This $11.5 million French chateau estate is located just 30 minutes outside of New York City.
Bob Skinner/Special Properties
You might expect an 18th century-inspired French chateau for sale on the British isle of Jersey, off the coast of Normandy, France. But in New Jersey, USA? In fact, the “Garden State” is sprinkled with random chateaus up and down its long coastline in vast, open areas where proper acreage can support their majesty. These grand mansions are curtsies to the motherland, demanded by infatuated Europe lovers and ambitious architects.
The estate overlooks a spectacular 2-acre aerated pond.
Bob Skinner/Special Properties
Still, French chateaus like this are rare listings. Mill Pond, a 14-acre estate is on the market for $11.5 million in Saddle River, just 30 minutes outside of New York City. It hails from the family estate of the late James Wood. No not the fast-talking, genius bad boy actor (James Woods), but the former CEO of A&P supermarkets who passed away in 2015—the same year the grocery chain ceased operations.
The lush, rambling property spans 14 acres in northern New Jersey.
Bob Skinner/Special Properties
The estate isn’t far from A&P’s former headquarters. Mill Pond is aptly named, as it overlooks a 2-acre aerated pond and open land where horses can roam and exotic cars can be showcased. The panoramic property enjoys county park-style vistas—lush grounds, privatizing trees and bronze horse statues surrounding the centerpiece fountain pond.
Grand staircase with welcoming statues
Bob Skinner/Special Properties
Updated in the early 2000s, the grand chateau has six bedrooms, 10 full bathrooms and three half-baths. Traditional interiors include what’s expected of a chateau—grand staircases, lavish chandeliers, baroque and lace draperies, detailed moldings, French doors, statues, sconces, fancy writing desks and surprisingly, a pool table.
Dining room with lace drapes and detailed moldings.
Bob Skinner/Special Properties
A cozy library boasts a fireplace and rich mahogany bookshelves beneath a majestic, coffered vault ceiling. An island kitchen and living room feature built-in cabinets.
Majestic vaulted library with fireplace
Bob Skinner/Special Properties
Octagonal sitting, dining and office areas are embellished with light-inviting windows. A massive viewing terrace sits off the master bedroom with twin sets of French doors. All public spaces offer views of the soothing pond.
The equestrian barn and stables house up to 10 horses.
Bob Skinner/Special Properties
The estate also comprises a five-bedroom stone guest house, large pool, lighted tennis court, white-picket 10-stall equestrian barn, four-floor elevator, natural gas generator, five-car attached garage, and car museum outbuilding that houses eight additional cars.
This car museum outbuilding houses up to eight more cars.
Bob Skinner/Special Properties
Built in 1979, Mill Pond has only experienced three owners, each a business executive. The original owner, Marvin Charter (vice president of Powermate) lived in the home until 1988. Bennett Lebow (chairman of Vector Group Ltd. and Western Union) owned the home until 1995. A&P chief Wood possessed the home for the next two decades. And now it can be yours.
Mill Pond is secluded and private with the ambiance of a county park.
Bob Skinner/Special Properties
“This is a very unique offering,” says Vicky Gaily, founder of Special Properties’ division of Brook Hollow Group, the luxury real estate firm that has the listing. “A true rambling French chateau is not as common as the more box-style French chateau. The original owner’s wife was European and fell in love with that particular architecture. The views of the pond are incredible from all the public rooms as well as from the master suite.”