Maplewood is Steeped in History.

17 Highland Place is the focal point of some of Maplewood's most interesting stories, which have been featured in books and magazines over the years! 

The home was built in 1879 by Daniel Morrison, a civil war veteran, and his wife Colie. The Morrison’s chose this site because it was close to the center of town but up the hill and away from the main road. The home was the first home on the block and back then, just a modest home with a tool shed. It sits on a lush 1/3 acre of land, which still today, is a larger plot of land for this area.

It wasn’t until the turn of the century that Edward Balch, the prominent developer saw the potential of Maplewood as an attractive residential community. He then purchased, subdivided, and developed extensive tracts of land on the slopes of the South Watchung Mountain, building around 175 homes in Maplewood between 1903 and 1921. You can read all about the history of Maplewood and it’s development by visiting the Township’s Durand-Hedden House Museum’s website. 

Tremendous History of Craftsmanship

Seven generations of families have loved this home. There is a tremendous history of craftsmanship that continues today. The owners of this home have not treated it as a historic relic, but as a living embodiment of their values and skills. The style can be described as Farmhouse Colonial mixed with more contemporary elements added through historically respectful renovations over the years.

View this 3 minute overview of the home, then scroll down to continue reading about this home's amazing design and features.

Welcoming You In...

As you approach the home, which sits on a gentle knoll, you see a beautiful Japanese style stone wall which blends into the lush landscape and adds to the homes curb appeal. The newly built beautiful Mahogany front porch with antique, fluted wood columns is very welcoming. When you enter the home, the first thing you notice are the gorgeous wide plank wood floors which have been lovingly restored, refinished and perfectly matched where necessary. Despite its rich history, the home has many modern amenities, such many new wooden Anderson windows, a high-end central air conditioning system, radiant heat kitchen floor, and upgraded electrical. The entrance hall leads you to a spacious receiving room, with a brick and stone fireplace as the central focus.

Formal Living Room with a Colonial Fireplace

From the main receiving room, you can make your way into the gorgeous formal living room, which was added to the home in the 1960s, and relax by the enormous Colonial-style fireplace or gaze outside the wall of windows, at the beautiful front lawn.

Light & Bright Library

Through beautiful wooden French doors, you enter into a light and bright library with two skylights above, windows overlooking the back and side yard and an entire wall of custom made Chestnut Oak shelving for displaying all of your favorite books and artifacts.

Convenient First Floor Bedroom / Office

The first-floor bedroom, just off the main receiving room, offers great space and can also be used as a home office.

First Floor Bathroom with Japanese Soaking Tub

Renovated to perfection, the main floor bathroom has a beautiful vanity made from Chestnut Oak and marble, a relaxing Japanese soaking tub and a sliding barn door.

2019 Kitchen Renovation

The newly renovated kitchen has a simple, clean aesthetic with open shelves, stainless-steel counters and all new appliances, including an AGA stove, known for its iconic design, uncompromising quality and award-winning innovation. The kitchen cabinetry was custom designed and is entirely made of Chestnut Oak recovered from a single 150-year-old tree that died in Philadelphia.

Beautiful book-matched marble, evoking a French bistrot, is used as a backsplash and as an accent wall. The marble was recovered from The Frank W. Woolworth Building in New York City, designed by the renowned architect Cass Gilbert in 1913.

Light and Bright Second Floor

Heading up to the second floor and to your right, you will find the second generous sized bedroom, with a large closet, a side dressing room and more beautiful views of the lush landscape and tree tops.

Master Suite with a View

To the left is the entrance to the Master Suite through a large walk-in dressing room with great storage. The Master bedroom also has amazing natural light, a vaulted ceiling, and sliders to a balcony where you can sip your morning coffee while enjoying the views of the enchanting gardens below.

The Story of the 125+ Year Old Carriage Barn

The current owners of this one-of-a kind home wanted to keep with tradition by putting their own unique stamp on the home. Fascinated with farmhouse architecture and Amish barns, they spent their weekends exploring until they found the perfect barn - a historic 125+ year old carriage barn (formerly, The Fisher Dairy Barn) in Bound Brook, NJ. The barn was originally raised by an Irish Barn Builder – the owners knew this slice of history was exactly what they were looking for. 

The barn was taken down by hand, moved to Maplewood and reassembled plank by plank to create this large, warm, open space, complete with custom windows, doors, stone work and a full copper roof. This amazing space has created many wonderful memories for its owners, serving as a Broadway rehearsal studio for the Midtown Direct Rep* and communal space for house concerts, readings and wine tastings. This versatile space could also be an art studio or an office for a home business. It has been featured in multiple press outlets.

*The Midtown Direct Rep (MDR), the resident theater company in Maplewood, NJ, is a professional, ensemble-based theater company of over 100 working Broadway actors and theater professionals who call South Orange and Maplewood home.

Enchanting Secret Garden

From the carriage barn’s front steps or the stone patio off the kitchen, you will see what can only be described as an enchanting secret garden! You will be drawn in by the beautiful mix of large trees reaching overhead, grassy areas, floriferous garden plantings and a custom arched trellis, covered in beautiful Wisteria, leading to the lower garden. One of Maplewood's most coveted backyards!

Location. Location. Location. 

About Maplewood, NJ

The towns along the Midtown direct train line are eternally popular for those looking for good schools, more living space and a yard while maintaining an easy commute to New York City. Whether you walk, bike, drive or take the train to accommodate your lifestyle, this central location is ideal. You are minutes away from top schools, beautiful parks (including the South Mountain Reservation - a 2,000+ acres nature preserve) and Maplewood’s quaint downtown village with, shops, restaurants, and train station to NYC, offering a 30-minutes commute to NYC’s PENN Station!

Schedule a Private Showing

The beautiful craftsmanship, the secret garden, the historic carriage barn, make this warm and comfortable home a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

Will you be its next steward?

Call Caroline Gosselin for additional information at (973) 985-6117.

17 Highland Place Floorplan

17 Highland Place Photo Gallery

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