Writer and journalist Richard Preston had plenty of space to write his bestselling books, such as “The Hot Zone” and “The Wild Trees,” on this 76-acre property in New Jersey, which is now on the market for $3.5 million.
Freestone Farm was built in 2001, in Hopewell, NJ, and was designed by Seattle-based architect James Cutler, of Cutler Anderson Architects, best known for co-designing Xanadu 2.0.
This is the massive, 66,000-square-foot, land-protected estate overlooking Lake Washington in the city, Washington, where then-married Bill and Melinda Gates raised their children and entertained world leaders.
Freestone Farm is Cutler’s only business in New Jersey, according to listing broker Joan Loraine Otis of Callaway Henderson Sotheby’s International Realty.
The main house was built of stone, wood, and glass on the ruins of a bank barn, according to the listing.
It has four bedrooms, four bathrooms and two bathrooms. The first floor features high ceilings, a field stone fireplace and a chef’s kitchen. The second floor contains the bedrooms which are defined by stone bays left from the former barn.
There are stunning views from every room, blue balconies and an outdoor fireplace – all on the 41 acres.
The sale also includes an adjacent plot of 35 acres with a protected area of 4 acres that can be developed. The property features private walking paths, some through ancient woodlands.
There is also a public walking path through the west end of the property. The solar field provides “a lot” of electricity and an energy-efficient heat pump system that cools and heats the house.
The property also features an original farmhouse connected to the main house by Bluestone Driveway.
There is also a barn, garage, smokehouse, and a river with a swimming hole. Local legend boasts that George Washington’s soldiers swam here to relax during the Revolutionary War.
Preston purchased the property, which has 76 acres plus the ranch, for $700,000 in 1998.
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