In a tranquil corner of Princeton, this expansive French Country-inspired estate home sits on nearly five acres of manicured lawns, with glorious trees and plantings, bluestone walkways, terraces, and a reflection pond with fountains on the completely fenced-in grounds. A huge pavilion with lighting and ceiling fans will be the favorite place to dine after a day spent by the colossal free-form swimming pool. This serene poolside retreat includes a sauna and a pool house with a full bath, a changing room, a kitchenette, and a loft. Palatial, yet homey, the interior’s traditional details glimpse its storied past. Princeton’s prominent Pettit family once lived here, and no expense was spared in its construction. From room to room, rich wood paneling, barrel-vaulted archways, window seats, elaborate moldings and woodwork, and fireplaces adorned with marble hearths echo the Gilded Age when homes were built for entertaining on the grandest scale. The kitchen was modernized along with a fireside breakfast room and features top-of-the-line gourmet appliances, multiple dishwashers and sinks, wine storage, and exquisite maple and granite countertops. Two rear staircases add to the home’s functionality, with one in the mudroom that leads to a bedroom wing with a bathroom, ideal for live-in help. The grand front staircase climbs to the other four bedrooms and a home office. The primary suite connects to a charming room that would function beautifully as a nursery or a second home office, and there are two bathrooms, one for each homeowner. The other bedrooms are either en suite or utilize a hall bath. Views of nature′s artistry take center stage, with each bedroom window providing another slice of the spectacular landscaping. Additional features include a three-car heated garage with an area for a gym, and the roof was recently replaced. There’s plenty of space on the rolling green lawns for tennis, pickleball, or a sports court if that is on your wishlist
