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Villa Paradiso: Capturing the Artistic Passions of Italy

Sourcing materials from around the globe, estate evokes Renaissance flair with modern array of amenities to include a 20,000-gallon aquarium

Perched on a high bluff overlooking the water and with its Mediterranean design, Villa Paradiso on the Navesink is reminiscent of the grand villas of Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Located in an exclusive enclave of Middletown, New Jersey, the estate is imbued with Italian glamour, as well as, an appreciation for natural beauty, the fine arts, and built art. Foremost, however, is  a commitment to family and “gioia di vivere” or love of life. To this end, multiple amenities have been thoughtfully and gloriously incorporated into the home’s custom design.

An Italian granite courtyard leads to the estate and its formal gardens, koi ponds, specimen plantings, fountains, greenhouse, and elegant porte cochere.

Says Kathleen Coumou of Christie’s International Real Estate: “The home is exquisite while still at its core a home. Villa Paradiso is intended to be lived in, laughed in, and enjoyed by all generations, young and old, to inspire happy and lasting memories for family and friends.”

The 16,000-square-foot residence, designed by renowned architect Robert Adler, required five years to complete. Exacting attention to detail begins with materials used in its construction. The home’s exterior is Jerusalem gold stone that arrived from Israel in 24 shipping containers. The front courtyard patio is Italian granite. The roof is of timeless terra-cotta tiles. The pool bottom is covered in handmade mosaic tiles, while imported blue lapis lazuli stone encircle the waterline. The deck leading to the boat dock is constructed of imported Brazilian ipe walnut.

The interiors artfully interlace delight and drama.

The home’s entire ground floor is dedicated to entertaining with its bar, media area and retractable disco ball for dancing, plus the oversized fish display.

Thoughtful appointments in the six-bedroom, 10-bathroom residence include a 20,000-gallon aquarium, a 1,500-bottle wine cellar, an outdoor pizza oven, an entertainment area with a bar, dance floor, and theater, plus a dock and lift to take full advantage of the estate’s 250 feet of prime river frontage. There is also a personal gym located within the opulent master suite and a private study with another large aquarium, in concert with its prized location on the water.

Double glass doors, framed in mahogany and appointed with filigreed hand-forged wrought iron, dramatically introduce the interiors. A grand two-story marble foyer and expansive walls of Venetian plaster are ideal for the display of large-scale art. An elegant staircase, mirroring the front door design, sweeps gracefully to the home’s upper level private living quarters while a smaller flight descends to the sunken great room with its grand stone fireplace, coffered ceilings, and patterned floors of a colorful medley of fine woods. Oversized Palladian windows showcase the serene water views of the Navesink River from the gourmet kitchen and semicircular breakfast alcove, the library, the family room with wet bar and the grand dining room with its recessed ceiling and mural.

Navesink River views are on prominent display throughout the estate. This is the circular breakfast alcove off the gourmet kitchen.

The upper level, served by an elevator, is the home’s private sanctuary. Four en suite bedrooms include Juliet balconies. The lavish master suite is notable for its private hallway, additional balconies with more water views, a fireplace, an opulent bath, generous closets and dressing areas. The sixth bedroom is located on the first floor for a guest or in-law quarters. Additional features of the estate are a one-bedroom guest/staff apartment, a four-car garage, and heated driveway.

The Navesink River is so beautiful, it has been called a living art work. The estuary is rich with water fowl and sea life, including turtles and crabs, and only a short distance to the open waters of the Atlantic. Against this canvas, Villa Paradiso is graced with unparalleled outdoor spaces to welcome alfresco living.

A deck of Brazilian ipe walnut leads to the dock and boat lift on the estate’s 250-feet of prime waterfront. The open waters of the Atlantic are a short ride away.

Sited on 2.9 acres, the lushly landscaped grounds include koi ponds, formal gardens, statuary and fountains, a greenhouse and a hydroponic garden for on-site farm-to-table dining. The resort-style pool is the centerpiece of the expansive stone deck overlooking the river and complete with shaded and sun-drenched lounging spots, one of which is set in six inches of water. Under the adjoining gazebo is a complete outdoor kitchen, bar, and dining nook. There is also a spa for 15, complete with a waterfall, as well as a pool cabana with changing room, a European shower and sauna. A grassy expanse landscaped with specimen species leads to the river’s edge.

The resort-caliber pool features handmade mosaic tiles, imported blue lapis lazuli stone encircling the waterline, and a deck set in six inches of water.

Gloria Nilson, who is representing the property, said: “Villa Paradiso on the Navesink is an enchantment for the senses. It is a unique estate where you feel the warmth of Italy’s Amalfi Coast and the allure of the sea in an architectural masterpiece beyond the gates. This luxurious and sumptuous estate transports you to paradise with a touch of whimsy, inspired by a love of family and the water.”