Despite its small size, New Jersey has no shortage of special homes. The state once boasted of “the strangest house in the world”, known as the palace of depression on South Mill Road in Vineland. Halfway between a junkyard and a castle, the palace was built by George Daynor, an Alaskan gold digger who lost his fortune during the Great Depression. It opened to the public on Christmas Day 1932 but has since fallen into a state of complete disrepair; a restoration company is currently at work to restore the property to its former glory.
Residents and visitors curious for a closer look at the oddity will be pleased to know that New Jersey still lays claim to a psychedelic wonderland in the middle of the woods, a quaint cottage in a modern industrial container, as well as a multi-millionaire dollars, Mediterranean-inspired mega-mansion.
Let’s take a look inside five of New Jersey’s most original properties.
Luna Park in Sandyston Township. Photo by Hunter Hulbert
Luna Park, Sussex County
Considered the private home and studio of mad artist Ricky Boscarino, Luna Parc is exactly that. Born in Paterson in 1960, Boscarino went on to attend the Rhode Island School of Design and in 1989 he began working on Luna Parc, a residence in Sandyston Township that has been under constant modification for the past 30 years. Using mixed materials ranging from cement to glass, her colorful and eclectic home features mosaics, sculptures and inlaid paintings, in addition to her own collections of ceramic FacePots and handmade jewelry.
Only a lucky few have access to visit this house twice a year, in reservation only during designated long weekends in the spring and fall.
The Wave at Lambertville. Photo courtesy of Airbnb
The Wave, Lambertville
Located on 10 acres along the Delaware Canal, The wave is a long, low house with a corrugated roof, just outside Washington Crossing. Built by architect Jules Gregory in 1960, the house’s pioneering mid-century design is paired with stunning views from the windows that occupy the majority of the exterior walls. A sunken living room and stone wall enhance its retro vibe.
Those looking to peek inside can do more than that; the eye-catching house sleeps six and is available for booking on Airbnb. However, if the price of two nights for four figures is a bit out of budget, we highly recommend browsing through its list to soak up every photogenic angle.
Billy Joel’s Piano House, Deal
Driving along Ocean Avenue in Deal Township, just outside of Asbury Park, there is no shortage of stunning beachfront properties. However, the story of a particular property extends beyond its outward appeal. The former home of Piano Man Billy Joel on the Jersey Shore is a glass and marble marvel straight out of the 80s – it’s also fittingly shaped like a piano.
The only way to see the resemblance is from aerial footage of the property, which reveals the distinct curves of the crazy 88 with the top down. As Joel has moved on, further up the coast to Florida and the Hamptons, locals still like to point out his music-themed former residence.
Bunny Lane in Bernardsville. Photo by Peter Aaron
Bunny Lane, Bernardville
The shipping container craze has taken off, thanks to shows like “Tiny House Nation.” But for the architect, the artist and the engineer Adam KalkinBunny Lane (nominated by his daughter) presented the unique challenge of putting a house within a house.
Tucked away in a prefab airport hangar is a 19th century clapboard country house. It was here, not far from where Kalkin grew up, that he made his home among 30-foot ceilings, expansive views of the surrounding woods, and 4,000 square feet. Having also built an exhibition space for the Shelburne Museum in Vermont, a mobile cafe for Illy and other projects around the world, Bunny Lane in Somerset County remains Kalkin’s most personal project.
European Palace at Franklin Lakes. Photo courtesy of Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
European Palace, Franklin Lakes
While some might say this home is an example of extravagance versus quirkiness, we disagree. The sheer opulence of this vast brick and limestone estate of Mediterranean inspiration in County Bergen is certainly a special site – unless you are visiting the upper crust of the Amalfi Coast. Upon entry, a lavish foyer features twin bridal staircases with iron railings detailed in 24-karat gold. Don’t be distracted by the spectacular home theater, wine tasting cellar, or seven fully furnished bedrooms, which, of course, include a few adjoining clawfoot tubs.
Approximately 20,000 square feet of living space is complemented by a luxurious swimming pool, full-size tennis court, orchards, koi pond, and — what else — a heated driveway for New Jersey winters. Interested parties with $12 million in reserve might be in luck; the Franklin Lakes/Lake Como escape is on the market. Head to Zillow for a goofy slideshow.
Brittany Chrusciel is a travel writer and editor and longtime resident of Monmouth County. When she’s not traveling the world, she calls Asbury Park home and loves to seek out new and original experiences in the Garden State.
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