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Backyard Bliss
04/26/2010 - By A.J. PERNA
Photography by: AK Photo / Al Kruper
A Holmdel Family's Outdoor Vision Springs to Life
In 1987, Queens natives Allan and Mary Schwartz made the decision to migrate south and make a new life near the Jersey Shore for their blossoming family. Marlboro, New Jersey was a whole different world compared to the life that they were used to in the Empire State, but it was an area that they both liked very much and just the right kind of place to raise their two children.
Thirteen years later, the Schwartz family was itching for a housing upgrade. Now, firmly entrenched in the laid-back lifestyle of Monmouth County, they limited their search to a few select communities. By August of 2000, Allan and Mary had found their new home: a mid-construction, three-story, 8,700 square foot estate with seven bedrooms and five and one half baths situated on three acres in a fledgling neighborhood in Holmdel. It was the home they had always dreamed of and were thrilled to have the opportunity to have a hand in all of the finish work of their new home. The Schwartzes oversaw the entire remaining construction, and concentrated on additions such as beautiful, custom porcelain flooring with custom inlays, built-in bookcases and shelves, as well as multiple gas fireplaces.
While decorating, Mary decided on a neutral palette with an occasional punch of color. The Schwartz family never was fond of “big and bold,” and prefers a calm and soothing feel to their everyday surroundings.
The second story of the home was a dream for their teenage son and daughter. Each of the two children essentially had their own wing of the upstairs area, spending their time in what would amount to two room suites; each with their own bedroom and sitting/study room, separated by their own private Jack and Jill-style bathrooms.
After a slight “settling in” period, Allan and Mary went about transforming their entire backyard into an entertainment oasis, tailor-made for their children to spend their summertime afternoons with friends. The original, standard wood deck was removed and, piece by piece, a retreat where a large majority of all gatherings would eventually take place was constructed. The Schwartzes added a multi-tiered paver back patio with a fire pit and built-in gas grill with granite countertops, a rock waterfall leading to a lovely koi pond, and a full, lighted, fenced sport-court for tennis and basketball. All of these amazing amenities spill into the home through the finished walk-out basement rec room complete with wet bar – truly a place for a little “backyard bliss.”
From the cascading waterfall, to the fire pit, to the sport court; the immaculately landscaped backyard area has something for everyone.
A full, floor to ceiling window wall illuminates the dramatic two story formal living room. The natural light sparkles off of the creamy porcelain floor tiles that run throughout much of the home onto a Yamaha® baby-grand piano.
A tapestry that hangs high above the piano depicts a gondola ride through the canals of Venice; for Mary, a nice daily reminder of her Italian heritage.
The spacious, custom gourmet kitchen featuring solid maple cabinetry and subtle, diamond accent tile work is a chef’s dream with plenty of space for creating and eating meals. Family and guests can gather around the two-level granite topped center island while a meal is prepared using a top of the line appliance package.
Soothing, neutral tones set the stage for a relaxing dinner under a fine arts bronze iron chandelier in the dining room.
A sunken great room with oak hardwood floors and a soaring vaulted ceiling is located adjacent to the kitchen. A gas fireplace is flanked by handcrafted built-in bookshelves and a wet bar with granite countertop and wine rack, insuring that no one ever needs to travel far for a refreshment!
The master bath is the perfect relaxing retreat for Allan and Mary. The main focus of this room is the Whirlpool tub and porcelain tile and mirrored custom surround, two-sided gas fireplace, shared with the master bedroom.
Two of the home’s other bathrooms are complete departures from the rest of the neutral home décor. The walls of the first floor lavatory are adorned with custom painted bird and nature scenes and the basement bathroom is decorated in a whimsical “underwater” motif, and is considered an extension of the backyard pool area.
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