Timeless Basking Ridge Colonial

Timeless Basking Ridge Colonial on 1.3 Park-Like Acres Warm, inviting and gracious details enrich an updated center hall colonial set on 1.3 acres of manicured privacy along a peaceful cul-de-sac in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township. Open, level and partially wooded, the serene property features professional landscaping and hardscaping, a huge Roman-style heated gunite pool with spa, an enormous Trex deck with Trex railings, charming garden/pool shed, outdoor lighting, mature specimen plants and trees, and a fenced backyard. Inside, the traditional floor plan offers five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, an attached three-car garage and partially finished basement. Approached by a long blacktop drive edged in Belgian blocks, the classic architecture is punctuated by a covered bluestone front porch, wood clapboard siding and archetypal wooden shutters. Bluestone and paver pathways wind through the scenic acreage and gardens. Among the interior highlights are wood flooring throughout, crown dentil moldings on the main floor, interior columns, a gas fireplace, French doors, bay windows and a variety of custom design elements. The elegant point of entry is a porcelain tile-floored foyer containing the staircase and views into the living and dining rooms. A stylish powder room has been updated with a vessel sink, decorative tile floor and beadboard wainscoting. In the living room, a handsome brick surround gas fireplace is designed with a bluestone hearth and detailed wood mantel. Equally well-suited for formal or casual occasions, the dining room has a niche for a sideboard and an adjacent butler's pantry with cabinetry, granite counters and a wine refrigerator. Just off the living room, a family room provides a built-in media center, bay windows and access to the fabulous screened porch. Generously-sized for large groups, this view-filled porch features travertine flooring, a paneled white ceiling and door to the entertainment-friendly Trex deck. An updated chef's kitchen is fitted with a custom-made, tiered center island with a prep sink and breakfast bar, custom cabinetry, designer lighting, granite countertops, a roomy pantry and separate dining area delineated by columns. Among the high-end stainless steel appliances are a six-burner Garland range with double ovens and a stainless steel hood, GE Monogram refrigerator/freezer and KitchenAid dishwasher. Laundry facilities are conveniently located off the kitchen behind pocket doors.This kitchen also has a door to the extra-large rear deck for outdoor meals. A hallway in the kitchen leads to a bright, airy office entered through French doors, a mud room with ample closets and side doors to the attached garage or parking court. Upstairs, the primary suite begins in a tray ceilinged bedroom, where a series of large windows topped by stained glass frame lush views of the landscaped grounds and pool. There is also a private sitting deck, indulgent primary bath providing a walk-in shower, a granite-topped vanity and porcelain tile flooring and walls. The bath adjoins a walk-in closet featuring windows, and a bonus cedar-clad storage room. Four more bedrooms, each with a custom outfitted closet and wood floors, are served by two full baths. Additional living space has been created in the partially finished lower level's recreation and exercise rooms. This part of the home features engineered floors, a utility room, work bench, abundant storage and Bilco doors to the exterior. Mechanical systems include baseboard natural gas-fired heat, central air conditioning, gas powered generator, a monitored security system with cameras, outdoor sprinkler system, public sewer and water. Basking Ridge in Somerset County is a picturesque community that is centrally located approximately 38 miles from New York City, about 28 miles from Newark Liberty International Airport and 15 miles from Morristown for a municipal airport and Midtown Direct trains to Manhattan. New York-bound bus service is available in neighboring Far Hills or Bernardsville.