Historic Seacroft estate in Rumson on the market

Weichert Capital Properties presents Seacroft, a baronial circa 1881 mansion located in Rumson’s estate section. Meticulously renovated in 2008, this stately colonial gracefully combines Old World grandeur with a plethora of luxurious modern appointments. The 10,000-square-foot residence is situated on 3.64 private acres on a high knoll; it is one of just three homes on a leafy cul-de-sac street.

Often regarded as one of the finest homes of its era in Monmouth County, the architecture includes an elegant covered porte-cochere front entrance. Entered by a long drive and set deep into its lot, parklike surroundings are graced with a heated pool and manicured gardens. Inside, an inviting floor plan offers eight bedrooms, seven full baths and a powder room. A columned veranda spanning the rear of the home overlooks colorful gardens restored to their original splendor.

Highlights of the detailed three-level interior include a 20-foot ceiling in the paneled foyer, ceiling heights of more than 10 feet on the main floor, six ornately mantled fireplaces, butternut wood paneling, a wet bar, intricate moldings, marble and wood floors, exposed ceiling beams, and a host of classic architectural elements. Ornately carved posts and balusters line the handsome stairways and balconied hallways.

Gathering spaces within the home are artfully arranged for grand entertaining as well as everyday living. The foyer’s sightlines extend to the paneled formal reception hall with a limestone fireplace and French doors opening to the rear veranda. A formal living room measures nearly 900 square feet and is anchored by a magnificent fireplace.

Another fireplace is a focal point in the banquet-sized formal dining room, where French doors open to the veranda for out door dining and entertaining. Window walls envelop the slate-floored sunroom, which provides access to the swimming pool edged by a new bluestone patio. In the huge gourmet kitchen, upscale amenities include multiple islands, granite counters and a delightful circular breakfast room.

With the exception of a first-floor guest suite, Seacroft’s bedrooms and baths are on the two upper floors. A paneled second story office with built-ins is convenient to the all-new master suite, which was totally remodeled to the studs. This opulent sanctuary offers a romantic fireplace, private balcony, two walk-in closets and a master bathroom with steam shower and custom cabinetry. Third floor bedrooms and baths share a large living area and enjoy distant ocean views.

Seacroft was described in Randall Gabrielan’s history book about Rumson, which noted it was designed by renowned architect Bruce Price, the father of Emily Post and a shingle-style innovator. Price’s most-heralded achievement was the Tuxedo Park resort community in Orange County, N.Y. Originally a shingled Queen Anne style Victorian, in the early 1900s Seacroft’s south elevation was remodeled to create the Mount Vernon Colonial seen today. More recently, an ambitious million dollar renovation, completed in 2008, restored and updated all three floors while maintaining the timeless character of the original mansion. Relandscaping of the property preserved and enhanced many of the lovely old gardens.

Seacroft is close to sandy ocean beaches, private beach clubs, local marinas and commuter ferry service from nearby Atlantic Highlands to Manhattan.

For more information about Seacroft, contact Dana Miller at Weichert’s Rumson office at 732-747-8282 or 800-785-3000.