154 Hillcrest Ave

Exceptional French Norman, overlooking the magnificent Morris Arboretum, designed and built, as his own residence, by Charles Willing of the esteemed firm of Willing, Sims, and Talbutt in 1926. This grand stone structure sits on well over an acre of manicured gardens with mature trees and specimen plantings. Approach the home from a gated circular driveway that leads to a four-car garage. The grounds are fully fenced and very private. Climb the dramatic front steps to the main entrance, into a vestibule with coat closet and powder room. Beyond the vestibule is a large foyer with French doors to the formal garden. To the right of the foyer is the step-down living room with high, decorative ceiling, full wall of built-in bookcases, and a wood-burning fireplace. There are three more fireplaces, including one in the dining room, the primary bedroom, and the enclosed loggia/office. To the left of the foyer the house opens up to a huge kitchen and dining room. In keeping with its dramatic style, the kitchen features an exposed stone wall, and extensive stone countertops. The dining room, with parquet floors and elegant fireplace, easily seats a sizeable dinner party, and has French doors to the garden. There is a first floor bedroom suite with its own bathroom. Completing the first floor is a stunning conservatory/sunroom with beautiful brick flooring and several doors that open out to the formal garden . Next to the conservatory is a loggia/office that's perfect for ZOOM meetings without interruption. Upstairs to the second floor are three bedrooms and two baths. The romantic primary bedroom with its French door to Juliet balcony, fireplace, and vaulted ceiling is a space you will be reluctant to leave in the morning. The main bedroom has its own en suite bath, and a mirrored dressing room. The laundry, situated in a sizeable room with vaulted ceiling is not only conveniently located on the second floor but large enough to store The third floor space could easily be used as a fifth bedroom, office, or studio . Other extras in this grande dame include a finished basement, separate quarters with full bath and its own entrance, originally built for the chauffer The grand, old world style could never be replicated in 2022. This iconic home will touch your heart.