318 Hopewell Amwell

Description

Just around the corner from Brick Farm Tavern and close to Hopewell Borough, is 75+ acre Freestone Farm, a truly extraordinary offering in Hopewell Township. A perfect marriage of stone, timber and glass, the main house, built in 2001, was designed by prominent architect James Cutler of Cutler Anderson Architects in Seattle, Washington. Cutler's houses can be found throughout the United States, including perhaps most notably Bill and Melinda Gates' house in Washington state. A handful of Cutler's designs are in the east; Freestone is the sole Cutler house in New Jersey. Cutler is known for his exquisite ability to site a house within an existing landscape and this property is no exception: the main house is built on the ruins of a bank barn. With only the back wall of the barn surviving, and with its stone bays separated by stone piers, Cutler was inspired to use the bays to define the spaces on both the first and second floors. Cutler+GGs design also takes inspiration from two buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright: Graycliff in Buffalo, NY, and Frank Lloyd Wright+GGs own home, Taliesin, in Wisconsin. The first floor features a semi-open floor plan, soaring ceilings, 28-foot spans of repurposed Douglas-fir, a fieldstone fireplace and a kitchen that is state of the art. On the second floor, each bay defines one bedroom, except for the main bedroom, which takes the space of two. Every room showcases breathtaking views of the 75+ acres. Several expansive bluestone terraces, one with an outdoor fireplace, face south and west. In addition to the approximately 41 acres on which the main house is situated, this sale includes a separate, adjoining 35 acre lot. Both lots are substantially preserved. However, the separate lot also has a residential building opportunity and may be developed consistent with local zoning and planning requirements.Ongoing maintenance of this magnificent property is very manageable: the separate lot is maintained by a neighboring farmer under a cooperative arrangement, and substantial acreage behind the house is forested, requiring little upkeep. Private walking trails extend within the property, some through old growth forest. A public walking trail, administered by the N.J. Trails Association, runs through the western end of the land. A solar field provides much of the electricity and periodic rebate checks for surplus production from Clean Choice Energy. An energy-efficient heat pump system cools and heats the house, also reducing costs. Some of the acreage is in farmland assessment.In addition to the main house, the charming original farmhouse, linked to the main house by a raised bluestone walkway also designed by architect Cutler, is perfect for guests or an inspiring place to work or play. 5 books have been written by Richard Preston, author of The Hot Zone and Wild Trees, within its antique walls. A barn, garage and smokehouse dot the sun-kissed grounds. A stream with a swimming hole that+GGs lored to have cooled George Washington+GGs soldiers during the Revolutionary War runs along the eastern side.Sale includes Lot 42.02Q 39.16 ac and Lot 56 34.96 ac which are partially preserved. Total acreage 76.12 ac. 2022 Property Taxes 42.02 $46,603; $42.02Q $158; 56 $586. Assessor square footage includes square footage for the farmhouse.Proof of funds or mortgage preapproval required to show. 24 hours notice required.