Sussex County, New Jersey
I update you with my travels from time to time because you told me to do so.
Creating a title for this blog post flummoxed me for a few moments.
Why am I really writing the post?
What do I wish to convey to you?
Kelli and I are house sitting in an exquisite home featured in architectural magazines. This alone qualifies the title because the place is in fact a masterpiece covered by major publications from within the industry.
Sussex County, New Jersey
The humble, quite shy homeowner even mentioned how strangers simply journey up the winding driveway at times just to get a closer look at the impressive property.
Her claim is far from boastful.
From the street, it looks like a place of commerce. Is it a doctor’s office? Business? Law office? She noted how more than one doctor drove up to the home; inquiring minds want to know.
That alone should tell you this is not your ordinary home.
For privacy concerns of course I cannot reveal a photo from the street level because the address is too prominent. But I can assure you that the colorful blocks lining the driveway remind you of some Lego-Google hybrid pleasing to the visually impaired, little tykes and those adults with a finer attention to detail, such as architectural buffs or world traveling bloggers often seen in gym clothes.
Sussex County, New Jersey
The fully furnished kitchen has all the creature comforts. From a touch screen Breville machine, with an espresso, latte, Americano, or custom-drink at your fingertips, to a convection oven and even a state of the art water purification system, where you can adjust the acidity levels for consumption or topical use, this nook of the house seemingly has it all.
I’ve already engaged in too many Americanos……I digress.
The sharp colors, sleek design and fully unique presentation make for an eye-popping experience.
Eat your heart out, Frank Lloyd Wright.
The home is a one-of-one deal. The owner, a retired interior designer, began at the road and mindfully worked her way up through the driveway to and through every aspect of this house.
Consider the geothermal heating. This means that the heat rises from beneath up through the floor to the ambient environment. The annoying, dehydrating, hot air that dries out your eyes, nose and throat does not bother you in this house. Plus, the warm floors add to the comfy cozy nature of the place.
Every room is well lit without being obnoxious. I liken it to the perfect meeting point between Southeast Asia street stall lighting and a dungeon. Just right. Like the baby bear.
Natural lighting? Brilliant. Virtually every room in the house sports one or more windows. Skylights and a few floor to ceiling numbers combined with 10-20 foot ceilings lessens energy bills while creating a pleasing environment.
Sussex County, New Jersey
Water temperatures in the bathrooms range from scalding hot to ice cold per your pleasure. Steamy showers during cold winter evenings? Check. Icy cold showers during hot summer months? Check.
Architectural Marvel
I am slathering on the praise here but for a good reason.
After house sitting in penthouses, mansions, villas and places with their own freaking compounds, this is perhaps the most unique dwelling we’ve experienced.
The homeowners tore down the old home a few decades ago and built this one of a kind house according to their particular tastes.
Incredible attention to detail went into designing the spot across the board.
The acreage sits at the top of a hill in rural Sussex County, New Jersey. Bear, coyotes, fox and deer have been seen on the property sitting along private game lands. Acres to even miles of green space surround the home in most directions.
Even better?
There are dozens of hikes for nature enthusiasts all within a 5 to 20 minute drive in every direction. State game lands, state parks, national parks and local trails make for a massive network for hikers, runners, walkers or anyone craving some outdoor exercise.
The Bare Necessities
I figured the header above would induce a chuckle or two.
Robbin Leach humor aside, this home boasts:
- an indoor hot tub
- an aviary
- a green house
- a home gym
- a saltwater tank
- geothermal heating
- a 4 WD Tesla when the snow and ice arrives
- a winding driveway providing privacy for the residents
- a loving and kind but watchful Kerry Blue Terrier named Hercules
Perhaps the pooch has nothing to do with architecture.
But I had to add him.
Indoor Hot Tub
Indoor Hot Tub
Kelli and I have yet to indulge.
But we will Precious.…we will.
Aviary
Aviary
Budgies galore inhabit the climate controlled aviary.
The homeowners keep the temperature, moisture levels and light ideal for the budgies.
Green House
Greenhouse
Kale, chicory and spinach are a few of the tastier selections.
We’ve added some to our vegetarian dinners, of course.
Saltwater Tank
Saltwater tank
Nemo, anyone?
Hercules
Kerry Blue Terrier
This is Hercules.
He is a kind soul…unless you are local wildlife.
You better get your ass off of the property, in that case.
Feng Shui
The homeowner designed the house with feng shui in mind.
Originally hailing from Hong Kong before moving to the States decades ago, her interior design background combined with feng shui arrangement creates a warm, inviting climate the split second you enter the property, let alone walk through the front door.
You know when you walk into some houses and feel like a guest?
When you walk into this place it feels like home.
Harmony and balance are the order of this place.
Peace and relaxation are the effects of that highly intentional cause.
Nothing is out of place here.
If it’s a masterpiece then you just know that everything fits ideally.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed a virtual tour of this one-of-one home in rural New Jersey.
Until next time….enjoy paradise.
