Property Description 156 Overleigh Rd, Bernardsville Boro, NJ 07924
Magnificent Brick and Stone Manor on the Bernardsville Mountain
No detail was overlooked in an architectural masterpiece surrounded by 5.28± manicured acres on the Bernardsville Mountain, the ultimate destination for a luxurious lifestyle. Acclaimed local architect Peter Dorne designed this exceptional 11,000 square-foot dwelling in 2012; it features a separate pool house with a state-of-the-art squash court and adjacent conservatory. The impeccably designed interior provides six bedroom suites, one of them a well-appointed two-bedroom apartment, seven full baths and three powder rooms. Bespoke design elements include hand-milled built-ins, millwork and cabinetry, hickory flooring, ornate fireplaces, Charles Edwards lighting fixtures, luxurious Waterworks baths, numerous French doors and an elevator. Finished in a classic mix of red brick and Seneca buff stone capped by a cedar shake roof, this residence is enhanced by handcrafted masonry work, a huge bluestone terrace, an impressive porte cochère side entry, mature trees, open lawns and colorful gardens, creating a quintessential country retreat. Its private location at the end of a cul de sac shares a rear border with the Somerset Hills Country Club's golf course.
Introducing the gracious floor plan are a set of flame mahogany front doors revealing the entrance hall with herringbone wood floors and a graceful main staircase. Additional highlights of this elegant manor include sophisticated gathering spaces on the main level, such as a formal living room where the carved fireplace mantle was made on-site, a fireside library lined in custom maple cabinetry and wood paneling which opens to the bluestone terrace, a windowed alcove accommodating the dining room, a chic wet bar, and a viewing room featuring a built-in media wall.
Grounded by an L-shaped center island, the epicurean kitchen is fitted with appliances from Sub-Zero and Thermador, deeply toned wood cabinets, granite countertops, knotty pine walls and a dining area. Doors to the rear terrace invite warm weather entertaining with a retractable shade awning and built-in gas grill. Near the kitchen is access to an oversized pantry, elevator, rear staircase, heated three-car garage enclosed by mahogany doors, as well as separate laundry, powder and recycling rooms.
Set apart from the public spaces, a spectacular first floor primary suite contains an airy bedroom set under high coffered ceilings, a lovely gas/wood-burning fireplace, fully outfitted walk-in closet, and a pair of mirrored French doors to the spa-inspired primary bath. This owners' sanctuary features marble tilework, an extra-large shower, soaking tub, two vanities, custom built-ins and a private water closet. Adjacent to the primary bedroom is a mahogany paneled sunroom taking in lush property views from three window walls. French doors in the sunroom open to a sheltered courtyard centered by an enchanting water feature. Also on the first floor is a secondary bedroom suite with tall coffered ceilings, a walk-in closet and French doors to the terrace. It adjoins a handicapped-accessible marble bath offering a zero-clearance shower. The second level is equally impressive, with two artfully designed bedroom suites, each connecting to a marble tiled full bath. There is also a delightful sitting room featuring a wall of built-ins, a study hall with built-in desks, and a rear staircase. This level continues in a two-bedroom apartment near the rear staircase; it offers spacious bedrooms, a center island kitchen with breakfast nook, a full bath, walk-in closets and a laundry room.
Even more living space is available on the finished lower level. A professional-grade home theater has comfortable tiered seating, mahogany trim and soundproofed walls. The expansive gym is designed with mirrored walls and plenty of space for working out. A bar area capped by porcelain countertops, a dual infrared/coal-fired sauna, half bath, shower room, elevator stop, cedar closets, generous storage options and utility areas, including a whole-house generator, complete this well-designed level.
In the rear property, brick walkways wind through breathtaking landscapes to the heated gunite pool with spa, bluestone patio surround and fabulous pool house. Designed to look as if it's been there for generations, this roomy two-story structure has brick floors arranged in a herringbone pattern, antique wood cabinetry, half-timbered ceilings, plaster walls and a handsome wood-burning brick fireplace. A full kitchen with upper-end appliances, a farmhouse sink and sitting area streamline entertaining. There is also a full bath plus a gallery area overlooking views of the squash court below. Reached by a curving limestone staircase, the grotto-like lower level has brick walls and arched doorways; one of the rooms would make an ideal wine cellar/tasting room, and another is a changing room for pool guests. A game room next to the squash court underscores the fun-filled spirit of the pool house.
Adjacent to the pool house, a conservatory building is a dramatic sun-filled space that features towering beamed cathedral ceilings, light fixtures sourced from The Ritz in Paris, treillage walls and skylights. A series of arched top French doors open to the outside, where a Florentine Craftsmen recirculating lead fountain is an eye-catching focal point. The entire property is deer fenced and all planters and garden beds are plumbed for irrigation. Solar panels contribute to the home’s energy efficiency.
Located in the celebrated Somerset Hills, the Bernardsville Mountain is a backdrop of natural beauty for residential properties set on multiple acres. It's minutes from historic downtown Bernardsville for fine dining at The Bernards Inn, independently owned shops and boutiques, art galleries, a seasonal farmer's market and Midtown Direct trains to Manhattan. Other amenities include a Blue Ribbon school district, highly rated private schools in the area, and easy access to Routes 202, 78 and 287, as well as Newark Liberty International Airport.