VUE

Gaze up f rom Pompton Avenue on a clear day in Cedar Grove, New Jersey and you will see a stately mansion clad in limestone and capped with Terracotta tiles. This architectural jewel set in a crown of lush green trees is one of the most unique estates in the greater New York metropolitan area. I t was with great admiration that the estate's current owner, Gerard Dente, witnessed the mansion's construction back in the early 90s. Born and raised in Cedar Grove, Dente followed his life's passion of body- building eventually founding his own business in sports nutrition. After years of hard work crafting his business, Dente made preparations to build his dream home in the greater New York metropolitan area. His plans to build took a turn, however, when he learned that the same magnificent estate that captured his imagination in earlier years was now on the market. "I grew up in Cedar Grove," said Dente, "I remember this house being built and how impressed I was by it. To be able to purchase it was a dream come true." Behind the gates of the property, the drive ambles beneath deciduous trees to a grand stone fountain bubbling with cerulean water. Beyond the fountain to the front entrance, the enormous wooden French doors stand brilliantly to announce the estate's tasteful grandeur. "When you see the house from the street it's impressive," said Dente, "but when you get up close you see the grandeur." The architectural nuances, which draw inspiration from the villas of Tuscany, cast the imagination to the same European countryside where nature's simple beauty meets tasteful decadence. Passing the threshold, one is greeted by the opulent double bridal marble staircase, a romantic feature with craftsmanship that commands attention. V U E N J .C O M 53

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