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It was a family trip to the British Virgin Islands that first inspired Wojtowicz to restore Natirar. "I wanted to create a retreat in my home state of New Jersey. I felt like Somerset County and the neighboring area would greatly benefit from having an amenity in their backyard similar to a retreat in the British Virgin Islands," Wojtowicz said. "When I first saw Natirar, I was struck by its generational feel. It's a property that has looked and felt the same for a hundred years. It's the kind of place where time stands still." Under Wojtowicz's leadership, Natirar now boasts a renowned restaurant, aptly named Ninety Acres, a cooking school, a 12-acre farm, and a membership-only club, as well as indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings, private events and corporate retreats. The recent renovation brought with it an eclectic new style, courtesy of the Los Angeles-based SFA Design group. While the new look preserves the historic and architectural integrity of the mansion, it also introduces modern concepts that bring it into the 21st century. Among the many elements that have been retained from Guy Lowell's original design are the mansion's copper and slate roofing, fine oak paneling, limestone fireplaces, leaded glass windows and traditional light fixtures. The addition of a 5,000-square-foot grand ballroom serves as an extension of Ninety Acres. A rustic elegance is elicited throughout the room via exposed steel beams, bare-boned iron chandeliers, brick walls and wooden floors. On display in the ballroom is a 26-foot-high living wall of local flora designed by Natirar's Master Gardener and Robert Wojtowicz's wife, Kim Wojtowicz. Connecting the ballroom to the mansion is the conservatory, which can be conceptualized as a stand-alone space or as a reception area for events being held in the ballroom. Natural light floods through the metal-framed windows and provides access to the 30-mile views that surround this hilltop location. Just outside of the conservatory is a patio equipped with a linen sofa, lounge chairs, a rectangular fire pit and everything needed for the perfect al fresco gathering spot. Lanterns hang from nearby tree branches and provide soft lighting for the ideal location to enjoy sweeping views of the countryside. Lawns slope dramatically down the sides of the Natirar mansion, giving way to woodlands, local farms, the North Branch Raritan River and 7-10 miles of biking, hiking and horseback riding trails. "What Natirar offers to people is the opportunity to get out of your own space; take a breath of fresh air and sit outside, experience the beautiful views, collaborate and think freely," Wojtowicz said. In the spirit of Kate Macy Ladd, Wojtowicz has reopened Natirar with the intention of providing space for healing and relaxation. Members of the local and surrounding communities are welcome to retreat from their everyday lives and spend some time in this bucolic escape. IT'S A PROPERTY THAT HAS LOOKED AND FELT THE SAME FOR A HUNDRED YEARS. IT'S THE KIND OF PLACE WHERE TIME STANDS STILL. V U E N J . C O M 42

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