149 Hodge Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540

What gives this Hodge Road house its undeniable air of dignity? Perhaps it's the leaded windows accented with stained glass, the paneled wood doors with hefty wrought iron hardware or the solid stone walls built from the very same material used for Princeton University's world-famous buildings, which happen to be just a half-mile away. Since its completion nearly 100 years ago, five generations have lived happily under its slate roof. From the gleaming oak and Mercer tile floors to the coved and coffered ceilings, every inch within has been lovingly maintained. The main hall, crowd-friendly formal rooms and paneled library remain as warm and welcoming as they've always been, while the kitchen and former servant's spaces have been modernized and opened up to create a large, laid-back gathering area with French doors. Stretching out from the terrace, half shaded by flowering wisteria, a deep lawn edged with perennials culminates in a koi pond, once the site of a picture-perfect wedding. One of two side lawns hosts the aqua-blue pool. Enjoy water's therapeutic benefits any time of year in the intimate garden room with trickling fountain. On the second floor, there are three marble-tiled bathrooms serving six bedrooms, many with fireplaces and terrace access, plus the laundry room and a linen room lined with built-ins. A separate apartment is completely updated, wonderful for a nanny, caretaker or extended-stay guests. Untapped space in the full attic and basement can accommodate any unmet needs. Original amenities, like the telephone booth and hand-cranked firewood haul, may spark conversation about bygone days, but this house is prepped for the latest systems and ready to serve the next five generations with distinction and grace. Owners are NJ Licensed Real Estate Agents.