151 Spook Hollow Road

Inevitable comparisons to world class equestrian properties in Lexington, Wellington and Ocala come to mind when viewing this magical estate in the heart of Bedminster’s Hunt Country. Set on 75 completely private and gated acres and neighboring The United States Equestrian Team, this architecturally-nuanced facility contains a chic owner’s home, two staff cottages and innumerable horse amenities. The farm merges a design aesthetic that is both deeply traditional and freshly modern, gracefully rooting the handsome assemblage of buildings into their equally impressive surroundings. A rare real estate opportunity, it is ideal for the professional or amateur horseperson. Every imaginable detail graces this remarkable property. Deborah Cerbone, a Far Hills-based landscape architect specializing in equestrian site planning, conceived an arched pergola to support a stunning allée of apple trees, creating a visual nexus between the stable wings. A grand courtyard is highlighted by a modern work from British artist Nic Fiddian-Green, famous for his iconic “Horse at Water” sculptures. Another distinctive feature is an imported 17th century water trough at the riding hall entry, a timeless addition to this exceptional farm. State-of-the-art barns offer a total of 20 box stalls designed by the renowned UK firm Loddon Equestrian Ltd. Each of these bespoke stalls is fitted with soft stall mats and individual overhead fans. Inside and outside stall doors offer easy access and refreshing air flow in the summer. Each barn wing has its own loft and heated tack room, plus wash and grooming stalls. Radiant heated rubber center aisle comfort flooring keeps horses’ comfort at the forefront. Spanning from the center aisle are rubber paver aisles accessing a full bath, laundry and blanket storage room. There is also an historic four box stall barn with attached cottages. Among the leading equestrian highlights are three riding arenas, all with footing designed for high performance show jumping, including a five-plus-acre Grand Prix field providing natural and traditional obstacles; a 100 x 200-foot outdoor arena featuring irrigation, extensive drainage and an adjacent seating gazebo; and a vast 20,000 square-foot indoor riding hall with retractable windows, full-length skylights, free-span trusses, and a stylish elevated and climate-controlled viewing lounge. An equestrian facility like no other in the Somerset Hills, the property evolved from its origins as an early 1900s farm to the fabulous state-of-the-art facility envisioned by the current owner. It is centrally located near interstate highways for easy access to New York City and international airports in the region. Property managers, trainers, grooms and other support staff are easily accommodated in two charmingly renovated cottages adjoining the vintage barn presenting two bedroom and three bedroom layouts. A separate five-bay storage building houses trailers, tractors and all-terrain vehicles. Eleven paddocks are enclosed by handcrafted South American hardwood fencing, and manicured landscapes are enhanced by a two-million gallon well-fed pond serving as drainage and irrigation source, open fields, Linden trees and scenic woodlands. Hundreds of miles of adjacent trails invite hacking and hunting. The sophisticated four bedroom main house is a master class in fine design, featuring classic shingle style architecture that echoes that of the farm buildings, as well as colorful gardens and stone walkways connecting home, heated gunite pool and pool house. A dramatic open concept plan unites the kitchen, living and dining areas, where ample natural light flows in from multiple glass doors revealing the pergola-covered stone terrace, fire pit, pool and pool house. Refined finishes such as walnut wood floors, stone accents and high-end fixtures lend character to every room. Upstairs, a primary bedroom warmed by the glow of a gas fireplace takes in serene views of the pool and gardens. Completing this personal refuge is a pool house studio which includes its own spa-like bath bedroom and storage space. An attached two-car garage provides additional storage options.