Take a Look Inside Ridgewood’s Renovated Historic Zabriskie-Schedler Home
Nestled amidst the charming streets of Ridgewood, New Jersey, the Zabriskie-Schedler home has undergone a meticulous renovation that has preserved its historic charm while infusing it with modern elegance. Originally built in 1880, this Victorian gem has been transformed into a stunning residence that seamlessly blends architectural authenticity with contemporary amenities.
Exterior
The exterior of the home showcases the classic Victorian style with its intricate gingerbread trim, wrap-around porch, and dormer windows. The original clapboard siding has been lovingly restored, and the front door has been refinished to its former glory. A new slate roof and copper gutters ensure the building’s longevity.
Interior
Upon entering the home, guests are greeted by an inviting foyer with a sweeping staircase and intricate moldings. The original hardwood floors have been sanded and refinished, lending warmth and character to the interior. The first floor boasts a spacious living room with a wood-burning fireplace, a formal dining room, and a gourmet kitchen. The kitchen has been updated with state-of-the-art appliances, custom cabinetry, and granite countertops. A large island provides ample space for meal preparation and entertaining. French doors lead out to a private deck overlooking the backyard.
Second Floor
Upstairs, the master suite features a vaulted ceiling, a walk-in closet, and a luxurious en-suite bathroom with a soaking tub, a separate shower, and double vanities. Two additional bedrooms and a full bathroom complete the second floor.
Third Floor
The third floor offers a spacious fourth bedroom, a bonus room that could be used as a library or home office, and a half bathroom. This level also provides access to a large attic, which offers ample storage space.
Basement
The basement has been fully finished and includes a recreation room, a guest bedroom, and a full bathroom. The laundry room and utilities are also conveniently located in the basement.
Outdoor Space
The backyard is an oasis of its own, with a patio, a pergola, and mature trees that provide privacy. The property is surrounded by lush landscaping, creating a serene and inviting outdoor retreat.
Unique Details
Throughout the home, careful attention has been paid to preserving original details while incorporating modern updates. Original light fixtures have been restored, and the fireplaces have been fitted with gas logs. The windows retain their original muntins, but have been replaced with energy-efficient glass. The Zabriskie-Schedler home is a testament to the enduring beauty of historic architecture and the power of thoughtful renovation. It offers a unique blend of charm and convenience, making it a perfect home for anyone who appreciates the timeless elegance of the Victorian era.
RIDGEWOOD – Fifteen years after the Village purchased it, residents got their first look at the renovated historic Zabriskie Schedler home after a $5.4 million renovation.
RIDGEWOOD – Fifteen years after the Village purchased it, residents got their first look at the renovated historic Zabriskie Schedler home after a $5.4 million renovation.
Although the site was open for viewing, residents were able to get their first look at the renovated interior of the two-story, circa-1825 farmhouse that the village purchased in 2009 during Saturday’s open house. It has been the subject of ongoing debate about its costs and uses.++since.
Residents were given a tour of the home, which now features new electrical and HVAC systems, a renovated kitchen, upstairs and downstairs half bathrooms and restored walls, moldings and floors.++On the first floor a wall has been removed to create a larger living room/meeting room.++The four-bedroom layout on the second floor remains intact due to load-bearing restrictions.
According to a budget report submitted with a May revised application to the state Office of Historic Preservation to approve an on-site athletic field, the $5.4 million in village costs to date include $3 million in purchases, $1.8 million in the house, $546,648 on the field and $124,692 on the park.
The house was built in 1825 by John AL Zabriskie and had been occupied by Florence Schedler for 60 years at the time of her death in 2007 at the age of 104.++The Village purchased the house and 7-acre property in 2009 for $2.7 million, offset by a $1.57 million Open Space Grant that required the property to be used for active recreation.
In part, the village wanted to preserve one of the last Dutch timber-frame farms in the province.++However, the purchase also led to a rumored alternative proposal to build a commercial strip center there, similar to one on the other side of Route 17.
