The coming of the railroad in 1870 had a dramatic effect on Harrison, which until that time was a sleepy farming community. The red stone station was built and given to the railroad for a ticket office by a big landowner.

 

The coming of the railroad in 1870 had a dramatic effect on Harrison, which until that time was a sleepy farming community. The red stone station was built and given to the railroad for a ticket office by a big landowner.

Harrison soon became a desirable commuter town. Wealthy businessmen bought large tracts of land from farmers whose fields had begun to lie fallow.

 

In 1896, a farmhouse with good bones was moved from the gristmill area then on West Street to its present location at 48 Pleasant Ridge Road. Town records show the home was renovated in 1926.

 

The Coles family purchased the property in 2000, attracted by its unique, naturalistic setting on nearly three acres in the Sterling Ridge section.
They transformed the old farmhouse, respecting its early and fine craftsmanship and character while modernizing the interior spaces.

 

Today, the 6,100-square-foot home boasts 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and two powder rooms, 6 restored fireplaces, a free form pool, a caretaker’s cottage, and reclaimed hemlock oak floors throughout.

 

“It is country living at its best,” says Jan Vinikoor, the Houlihan Lawrence agent who has the listing. “And it’s in a pet-friendly neighborhood.”

 

The house came on the market this week. The price is available upon request.