200 Old Army Road, Bernardsville - Real Estate Homes for Sale

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Poised on Bernardsville Mountain, Tall Oaks is as much an artistic statement as a chronicle of country living in one of America's most storied environments. Lush mature landscaping begins at the pillared entry to the estate's 6.4 rolling acres. Inside the gates, a long winding drive is a worthy prelude to the mansion's majestic porte-cochère, expansive roof and all brick exterior. Built circa 1907, Tall Oaks has had five distinguished owners, but swing-era bandleader Tommy Dorsey remains its most notable. Dorsey owned Tall Oaks at the peak of his career (1935-44) when it served as his retreat from frequent nightclub appearances in New York. A gracious host, who enjoyed a good party, the mansion's three living levels accommodated the Dorsey family and a revolving array of celebrities, musicians and friends. In 1998 Tall Oaks was purchased by owners who recognized the gratification to be had from restoring and living in an historic estate residence. Altered over time the porte-cochère was rebuilt to its original design. The rear terrace with front-row view of the New York skyline was extended and enhanced with a grand balcony. The home's three levels of heart pine-wood floors were refinished; the five full and four half baths luxuriously refurbished. The well-appointed kitchen was given a window wall with French door opening to the terrace. And, added in 2000, the attached three-car garage blends seamlessly into the home's long horizontal lines. Among the beautifully preserved historic appointments are seven fireplaces, high ceilings, layered crown molding, 12" carved baseboards, solid-core interior doors, plaster walls and ceilings, wainscoting, operative transoms and original hardware. Designed for extraordinary living from the start, Tall Oaks has nineteen rooms including six large bedrooms. A vestibule precedes the front-to-back reception hall. Powder rooms, one the original telephone room, flank the entry. The gentlemen's smoking room is now a study. Pocket doors slide open to the formal living and dining room each with a fireplace and multiple pairs of French doors. Other first level rooms include the library, office, butler's pantry, laundry and pantry room. On the second level, the legendary Dorsey "Blue Room" still hosts his billiard table and piano. Set a short distance from the Georgian-style mansion, the cedar-shake sided carriage house features two garages, two apartments and multiple storage rooms. Adjoining the estate, the 276-acre Sherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary provides Tall Oaks a privileged measure of privacy and seclusion.