Since then, several proposals have been made for the house and site at 460 W. Saddle River Road, including:
- 2010 An Open Space Committee is recommending installing an adult-sized baseball diamond on the site, which would have required the demolition of the house and 10 acres of trees.++Concerns are being raised that adult facilities will encourage team bus access alongside parent cars.
- 2012 Resolution amended to give the Friends of Schedler group one year to find an appropriate use for the house, including a proposal from the Bergen County Historical Society to lease the house for a library.
- 2015+The Open Space Committee is seeking to revive the 2010 resolution on the use of athletic fields, this time a 100-foot basic ball field with an adult multi-use field north of the house, and a parking lot south of the house.
- 2017 The village council is withdrawing previous recommendations about sports fields during the term of Mayor Susan Knudsen, whose parents live across the street from the house.++A Schedler Ad Hoc Committee is being organized and the December 2017 report, which is still favored by many residents, recommends a 15 by 24 meter multi-use lawn for children, with walking paths, a sound/visual berm, a playground and 44 parking spaces.++spaces to the west of the house.
- 2018 Work begins on the dirt shoulder along Route 17.
- 2019 Bids from July ranging from $1.14 million to $1.25 million for home restoration work are being rejected by the village council.++The village ultimately approved $518,000 for Phase 2 of restoring the home’s exterior and installing a driveway.++The house is characterized by New Jersey and the USA
- 2023 Shortly after the installation of newly elected members Paul Vagianos, Siobahn Winograd and Evan Weitz, the council announced it is considering a new proposal for a multi-use artificial turf field for adults with an 60-foot ball field overlay on the property.++The village’s sports association said the 33 sports fields were inadequate to meet the combined playing and exercise needs of residents.++The need was exacerbated by increasing flooding of high school artificial turf fields.++The proposal was approved in September.++An anonymous attempt to mark a 200-year-old tree on the site is short-circuited by the village.
- 2024 The village council will submit an application to the State Historic Preservation Office in February seeking permission to build the sports field on the Zabriskie-Schedler property.++Objections to the proposal make up about half of the 1,195-page application.++Shortly thereafter, the state Department of Environmental Protection charged the village with bringing contaminated and unauthorized fill to the site, jeopardizing historical studies attempting to determine the land’s connection to the Revolutionary War.++Of particular concern are the contaminants found in the berm constructed along Route 17, primarily from dirt excavated from the site of the former Brogan Cadillac dealership on South Board Street.++New tests have been ordered for the berm, with results expected in July.
Nestled amidst the charming streets of Ridgewood, the historic Zabriskie Schedler home unveils its fresh splendor after a meticulous renovation. Originally built in the 1880s, the property has undergone a careful restoration that preserves its architectural integrity while infusing it with modern amenities. Upon entering the home, guests are greeted by a grand foyer with soaring ceilings and an ornate staircase that adds a touch of grandeur to the space. The living room boasts original molding and a cozy fireplace, creating an inviting atmosphere for gatherings. The formal dining room is adorned with intricate woodwork and a large bay window that floods the room with natural light. The kitchen has been transformed into a culinary sanctuary, featuring high-end appliances, sleek countertops, and a breakfast nook that overlooks the lush backyard. Upstairs, the primary suite offers a serene retreat with a spacious walk-in closet and an elegant en-suite bathroom. Throughout the home, exquisite details have been meticulously preserved, including intricate stained glass windows, original hardwood floors, and decorative moldings. The bathrooms have been tastefully updated with modern fixtures while maintaining the home’s historical charm. In the backyard, a sprawling deck leads to a picturesque garden oasis, providing a tranquil setting for outdoor relaxation. The property also includes a two-car garage, offering convenience and additional storage space. The renovation of the Zabriskie Schedler home has been a labor of love, blending historic preservation with modern comfort. It is a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship that has restored this beloved landmark to its former glory, offering a unique opportunity to experience the rich history of Ridgewood while enjoying the conveniences of modern living.
