home
Built to Last Timeschange , but the Charles Shultzhouse remains the same
WRITTEN BY CINDY SCHWEICH HANDLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY 7TH SIGN PHOTOGRAPHY
Atatime when news
events are reported instantaneously and aday can feel like a week , it ’ s important to remember that in the past , life moved atagentler pace ; home designs were thoughtful , and structures , or at least the auspicious ones , were built tolast . Embodying that sensibility is the stately Charles Shultz home , aka “ Evergreens ,” which sits on 2acres above North Mountain Avenue . The estate , built in 1896 by Hoboken Bank president Charles S . Shultz , was also inhabited by extended family members , and ultimately inherited byShultz ’ s granddaughter , Molly . She took full ownership of the property in 1962 and bequeathed it to the Montclair Historical Society , where she was an active member , in 1997 . ltiscurrently being marketed by realtor Christine Lane of the Lane Team .
TURN-OF- THE-CENTURY TASTEFULNESS It is not unusual for a prestigious Victorian home in Montclair to change hands . What ’ s striking about Evergreens is the way history is preserved within it . The interior of the nearly 8,000-square-foot , 21-room home with two-bedroom
carriage house has remained uniquely unchanged over the decades . “ I haven ’ t ever seen ahouse in the metropolitan area in its original condition from more than ahundred years ago ,” says Lane . “ The architectural detail and quality — you can ’ t duplicate what ’ sthere today without spending multi-millions of dollars .”
For example , the seven fireplaces in Evergreens have unique carvings and tile work . Other architectural details include carved wooden ceilings and herringbone floors , pocket doors , a library with wood- and glass-enclosed bookcases , and huge leaded glass windows . The home offers views of Manhattan from an enormous wraparound porch and roof deck . A tour of the property reveals the care — and expense — taken to create this family refuge . ( Right , clockwise from top ) Evergreens ’ ample oak woodworking can be seen in the kitchen ’ s built-in shelves , entrance hall with detailed staircase , and eating area with intricate coffered ceiling . Delft tiles surrounding the fireplace feature windmills and other images associated with Holland .
INSET : COURTESY OF THE MONTCLAIR HISTORY CENTER
12 HOLIDAY 2020 MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE