AT THIS CHESTNUT RIDGE ESTATE, GLORY IS FOUND AS MUCH IN SMALL ACCENTS AS IT IS IN GRAND ARCHITECTURAL STATEMENTS

BY JENNIFER VIKSE

Standing at the end of a double cul de sac in the exclusive Chestnut Ridge section of Saddle River is a stately house so perfect you may not believe it’s real. The home, set on two acres, checks in at 11,700 square feet. Even the garage is enormous (there’s room for 12 cars).The estate, which was originally built in 1998 for a record company mogul, is approached through mechanical, wrought iron gates and up a driveway of paving stones. The home has a solid brick and limestone exterior and a gorgeous slate roof. Arched windows, heavy wrought iron balconettes, symmetrical columns, and a circular stone driveway courtyard welcome visitors.

Through the mahogany double doors is a palatial two story foyer, reminiscent of a French chateau. The detailing at the home’s entrance is unsurpassed. Silver leaf is featured on the gilded dome, handcrafted marble columns sit on either side of the foyer, and a magnificent double bridal staircase sweeps up to the second floor, where large windows offer both plenty of natural light and views of the grounds. A massive crystal chandelier hangs overhead. Ornate furniture is tucked beneath the staircase and in the corners of the space, giving it a formal yet comfortable feel.

“The estate was built for entertaining high profile guests,” which is clear from some of the house’s luxurious details, said Joshua Baris, who has listed the home for sale with Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Realty.

New Jersey architect Robert Zampolin designed the original house, which took two years to complete. The current owners later did a wide ranging renovation that included all bathrooms, the kitchen, the pool cabana, and extensive wood working and plastering.

The formal living and dining rooms flank the foyer, creating a perfect symmetry with their matching custom fireplaces. The elegant living room, which has a coffered ceiling, offers plush sofas on either side of a mirrored cocktail table. The walls are done in teal, with accents of soft green and ivory. Formal window treatments and sconces complete the space.

The dining room’s walls are done in a damask of teal and gold, and moulding frames the room’s mirrors and artwork. There’s room to seat 12 around the glass table on high backed upholstered chairs that are done in a soft hue. A traditional chandelier hangs overhead, and there are glass buffet servers on either side of the fireplace. A striking first floor powder room is done with metallic wall paper, and has a heavy marble vanity and an ornate mirror. The billiard room is accessed through its own detailed wrought iron gate, somehow feeling both formal and playful at the same time. A chandelier hangs over the pool table from a tray ceiling. The room has marble floor and a good sized wet bar. French doors lead to the outdoor patio.

The family room, which is accessed directly from the billiard room, is a great place for entertaining. Its comfortable seating area is done in tones of taupe and rose, and the room has a fireplace, a flat screen television, and a baby grand piano. The kitchen stands out, even in a house full of highlights. It’s actually won awards, from both HGTV and the National Kitchen & Bath Association. First, it’s enormous, and features double islands set underneath a tray tin ceiling and illuminated by oversized lanterns. Wolf appliances, Sub Zero refrigerators, and a farmer’s sink make this room a chef ’s delight.

The cabinets are by Peter Salerno, the counters or two inch thick Danby marble, the stove has a custom stainless steel hood, and the backsplash is a water jet marble mosaic. Off to the side is a separate breakfast area, set beneath a hand painted blue dome, with double doors and windows all around that flood the space with light. That’s typical of the house at large, said Baris.

“The natural light in the home is incredible. Most days there’s no need for lights. The windows and doors are oversized and bright.” The den is a cozy space featuring a fireplace, a wall mounted flat screen television, and a comfortable sectional under a tray ceiling.

The one of a kind master suite all 3,000 square feet of it is on the home’s second level. It is rich in texture and color, boasting a gas fireplace, vaulted ceilings, a private office, a spacious sitting room that includes an outdoor veranda, and double walk in closets with private dressing areas. The magnificent master bath has honey onyx tiling, mother of pearl inlays, solid nickel finishes, an oversized steam shower, and a large, free standing soaking tub with air jets. (The master bath, like the kitchen, is acclaimed: It was featured in advertising for Artistic Tile.)“The master suite has an incredible bedroom with a fireplace and a gold leafed ceiling,” said Baris. “The huge sitting room also has a balcony that leads to a patio with beautiful views.”

There are three additional bedrooms on the second level, each of which has a private en suite bathroom and walk in closets.

On the lower level, you’ll find a full fitness center, a full bath, a home theater, and a game room. There’s also a heated 12 car garage. The theater is spacious, with a large screen set in the wall. Seating is on a comfortable sectional sofa or an oversized chair.

Outside, the patio gives way to a beautiful, oversized in ground heated pool, manicured grounds, and a fully renovated cabana. The pool is surrounded by deck furniture, and there’s also an outdoor grill. The bright and airy cabana is nearly a home of its own, with a living room complete with fireplace, a full eat in kitchen, a private changing room, and a full bath. The grounds include a lovely fountain, walking paths, and plenty of privacy.

The home is available for $6,248,000.

Joshua Baris
Coldwell Banker / GLOBAL LUXURY / 375 Park Ave, Fort Lee
Cell: 201.741.4999 / Main Office: 201.461.5000 / JOSH@NJLUX.COM