Saddle River, NJ mansion is among dozens of properties to be auctioned

Real Estate Weekly, July 14, 1999

Casa Royale, a spectacular tri-leveled 12,000 square foot 14-room Neo-Colonial mansion at 23 West Church Road in Saddle River, NJ will be offered for sale by Sheldon Good & Company Auctions Northeast at an open outcry auction Wednesday, July 28th at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on Lexington Avenue and 42nd Street in Manhattan.

Registration begins at 6 p.m.; the auction commences at 7 p.m. Opening bid is $1.3 million, with a certified or cashier's check in the amount of $130,000 required to bid on day of auction.

Additionally, Sheldon Good & Company that evening will be auctioning a number of properties in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area on behalf of a number of financial institutions.

Steven L. Good, CEO of Sheldon Good & Company Auctions International, said "Casa Royale is the pinnacle of sophisticated country living. This splendiferous residence is a resounding statement of style, comfort and elegance, situated within the community of Saddle River, which for the uncompromising home buyer is unquestionable one of the most sought-after addresses in the United States, regularly featured in such magazines as Worth, Town & Country and Country Estate Living. We are appreciative of the confidence that Casa Royale's owner has placed on us. The owner is utilizing the auction in his marketing strategy because with the estate's rich stone and cedar exteriors incredible Finishes, inlaid marble, stonework, exotic hardwoods and custom amenities throughout, the owner knows that his property has very unique characteristics, but he is uncertain as to how to appropriately price it. In related instances, despite relatively hot markets, the sellers of high-end trophy homes are confident the auction will help them identify the market. The auction works for buyers, too, because it allays the bugaboo question: 'Am I paying too much?' A successful auction will always find the market."

The magnificent Casa Royale is peacefully sequestered on two lushly landscaped acres in the ultra-exclusive Saddle River community. The residence was completely reconstructed in the late 1980's to achieve the visionary standards of the present owner. Casa Royale offers 12,000 square feet of living space in three levels, with 14 rooms, four bedrooms, eight full baths, three powder rooms and a five-car garage.

Each room evokes a warm and friendly ambiance, with dramatic windows strategically placed to bathe the mansion in sunlight while uniting the mansion's sprawling interiors with the home's sweeping vistas of the Saddle River countryside.

Elegant flourishes, utilizing the finest natural elements throughout, are the mansion's hallmark, evidenced by the dramatic utilization of extensive and intricate inlaid marble and granite finishes, exotic hardwoods, handsome stonework, bronze and rare inlaid glass.

Twin entry hall stairways flow beautifully upward; fireplaces with towering stone mantels, rich woodwork and custom built-ins add a robust character; crystal chandeliers, one-of-a-kind sculptures, murals and an indoor sculpture pool with cascading waterfall complete the artistic "statement" of the mansion.

Casa Royale was designed with the committed home entertainer in mind. The mansion features a great room with adjacent conservatory, fabulous gourmet kitchen, home theater, exquisite formal dining room, a huge first level gymnasium, a contemporary entertainment room that leads through French doors to the spectacular outdoor pool and entertaining terrace. Equestrians will also appreciate the estate's horse barn, with two horse stalls, tack room, fireplace and rear hay loft. The horse barn might adapt to a number of new configurations, including an artist's studio, guest house, staff quarters or garage.

The sumptuous multi-level master bedroom suite features a raised sleeping area, sitting room marble fireplace, twin dressing rooms, custom built-ins, murals and stained glass wall. The suite includes a palatial master bath, replete with a huge Roman bathing pool, separate shower room, bidet, twin marble sinks and the finest fixtures available.

An adjacent two-acre homesite is also available, located immediately behind Casa Royale. Heavily wooded with both rolling and level terrain, the site includes a sparkling pond and overlooks the area's exquisite mansions and estates. The site has an opening bid of $450.000, with a certified or cashier's check in the amount of $45,000 required to bid on the day of the auction.

Viewing dates for both parcels are July 17th and 24th from noon to 2 p.m. For further information, call (212) 213-9770.