This is not just any property for sale. This is a property that is very very special to me and my family. Since it was purchased by an extremely private owner, it has been difficult to track what has been going on with it these past few years, until now...
The History: Blairsden, The legendary country home of C. Ledyard Blair, financier, banking heir and sportsman is offered for sale on 34 acres overlooking the Somerset Hills. Only 47 miles to New York City, it was designed by Carrere & Hastings with a sympathetic landscape design by James Lyle Greenleaf. The result is considered one of the finest examples of the Beaux Arts movement. Blair chose a bucolic hilltop setting within easy reach by rail of New York City in what is now Peapack-Gladstone, and assembled 500 acres of farmland with breathtaking vistas. Constructed between 1898 and 1903 it was regarded as a marvel of planning and engineering using steel and concrete floors on all levels, electrical service, elevators and the finest materials available. Its sumptuous interior of limestone, marble and rich woods reflects Blair’s lifestyle during the Gilded Age. Italianate gardens were created, extensive rose gardens added by the tennis courts, and a stone and brick staircase linked to a mosaic ramp that once led to Ravine Lake. Elegant weddings for his four daughters took place in this exquisite setting overlooking the countryside. Inside, the basement then held a pool, Turkish baths and a squash court. Expansive public rooms on the first floor opened to terraces or the veranda that joined the tea house, or Belvedere. Marble columns and doorways unique and elaborate mantels for the 25 fireplaces, and exquisite moldings accent the home. Designed to accommodate the prestigious list of visitors and weekend guests, the second floor was for the family and special guests while the third floor was largely dedicated to staff.
What is my connection to this stunning property? In 1949, when Blair died, much of his property was divided up and sold. The mansion was sold to the Sisters of St. John the Baptist in 1950, and it became a religious retreat. In the 80's,
my father worked for an Italian food distributor in
New Jersey;
Roma Food. The "Nuns" as we called them used to personally go to the warehouse and order their food. My father sparked a special bond with these {very Italian} Nuns and began to go out of his way and personally delivery their special orders to the Mansion where they lived. I remember him taking my brother and I up there on weekday nights after he got home from work. The house is completely hidden from the road. To get there you must take a small narrow dirt road (as it was back then) all the way up the mountain which eventually opened up to two driveways surrounding a very large reflecting pool, and then up to the mansion. On those nights, I always remember the Nuns serving my brother and I vanilla ice cream, and handing my father a container of their famous homemade lasagna to bring home (which I still dream about to this day!)
Over the years, we had many family events there and almost always went there New Years Day for dinner. I remember eating in this dining room (which is more like a ballroom, it is HUGE) and feeling like a princess!
I would wander around the big mansion pretending to be a princess and this was my castle. I have some very magical memories here.
When Kevin and I first got engaged, the first place I thought of to get married at was Blairsden. Unfortunately, it was still under renovation by it's current owners and not available. My
dream would be for the next owner to transform this amazing property into a Bed and Breakfast or event space open to the public; similarly to what they did to neighboring mansion,
Natirar. It is just
too special to keep "private." I would be ecstatic to be able to bring my husband (and eventually) our children there and begin family traditions just as we had the opportunity to do.
I have been blessed with the memories of visiting this spectacular place as a young girl, and now this 31 bedroom, 14 full bath, 5 half bath, 50,0000 square feet, legendary estate, sitting on 34 acres, is available for purchase!
Asking Price $4,900,000
If you would like more information about this property please contact me or visit my website.
Photos via Garden State MLS
