The year was 1786. George Washington had not yet become president, and the Constitution remained unwritten. In a small corner of Bergen County, Dirck Vreeland laid stone upon stone, creating a modest cottage that would withstand not just the elements but the test of time itself.

This original sandstone structure – built with materials quarried from the very land it stands upon – became the foundation of what we now call the Vreeland House. By 1815, as a young nation continued to find its footing, Dirck's son, Michael, expanded the home, adding the grand Dutch Colonial wing that transformed a simple dwelling into an architectural marvel that has earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places.

For 142 years, the Vreeland family called these walls home. From this spot on what is now Lakeview Avenue in Leonia, they witnessed the birth of a nation, the Industrial Revolution, the Civil War, and the dawn of the modern age.

Today, after meticulous preservation and thoughtful modernization, the Vreeland House stands ready for the next chapter in its remarkable story – and for the next steward to continue its legacy.

While honoring its historical integrity, the Vreeland House has been thoughtfully updated to embrace contemporary comfort:
First Floor:

Grand entry foyer with coat closet and historic character
Elegant living room with the home's most ornate fireplace, custom window woodwork, and decorative sconces.

Formal dining room with working fireplace and original detailing
Chef's kitchen featuring granite countertops, custom cabinetry, gas range, built-in pantry, and a cozy fireplace.

First-floor primary bedroom suite with private full bath and fireplace

Convenient access to the finished basement with original brick arch fireplace supports, laundry facilities, and Bilco doors to the exterior

Guest Apartment/In-Law Suite:

Private entrance and separate living space
Living/dining room with woodstove and kitchenette
Modern full bathroom behind sliding barn door
Upper-level bedroom with skylights, exposed beams, and custom fireplace

Upper Level:

Two additional bedrooms sharing a full bathroom
Magnificent great room with fireplace and wood-burning stove insert
Custom bar area and flexible gym/library space
Lofted home office perched above the bedrooms

Exterior:

.55-acre lot with mature landscaping
Gated yards with multiple outdoor living spaces
Front patio and separate apartment patio
Four-car driveway
Peaceful, tree-lined setting

THE LEONIA ADVANTAGE
As someone who grew up in Leonia and chose to return to raise my own family here, I can attest to this special borough's unique charm. With its quiet, tree-lined streets and small-town atmosphere, Leonia offers tranquility and convenience.

Just minutes from the George Washington Bridge and Manhattan, Leonia provides the perfect balance: close enough to enjoy all that New York City has to offer, yet removed enough to enjoy a sense of community increasingly rare in our fast-paced world. The borough's excellent schools, walkable downtown, and artistic heritage (it was once known as the "Athens of Bergen County" for its thriving arts community) make it an ideal setting for this historic gem.

A CALLING, NOT JUST A PURCHASE
The Vreeland House isn't seeking just any buyer – it awaits its next steward. For 235 years, this home has sheltered families, witnessed history, and stood as a testament to American craftsmanship and resilience. Now, it calls for someone who sees beyond square footage and modern amenities – someone who recognizes the profound privilege of preserving a piece of our collective heritage.

As the next caretaker of the Vreeland House, you won't simply own a property – you'll continue a legacy, adding your chapter to a story that began before the United States itself was fully formed. You'll wake each morning surrounded by the handiwork of early American craftsmen, walk floors that have supported generations, and warm yourself by fireplaces that have provided comfort through nearly every winter our nation has known.
This is your opportunity to live where history lives, to be not just a homeowner, but a guardian of living history.

PROPERTY DETAILS

Address: 125 Lakeview Avenue, Leonia, NJ
Price: [Contact for pricing]
Year Built: 1786 (original stone cottage) & 1815 (Dutch Colonial addition)
Square Footage: Approximately 3,000 square feet
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3 full
Fireplaces: 7
Lot Size: .55 acre
Style: Jersey Dutch Colonial with Adam-Style Detailing
Heating/Cooling: 3-zone HVAC (some units require servicing)
Property Taxes: $22,666
Assessment: $664,900
Historic Designations: National Register of Historic Places, New Jersey Register of Historic Places, Historic American Buildings Survey

Take a virtual tour and view custom floor plans with additional pictures at

https://tourwizard.net/2269f272/

There is an Open House, Saturday, May 24th, BTW 1-3pm. Contact Scott Selleck with any questions at 201-970-3960 or  201-592-8900.