18th Century New Jersey Farmhouse Holds A Place In Baseball History

Jun 13, 2023

The country home in Bernards Township, N.J., is asking $2.235 million.

Beyond the impressive entryway with stone pillars and impressive brickwork, the centerpiece of the 5.81-acre property in Bernards Township is a cedar clapboard and fieldstone home. Built in the mid-1700s, the New Jersey estate was once part of a larger farm. It was renovated and expanded on either side to 15 rooms in 2011. The sophisticated, modern renovation retained much of the original structure's historic charm, including a stone porte cochère, which connects to a three-car garage.

Bobby Thomson runs for the Giants' dressing room after his pennant-winning homer in 1951.

Adding to the charm of this farmhouse is its ties to America’s favorite pastime. Major League Baseball player Bobby Thomson, an outfielder and third baseman famous for hitting a walk-off home run that won the New York Giants the 1951 National League pennant, known as the “Shot Heard ’Round the World,” lived on the property in the mid-1950s, according to Barbara Davis, who is listing the property with Turpin Realtors.

Throughout the home are wide-plank hardwood floors and wood beams. A tavern room from the 1700s comes with a rustic wooden wet bar and copper sink.

Wide-plank floors carry throughout the updated home.

A large family room opens to a kitchen with both white and dark stained wood cabinets and a stone-topped wooden center island, adjoining a table that fits three chairs.

A standout of the kitchen is an antique-style, high-end Aga range, made in the United Kingdom, which is framed by a herringbone brick backsplash.

Ceiling beams, a fireplace and built-ins are among details in the living room.

All five of the home’s bathrooms have en-suite bathrooms, including one with a clawfoot soaking tub and separate vanity. There’s also a large separate room with vaulted ceilings that currently houses a gym.

The expansive property is also home to a two-story carriage house with a full kitchen, family room, bedroom, office and laundry room. It features stone and wood accents that echo the architecture of the original home.

The carriage house provides additional living space for guests or staff.

Next to a pond and fountain is a cottage with a covered wood porch. Davis says the current owners use it to enjoy hot chocolate after ice skating.

The surrounding yard also features several entertaining areas, including a freeform gunite pool with in-ground hot tub, and screened gazebo. Nearby is a double-sided outdoor chimney and full outdoor kitchen with stone island.

The porch of the pictureque cottage is a great place to take in the pond.

“It's very park-like and very peaceful,” Davis says of the property.

Local Giants fans and anyone commuting to New York City will enjoy the home’s proximity. The larger, bustling metro area is just over an hour’s trip from quiet, suburban Bernards Township.

The nearly 6-acre property includes a swimming pool and a gazebo.

The property was recently listed for $2.235 million.