by Susan Di Donato 
AGENT NOTES
- Listed for $1,299,000 on 1/18/25
- Sold for $1,350,000 on 03/06/25
About the home:
We were honored to be chosen as the Realtor for this Franklin Lakes, NJ Estate. This is a captivating home, built in 1975 and lovingly maintained for over 50 years. From the moment I first stepped inside, I was struck by an incredible sense of character that still resonates with me to this day.
The home itself was beautifully integrated into the hillside, bordering the serene High Mountain Preserve. Its stone and wood exterior blended effortlessly with the natural surroundings, creating a harmonious connection with the landscape. Walking paths led visitors through lush gardens and mature trees, with charming stacked stone walls and a koi pond enhancing the home’s connection to nature.
Mid-Century Magic
The interior of the home felt like a time capsule, with fixtures and furniture that were classic mid-century modern. These vintage pieces, once top-of-the-line in their time, were original and highly sought after. The executor of the estate recognized their value and enlisted the help of a respected auction house, which was thoroughly impressed by the collection.
The original kitchen, dating back to 1975, featured upscale design elements for its era, including an island, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, and built-in KitchenAid mixer and electric can opener, showcasing the forward-thinking design of the time.
The reveal:
Our initial showings began with a well-attended two-hour open house on a Saturday, followed by another on Sunday, during which we received very positive feedback from dozens of prospective buyers.
The Offers
Offers started rolling in on Monday, and we entered attorney review with our highest offer. However, the initial buyer had a change of heart and withdrew before any inspections could take place.
After a week of delays due to snowstorms, we resumed open houses the following week, accepting new offers. Ultimately, we entered attorney review with a new buyer who already had ideas to enhance and upgrade the home. We worked with them to provide access for their inspectors and contractors, ensuring they could hit the ground running once the sale was finalized.
Time to say goodbye
Although we never met the owners and I was acting as the Realtor for the Executor of the Estate, we truly felt we got to know them through their beautiful home. Seeing how well the property was cared for, it was comforting to know that the new buyers would continue the legacy the original owners started. This sale is a testament to the original owners and the timeless appeal of a well-loved home. I’m thrilled to have helped find the right buyers, who will continue to cherish it for years to come.