. And commutability is superb. Major highways and NJ Transit trains provide easy access to corporate centers, Manhattan and the area’s commuter and international airports. Ref: 36672-3765032