105 Rensselaer Rd, Essex Fells, NJ 07021-1400

Overlooking the Essex Fells skating pond on nearly an acre, this 1904 estate was designed by Philadelphia architect Laurence Visscher Boyd as part of the Drexel family's original development of the borough on land that once included the pond. A first story of rock-faced fieldstone sits beneath natural cedar shingles, and stone terraces step down toward the water, which becomes a skating rink in winter and a field of wildflowers each summer. Original craftsmanship defines the interior: Colonial columns and an elliptical archway, a recessed staircase with mahogany rail, an oak library with Pompeian brick fireplace, and an oak dining room with its original plate rail. Hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings and fine millwork run across 6,555 square feet on 3 levels, with 8 bedrooms and 4 baths offering room for guests and a home office. Modern updates include a custom kitchen and breakfast room with radiant heat, first-floor laundry, renovated primary bath (2015) and third-floor bath (2022), central air (2019), gas boiler (2021), whole-house generator, intercom, dehumidification system, new drainage (2012), and a steel-enforced 4-car garage (2014). Outside slate roof with copper valleys, restored front porch, Canadian paver driveway, rebuilt patio and two-level stone firepit. Zoned for Essex Fells School, ranked #1 public elementary school in New Jersey by Niche. A rare, documented piece of Essex Fells history in a great community, ready for its next chapter.