New Jersey Sets Record with $225 Million, 65-Room Luxury Mansion in Pine Barrens
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A New Jersey Landmark: The 65‑Room Luxury Mansion That Just Broke the State Record
In a headline‑grabbing headline that has already been circulated on real‑estate forums and social media feeds, a sprawling, ultra‑luxury mansion in New Jersey has set a new record for the most expensive home ever sold in the state. According to the South‑Jersey Business article published on Silive.com, the 65‑room estate—located in the affluent Pine Barrens region near Lakewood—closed last week for an unprecedented $225 million. This price eclipses the previous record of $170 million, which had been held by a historic estate in New Brunswick for several years. The sale not only rewrites the numbers but also underscores the continued rise of high‑end real‑estate transactions in the area, as well as the growing appetite among ultra‑wealthy buyers for properties that blend architectural grandeur with modern amenities.
The Estate: A Modern Goliath
At the heart of the story is the mansion itself—a sprawling, single‑story complex that covers more than 10 000 square feet of interior living space, spread across a 12‑acre parcel of land. The design, credited to New York‑based firm Hampton & Partners, blends Mediterranean Revival elements with contemporary design cues. The property features an impressive 65 rooms, which include:
- 15 bedrooms (each with a private ensuite bathroom)
- 18 bathrooms
- 10 full kitchens (each dedicated to a specific use: main kitchen, service kitchen, pastry kitchen, bar kitchen, and a gourmet “wine‑cellar” kitchen)
- 4 master suites (two of which have their own private “lifestyle” rooms)
- 5 home‑theatre rooms (including a state‑of‑the‑art Dolby Atmos system)
- 4 indoor swimming pools (one with a lap track, one with a spa, one with a hot tub, and one with an indoor water‑fall)
- A full‑size indoor basketball court, a mini‑golf putting green, and an outdoor tennis court
- A 5‑story wine cellar that can hold up to 12,000 bottles and is climate‑controlled
- An attached 3‑car garage and a separate, 5‑car “staff” garage
- A private helipad that can accommodate a helicopter or a small seaplane (depending on local FAA regulations)
- A full‑service spa complex, complete with a sauna, steam room, and a treatment suite
The building’s exteriors are finished in high‑grade stucco and natural stone, with a roof that features both traditional terracotta tiles and a solar‑panel array that powers the entire property. The estate also includes a separate guest house—two stories, with 5 bedrooms and its own indoor pool—which houses the property’s caretaker.
Architecture, Construction, and Price Tag
Construction of the mansion began in early 2023, at a cost that was estimated to be $80 million—although many speculated that the final outlay may have been closer to $95 million given the level of customization. The property was built by New Jersey Construction Co., a company that has experience in large‑scale luxury projects in the region.
According to a note attached to the article, the architect, Graham Hampton, said that the design was intended to “offer a sense of grandeur while still maintaining an intimate, comfortable living experience.” He emphasized that the 65 rooms were “not just extra rooms, but carefully designed spaces that serve a specific function and can be tailored to the owner’s lifestyle.” The estate’s design also incorporates extensive smart‑home technology: automated lighting, climate control, security, and a “home‑automation hub” that can be controlled by voice or smartphone.
The Buyer: A New Face in Luxury
The article revealed that the buyer is a private individual named John “Jack” R. Davis, a venture‑capital magnate who is known for his investments in biotech and green‑tech companies. Davis is a longtime resident of New Jersey, having lived in nearby Fort Lee for the last decade, and has now purchased the mansion for a record‑breaking sum. While Davis has kept most of his personal life out of the public eye, the article notes that he has been an active philanthropist in the state’s environmental causes and has invested in several community‑based housing projects.
Davis’s decision to purchase a mansion of this magnitude was reportedly influenced by a desire to create a “multigenerational family home” that could also function as a venue for his many business conferences. He has indicated that the property will serve both as a private residence and as a “business hub” that can host high‑profile gatherings, including investors and executives. He also plans to maintain the estate’s existing staff, thereby preserving its current staff house and amenities.
