La Fetra Mansion (New Jersey)

La Fetra Mansion located in Summit, New Jersey, United States is a mansion designed and built for industrialist H. A. LaFetra of the Royal Baking Powder Company[1] by Henry Bacon (November 28, 1866 – February 17, 1924), architect of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. This mansion has been the home of industry leaders since 1899.

The home, with 8,000 square feet (740 m2) of living space on the first two floors, and more than 2,000 square feet (190 m2) on the third floor, was featured in the September 1901 issue of Architecture Magazine, has been one of the premier properties in this area for over a century.

The mansion was renovated and updated from 1991 through 2013, with priority in preserving its artistic, material, workmanship integrity, while upgrading and modernizing its infrastructure. A pair of elaborately carved solid oak doors on the south side leads to an expansive entry foyer over two floors in height at the rear, with marble floors and a large hanging chandelier. Massive solid black chestnut (deep brown in actual color) sliding doors separate the expansive foyer from the grand living room. To the north of the entry foyer is a large portico that overlooks landscaped grounds.

The main staircase and hallways are very wide and decorated with elegant carvings and a 12 ft × 12 ft stained glass windows at the landing between the first and second floors.

The first floor has 12-foot-high ceilings, antique tile work, rare wood carving and paneling, elaborate and beautiful hand wrought moldings, and three fireplaces. The grand, oversized formal living and dining rooms have fireplaces with carved mantels, black chestnut paneling and coffered high ceilings in the living room, unusual detailed moldings and ornate leaded-glass windows. The 30 ft × 20 ft kitchen has elegant furniture style maple cabinets, top-of-the line European appliances, granite counter top, butler's pantry, a family eating area, and a generous family relaxation and entertainment area. In addition, there is a large library, a bedroom suite with full bath, a conservatory, a powder room, a generous solid oak back stairs and a service entrance with mud-room.

The second floor has 10-foot-high ceilings throughout, 7 large bedrooms, wide halls, oversized windows, solid wood doors, elaborate moldings, 4 full baths, a music hall leading to a large balcony. The Master suite is extraordinarily large and elegant. The master bedroom has 12-foot-high tray ceiling, sky light, and 4 large elegant windows. Master bath has 20-foot-high ceilings, Roman Jacuzzi tub framed by two elegant large windows and a wall mirror, solid cherry and marble vanity, a large steam shower, a solid-cherry spiral staircase lead up to an exercise/yoga gallery. The rooms on this floor are divided into three wings: the main west and east wings, and a guest/office wing with its own kitchenette and full bath.

The third floor has a large opel suite, a huge open entertainment area, and a very large master studio and a yoga/meditation gallery. The full basement has a huge laundry room, a half bath, and huge areas for movie theater, wine cellar, band practice, billiard room, and gym. The basement and foundations are constructed with 1.5-foot-thick solid granite blocks.

Pictures from

  • Sotheby's
  • The present owners, the Hendel family, 26 Ridge Road., Summit, New Jersey
  • Architecture magazine 1901

References

  1. ↑ Woolard, Deidre. "La Fetra Mansion, Estate of the Day". Luxist.com. Retrieved 6 January 2011.

Coordinates: 40°43′28″N 74°21′17″W / 40.724484°N 74.354782°W / 40.724484; -74.354782

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