Sui Generis: One-of-a-kind Riverfront Idyll

Sitting on New Jersey’s Manasquan River, tucked away in the small town of Brielle, Sui Generis offers myriad pleasurable ways to pass the time: a game of tennis, a few laps in the swimming pool, a stroll under the wisteria-covered pergolas in the Japanese garden, and fishing from the two docks. For access to deeper water, the river leads directly to the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of the best waterfront spots on the eastern seaboard. Meanwhile the house, which presents yet more delights, embodies casual elegance.

Life in this beautifully appointed riverside property couldn’t be much sweeter.

Life in this beautifully appointed riverside property couldn’t be much sweeter.

Philanthropists Suzanne and Jeffrey Citron built it as their primary residence in 1996, and their dream home was created to the highest standards. “There is nothing within 15 miles of this property that is in the same class in terms of location and amenities,” says Brian Church, broker associate at Gloria Nilson & Co. Real Estate, an exclusive Affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Residents and guests can step through double doors out to the riverbank from areas including the dining room and garden room.

Residents and guests can step through double doors out to the riverbank from areas including the dining room and garden room.

Residents and guests can step through double doors out to the riverbank from areas including the dining room and garden room.

Life in this beautifully appointed riverside property couldn’t be much sweeter. The 31,281-square-foot property is designed to make the most of its exquisite position, with plenty of access to, or views over, the garden and water. The house stands in a private spot on nearly three acres, which includes 240 feet of waterfront. In contrast, most of the neighboring properties of its type sit on between 50 and 100 feet of waterfront.

There is a pair of guest suites on the second level, and on the top (third) floor, there’s a gym with wall-towall carpeting, and a six-person cedarwood infrared sauna.

In total, the property has nine bedrooms and 15 full bathrooms and occupants of the master suite can spend time on their own veranda, which faces the river.

From the foyer, a butterfly mahogany staircase leads up to the extensive sleeping quarters.

“None of the properties I’ve listed over the years come even remotely close to Sui Generis.”

It spans four levels, including one below ground. Entry is via solid mahogany double-entry doors into a grand foyer. From here, there is access to a vast amount of ground-floor living space: the living room, the garden room, the dining room, and an expansive double-height great room. For this stunning space, New York City-based designer Timothy MacDonald introduced a mahogany ceiling, Brazilian cherry flooring with walnut inlay, a floating staircase, a saltwater aquarium, and a double-sided fireplace.

“I have listed many luxury properties in the past 20 years, but none has been even remotely close to Sui Generis for the combination of benefits offered,” says Church. “Although the home was built 18 years ago, the design is timeless.”

[ Excerpt from Christie’s International Real Estate’s 2018 Luxury Edition — A curated collection of the world’s finest properties. Explore more properties here ]