A 19th-century stone mansion in New Jersey, linked to the Astor family and long occupied by fashion designer Marc Ecko and his family, is now available for $13.75 million. Erected in 1886, this Bernardsville residence spans over 32 acres and was crafted by architect George B. Post, as stated in the listing managed by Jill Turpin of Turpin Realtors. Its exterior boasts rugged stone cladding, a central tower offering unparalleled countryside vistas, bespoke wrought-iron balconies, and a wraparound porch. Turpin emphasized the home’s dual nature: “Despite its castle-like exterior, it offers a cozy family atmosphere, with a delightful charm that only reveals itself from within.”
The pool and pool house has a California vibe, according to listing agent Jill Turpin of Turpin Realtors.
Named Stronghold, the residence was commissioned for James Coleman Drayton and his wife, Charlotte Augusta Astor, daughter of Caroline Schermerhorn Astor and William Backhouse Astor Jr.
A pair of stone rhinoceroses outside the solarium.
Around eight years ago, Marc Ecko, 50, and his wife, Allison, spearheaded a meticulous restoration of the approximately 20,000-square-foot mansion. Their aim was to preserve its historical elements while infusing modern comforts and a touch of whimsy, according to Turpin.
Original features such as bespoke millwork with ornate inlays, a intricately carved limestone fireplace, exposed beam ceilings, and stained glass windows, including one crafted by Tiffany, remain intact, as depicted in the listing photos. Throughout the space, wood and stone abound, complemented by a contemporary color scheme that includes a dusty purple dining room, a navy-paneled primary bedroom suite, and dark red cabinetry in the bar area reminiscent of a speakeasy.
Ecko acquired the property in 2005 for $5.7 million through an LLC, as documented by PropertyShark records. Upon moving in with their three young children, Ecko and his wife found that the home wasn’t conducive to family life, as Turpin pointed out. They took extensive measures, including relocating and reconstructing the grand main staircase “to facilitate communication with their children upstairs,” Turpin remarked.
Initially bare except for a ladder, the tower now accommodates a wet bar, lounge area, and office, with access to an observation deck and an elevator, the agent disclosed. Furthermore, the family transformed the ballroom into a cozy parlor equipped with outdoor access and a concealed drop-down movie screen.
It’s hardly surprising to find Ecko’s assortment of street art combined with high-end collectibles showcased throughout the residence, featuring pieces by Shepard Fairey.
Additional amenities include a solarium adorned with a prominent statue (protected by a pair of stone rhinoceroses, reminiscent of Ecko’s brand logo, positioned on the outer lawn), a carriage house converted into a guest cottage situated on a separate 10-acre parcel, and a detached basketball court with a contemporary gymnasium on the upper floor. Additionally, there’s a pool accompanied by a lounge area, a pool house, and several other auxiliary buildings.
The roughly 20,000-square-foot stone mansion was built in the 19th century for a daughter of the Astors.
