Guide Me Home to North Jersey

Unless your idea of a weekend home involves a beach, a long drive and a high price tag, western New Jersey has much to offer you. A weekend Victorian home invokes summers of old, with beautiful gardens, lemonade and backyard picnics.

There are two old homes of note, built in 1847 and 1880 respectively, in Peapack-Gladstone and Mendham Township that are currently on the market. Both are under $700,000. The homes are easily accessible from Manhattan. You could leave and be home in New Jersey in time for dinner in a great country restaurant, even on a Friday night.

The first, in Peapack Gladstone, has 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and sits on .25 acres. The kitchen is renovated and the home is in move-in condition. Peapack is known for its shops, restaurants and parks. The home is within walking distance from the train station and the property slopes down to a stream.

The second, in Mendham Township, has 2 bedrooms, a family room, a full bath and sits on 5.06 acres. There are possibilities for expansion or a pool. The views from the back of the house look out onto a beautiful rolling lawn. The home is close to Mendham shops, restaurants and Jockey Hollow Park.

Make it a day and also checkout all the areas’ summer activities! Don’t miss the Tewksbury Barn Tour on July 19, the Chester Peach Festival and Country Auction on August 1, or the Somerset County 4-H Fair on August12-14.

Posted by:Mary Jane Benedetto

Jockey Hollow Park (one of four areas which make up Morristown National Historical Park) is located west of Harding Township and east of Mendham. Visitors and local residents can visit the park and enjoy all it has to offer year-round. The main entrance is located off Tempe Wick Road which runs from Route 202 in Harding to Old Route 24 in Mendham.

A brief history is as follows: In the winters of 1777 and 1779-80, General George Washington and the Continental Army set up camp in the rolling hills south of Morristown. The location was advantageous for supply and communication routes, proximity to New York, good defensive positioning, and friendly citizens. The winter weather of 1779-1780 is viewed as one of the worst of its time, but fewer than 100 soldiers died due to the well-built huts (they had learned better building techniques since the Valley Forge experience in 1777) and inoculation against smallpox.

The first stop for visitors is the Jockey Hollow Visitors Center where they can see a video and experience a soldiers’ hut tour. Be sure to ask for a Junior Ranger Handbook so your child can fully experience the visit! Continue on to the Wick House (headquarters of General Arthur St. Clair) and learn the history of Tempe Wick!

Locals enjoy the park for hiking and running. A full hike or run is about 4.5 miles around, but you can pick shorter paths! Even dogs seem to love the quiet serenity of the park and people always say “hello” as they pass you!

To find out more about this historical park, log on to www.nps.gov/morr.

Posted by: Mary Jane Benedetto

There are still some “best-kept secrets” in today’s real estate world, and one of them is Harding Township, NJ. If you are looking for acreage, beautiful country roads, small-town atmosphere, and unique homes, Harding is your answer. If you are looking for proximity to great shopping, a large, fully stocked grocery store that’s 10 minutes away, and a reasonable commute to NYC, Harding is your answer.

Harding has been able to preserve the best of living in Morris County due to its aggressive zoning laws (most areas have a 3-acre minimum lot size requirement) and a population dedicated to preserving its bucolic, yet vibrant, nature. This 20 square mile township lies between 2 national preserves: Jockey Hollow Park and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. These set the tone for some of the private and public organizations in Harding, such as the Harding Township/Green Village Bridle Path Association, the Great Swamp Watershed Association, the Historic Preservation Committee, the Shade Tree Advisory Committee, and The Harding Township Library, a small public library with big plans. Click here for updates on these plans.

Commuting from Harding is relatively easy. By car quick access to Route 287 is available from 2 entrances (off James Street or North Maple Avenue). By train the Convent Station, Morristown, or Basking Ridge stations service the Midtown Direct Line into NYC.

Most homes in Harding, NJ have their own well and septic system and must arrange for private refuse and recycle pick-up. There is no high school, but the Harding Township Public School accommodates K-8. High school students go to Madison High in nearby Madison, NJ.

As a result, Harding residents enjoy low taxes. Home prices currently range from $425,000 to $16,650,000. If you would like to experience this unique setting, please click here and come visit!

Posted by: Mary Jane Benedetto