1890's Brick Manor Home in Morristown, New Jersey

It's been over 3,000 years since Native Americans first settled the land under modern day Morristown, however the town has remained in the spotlight of history since European settlement in the early 1600s. George Washington chose the famed Morristown Green as the location for his Revolutionary War headquarters in 1777, moving to the Ford Mansion, which still stands, in 1780. The Morris Canal, which allowed goods to flow from the Delaware to the Hudson was conceived in the town in 1822. Samuel Morse built the first telegraph on January 6th 1838 at the Speedwell Ironworks in Morristown, kicking off the information age eleven days later with the first public demonstration.

The primary reason homeowners choose Morristown today is the same reason George Washington chose Jacob Arnold's Tavern for his headquarters in the 1700's. Located 30 miles from Manhattan and 75 miles from Philadelphia, the city is a well placed hub for what is a surprisingly rural part of New Jersey. While the public schools have fallen significantly behind some of the surrounding school districts, The Delbarton School, for boys, Villa Walsh Academy, for girls, and Morristown-Beard School, co-ed, are all within the town's three square miles.


The Green is still the center of Morristown and most of the town's restaurants, bars and shops are within walking distance; as is this 1890's brick manor home, located less than a ten minute walk away.

The 5,200 sq. ft. home has 7 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 6 fireplaces and many updated features that I'm sure G Dubs, the 1st, not the 43rd, would have found puzzling. As you can see in the pictures however, most of the original touches still remain and really add to the overall character of the place. The lot size isn't anything to write home about, but it looks very well kept and the side porch overlooks MacCulloch Gardens. Asking price is $999,000 and while I'm sure that's negotiable, seems to be a great house for that range.

This is the front room and appears to be a part of the foyer. There's a great wood staircase leading to the second floor to compliment the ceiling posts and rounded front door. The mantel and fireplace are top notch, but I can't help but wish it was one of those large walk-in types. Something also has to be done about the red carpeting though.


I'm assuming the dining room is off of the above front room, though the sky blue carpeting is certainly a change. Some wide plank wood floors would really take this whole place up a notch and would work really well with the existing wallpaper and white molding in here.


Pull the carpeting. This is one of the 7 bedrooms; not bad size wise but those walls make for some interesting decorating decisions.
Again with the carpeting; it seems the rooms are simply alternating between red and blue. Not sure how many of the bedrooms have fireplaces, but this one appears to be the most likely for the master. Could definitely use some work on the curtains.
Arguably my favorite room in this house. The built in bookshelves, the fireplace/mantel and the paneled ceiling of the library make me want to get a fire going and tear through a book. Don't really think I'd change anything in here.

Not sure if it's the flags (it's probably the flags) but there's something very White House-ish about the office space on the right. I could see a president sitting at that desk jotting down a memo while looking out over the lawn; again, not much needs to be changed.
The kitchen and the bathrooms (at least the one shown) appear to need the most work. The kitchen could be updated rather easily, for not too much money either, I'd think. Likely just new cabinets- perhaps even just the hardware- flooring and possibly new appliances depending on what's in there now. Lots of great space and light with those windows too.

This bathroom needs a lot of help, new shower, toilet, tiling, flooring...I'd gut it. Good space and probably wouldn't require much major work, but it needs to be done. A clawfoot tub would be a must in here.

While I'd prefer a bit of a wraparound, this porch is great. Views of the side yard, perhaps even the gardens, and a very inviting space. Would definitely change the style of the outdoor furniture though, that space has some major potential for an afternoon cocktail and nap.