A 50,000 sq ft mansion – known as America’s Versailles – is on the market for $48 million.
Darlington mansion is situated in Mahwah, New Jersey, just 25 miles from New York City in an area flanked by the Ramapo Mountains and Valley.
The building boasts of 12.5 acres of land, 58 rooms and over 450 windows across the mansion, making it fit for royalty.
The 50,000 sq ft mansion is known as America’s Versailles and was built in 1907 and is on the market for $48 million
The property is listed with both the National Register of Historic Places and the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and was co-designed by an architect who also created Madison Square Garden in New York and Washington’s Lincoln Memorial
The property was originally constructed in 1907 and has been meticulously renovated in the last seven years.
It is listed with both the National Register of Historic Places and the New Jersey Register of Historic Places was the dream of George Crocker, son of railroad magnate Charles Crocker.
He saw in the area of Mahwah, New Jersey, an escape from the rushed and crowded life of New York City and ample space that would allow him to build the estate of his dreams.
The architect of the mansion was James Brite, who along with his partner, Henry Bacon, also created the original Madison Square Garden, American University in Washington, D.C., and the world-famous Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The formal dining room features a chandelier from hanging from above and also features large windows to let in natural light
The ornate fireplace at the mansion was created by some of the 200 artisans, craftsmen and other professionals who worked in the mansion
Italian carvers were responsible for the original ornate woodwork and a team from the country were employed when the property was recently restored
Courtesy of Christie’s
However, the property, which has been dubbed America’s Versailles, comes with a hefty price tag of over $48 million.
But the lucky owner will be treated to a life of luxury – with two swimming pools, a personal spa, massage, beauty and exercise rooms, an elaborate wine cellar and their own private cinema.
Ilija Pavlovic, Owner and CEO of Special Properties Real Estate Services, said: ‘When Darlington was built between 1902 and 1907, hundreds of the best workers and best artisans from all over the world were involved.
‘Over 200 artisans, craftsmen, and other professionals addressed every room of Darlington.
‘They spoke different languages, but shared the understanding that they are all part of the exciting process of reviving a masterpiece that will stand out for generations to come.’
The great hall of Darlington features 30-foot-high ceilings and comes complete with one of, if not the only, 1906 Aeolian Player Pipe Organs in the United States
Another view of the Great Hall. The huge scale of the property has led to it being dubbed ‘America’s Versailles’
One of the 58 bedrooms, which includes some of the mansion’s 450 windows. This room has a spectacular view of the 12.5 acres that surround the property in New Jersey’s Ramapo Mountains and Valley
The recent restoration included updating the amenities including rebuilding the bathroom as well as preserving the original precious materials
Every room of the property was built using the skill of the 200 best workers and best artisans from all over the world
Among the amenities the lucky owner will be able to are two swimming pools, a personal spa, massage, beauty and exercise rooms
There is also a cinema with room for the many guests the mansion is able to accommodate and there is also a billiard room with bar, poker room and game room for entertaining
The sauna and steam room of the mansion, some of the amenities that have been added to the historic property in recent years
The wine cellar and tasting room give an glimpse of the original, ornate furnishings of the property as well as the modern touches added during the renovation
Kathleen Coumou, Executive Director, Christie’s International Real Estate: ‘The renovation of Darlington seamlessly integrates two centuries by protecting and preserving the original architecture and precious finishes while adding the necessary amenities and technologies of a modern high-end home.
‘A walk through Darlington confirms that the seven-year revival definitely exceeded all expectations in elevating this piece of architectural art to new brilliance.’
Darlington’s great hall features 30-foot-high ceilings and comes complete with a 1906 Aeolian Player Pipe Organ, probably the only one of its kind in the United States.
The library’s 15-foot-high ceiling was painted by muralist James Wall Finn, whose other works include the Payne Whitney Mansion and the New York Public Library.