Homes With a History: Tall Oaks in Bernardsville Boro, N.J.

Built circa 1907, this Georgian-style mansion has had five distinguished owners, most notably swing-era bandleader Tommy Dorsey.

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June 02, 2015

From: Luxury Portfolio

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Photo By: Turpin Real Estate, Inc., a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Turpin Real Estate, Inc., a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Turpin Real Estate, Inc., a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Turpin Real Estate, Inc., a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Turpin Real Estate, Inc., a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Turpin Real Estate, Inc., a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Turpin Real Estate, Inc., a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Turpin Real Estate, Inc., a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Turpin Real Estate, Inc., a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Turpin Real Estate, Inc., a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Tall Oaks in Bernardsville Boro, N.J.

Its timeless design keeps it as though suspended in time, you can almost imagine the sound of the music and marvelous parties this home did in fact once play host to. Formerly owned by legendary bandleader Tommy Dorsey, Tall Oaks hosted many parties, musicians and celebrities over the years.

From: Luxury Portfolio International®

Reception Hall

A vestibule precedes this front to back reception hall. Original pocket doors slide open to the formal living and dining room each with a fireplace and multiple pairs of French doors.

From: Luxury Portfolio International®

Formal Living Room

Pocket doors open to reveal the home's formal living room, where one of it's seven fireplaces is a focal point. Multiple pairs of French doors line the back walls of the living and dining room for easy access to the home's extraordinary outdoor space.

From: Luxury Portfolio International®

Kitchen

The impressive kitchen was restored and given a wall of windows with French doors opening out to the terrace. All three levels of the home's heart pine floors were also refinished and add to its charm.

From: Luxury Portfolio International®

The Dorsey "Blue Room"

Tall Oaks was at one time owned by swing-era bandleader Tommy Dorsey during the height of his career. A gracious host, the mansion accommodated the Dorsey family as well as their celebrity and musician friends. The legendary Dorsey “Blue Room” still hosts his billiard table and piano.

From: Luxury Portfolio International®

Formal Dining Room

The home's formal dining room exudes warmth, and with access to the rear terrace courtesy of the French doors it is also perfect for indoor and outdoor entertaining. The room also showcases many of the home's historical features such as the heart pine wood floors, large fireplace and pocket doors.

From: Luxury Portfolio International®

Stairs

Tall Oaks was designed for exquisite living from its start, and much of its original charm has been retained. Among its nineteen rooms, some of the beautifully preserved historic appointments include its high ceilings, layered crown molding, solid-core interior doors and original hardware.

From: Luxury Portfolio International®

Home Exterior

A grand statement of taste as well as a chronicle of American country living, historic Tall Oaks stands poised on Bernardsville Mountain. The impeccable and lush landscaping starts at the pillared entryway and carries throughout the estate's 6.4 rolling acres.

From: Luxury Portfolio International®

Rear Terrace

The home's rear terrace offers a front-row view of the New York City skyline. Adjoining the estate, the 276-acre Sherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary provides Tall Oaks a privileged measure of privacy and seclusion.

From: Luxury Portfolio International®

The Carriage House

The cedar-shake sided carriage house is set a short distance from the Georgian-style mansion and features two garages, two apartments and multiple storage rooms.

From: Luxury Portfolio International®

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