A Monumental Manor
By Camilla McLaughlin
At first glance, with turrets, gables, arches and granite, this issue’s cover property suggests a centuries-old manor in France or Britain. Yet, this estate is newly constructed and located minutes from Manhattan in Alpine, N.J., one of the country’s most affluent ZIP codes. Although Dennis McCormack, who is listing the home for Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, says “there is nothing like it in Alpine,” there are few, if any, comparable new homes anywhere in the country.
“Something totally unique” is exactly what builder and owner Marc Saperstein had in mind when he first envisioned this property. An important facet was a mix of many different rooflines. The end result is a singular home with a timeless presence. Architect John Henry has masterfully brought this vision to fruition using eight different architectural styles on the roof, Vermont slate and German copper gutters.
Every facet of the property reflects a similar attention to detail, comparable to how estate homes were built 100 years ago. Every stone used for the exterior was cut by hand. Custom ironwork with an antique copper finish complements the art glass and mahogany of the entry door. Inside, a feeling of sophisticated, playful elegance prevails. An exquisite hand-forged iron railing curves up the stairs and overlooks the foyer. To create
the railing’s burnished patina, Saperstein explains, “We actually took a torch and burned the iron in hot wax.”
The spaces are large but so beautifully conceived they never dominate. Even the largest room has a warm sensibility that lets you know this is as much a home as it is a showpiece. Beautiful woods, exquisite ceiling treatments and stones from all over the world delight. Almost every space offers something special. Pillowed limestone from Burgundy lines the kitchen and hall floors. The library is finished with two different types of mahogany using a custom stain. Even though there are so many intricate details, nothing overwhelms or is overdone.
Each bedroom’s finish and configuration is different, with seating in a baby turret in one, a honey onyx bath in another, and bead board in a third. In addition to a sitting room, a private terrace and an exquisite Jerusalem stone mosaic in the bath, the master suite includes a wonderful wardrobe room.
The temptation to linger and savor each little detail is everywhere. One particular delight is the wine cellar, a sanctuary in itself, where reclaimed 200-year-old French limestone, Italian limestone plaster and a groin-vaulted ceiling transport you to a different time and place, perhaps even more than a vintage from one of the of 2,600 bottles that can be stored.
Still, if you ask McCormack what makes this home special, he’ll tell you it’s the location, the wonderful sunset views and the huge covered terraces that are ideal for entertaining. Compared to other recent transactions, this home is exceptionally well-priced at $16.5 million.
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