A Mansion In May

In Far Hills, there’s a benefit throughout the month of May that brings together charity, history, and creativity. It’s called Mansion in May.

The stunning Froh Heim (in German, “Happy Home”) is an estate well known to the locals. Originally built by town founder Grant Barney Schley, the mansion was torn down and re-built by his son as a Spanish stone and stucco house. The picturesque lawns and hills connect to Moorland Farms, which hosts the annual steeplechase.

Froh Heim has been overhauled by more than fifty of the area’s top interior decorators, for a month of tours and related activities benefiting the pediatric oncology program at Goyreb Children’s Hospital on the Morristown Memorial Hospital campus.

You’ll want to leave plenty of time to go through the house. The sprawling kitchen, designed by Edith Leonardis, features the original mantle and a second hearth — the  decorator’s signature — that frames the stove.

The great room features a bar behind a secret panel. There is a reading room named for Oprah. And the various wall treatments and special pieces of furniture showcase a theme of swirls and curves that carries through the entire home.

You can see some of this in our video tour of the home, by clicking on www.njmyway.com. But the best view is the real thing. Plus, each day brings different special events at the estate, boutique shopping, and food. You can even take the train to Far Hills; a special shuttle will ferry you the short distance between the station and Froh Heim.

If you fall in love, the house is for sale. It will cost you more than $8 million, but at least you’ll save on the décor. And you’ll be living in a home with special meaning, that melds past and future together.

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