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The Kaplans’ Home Base
06/30/2009
A “Field of Dreams” in their Own Backyard
In 1984 Eric and Marsha Kaplan stumbled on the town of Marlboro quite by accident. Driving south on Route 9 on a visit to the Jersey Shore from their home in Greenlawn, Long Island, the Kaplans noticed a sign that read “Now For Sale: Luxury Colonials in the Woods.” Intrigued, they took a slight detour to investigate; they ended up placing a deposit on a house that same afternoon. Eric and Marsha, along with their 1-year-old daughter Lauren, moved in soon after. They immediately fell in love with Marlboro and knew that they had found what Eric calls “a community for families as opposed to one for people who just age in place.”
Over the next 15 years, the Kaplans became well-established in town, with Eric spending time coaching little league, as well as serving as chairman of the Marlboro Democratic Party, vice chairman of the Township Planning Board, and an executive board member at Marlboro Jewish Center. By 1999, with Lauren in high school and her younger siblings – Emily and Joseph – close behind, it was time for a larger home. As luck would have it, the perfect upgrade was found just a few blocks away in the Forest Estates section of town in the form of a five-bedroom, 4,800-square-foot, center-hall colonial, on 2 acres of land…and it was in pristine move-in condition.
Not much needed to be done to this 5-year-old home, so the family decided to concentrate on the backyard. Over the next few months the Kaplans removed the simple, small, wooden back deck and replaced it with a custom concrete and brick patio and deck, featuring an outdoor grill, hot and cold running water, a refrigerator, and a cable TV connection to allow the family to spend their summers outdoors and still be able to watch their beloved New York Mets. All of this overlooks an exquisitely designed landscape, highlighted by a concrete in-ground swimming pool and spa – the perfect setting for family gatherings, pool parties, and years of memories. Now, with all three of the children having moved on in their lives and out of Marlboro, Eric and Marsha have the place all to themselves. Of course, the kids all still love to come back often to enjoy time with the family at “home base.”
Visitors entering the soaring two-story foyer can’t help but admire the intricate tile floor design, crystal chandelier with matching sconces, and custom, art deco etched glass doors under a palladium window.
The Kaplans always stress the livable…keeping things comfortable as well as attractive. The sunken family room accomplishes this with hardwood floors, a fireplace, and soft, black leather couches.
Marsha did all of the interior design herself, and has incorporated just a few Asian-influenced elements throughout the home. Not wanting an overpowering theme, she strove for tasteful but not overstated.
Everyone’s favorite part of the home, the park-like backyard, is not just about attractive landscaping, a pool, and a spa. Large tree-lined areas of open space, used over the years for many badminton, volleyball, and baseball games, extend well beyond the main entertainment areas.
The deck/patio area was trimmed in brick to exactly match the exterior of the home, and is anchored by an outdoor kitchen with granite tops. The built-in sound system that runs throughout the entire house can also be enjoyed outdoors, while lounging in the sun.
The centerpiece of the kitchen is the granite-topped island with vegetable sink and wine cooler refrigerator. The custom lacquer cabinets sport etched glass doors that are illuminated by interior lighting; they are complemented by the breakfast area glass-top table that has a matching etched design.
Just off the master suite is a gorgeous marble tile master bath with a steam shower. Marsha, in particular, enjoys relaxing, surrounded by candles under the skylight, in her jetted Laurel Mountain tub with cascading faucet.
Music has always played a huge role in the Kaplan home. Both daughters play piano, and Emily is a recording and performing artist.
The expansive basement is finished from stem to stern, with a large-screen TV, as well as ping-pong and pool tables, making this a place where the family always enjoys spending indoor time. The home gym equipment is still used almost every day, and is just a short walk away from the full bath for a convenient post-workout shower.
Eric has been a long-time New York Mets fan since attending their first-ever game back in 1962. A section of the finished basement has been designated as a “shrine” of sorts to his favorite team, with pictures, autographs, baseballs, and many other wonderful pieces of memorabilia.
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