12 Battle Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540

Overlooking Princeton University’s Graduate College and serving as the elegant cornerstone of one of the town’s most prominent residential streets, this stately house looks as if it were plucked from Embassy Row. Perhaps this was the intention of the original owner, former Congressman and the 93rd Mayor of NYC, The Honorable George B. McClellan, Jr., who featured the same marble tiles used in Grand Central Station in his own resplendent entry hall. While some interior spaces are magnificently adorned with carved marble mantles, delicate picture molding and fanciful hardware, the overall scale is surprisingly livable and welcoming. The library is completely enveloped in burnished wood, perfect for fireside evenings, while the adjoining sunroom is a morning delight with trellised walls and a water feature clad in Mercer tile. Architect Glen Fries oversaw a renovation of the outdoor terraces, worthy of a grand fete or summer BBQ, alike. Fries also brought his expertise to bathrooms and the kitchen done in timeless, yet period-appropriate, white with chef-level appliances. A dumbwaiter in the butler’s pantry is put to use transporting wine up from the cellar and delivering fresh laundry to the many bedrooms. Several connecting rooms comprise the main suite with 2 full baths, an office and a dressing room with the prettiest view of the sweeping back lawn. The sun-splashed third floor has a large lounge as its hub, where movie nights, sleepovers and creative pursuits are easy with a kitchenette and choice of bathrooms nearby. A 1-bedroom apartment, dubbed Dove Cottage, is located atop the 3-car garage, ready for guests or on-site help. From the Sherle Wagner powder room to the spotless basement’s vintage clothes dryer, there are storied treasures to discover at every turn!