Market Significance: A New Benchmark
The article contextualizes the record sale by highlighting the ongoing surge in luxury real‑estate prices in New Jersey, which has outpaced many neighboring states. According to a link to a Wall Street Journal commentary on New Jersey’s real‑estate market, “in the last five years, the average price for homes in the state’s high‑income zip codes has increased by 27 %.” This has been driven by a combination of factors:
- High Demand from the NYC Market: As the cost of living in New York City rises, many affluent buyers are moving out of the city and into upstate New Jersey and the broader Hudson Valley.
- Low Inventory of Ultra‑Luxury Properties: The supply of homes that can accommodate 50 or more rooms is extremely limited, creating a “scarcity premium.”
- Tax Incentives and Zoning: The New Jersey state government has recently relaxed certain zoning restrictions to encourage the construction of larger homes, and offers a modest property‑tax incentive for “historic” and “heritage” properties.
- Technology & Remote Work: The shift toward remote work has made large, multi‑room homes more practical for individuals who want dedicated workspaces, home‑theater rooms, and extensive guest accommodations.
In the article’s “Expert Opinions” section, real‑estate analyst Mary-Louise Tan explains that “the $225 million sale price is a clear signal that New Jersey is becoming a key player in the national luxury market.” Tan also points out that while the cost of land in New Jersey remains high, the price per square foot of the mansion ($22,500) is actually below the national average for luxury homes of comparable size. She attributes this to the high amount of built‑up space relative to the property’s acreage.
Social and Environmental Context
The article references a link to an environmental review by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), which assessed the impact of the mansion’s construction on the local Pine Barrens ecosystem. The review concluded that the building is in compliance with all state environmental regulations, and the developers offset the environmental impact by creating a 2‑acre green space adjacent to the property that was planted with native flora.
The mansion also features a “sustainability corner” with a vertical garden, an on‑site water‑filtration system, and a large solar‑panel array that generates up to 30 kW of power—enough to meet the entire household’s electricity needs. The article includes an interview with the estate’s sustainability officer, who said, “We’re proud to set a new benchmark for sustainable luxury. We’ve integrated renewable energy solutions and low‑impact building techniques that align with our commitment to environmental stewardship.”
The Legacy: A Record That Will Stand for Years
The article concludes by noting that the $225 million sale is unlikely to be surpassed in the immediate future. It highlights that, as of now, the next highest‑priced property in New Jersey is a $170 million estate in Princeton that sold in 2024. The article further notes that the 65‑room mansion’s sale price will be “referenced in future real‑estate valuations and market analyses” for years to come. In a final note, the article references a link to a Real Estate Weekly feature that describes how the property is set to become a “case study in high‑end real‑estate design and market economics.”
Bottom Line
- Record Sale: The 65‑room mansion in New Jersey sold for $225 million, eclipsing the previous state record by $55 million.
- Design & Features: 10 000+ sq. ft. of living space, 65 rooms, multiple indoor pools, home theatres, wine cellar, helipad, and smart‑home tech.
- Buyer: John “Jack” R. Davis, venture‑capitalist, philanthropic, looking for a family and business hub.
- Market Context: New Jersey’s luxury market is surging, driven by NYC exodus, low supply, and tax incentives.
- Sustainability: Solar power, vertical gardens, water‑filtration, environmental compliance.
- Legacy: A benchmark for future luxury real‑estate transactions in the state.
The article paints a portrait of an estate that is not just a home but a statement—a new standard for luxury living in New Jersey that merges grandeur, technology, and environmental consciousness. It’s a milestone that will resonate across real‑estate circles and will likely be cited as a touchstone for high‑end property valuations for years to come.
Read the Full Staten Island Advance Article at:
[ https://www.silive.com/business/2025/11/this-luxury-nj-mansion-with-65-rooms-just-set-a-real-estate-record.html ]