HOME
PARK-LIKE SETTING
At the top left is an aerial photo in
which the McCaffrey home is cradled in
its bucolic grounds. Above, a small
balcony abuts an addition, created for
Rita’s aged mother, that also included an
elevator servicing the first and second
floors. Changes to the backyard as seen
in the center photo include extensive
landscaping, tree removal, and the
addition of a retaining wall to create a
platform for the brick patio. The wall is
dry-laid, meaning that no adhesives were
used to build it. It is quite striking, with
its graceful curves and combination of
flat slate interspersed with large round
stones. The fully restored wraparound
porch is a marvel of workmanship.
During its renovation, contractor
Michael Dente crafted a completely new
mahogany porch floor and ceiling. Carol
St. John helped the McCaffreys create a
comfortable outdoor living space with a
variety of couches, tables and chairs;
a lamp extends the porch’s utility well
into the evening. ■
FALL 2016
MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE
29