600 Pretty Brook Road , Princeton, NJ 08540(Mercer County)

Built in 1772 by a Dutch farmer, "The Bouwerie" is one of Princeton's most iconic properties. As a homestead during George Washington's occupation of Princeton, it was renovated in 1991 with meticulous attention to the preservation of its original details: hand-hewn beams, pine flooring, a walk-in Beehive fireplace, stone steps leading to a study and half bath that once housed horses, and a wood-burning fireplace surrounded by period Delft tiles. Reclaimed white-pine and heart-pine flooring, as well as interior and exterior beaded and dentil moldings were employed throughout the new addition to complement the authentic 1700's detailing. Entering through the front door of the home's new addition, one's eye is immediately drawn up to a stunning, artistic stained-glass skylight. Handmade cabinetry, specialty light fixtures, and custom painting abound in the foyer, the elegant living room, the family room, the sunroom, and the powder room. Two wood-burning fireplaces add cozy warmth on chilly days. The main gathering room of the original house has been transformed into a sitting area off of an updated country kitchen, which features a brick enclosed Aga range, pine cabinetry, and a breakfast nook enclosed with hand-carved wooden moldings. Below the kitchen is a finished space perfect for a home theater, playroom, or exercise. The second floor of the original home is accessed by a spiral, wooden staircase and offers fully appointed guest quarters, including two bedrooms, a playroom and two full baths, which can be secluded for privacy through another entrance. Adjoined by an outside deck, the second floor of the addition features three bedrooms, four baths, a laundry room, and a beautiful master suite boasting a sitting area with gas fireplace, dressing room, jetted tub, sauna, a double shower steam room, an exercise alcove, and two outdoor porches. Outside, a large bar-b-que patio area overlooks a pond, while an in-ground hot tub and a 52-foot oval pool with vanishing edge look over a spectacular English knot garden. A wooded path follows a burbling tributary stream from the pond and leads to Stony Brook. In the aesthetic spirit of the original home, the garage was expanded to accommodate four cars and an upper-level office or apartment. The thorough and thoughtful renovation of the The Bouwerie has resulted not only in the valuable preservation of local-history Americana, but also one of the most extraordinary homes in Princeton.