Hearth & Home Kitchen Tour on Oct. 20 - House #3

This is the third in a series of blog posts describing the houses on the 4th annual Hearth & Home Kitchen Tour of Westfield and Mountainside homes. For information and to purchase tickets for the tour, visit the website at htisnj.com.

A landmark home in the Westfield area, this 5-bedroom 4-bath craftsman style home was built in 1908. In 2007, the house underwent a major renovation and reconstruction by the previous owners, guided by Robert Algarin, AIA and Ken Leonard of Gem Builders Carpentry, LLC.

The current owners have taken this lovely house to new greatness with the interest and attention to detail that completes the character of this beautiful property. The fencing surrounding the perimeter of the property is the newest addition to this project and is comprised of salvaged and antique materials from old schools, high rises, salvage yards and family treasures.

The main entrance is decorated with a tile mosaic inlay from Lebanon. To the right is a home office that is adorned with a Spanish chandelier that was original to the dining room of the house. There are 14 stained glass transoms throughout the house including a 6-foot transom on the landing of the main hall stair. The main hall and formal living room to the left are decorated with extensive woodworking including oak door frames, box ceiling, herringbone oak flooring, wainscoted walls and carved oak fireplace surround. 

Throughout the house, the attention to detail and intricacy of the woodwork maintain the grandeur of this home.

The living room moves easily into the formal dining room which has original oak pocket doors and original stained glass transoms. The claw foot centerpiece serving tray is a favorite of the lady of the house and was acquired at an antique sale along with much of the vintage artwork that is displayed throughout the house. 

The focal point of the first floor is the large kitchen which is marked by an 11-foot marbled center island that ends with a unique service board on either end. The two Shaw sinks and La Cornue French stove complete with all the upgrades are favorites of the homeowner. Appliances are cleverly integrated into the cabinetry around the room to maximize space and utility. A kitchen gas “hearth” fireplace serves as a warm focal point for this busy room. The large seating area at the far end of the room overlooks the backyard pool and patio area, recently refurbished with the addition of the outdoor fireplace. Don’t miss the “pantry” with its etched glass door at the Dining Room end of the kitchen, which is part of the service bar area.

The open floor plan leads you to the family room easily accessible from the kitchen or through the French doors of the dining room. Extra molding and transom frames were used to continue the theme of the house at the entrance to the room. The hallway has two exits – one to the pool and patio, the other through the mudroom.

Throughout the house, many of the lighting fixtures have milk glass shades that echo the attention to detail and consistency of character that was employed in this beautiful renovation.

Finally, the gardens surrounding the home, including a small vegetable garden in the rear, have been recently refurbished and are marked with arches constructed of old elevator cages that add to the authenticity and lightheartedness of the period.

Contributed by Daria MacDonald, a Westfield resident and past president of Holy Trinity Interparochial School Home & School Association.