Historic New Jersey Estate Lists for $3.3 Million With a Hidden Solarium and 40 Acres

Historic New Jersey Estate Offers 40 Acres, Luxury Interiors and a Hidden Solarium

A historic estate in Stillwater Township, New Jersey, has entered the market with a combination that is increasingly difficult to find: a large historic residence, expansive private land and highly customised luxury features. The property, located at 936 Dove Island Road, is listed for $3.295 million and sits on more than 40 acres in Sussex County.

The roughly 10,000-square-foot residence dates to 1890 and has been extensively redesigned over the years. According to the current listing, the home was transformed with the help of a Sag Harbour design firm known for work associated with Hamptons-style estates. The result is a property that combines the character of an old farmhouse with the scale and finishes expected in a modern luxury estate.

The property is currently listed for sale and includes six bedrooms, six full bathrooms and one half-bathroom. The listing also identifies a 12-car garage, five fireplaces and a variety of additional buildings and outdoor amenities.

One of the home’s most unusual features is located directly beneath the primary bedroom. A spiral iron staircase leads to a concealed solarium positioned under the primary suite. The private space adds another layer to an already unusual floor plan and gives the estate one of its most distinctive architectural details.

The primary suite itself is designed on a grand scale. It includes two dressing rooms, a fireplace sitting area and a full bathroom. Rather than simply adding size, the design uses separate spaces to create a private retreat within the larger residence.

The home’s interior also contains an unusual piece of architectural history. A gallery corridor with illuminated museum-style display cases leads to a 19th-century walnut-panelled boardroom. The room was originally part of a Wall Street boardroom and was dismantled before being reconstructed inside the New Jersey estate.

That detail is particularly notable because it gives the house something beyond conventional luxury finishes. Much of the property’s appeal comes from the combination of historic materials and newer design work rather than from a single modern feature.

The main living areas continue that approach. A two-storey great room is centred around a large stone fireplace, while a library extends around the upper level. The kitchen features a cast-iron British Aga range, adding another traditional element to the otherwise highly customised residence.

Stone, wood and hand-forged iron are used throughout the home, according to the listing. These materials help connect the renovated portions of the property with its older architectural character.

The estate’s history reaches back well before its current renovation. The property description states that the land was first farmed by the Westbrook family, described in the listing as among the area’s early pioneers. The residence remained in one family from 1968 before coming to the market.

The property has also received attention for its gardens and grounds. Its landscaping has been featured in publications, adding to the estate’s reputation as more than simply a large private residence.

Outside the main house, the property offers an extensive collection of recreational and utility features. There is a heated in-ground gunite pool with stone patios, a pool house, a tennis court and two greenhouses. A pond on the property is stocked with several types of fish, including bass, carp, catfish and koi.

A climate-controlled iron barn provides additional space for vehicles and collections. The property also includes multiple other structures and generator infrastructure intended to support the large estate.

The acreage may be just as important to potential buyers as the house itself. The property measures about 40.44 acres and includes open land, a private road, wooded areas and a lake or pond feature. The listing notes that portions of the original farmland could potentially be used for a pasture or orchard.

The estate is also described as backing onto parkland, giving the property an additional layer of privacy. Its setting makes it possible for a buyer to enjoy the scale of a country property while remaining within the broader Sussex County area.

The listing carries an asking price of $3,295,000. Public listing information shows that the property was placed on the market July 16, 2026, under MLS number 4041216. The property is being marketed by Keller Williams Integrity.

Property taxes listed for 2025 are approximately $52,553, while the recorded assessment is $1,250,200. The home uses well water and a septic system, and the listing identifies central air conditioning along with oil-based heating systems.

The estate is not currently receiving a farm assessment, although the listing says it may qualify for one, potentially creating a different tax situation for a future owner depending on eligibility and local requirements.

For buyers searching for a luxury property, the estate stands out because its value is not based solely on the size of the house. The combination of historic architecture, extensive acreage, custom interiors, recreational facilities and unusual spaces makes it a property designed for a very specific type of buyer.

Large historic estates can be challenging to maintain, particularly when they include several buildings, pools, landscaping, private utilities and extensive mechanical infrastructure. A buyer considering this type of property would likely need to evaluate not only the purchase price but also ongoing maintenance, taxes, insurance, utilities and the condition of the property’s many structures.

Still, the combination is rare. A nearly 130-year-old residence with more than 40 acres, a reconstructed Wall Street boardroom, a private solarium hidden beneath the primary bedroom, multiple recreational facilities and extensive gardens is far removed from the typical luxury home listing.

The property is being shown by appointment, according to the listing. For now, its arrival on the market gives prospective buyers an opportunity to acquire a piece of Sussex County real estate that blends historic roots with a highly personalised modern luxury design.

Sources

• Coldwell Banker property listing for 936 Dove Island Road, Stillwater Township, New Jersey, MLS #4041216.
• LandSearch property record for 936 Dove Island Road, including acreage, listing price and property details.