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Not only is 19 Bentley Avenue within Jersey City’s newest historic district, but it is also one of the most magnificent and mythologized homes in an architecturally outstanding row of 19th-century townhouses with Queen Anne and Neo-Greco influences. The rare property is for sale and features four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a full basement, and parking for two cars.
The three-story brick row house is the westernmost of five row homes along idyllic tree-lined Bentley Avenue in the most coveted section of the West Bergen-East Lincoln Park Historic District — the only designated historic district beyond Downtown Jersey City.
Built in approximately 1892, 19 Bentley Avenue is a classic “Gay Nineties” townhouse with classical architectural details to boot: a grand brownstone stoop with hefty iron railings leads to the traditional two sets of original double wood doors with delightful paneled detail, creating an elegant foyer; a fanlight shines overhead, and an arched terracotta lintel crowns the opulent entry.
Many 19th-century properties in the West Bergen section of Jersey City belonged to George W. Helme — a snuff and tobacco man who became a titan of American industry and died the second richest man in New Jersey. Local legend has it that 19 Bentley Avenue was built by Mr. Helme for his daughter as a wedding present.
The Mansard roof is clad in terracotta tiles; more terracotta lintels, sills, and decorative panels distinguish the facade; and an arched transom is graced with a stained-glass mosaic. The dining room also boasts an original stained-glass window.
The original mahogany staircase welcomes and a serpentine hallway wends its way through the main floor where interior classical details abound: hardwood floors with inlaid details and magnificent mahogany millwork throughout, plaster moldings and ceiling medallions, French doors and pocket doors with patterned frosted glass, three mahogany tiled fireplaces, and a light fixture dating to the 1920s. And the original dumb waiter is still in working order, adding that much more 19th-century charm to the home.
19 Bentley Avenue boasts a full raised basement with a half bath and a backyard that includes parking for two cars accessed by a private alley off Bergen Avenue called Welsh Lane.
This one-of-a-kind home is marked by so much history and swells with possibility — 19 Bentley Avenue is a must-see.
For more information and to schedule a showing, please contact Basilio Rivera at 201-333-7717 or [email protected].
Listing: 19 Bentley Avenue, Jersey City
Asking: $1,250,000
Agent/Brokerage: Basilio Rivera/Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
