Sleepy Hollow Mansion Featured on May 11 Notable Home Tour

A superb Jazz Age mansion done in a grand architectural style with soaring coffered ceilings and one-of-a-kind design elements to delight the beholder is one of five outstanding residences featured on this year's Tour of Notable Homes on May 11th, presented by the Friends of Westfield Symphony Orchestra.

Shuang Guo-Wroe, who co-chairs this year's tour, reveals that this home located in the storied Sleepy Hollow section of Plainfield is a show place in every way. A new construction brick mansion completed in 2010, it stands majestically on a seven acre knoll replacing a circa 1917 manse that previously occupied the site.  

Designed to replicate the grand houses of the Jazz Age, Guo-Wroe says, “Approaching the circular driveway we can imagine Jay Gatsby himself standing at the door to welcome visitors.” 

The architecture, furnishings, moldings, trimmings, artwork and artifacts emphasize the very best of the period while providing every convenience of the 21st Century. The classic center hall foyer features a spiral staircase and a coffered ceiling with deep decorative moldings. Chandeliers and sconces are works of art significant to the décor. 

A tribute to the Jazz Age, according to Lee Corcoran, WSO Friends President, is a “speakeasy” bar in the living room hidden behind a painting mounted on a sliding panel – ‘a foil against the Prohibition police.’” Corcoran continues to describe some of the other features of the house: the dining room walls are covered in de Gorney wall paper imported from England, two matching E.F. Caldwell silvered bronze chandeliers hang above the massive dining table. 

A must-see according to Tour Co-chair, Jennifer Colamedici, is an office paneled in mahogany with a coffered ceiling punctuated by alligator leather. There is an elevator, she explains, and an electronic security system that provides real-time audio visual surveillance of the house and grounds. The house contains five one-of-a-kind bedrooms and nine bathrooms. 

Colamedici enthuses, “The romantic white on white master suite contains a galley kitchen, lighting by Nierman Weeks, walk-in closets and lady’s den.”

Tour participants will be fascinated by the fully-equipped micro-brewery and pub bar located on the lower level where adjacent accommodations include a game room, wine cellar, private ladies’ beauty salon and barber shop for gents.

The bright, expansive, professional-style kitchen dressed in yellow and white with floors and countertops in white marble overlooks the fabulous landscaping at the east end of the property. 

Tickets for the Tour of Notable Homes are $30 when purchased in advance, $35 on the day of the tour. They are available online atwww.westfieldsymphony.org and at Baron’s Drug Store, Coldwell Banker Realtors East and West, The Town Book Store, in Westfield; Christoffer’s in Mountainside; Periwinkle’s in Cranford, Norman’s Hallmark in Fanwood.  

For further information visit us on line atwww.westfieldsymphony.org  or call 908 232-9400. All proceeds to benefit Westfield Symphony Orchestra.