During its heyday, the 200-acre Peapack estate of lawyer Richard V.N. Gambrill, known as Vernon Manor, consisted of a stately brick Georgian mansion, stable complex, and dairy farm which served as a primary source of milk and other products to meet Peapack & Gladstone’s needs. That was more than one century ago. Over time, the philanthropic Gambrill family donated portions of their estate property which would eventually become the sites of Peapack-Gladstone First Aid Squad, St. Luke’s church rectory and the borough’s Municipal Complex (converted original elementary school) housing municipal offices, police department, town gymnasium and library.
Adjacent to the Municipal Complex, the Gambrill’s original 19th century dairy barn still stands. Its award-winning revitalization (Somerset County Land Development & Planning Award) was achieved in recent years by prominent local developer Jessica Associates, during which original structural beams and stone foundation were beautifully retained and restored. The historic structure’s adaptive reuse has produced state-of-the-art storage facilities on its lower level and upscale retail space on its main floor.
Forthcoming plans for the storied property include the introduction of “The Cottages at Vernon Manor,” an exclusive, compact enclave of luxury residences. The Cottages will exude timeless architectural design honoring the best of Peapack & Gladstone’s turn-of-the-century vernacular. A classic English-style courtyard will be the community focal point, landscaped with heritage trees, stone retaining walls, ornamental plantings and patterned walkways connecting the new neighborhood to downtown sidewalks.
Nineteen upscale apartments will be housed within 5 “cottage” structures, each featuring open floor plan, high ceilings, full kitchen and ample living space. Residents of the Cottages at Vernon Manor will enjoy proximity to everything the Twin Borough has to offer. Situated squarely in the center of town, The Cottages overlook Liberty Park and lie within walking distance of both Peapack and Gladstone train stations, post offices and town centers.
The Cottages at Vernon Manor continues our mission to redirect development in our suburban towns away from ecologically sensitive areas along their periphery and toward already-developed in-town sites. Suburbanism Redefined℠