home
WAITING AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS
Dr. Gerard Sunnen, the home’s former
owner, told Calderone and Amorino that
THE AMAZING KRESKIN (a Montclair native)
had been a guest in their home. Other
visitors included people who claimed to
have ESP and to be able to move objects
with their minds.
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FALL 2018 MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE
(Above) Amorino created the home’s curved archways and cut the wain-
scoting at an angle so the wood grain would match up perfectly. He built
the wall alcoves (top left and right) because as an artist, he likes to use
“hidden spaces.” Sometimes called “casket turns,” the niches are large
enough to hold candles, but not deep. “The wallpaper we selected had
to be a kind that is very Addams family,” says Calderone. (Top right) The
archway that houses the grandfather clock is a former linen closet. This con-
version required input from professional architects, so the structure of the
house wouldn’t be compromised. (Right) This animatronic “family” moved
into the attic after last year’s Halloween jamboree. “My sister went online
and found a guy in New York who sold us the whole stock,” says Amorino.
“We made at least three trips to get all of them back.” (Opposite) Three of
the four bedrooms on the second floor form a suite; the fourth has been
the resting place for this skeleton since last year’s party. “That room was
always a little bit strange,” says Calderone. “When we moved in, it had
locks on the outside and inside of the doors, including the walk-in closet —
deadbolts.” The room is right above the dining room, where on occasion,
the two think they hear footsteps from above. ■