40 N Shore Rd, Absecon, NJ 08201
$899,900 | 1770 | 13.4 Acres Lot | 7 Beds | 4 Bath
Rarely does a home for sale come along that captures not only the imagination but the very essence of American history. Nestled along the water’s edge at 40 North Shore Road in Absecon, New Jersey, this extraordinary property offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of the nation’s earliest past. Built in 1770, before the birth of the United States, this historic estate stands as a living monument to the passage of time. It’s more than just a house—it’s a tangible link to the stories, people, and traditions that helped shape the country we know today.
Set on over thirteen acres of private land, this remarkable property combines the grace and grandeur of the colonial era with the quiet serenity of a secluded country retreat. With seven bedrooms, four bathrooms, and countless original architectural details, it offers both comfort and character in abundance. From the moment you step onto the grounds, the sense of history is unmistakable. Mature trees, sprawling lawns, and the calm of the surrounding water create an atmosphere of timeless tranquility that cannot be replicated.
The main house, a stately colonial home constructed with the craftsmanship and permanence of its century, welcomes you with a sense of gravitas and warmth. Every corner of this home reflects a commitment to quality that has allowed it to endure for more than two hundred and fifty years. The large formal living spaces showcase fireplaces with original mantels, wide-plank floors polished smooth by generations, and hand-hewn beams that speak of an era when every element of a home was made to last.
Entering the grand foyer, visitors are immediately transported to another time. The formal dining room, still echoing with the memories of countless gatherings, opens to a beautiful parlor and library, perfect for quiet reflection or lively conversation. A graceful butler’s staircase winds through the home, connecting the levels in a way that feels both elegant and intimate. Each floor unfolds with the charm of another century, from the expansive main-level rooms to the cozy upper-floor bedrooms, where dormer windows frame peaceful views of the property’s gardens and shoreline.
On the lower level, the full basement holds two original fireplaces and the intriguing potential to restore the old summer kitchen—an authentic piece of early American domestic life that could once again become a functional and beautiful part of the home. The house has seen centuries of change, yet it retains its authenticity, inviting a new owner to add their own chapter to its remarkable story.
The journey through the home’s four floors culminates in one of its most captivating features: a true widow’s walk perched at the very top. From here, panoramic views stretch across the surrounding landscape, offering a perspective as historic as it is breathtaking. This vantage point, once used to watch for ships returning to harbor, now serves as a peaceful reminder of the home’s deep connection to the water and its maritime heritage.
Outside, the estate’s natural beauty unfolds across more than thirteen acres of land, blending manicured lawns, gardens, and wooded areas with direct access to the waterfront. The property includes three private docks, offering both practical use and scenic appeal. The water frontage provides endless opportunities for recreation—kayaking, fishing, or simply sitting on the dock as the sun sets over the bay. Scattered across the grounds are several outbuildings that can serve as workshops, studios, or guest accommodations, adding flexibility and functionality to the estate. The setting feels like a private park, peaceful and removed from the outside world, yet conveniently located near the amenities of Absecon and within reach of the New Jersey shore.
Perhaps the most remarkable feature of this historic home is its private cemetery, nestled within the grounds. Here, the past quite literally rests beneath the soil, with gravestones marking the lives of those who lived, worked, and fought for this country centuries ago—including soldiers from the Revolutionary War. Standing in this sacred space, one cannot help but feel a sense of reverence for the generations who came before. It’s a living museum, where history is not confined to books but experienced daily in the landscape itself.
Accompanying the property is an extensive record of its lineage and importance. The estate’s story has been carefully preserved through documentation from a historian who traced its origins and ownership, and even a dedicated book written about the home’s legacy. This level of historical provenance makes the house not only an architectural treasure but also a cultural one. The next owner will not simply acquire a home—they will inherit the stewardship of a true American landmark, becoming part of a lineage of caretakers stretching back over two centuries.
In today’s world of new construction and transient design, properties like this are exceptionally rare. While modern homes for sale often focus on trends and finishes, this estate stands as a reminder of enduring craftsmanship and lasting beauty. Yet it also offers practical livability for the present day. With spacious bedrooms, updated amenities, and abundant natural light, it remains as comfortable as it is historic. Its proportions are grand but not overwhelming, striking the perfect balance between intimacy and majesty.
As an investment, the estate represents an extraordinary opportunity for buyers seeking something far beyond the ordinary. Whether envisioned as a private residence, a historic inn, or a retreat property, the potential is immense. With its prime location, water access, and unparalleled historic significance, it’s the kind of listing that will only grow in value over time—financially, culturally, and emotionally. For realtors and homebuyers alike, this is the type of real estate that defines a career, a once-in-a-generation offering that transcends simple square footage and amenities.
Imagine evenings spent on the porch as the breeze drifts in from the water, surrounded by the same trees and landscape that have stood for hundreds of years. Imagine celebrating milestones in a dining room that has hosted centuries of gatherings, or watching the sunrise from the widow’s walk, knowing you are standing where generations before you once stood. This is not just a house—it’s a home that connects past and present in a way few properties ever could.
Priced at $899,900, the estate offers remarkable value for its scope, history, and acreage. Homes of this caliber, with their combination of architectural integrity, documented history, and natural beauty, are rarely found on the market. This is a property for someone who values authenticity and legacy, who sees ownership not as possession but as preservation. To own this home is to take part in an unbroken chain of history, to become the next guardian of an American story that continues to unfold.
For those searching the real estate market for something meaningful—something more than just walls and rooflines—this historic estate in Absecon, New Jersey stands apart. With its seven bedrooms, four bathrooms, three docks, and more than thirteen acres of waterfront land, it represents the very best of what a historic property can offer: beauty, depth, and permanence. It is a reminder that some homes are not merely built—they are born, and they endure.
For more information or to schedule a private viewing, contact your local realtor. The opportunity to own this extraordinary home is rare, and for the right buyer, it will be the beginning of a new chapter in a story that has already spanned centuries. This is history you can live in, a legacy you can call home.
Photos:
Listed by:
Daniel Boddy, Century 21 Frick Realtors
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