ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
By Colts Neck Realty
SHREWSBURY – One of the most iconic spots in New Jersey’s historic landscape is located in Shrewsbury at the “four corners” where Sycamore Avenue and Route 35 intersect.
First Indians, then Colonists, then participants in the Revolutionary War traveled those roads. During the Revolution, soldiers and sympathizers met in secret at the Allen House, one of the state’s first taverns, to whisper about plans and reports from the front. The area’s earliest Dutch settlers established homesteads and farms on the surrounding lush terrain.
Across Route 35 from the Allen House, the Quaker Friends Meeting House dates to the 1660s. Diagonally opposite, Christ Church was founded in 1702. Each has significance to the history and development of area and is open for public viewing, particularly during the annual Weekend in Old Monmouth tour on the first weekend of May.
Amidst this historic profusion, four doors from the Allen House at 446 Sycamore Ave., across from Shrewsbury’s municipal building in the borough’s historic district, a circa 1829 home is now on the market. Warm and inviting, it offers a rare opportunity to possess an important part of Monmouth County history. Lovingly and meticulously restored, expanded and modernized over time, the stately four-bedroom home is a warm refuge blending past and present.
The center hall staircase features a beautiful balustrade believed to be as old as the house. The second floor hall has a unique arrangement of three landings of three steps each that lead to the bedrooms that fan out in three directions. Outstanding original features have survived, adding to the home’s distinctive character, including the fieldstone foundation, brick-lined walls, fireplaces on both floors, wide floorboards, attic beams and wrought iron hardware. Large windows have been installed to enhance views of the back patio and yard. The kitchen underwent a major renovation under the current owners.
The home began as a Dutch Colonial farmhouse on 12 acres. While several families have lived there over the years, it is widely known as the Trafford House after Hannah and John Trafford, who moved in circa 1873. Other owners some may recognize include the Shoemakers, the Guptils and the Bittels.
A full history of the home and those who lived there, along with photos dating to the early 1900s, has been kept and catalogued by the current owners, who bought the home in 1984. The photos document much of the work done there. The home has been part of historic tours of Shrewsbury and was featured in articles in the Daily Register newspaper.
Today, the 3,415 square-foot “Town and Country” home features three full and one half baths. Its neighbor is the permanently preserved, still operating Narrowgate Farm. Charm and amenities abound, including a bedroom with full bath on the first floor, a breakfast room, a library with cherry cabinetry and gas fireplace, a formal dining room with wide plank flooring, a master bedroom with sitting room, finished basement, two-car garage, exceptional landscaping and an inviting backyard. The kitchen features a Dutch door leading to a walk-in pantry, a breakfast/dining area, center island and granite counters.
While the home is located in a bucolic setting, it is near Red Bank’s many cultural, entertainment and recreational offerings, trains and shopping, minutes from the Jersey Shore via local scenic roads.
This rare, enticing treasure, presented by Colts Neck Realty, must be seen to be fully appreciated. Details and more than 20 colorful photos are available on Realtor.com, Twitter and Facebook.
