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This home-turned-school-turned-home
was built at the birth of a borough
WRITTEN BY JANET BOLTAX
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF
PETER BERLIN@EDBERG SOLUTIONS
ocated at the crest of a hill overlooking the Essex Fells Pond,
the 1903 home of Rita and Tom McCaffrey is one of
many built on land purchased in the late 19th century by
Philadelphia banker and university founder Anthony Drexel.
At one point in its life, the residence served as Miss Parson’s
School for Girls; the McCaffreys are privy to an original
brochure listing such required items as union suits, middies, and bloomers.
Working with Montclair architect Paul Sionas, Verona contractor Michael
Dente and designer Carol St. John, a family friend, the couple has preserved
the home’s bygone grandeur – albeit with a few nods to modern living.
A GRAND ENTRANCE
Greeted by polished wood floors and a pervasive golden glow, visitors
immediately feel a sense of welcome upon entering the McCaffrey home. The
staircase features a newel post at the bottom with an unusual diamond pattern
carved into it. To its right is a light-filled living room painted with the decorative
faux finish called strié, which gives the wall the appearance of being covered in
fine fabric. The living room ceiling – in bad disrepair when the McCaffreys moved
in – was painstakingly reconstructed with plaster to retain its unusual domed
shape, as were several other ceilings in the house. The fireplace – far more than
just a decorative element – was completely restored, and the McCaffreys use it
nearly every night in autumn and winter. Tom’s efforts to actually chop the wood
as well as arrange the logs and light the fire are clearly labors of love. Family
heirlooms include a striking landscape hanging over the fireplace that was restored
by Essex Fells conservationist Suzanne Duff. ➤
FALL 2016
MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE
25