SOPHISTICATED GRANDEUR: 20 Adams Avenue, Short Hills, NJ

The old adage "Location Location Location" couldn't ring more true for this spectacular Old Short Hills estate, where sophisticated grandeur and understated elegance coincide. Majestically nestled in a park-like setting, this very special residence offers nearly one acre of complete privacy on one of the most sought after streets in all of Short Hills. This home is substantial with architectural interest at every turn, offering over 10,000 square feet of resort-like accommodations, impeccable attention to detail and quality levels so exceptional that nearly every other home pales in comparison. Showcasing a stunning design and expansion by renowned Hiland Hall Turner Architects, this home abounds with sun-drenched rooms, generous proportions, considerable custom millwork, expansive storage and flexible spaces for both work and play. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate two walk-in wine cellars surrounding a fireside tasting room while a generous wood paneled library will appeal to the literary connoisseur. Spacious rear patios offer an ideal setting for al fresco entertaining overlooking the manicured backyard. All new or renewed infrastructure and systems including cedar shake roof, four gas fireplaces, heat/AC, wine refrigeration, AV/sound, built-in generator, connected smart home, home security, interior/exterior painting and landscaping, creating the perfect move-in ready home. This one-of-a-kind quintessential residence is a rare opportunity that you will not want to miss.
Click here to see the MLS listing and photos for this home. Additional information not found on the MLS can be found below.
VIRTUAL TOURS / INTERACTIVE FLOOR PLAN
Click here to access a virtual tour for this property: 20 Adams Avenue Virtual Tour
In this virtual tour you will be able to walk through the home, see the floor plan, view additional photos of the property, arrange furniture using the floor planner and even view an area map.
Property Video
PROPERTY OVERVIEW
Entry to this magnificent home is accessed from one of the most prestigious streets in Short Hills, up a private drive through a set of front entry columns, creating a commanding presence and promising no less. Peace and privacy abound in this idyllic setting, feeling far from the world yet only a few minutes from the Short Hills NJ Transit Train Station which offers convenient service to both Hoboken and New York Penn Station.
An entry foyer leads to a two-story reception hall, adorned with a stunning curved staircase featuring custom banisters and risers. Both substantial and elegant, it is truly a work of art and is a focal point of this very special residence. The stenciled walls were hand-painted and highlight the exquisite custom moldings. Nearby, an expansive coat closet and formal powder room add convenience.
Anchored on beautiful hardwood flooring and set beneath a coffered ceiling with substantial moldings, large windows and architectural interest at every turn, the fireside library is elegant, welcoming guests with warmth and grandeur. Hidden bookcase doors conceal a secret passage to the living room, with a wet bar with wine fridge and dishwasher separating the two formal spaces.
Through a gracious entry from the reception hall, a voluminous fireside living room is the perfect place for both entertaining and casual lounging. Boasting walls of windows and french doors with spectacular views of the rear property and tiered patio, the bright and cheerful living room is the perfect space in which to relax or entertain. A cozy window seat will quickly become a favorite space in which to relax and unwind.
The heart of the home is a luxurious bonus/media room, boasting custom built-ins, wood paneled walls and a focal gas fireplace. The room is flanked by pocket doors and light-filled bonus rooms at each end: a garden room overlooking the front property and a sunroom overlooking the lush rear grounds.
An intimate formal dining room with custom wainscoting and sun-drenched windows sets the tone for lavish entertaining, offering the perfect space for both small and large dinner gatherings. A convenient butler's pantry guarantees effortless entertaining and offers additional storage. Holidays and every day will offer a very special experience.
The gourmet kitchen is high-end, embellished with custom cabinetry, granite countertops, 36" dual-fuel Wolf range with 6 high output gas burners and large electric oven, custom range hood, Wolf convection wall oven, Bosch dishwasher, Fisher & Paykel dishwasher drawer, full size Sub-Zero refrigerator & freezer, 2 Sub-Zero freezer drawers, 2 Sub-Zero refrigeration drawers, Wolf warming drawer, Sharp microwave and oversized center island with seating and additional sink.
Directly through the kitchen, one will find the adjoined breakfast room, airy and bright boasting a large wall of glass, two story ceiling and easy accessibility to the kitchen. Every meal, whether large or intimate, is guaranteed to be stress-free. This room also offers convenient access to the expansive terraces and patios for easy al fresco entertaining.
Nearby is the epitome of effortless gathering: a large family room boasting a wall of built-ins with a focal gas fireplace. The room features a cathedral ceiling, walls of windows, cozy window seating, easy access to the rear patios and hardwood flooring. A wet bar with stainless steel sink, Marvel beverage refrigerator, granite countertops and custom cabinetry with ample storage offers the ultimate in convenience.
