This Saturday, October 31, a 50-acre estate in Delaware Township, NJ that was previously asking $7.25 million will be sold at a luxury auction®. The auction will be held without reserve, signifying that the highest bidder will be declared the successful purchaser regardless of the high bid price. The property, named Stone Creek Farm by its owners, is located in the borough of Stockton, and is within a one-hour drive of both New York City and Philadelphia. The owners retained luxury real estate auction house Platinum Luxury Auctions to manage the non-distressed auction sale, in cooperation with New Jersey listing brokerage Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty.
The owners selected the name Stone Creek Farm due to the property’s history as the site of an 18th-century stone farmhouse. While carefully preserved and restored portions of the original, historic structures remain, extensive renovations and additions have transformed the property into a luxurious countryside estate and hobby farm with plenty of modern creature comforts. It’s 50-acre parcel (40 acres of which are placed in conservancy, substantially reducing property taxes) is surrounded by 100 acres of state-conserved land, ensuring added privacy.
“Initially, the property was a weekend getaway for the sellers, who both had demanding careers in New York City,” stated David Ashcroft, Platinum’s Managing Director. “After both retiring, that dynamic essentially ‘reversed,’ such that Stone Creek Farm is now where they spend most of their time, and they’ll day-trip or spend a weekend in the city.”
The centerpiece of the multi-structure estate is a grand, countryside residence with two large wings extending from a central portion of the original farmhouse. Although investing a considerable amount of money into renovations and improvements, the owners took care to include throughout the home various nods to its history, using materials such as heart of pine flooring rescued from a Georgia plantation and hand-hewn beams from New York’s famous Fraunces Tavern.
While custom millwork, beaded pine paneling, exposed stone walls and beamed ceilings all evoke a bygone era, the home is thoroughly modern, with amenities that include a fitness center, sauna, gourmet kitchen, 1,000-bottle wine cellar with climate controls, executive office and luxurious marble baths. A guest wing, light-filled sunroom, grand salon with wood-burning fireplace, and additional office and two lofts are also part of the main residence.
Outdoor living areas are also impressive. Hand-laid stone was used extensively to create a large patio lounge with summer kitchen and firepit, and to surround the heated pool and spa. Adjacent to the pool is a fenced, all-weather tennis court.
Just steps from the main home is a separate, 4-bedroom guesthouse, perfect for in-laws, guests or staff. There is also a unique barn complex with three sections. A larger, central structure offers a lower-level garage and upper-level entertainment space that is beautifully finished in a “modern industrial” design. The two structures flanking the central barn function as utility facilities, with ample flex space on the lower levels and storage above. The complex and its adjacent motor court have served as venues for grand events (including a few private weddings) over the years.
In addition to the improvements to the farm’s structures, the owners took great care to manage and preserve its grounds. A private pond with stone lining serves as an important part of the property’s rainwater management and recirculation system, while meticulously groomed landscaping and herb and floral gardens add beauty and charm. A gently winding walking path has been carved through the forested areas of the farm, allowing for peaceful nature walks.
Buyers can visit the property by appointment between the hours of 12 and 5pm ET daily, through the close of Friday, October 30. More information on the property and the auction sale is hosted at NewJerseyLuxuryAuction.com. Interested parties may also contact Platinum’s project manager for the sale, Leslie Rose, at 800.853.2101.
