The Hartshorne Mansion, a majestic registered historic home perched on the banks of the Shrewsbury River in Little Silver, New Jersey, is the setting for the fourth edition of Stately Homes by-the-Sea. Among the region’s most anticipated designer show house events, Stately Homes by-the-Sea is scheduled to take place from April 30 – June 9, 2013 and will benefit Visiting Nurse Association Health Group.
Spotlighting the theme “Celebrate Home”, more than 50 of the tri-state area’s leading interior designers, decorators and landscape artists will revitalize the 11,000 square foot Tudor, bringing their contemporary creative vision to the storied estate’s classic beauty. For a list of the participating designers, jump here.
Internationally acclaimed designer Mario Buatta will serve as the Honorary Chairman. “Celebrate Home is the perfect theme for this edition of Stately Homes by-the-Sea,” said co-chair Karen Puma, who joins Jodi Navitsky, Alice DiFiglia and Cheryl Morris as co-chairs of the event. “The Hartshorne Mansion stands as a testament to the rich history of our beloved Jersey Shore and the many generations of families who have made this area their home. In addition, the VNA Health Group has been dedicated to providing compassionate home care and hospice for over a century.”
“The beautiful brick mansion overlooking the river has been a familiar sight for generations of area residents,” commented Ms. Navitsky. “We now have this wonderful opportunity to open its doors for all to come and appreciate the estate’s magnificent historical elements enhanced by the artistry and innovation of the designers.”
Built in 1929 by Olympic medalist and world champion figure skater Harold Hartshorne, the mansion was designed by noted architect Roger Harrington Bullard. The characteristic brick façade is accented with a slate roof and 217 leaded-glass windows, many inset with stained-glass images of historical or allegorical figures. Sweeping river views form a backdrop for the mansion’s grand interior. An era of worldly travel and stylish entertaining echoes throughout with a formal living room boasting a cathedral ceiling with wood beams imported from Germany’s Black Forest and over-sized fireplace, one of ten fireplaces throughout the house. A sculpted plaster ceiling graces the banquet style dining room and European hand-carved panels acquired by Hartshorne during his far-flung travels decorate the vintage phone booth off of the baronial entry hall. The surrounding 4.5 acres include a pond custom built by Hartshorne to provide smooth ice for his skating and for his guests, including figure skater and film star Sonja Henie, as well as a swimming pool and lush gardens.
According to the committee chairs, there was some damage to the home and grounds from Superstorm Sandy. Hence, it is very appropriate that the proceeds from Stately Homes by-the-Sea will benefit VNA Health Group, an organization that has been so instrumental in aiding those affected by the storm and assisting in the area’s recovery.
Along with touring The Hartshorne Mansion and the grounds, attendees can round out their day with lunch at the Show House Café and shopping at the show house designer boutique (For a virtual tour of the mansion, see the slide show). Stately Homes by-the-Sea will be open Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. There are no refunds and no rain dates for this event. Please note that the Show House is not handicapped accessible. Children under the age of 12 will not be admitted. Additional information on the Show House, events and ticket sales can be found online at www.statelyhomesbythesea.com.
Stately Homes by-the-Sea Designer Show House is presented by Visiting Nurse Association Health Group. Founded in 1912, Visiting Nurse Association Health Group is the largest voluntary, nonprofit home care, hospice, and community-based service organization in New Jersey. With more than 1,500 employees, VNA Health Group serves more than 120,000 individuals each year throughout New Jersey. For more information about VNA Health Group visit www.vnahg.org.
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