Bernardus Van Zandt Home Restoration

Skillman, NJ (Montgomery Twp.)

Montgomery Township, NJ

(Near Princeton, NJ)
There is no evidence that George Washington slept here, but he may have stopped to water his horse or to rest on his way to Princeton, Washington Well Farm, etc. 

On the Olde Drag, between Hopewell and Rocky Hill, that passes Washington Well Farm, in Montgomery Township, NJ, this home has seen history unfold.  Constructed in the Mortise and Tendon Balloon Framed method, and insulated with Brick between the studding, this Georgian Style home was crafted by hand by early settlers to these parts. 

Full of history, this old home was insulated with red brick between mortise and tendon balloon framing.  If the walls could only speak, the stories they could tell would amaze our modern ears.

With the Classical/Greek detailing on the entry, which was added or changed from the original  building.  Not the original settler here: Bernardus Van Zandt  b: 10/03/1700 in New York City, New York    d: 3/27/1778 in Blawenburg, NJ, the home still holds a wood placard with his name, the man known as:  Capt. Bernardus Van Zandt.

Foundation Wrap of real Quarry Cuts is highlighted on this home (oldest part: Circa 1703). James Hardie Siding was installed along with Copper Yankee Drop Gutter, Solid Shutters and refinish of Olde Growth original trim. No rotting wood was realized on this truly historic home.

Prior renovation work, by others, had been done using James Hardie Siding with the 15 yr. ColorPlus system.  The manufacturer color had been discontinued, so we had to match the color.   We replaced the old wood siding with James Hardie Fiber Cement Clapboard with our CUSTOM COLOR-MATCH 25 year 'Bulletproof' Finish.  Our customer supplied custom, period-accurate shutters per our measurements and we finished them and installed them with authentic hardware.  We replaced a section of Copper Drop Yankee Gutter and Spout on the rear of the building, along with several accompaniments, not the least of which was the realistic foundation wrap.  We install custom Quarry Cuts (real stone) in a blend hand picked by our clients and closely matching the old smoke-house on site.  This is one beautiful old home that looks and feels original!