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Historic Mansion Goes to Auction

The Founder of Far Hills Estate Hits the Auction Block

Go back to 1917 – Grant Schley dies, and son Evander B. (known as Van / 1883-1952) takes ownership of Froh Heim, tears it down, and builds a new spanish styled Froh Heim. The year before The New Jersey Hunt Cup moves to Grant Schley’s Froh-Heim Estate in what was then called Bernards. (Today it is Far Hills/Bedminster). The New Jersey Hunt Cup race still remains on the Far Hills Race Meeting’s race card today at the same location.

Froh Heim Arial

Concierge Auctions is having a sale in Far Hills – September 28, 2009
Auction Site – Click Here

Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase this masterfully-renovated historic estate on over 11 acres in Far Hills, New Jersey, for your bid price on September 26th.  Previously offered to $8.9 Million, the auction has no reserve, and no minimum bid is required. 

Description

The newly restored Froh Heim estate, German for “Happy Home,” features a stone and stucco exterior with Mediterranean-style architecture.  It boasts 16 rooms with seven bedrooms and eight and a half baths, along with an array of luxury appointments including an elegant new Leonardis kitchen, two new Waterworks custom baths, and eight fireplaces.  A dramatic 47-foot great banquet hall dining room with majestic fireplace and soaring ceiling is illuminated by four elaborate crystal chandeliers, and features French doors opening onto a private formal courtyard garden with fountain.  Rare period details are found throughout the residence: intricately-laid hardwood floors (some original to a Spanish Galleon and some to a French chalet), imported French limestone, delicate moldings, rich paneling, hand-crafted fireplace surrounds, 19th-century European crystal chandeliers, hand-hewn beamed wood ceilings, and antique windows, doors and hardware.  Modern plumbing and electrical systems and central air conditioning ensure comfortable, hassle-free living.

There is also a restored swimming pool with cabana and fireplace, separate “Gentlemen’s Retreat” including a wine cellar with hand-hewn beams, and a stable and barn with eight stalls and two caretaker apartments.  The expansive walled gardens, originally created by noted designer E.B. Shipman, have been faithfully restored and provide a tranquil setting ideal for entertaining.

Step back a few years and here’s what used to make up the estate:

“Froh Heim stables and this two story recreation building complete with bowling alleys, glass roofed tennis court, game rooms, living room, and even a Turkish Bath are on the Moorland Farms. The inside of the estate was said to also contain a full size teepee, and a room with 60 silver grey wasp nests on the ceiling.”

Designed by noted New York City architects Peabody, Wilson & Brown, Froh Heim was originally the home of Grant B. Schley, a mining industrialist.  Schley’s wife Elizabeth remarked over the beautiful view of the “far hills,” thus giving the village of Far Hills, NJ its future name.  Additional alterations were made by F. Burrall Hoffman Jr. in the 1930s. The property was recently renovated by respected local builder Heritage Premier Properties and garnered the coveted 2009 Award of Excellence for Best Historic Residential Renovation by the Community Homebuilders Association of New Jersey.   This noble property has been masterfully restored to showcase its inherent charm and splendor, while incorporating every conceivable modern luxury.  The result is a thoroughly livable estate with an unparalleled pedigree.

Address
132 Liberty Corner Road, Far Hills, New Jersey

Open for Preview
Open Noon- 3pm on September 12, 13, 19 & 20, and daily by appointment

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