Built in 1951 the Stuart Richardson House in Glen Ridge, one of only four Frank Lloyd Wright homes in New Jersey, is on the market.
Regarded as one of “25 Must-See Buildings in New Jersey”- alongside the Statue of Liberty and an early Louis Kahn project – the stunning Mid-Century home is designed in Wright’s distinctive Usonian style.
Setting this property apart from his other Jersey residences is its location: just a 35-minute train ride from Manhattan makes it the architect’s closest residence to New York City.
Its proximity to the city doesn’t compromise the connection to nature that Wright often strived for in his large portfolio of work. Tucked into a wooded, gated half-acre plot, the home is seemingly invisible from the street. The property feels like a sanctuary, in addition to the 1,800 square-foot home are a stream and pond alongside a landscaped entry path, complete with a heated, in-ground swimming pool in the lush backyard.
The interior of the home has been celebrated for its handsome millwork and was cited as being the earliest example of Wright’s experiments with hexagonal floor patterns. Every room is formed entirely by 60 and 120-degree angles, excluding right angles from the entire home.
Notable design elements include the cantilevered entryway into a spacious screened-in porch, an atrium with a window wall that opens onto a bricked-in side garden, a bookshelf lined study, skylights throughout, and built-in desks, dressers, tables and cabinets that remain original to the home. The hexagonal rooms are warmly illuminated by the triangular recessed lights that Wright used in the Guggenheim Museum. The home includes 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
The triangular living room, the home’s piece de resistance, is dramatically illuminated with clerestory windows and an inverted-pyramid ceiling. The living room opens up to the patio and spacious backyard through 14 French doors that line the room and allow sunlight to just flood the space. A triangular fireplace, regarded as “a marvel of Mr. Wright’s creativity” is the focal point of the room.
The final, most articulate detail in the house can be found in the perforated boards that run atop the living room and master bedroom. A nod to Mr. Richardson’s interest in music, Wright designed a motif reminiscent of musical notation which was artfully carved into those boards.
Previously occupied by the Presidents of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, the home is perfectly maintained and restored with a new roof, radiant heat system, skylit kitchen, hidden Miele washer and dryer, wood-paneled Sub-Zero refrigerator, and an electric Miele oven. A tastefully updated home by America’s most famous architect that offers both private country living and easy city access make this home an incredibly rare opportunity.
The home is being shown during two open houses on June 22nd and 23rd from 1-4pm, with the option for private viewings.
The home, located at 63 Chestnut Hill Place, is asking $1.2 million.
Listing: 63 Chestnut Hill Place
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