The upstairs hall is bright and dramatic with lofty views of the Reception Hall below, accessed from the grand staircase leading to 5 spacious and bright bedrooms. The luxurious Primary Suite is reminiscent of a Bed and Breakfast, offering the homeowner a serene, generously sized bedroom with soaring coffered ceiling. Generous views of the perfectly manicured grounds are accessed from a balcony with french doors. The Primary Bath features a radiant heated tumbled marble floor, an oversized double vanity, large walk-in shower, spa tub and separate commode. The remaining second-floor bedrooms offer high ceilings, generously sized closets, built-ins and/or elegant moldings, several with ensuite baths. A rear staircase, from the lower level to the second floor, offers convenient access from the heart of the home to the bedroom quarters. One of the two laundry centers is located on the second floor, adding convenience.
The Lower Level is expansive, with an assortment of rooms created for the individual tastes of its occupants including a recreation room, exercise room, large 2000 bottle wine cellar with fireside tasting room, craft room, expansive cedar closet, two utility rooms and several storage rooms with custom built-in shelving. A second laundry center resides on this level.
The grounds are breathtaking with expansive sweeping lawns and privacy all around. The custom bluestone terraces and patios across the rear of the home offer delightful views of the lush resort-like property. From morning coffee to late night dinner parties, there isn’t a more perfect place to start or finish the day. A three car garage offers the ultimate in convenience and offers additional storage.
The technical systems are exactly what one would expect in a home of this caliber, with sophisticated state-of-the-art heating and cooling systems featuring radiant heating in the lower level and Primary Bath, security systems and whole-house built-in natural gas generator.
This estate awaits that extraordinary buyer who appreciates fine craftsmanship and modern conveniences combined with all that Short Hills has to offer.
PROPERTY DETAILS
OVERVIEW
- Unsurpassed quality with exceptional custom home construction
- Intelligent design by Hiland Hall Turner Architects
- New cedar shake roof
- 5 generously-sized bedrooms
- 4 full & 3 half baths
- 3 car garage
- 5 fireplaces (Gas: Family Room, Library, Living Room, Media Room; Wood Burning: Wine Cellar)
- 0.88 lush acres
- Grand open spaces, soaring ceilings, custom moldings and hardwood flooring
- Incredible soaring reception hall staircase
- High-tech systems including sophisticated heating and cooling systems and new built-in whole-house generator
- LED lighting in most rooms
- Less than 45 minutes from Midtown Manhattan
- Top ranked Short Hills school system
FIRST LEVEL
Foyer
- Custom hardwood door
- Hanging light fixture and custom wall sconces
Reception Hall
- Exquisite staircase with hardwood railings and banisters
- Custom lighting fixture on electric lift with matching wall sconces
- Picture window overlooking the front grounds
- Expansive coat closet
Formal Powder Room
- Custom vanity with marble countertop
- Designer lighting fixture
Living Room
- Gas fireplace with hand carved mantle
- Built-in window seat
- Wall of three French doors overlooking the expansive and lush grounds
- Antique wall sconces with matching hanging fixtures
Bonus / Media Room
- Two pairs of pocket doors on both sides
- Custom wall-mounted sconces with matching hanging fixtures
- Gas fireplace with custom mantle
- Various hardwood built-ins
Library
- Gas fireplace
- Paneled hardwood walls
- Oversized storage closet
- Custom wall-mounted sconces
- Two walls of windows
Wet Bar
- Cleverly concealed by bookcase doors from the library
- Custom wood cabinetry
- Custom sink and faucet
- Marvel beverage refrigerator
- Bosch dishwasher
Dining Room
- Banquet sized dining room
- Custom wainscoting
- Designer hanging light fixture
Kitchen
- Gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry
- Granite countertops
- Tile flooring
- Wolf 36" 6-burner dual-fuel range with wide electric oven
- Custom range hood
- Wolf electric wall oven with convection
- Wolf warming drawer
- Sharp microwave
- Bosch dishwasher
- Fisher & Paykel dishwasher drawer
- Sub-Zero full-size refrigerator / freezer
- 2 Sub-Zero refrigeration drawers
- 2 Sub-Zero freezer drawers
- Double Franke stainless steel sink
- Point of use water filtration
- InSinkErator disposal
