Location: Alpine, New Jersey Price: $48.88 million The Garden State’s most expensive listing is only eight miles from Manhattan — and comes with a storied past. The property belongs to Richard Kurtz, founder of the real-estate company Kamson Corporation. In 2006, Kurtz bought a 60-acre estate — which included a 1930s English manor house — from the heirs of Henry Clay Frick II, the grandson of the American steel magnate of the same name. There was one stipulation: the 86-year-old Frick must be allowed to live in the mansion for the rest of his life. Kurtz kept his word. After Frick passed away in 2007, he subdivided the 60-acre parcel into 13 lots known as the Estates at Alpine. Kurtz set aside six of these acres for himself, where he built a granite-and-steel mansion now referred to by its address, 18 Frick Drive. “With the land’s rich history, 18 Frick Drive harkens back to the great American estates of the 19th and 20th centuries,” said Kimberlee Knecht of Compass, who is marketing the home with listing agent Sharon Kurtz of Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty. The Stats
The 30,000-square-foot home, finished in 2010, has 12 bedrooms, 15 full bathrooms and four partial bathrooms. There are also staff quarters and a pool house. A porte cochère leads to the attached carriage house and a five-car garage with double-height ceilings. Risers can be installed in the garage to accommodate up to 10 cars, according to Knecht. Design Pedigree The house was designed by architect James Paragano, known for his stately homes inspired by classical architecture. Paragano collaborated with Terence Mack Associates on the interiors. The kitchen, by Christopher Peacock, features a La Cornue range — the ultimate status symbol for any ambitious chef. Additionally, the manse is fitted with $2 million worth of chandeliers and sconces, selected by Cedric DuPont, a renowned antique dealer in Palm Beach. The collection includes items by Tiffany and Baccarat. Amenities
An elevator services the home’s four levels, which include a grand ballroom and three bars, ideal for galas and other social events. There’s also a screening room, fitness center and an indoor basketball court with a scoreboard. For oenophiles, the 4,000-bottle wine cellar is armed with a thumbprint identification system to protect the rarest of vintages. The backyard features a swimming pool and a clay tennis court. Neighborhood Notes The estate is tucked away in Alpine, a secluded borough of Bergen County popular with the super-wealthy. Here, very few houses have numbers — which can be confusing for delivery drivers — and retail options are limited. “Being only eight miles from Manhattan, this home is for an urban buyer seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life,” Knecht explained. Celebrities who have called Alpine home include hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, comedian Chris Rock, pop star Britney Spears and Knicks legend Patrick Ewing. Agent: Sharon Kurtz, Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty View this listing
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