188 Childs Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

This signature Colonial is set amid a multitude of flowering beds, secret gardens, and a koi pond to create an outdoor oasis for lavish entertaining or quiet reflection. A winding drive leads to this classic home set beyond a front lawn outlined by stone walls and mature landscaping. Bluestone and brick pathways lead to front and side entry doors. An expansive bluestone patio features a pergola draped in wisteria, clematis, and honeysuckle, and is accessed by French doors from the kitchen, dining room, and office. Picket fencing wraps around a 50-foot Sylvan concrete in-ground pool offering enjoyment throughout the summer months. An arbor located within the pool area provides a shady nook to sit, relax and enjoy the view. A second-floor deck is a perfect spot for surveying the rear lawn and all it has to offer. This idyllic setting in the Franklin Corners Historic District is conveniently located close to the quaint downtowns of Basking Ridge and Bernardsville for shopping and dining as well as easy access to major commuting routes and Midtown Direct trains to New York City. While the home was built in 1945, the feel is that of even earlier times, with wide plank flooring, five fireplaces, and architectural design elements reminiscent of an authentic Colonial farmhouse. The comfortable fireside living room connects to a keeping room that adjoins the kitchen and living room. Also accessed from the living room is a slate-floored sun room with walls of floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the space with natural light. The large Canterbury-designed kitchen offers a center island and a separate dining area anchored by a custom fireplace. It has been featured in New Jersey Countryside magazine and boasts custom cabinetry, chef-grade appliances including an AGA stove, and limestone countertops. The side hall and gardening/mudroom near the kitchen lead to the driveway entrance and is fitted with a farm sink, cabinets, pantry, and closets to keep life organized. Also located off this wonderful entry space is a powder room, access to two first floor bedrooms. These are currently used as a home office with fireplace and a guest suite that shares a full hall bath. An impressive butler's pantry with a wet bar and wine refrigerator leads to the banquet-sized dining room with beautiful French doors opening to the patio. Beyond the dining room is a second spacious home office with custom tile surround fireplace and patio access. Upstairs, a true master suite is arranged with a fireplace, sitting area, master bath, and room-sized walk-in closet. Another spacious bedroom is also en-suite with a fireplace, beautiful full bath, and walk-in closet. A bright, and sunny oversized bonus room, powder room, and second-floor laundry complete this level. The lower level has ample rooms for storage and organization as well a finished gym and two recreation rooms. Located in the sought-after Franklin Corners Historic District within the highly-coveted Bernards Township school district, this home is a pleasure to show.