- Window over sink with views of the front property
- Expansive center island
- Franke stainless steel sink with Orient Express faucet and KitchenAid disposal
- Additional seating and prep area
- Two lighting fixtures over center island
- Recessed lighting
- Large walk-in pantry with custom shelving
- Breakfast area
- Two story ceiling with skylight
- Glass doors that open to the bluestone patios with convenient grill area nearby
Butler's Pantry
- Custom cabinetry with multiple glass doors for easy display
- Granite countertops
- Locking silverware drawers
Family Room
- Built-in custom wall cabinetry
- Gas fireplace
- Custom window seat
- Wet bar
- Stainless steel sink
- Marvel beverage refrigerator
- Ample granite counter space and storage cabinetry
Powder Room - Rear Hall
- Custom vanity with marble countertop
Rear Staircase
- Wide staircase with access to Second Floor and Lower Level
- Recessed lighting
- Hanging light fixture
SECOND LEVEL
Primary Bedroom Suite
- Expansive entry hall with third bedroom closet
- Vaulted ceiling
- Recessed lighting
- Four wall-mounted sconces
- Four sun-drenched windows
- Rear balcony with French doors overlooking the lush grounds
- Expansive custom walk-in closet
- Additional storage / clothing closet
Primary Bath
- Radiant heated tile flooring
- Oversized steam shower with hand-held sprayer
- Spa tub
- Oversized double-sink vanity with marble countertop
- Separate commode area
Bedroom 2
- Two windows overlooking the front grounds
- Matching carpeting
- Large closet
Bedroom 2 Ensuite Bath
- Bright and airy
- Custom vanity with stone countertop
- Tile floor
- Oversized walk-in shower
Bedroom 3
- Two windows
- Carpet over hardwood flooring
Bedroom 3 Ensuite Bath
- Walk-in shower with glass surround
- Clawfoot tub with designer fixtures
- Two sconces above double sinks set in granite countertop over custom vanity
- Tile floor with inlays
- Ceiling lighting fixture
- Tray ceiling
Bedroom 4
- Carpet over hardwood flooring
- Custom built-in cabinets
- Two windows
- Double walk-in closet
Bedroom 5
- Two windows
- Ceiling light fixture
- Nearby full bath with shower over tub
Hall Bath
- Two separate vanities with marble countertops
- Window seat
- Shower over tub with designer fixtures
Second Floor Laundry Room
- Front-loading washer and dryer
- Custom sink and faucet
- Custom built-in cabinetry
LOWER LEVEL
Wine Room
- 2000 bottle wine cellar (1000 bottles on each side, each with a separate new cooling system)
- Woodburning fireplace with custom stone mantle
- Natural stone flooring
- Hanging lighting fixture with matching sconces
Exercise Room
- High celings
- Wall of mirrors
- Carpeted floors
Recreation Room
- High ceilings
- Six windows
- Built-in speakers
- Carpeted floors
Game Room
Cedar closet
- Expansive storage
Garage
- 2-car oversized attached garage
- 1-car oversized detached garage
- Plethora of storage
Laundry Room
- Top load washer
- Dryer
SYSTEMS
- All new or renewed infrastructure and systems including cedar shake roof, four gas fireplaces, heat/AC, wine refrigeration, AV/sound, built-in generator, connected smart home, home security, interior/exterior painting and landscaping, creating the perfect move-in ready home.
- Multi-zone forced-air hydronic heating and cooling systems:
- Zone 1: First Floor Front
- Zone 2: Living Room
- Zone 3: Dining Room, Media Room, Sunroom, Garden Room
- Zone 4: Kitchen, Breakfast Room, Family Room
- Zone 5: Primary Suite, Bedroom 2
- Zone 6: Bedroom 3, Bedroom 4, Bedroom 5
- Standalone System: Wine Cellar (Left)
- Standalone System: Wine Cellar (Right)
- Radiant heating
- Zone 1: Lower Level Foyer, Wine Cellar
- Zone 2: Recreation Room
- Zone 3: Exercise Room
- Zone 4: Primary Bath
- Two water heaters
- Weil McLain Gold Plus 60 Indirect Water Heaters
- Multi-zone boilers
- Two boilers feeding six forced-air furnaces, four radiant zones and two water heaters
- Culligan water softener
- Natural gas built-in backup generator
- Sumpro sump pump backup batteries
- 400 Amp electrical service
- State-of-the-art security system with motion detectors and glass break sensors
EXTERIOR
- New cedar shake roof
- Recently repainted in most areas
Landscaping
- Lush, mature specimen plantings throughout entire property
- Irrigation system with sprinkler heads for lawn and soaker lines for shrubs and planting beds
- Landscape lighting throughout the property
EXCLUSIONS
See Listing Agent
The information above is deemed to be accurate but is not guaranteed and is subject to change.