Historical Homes
A three-storey Queen Anne Victorian on Millionaire’s Row in Plainfield, New Jersey’s landmark Van Wyck Brooks Historic District is pending sale after hitting the market in August for $895,000. The 6,370 square foot Craig Adams Marsh Mansion was given a new lease on life thanks to a pair of dedicated owners. Designed by architect Charles H. Smith and built in 1893 for attorney Craig A. Marsh, the mansion showcases 21 rooms with 7 bedrooms, coffered ceilings, stained glass, pocket doors, 5 fireplaces and one of the finest grand staircases you’ll find! According to New Jersey Monthly, the property changed hands several times and had been divided into four separate apartments before falling into a state of disrepair. Rich woodwork had been painted green and a once grand verandah enclosed. This is when John Stewart and his partner, Craig Bowman, first came across the mansion. The pair purchased the property and spent five years and a small fortune worth more than the purchase price restoring the Queen Anne Victorian. Photos of the home’s grand staircase topped with a stained glass dome have been circulating the internet for years!
Patch revealed that the six foot tall stained glass windows set in the largest turret at the landing of the staircase were taken apart piece-by-piece and all the leading replaced. Each window took approximately four months to restore. During the restoration, the pair added all new systems, including new electrical, plumbing and central air conditioning, while period details and fixtures such as the 5 fireplaces and parquet floors were restored. Since the restoration has been completed, John and Craig have opened the interiors to benefit the Friend’s of Westfield Symphony Orchestra. It remains one of the grandest and most well-preserved historic mansions in Plainfield. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Homes.
