VNACJ Hosts Peek of 2011 Stately Home by the Sea Pick

The Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey (VNACJ) hosted a sneak peek cocktail party on Feb. 25 to celebrate this year’s pick for the organization's Stately Homes by the Sea designer show house — the Holly Hill estate on Navesink River Road in the Locust section of Middletown.

The event kicked-off the six-week countdown during which the house will be completely redesigned and then opened for public viewing. The party showcased the foundation for the transformation by offering a glimpse of the "before" picture of Holly Hill.

More than 35 of the nation's and local area's top interior designers, decorators and landscape artists gathered at the cocktail reception mark the beginning of  making their magic transformation of assigned rooms and/or portions of the grounds.

“We have a good mix of designers. We not only bring in popular designers from places like New York City and Florida, but we also like to highlight local designers,” said Rumson resident Mindy Minerva, one of the event's co-chairs. “We also support local business by purchasing products and items used in the house.” 

According to a released statement, the house will be completely redesigned into a home that “reflects the history and bucolic setting of the estate while incorporating the contemporary elements of elegant 21^st century living.”

Holly Hill is a historic country estate that features a panoramic view of the Navesink River and beyond. Thomas Brown, a former NJ state senator and superior court judge, built the home in 1934. The 30-room, handmade brick Georgian style structure sits on 12 acres and retains many of its original features.

The current homeowner, Elaine Chevalier, is a longtime supporter of the VNACJ and wanted to help the organization out by lending her home for this year's event. After the redesign showcase is completed, Holly Hill go on the market for sale. 

This year marks the first time that the committee is “not dictating creative license," Minerva said. In years past, VNACJ principals have suggested a design direction and required a storyboard to demonstrate what each designer had planned for his or her room. In this case, "we trust that the designers we have chosen will do a great job,” Minerva added. 

Students in the Design program at Brookdale Community College, in the Lincroft section of Middletown, also will be designing a room in the house. “Their room last time was one of my favorites!” said Minerva.

The house will be available for viewing from May 3 through June 12. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. General Admission is $35.

All profits will benefit the VNACJ. Founded in 1912, VNACJ has grown into the largest non-profit home care agency in New Jersey, serving more than 120,000 individuals each year.