Conservation Development is currently leading or contributing to an ever-wider variety of projects related to land conservation, ruralism, and regenerative development. In the past, Conservation Development has played a direct role in projects concerning land conservation and place-sensitive rural development. Recently, Conservation Development completed the ecologically responsible restoration of a magnificent circa 1860 farmhouse in Rosemont, New Jersey (Delaware Township, Hunterdon County). The James Dean House is currently for sale; if you are interested in receiving more information or in making an offer, please contact us directly.

The James Dean House
Situation
The house is nestled in the hamlet of Rosemont, population 49, with its post office on the old Cane Farm and The Café, a fine restaurant housed in the former general store. The Delaware River lies a mile to the south. The river and parallel D&R Canal offer miles are kayak- and canoe-accessible, as well as providing a stunning background for miles of surrounding trails. The landmark Prallsville Mill (circa 1720) hosts concerts, exhibitions, and private events. Delaware Township is one of New Jersey’s most pristine areas, home to preserved farms and fields, wooded drives, lovely inns, and the towns of Stockton, Sergeantsville, Frenchtown, Lambertville and New Hope Pennsylvania.

Character
The house has been meticulously restored employing historically-compatible materials and workmanship, and the six outbuildings--four barns, a well house and a corn crib--have been caringly refurbished. Assembling a team of expert craftsmen, Conservation Development restored the original house from frame to finish, and built an addition which expands the building’s usable space from 1,500 to approximately 4,956 square feet. The barns have been retrofitted and waterproofed, preparing them for use as livable spaces--ideal for office space, guest rooms, or even a barn dance.

Conservation Development’s painstaking renovation affords the Rosemont House a uniquely native sensibility. With it majestic air and sweeping vistas, the house belongs to its setting as much as the setting belongs to the house. Visitors quickly come to feel that they belong to the timeless serenity of Rosemont, almost as if they themselves had floated back in time to the 19th century.

The property sits within an enchanting woodland of centuries-old trees and flowering shrubs: magnolia, pink dogwood, weeping cherry apple, forsythia, white birch pin oak, maple. “The moment you see the front porch, with its ornate arches against the backdrop of brick- red barns, you’re transported into the past,” explains Conservation Development founder and principal Lise Thompson.

Comfort and Convenience
Rosemont’s vintage aesthetic, however, disguises its high-end mechanicals and seamlessly integrated green design strategies, which minimizes every building’s environmental impact. Conservation Development used recycled and healthy materials wherever possible and equipped the grand 19th century dwelling with 21st century technologies, including a high-efficiency HVAC system, zero VOC paints, and modern, rigid spray foam insulation. From the advanced drainage system which channels water to a rain garden in the lower corner of this former farm’s 2.4 landscaped acres, to the radiant heat in the basement whose stone foundation has been re-pointed and waterproofed, the house has been updated to provide contemporary comfort and convenience without compromising the property’s pastoral allure.

Interior
The kitchen has been centrally located with a view of the fireplace in the adjacent family room. The master bedroom occupies a wing by itself and commands a broad view of the property, but sits only a short distance to the children’s play and sleeping areas. In the tower, the family bathroom provides a sensual and serene space. Equipped with a platform soaking tub, luxury fixtures, radiant heated marble floor and clerestory windows that gaze up to the trees and sky, it is a place to relax and indulge. From the family room’s tall cottage windows, one sees the courtyard terrace and the barns beyond. Airy and light, with uncluttered sightlines from room to room and into the farm landscape beyond, the house affords an extraordinary opportunity for traditional living in contemporary comfort.

Once again, if you are interested in making an offer on the Rosemont House, please contact us directly.