35 Hardy Drive , Princeton, NJ 08540(Mercer County)

Long before architect Robert Hillier was internationally known and bestowed with countless awards, a young couple enlisted his talents to build a dynamic modern home on a woodsy 2-plus-acre lot along the Princeton Ridge. This design, inspired by California’s utopian coastal community The Sea Ranch, marks the beginning of an illustrious career. Bold angles, natural wood accents and expansive glass walls are Hillier hallmarks that create intriguing sightlines and a clear connection to the outdoors. A brick walkway guides you to the sheltered entrance beside a sun-dappled courtyard. The foyer dramatically opens up to the large living room ahead, where a long stone hearth provides extra seating near the arched fireplace. Double doors and built-ins give the den a cozier feel, perfect for a media room or home office that encourages working outside. With pocket doors, the defined dining room is as open as you’d like. Some may choose to extend the kitchen into this space. Either way, you’ll overlook the brick patio and wooded land beyond while preparing and enjoying meals. The bedroom wing’s corner primary suite also opens to the main patio, while two more flexible bedrooms have their own peaceful refuge in the fresh air. Don’t miss the 2-car garage through the laundry/mudroom, and last but not least, a pool is nestled into a leafy corner down a set of stone steps. The quiet setting is pure paradise!