Step Inside a Real Piece of American History!

The Vreeland House in Leonia was built in 1786 by Dirk Vreeland as a stone cottage, with a Dutch colonial wing added by his son in 1815. The Jersey Dutch Colonial home has seven fireplaces, hand-hewn beams, and is listed on the National and New Jersey Registers of Historic Places.
Lives in Leonia.
Become not just a homeowner, but a guardian of living history, a cornerstone of American heritage. In 1786, as our fledgling nation took its first steps, Dirk Freeland built a cottage using sandstone quarried from his land in Bergen County. By 1815, his son Michael added the magnificent Dutch colonial wing that transformed it into the architectural marvel we now call the vreeland House. For 142 years, generations of Vreelands witnessed history unfold from what is now Lakeview Avenue. The Industrial Revolution, the Civil War and the dawn of the modern age. Today, this home is one of Bergen County's most precious historical treasures. Rightfully placed on the National Register of Historic Places, its walls don't merely enclose space, they embrace living history. Architectural brilliance preserved. The Vreeland House represents the pinnacle of Jersey Dutch Colonial architecture with Adam style detailing. The seamless connection between the 1786 stone cottage and 1815 expansion. An authentic gambrel roof and three Dutch doors with detailed surrounds. Hand hewn beams exposed throughout the supporting this structure for over two centuries. Wide plank pine floors, some exceeding 12 inches, polished by generations. Soaring 12 foot ceilings on the first floor. Seven unique working fireplaces, each with distinct period detailing. Exquisite custom millwork surrounds every door and window. This isn't merely a historic designation, it's a living museum documented by the Historic American building survey in 1936 and preserved in the Early Stone Houses of Bergen County Collection. Modern comforts in a historic setting While honoring its origins, the Vreeland House has been thoughtfully updated. First floor grand entry foyer with immediate historical character. Elegant living room with ornate fireplace and custom woodwork. Formal dining room with working fireplace. Chef's kitchen combining period charm with modern functionality. Granite countertops, custom cabinetry and its cozy fireplace. First floor primary bedroom suite with fireplace and adjacent bathroom. Upper level. Two additional bedrooms sharing a full bathroom. Breathtaking great room with cathedral ceilings, exposed beams and fireplace. Dramatic loft space creating a perfect home office. Custom windows bring abundant natural light. Guest apartment in law suite. Private entrance and separate living space. Living dining room with wood stove and an original fireplace. Modern bathroom, kitchenette and bedroom with skylights. A private retreat Standing on a generous 0.55 acre sanctuary, the Vreeland House offers privacy rare in the area. Ancient trees frame the historic facade while meticulously maintained gardens and stone pathways connect multiple outdoor living spaces. This verdant setting, coupled with Lyonia's tree lined streets creates an oasis of tranquility just minutes from Manhattan. The best of both worlds for those seeking historical significance without sacrificing modern convenience. The Lyonia Legacy the Vreeland House represents the earliest days of European settlement in our region, a tangible connection to the Dutch influences that shaped Bergen County. Once known as the Athens of Bergen county for its thriving arts community, Lyonia has long cherished its unique character. Located just minutes from the George Washington Bridge, Lyonia provides the perfect balance, close enough to enjoy New York City, yet removed enough to preserve a sense of community increasingly rare in our fast paced world. A calling, not merely a purchase. For 235 years, this home has sheltered families, witnessed history, and stood as a testament to American craftsmanship. It awaits its next steward, someone who recognizes the profound privilege of preserving our collective heritage. As the next caretaker, you won't simply own a property. You'll continue a legacy that began before the United States was fully formed. You'll wake surrounded by the handiwork of early American craftsmen, walk floors that have supported generations, and warm yourself by fireplaces that have provided comfort through nearly every winter our nation has known. This is your opportunity to live where history lives. Property Details 125 Lakeview Avenue Leonia, NJ $1,199,000 Year 1786 Original and 1815 Addition Square Footage Approximately 3,000 square feet Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 Full 7 Lot 0.55 acre style Jersey Dutch Colonial with Adam style detailing Historic Designations National Register of Historic Places New Jersey Register A Historian's Perspective As Lyonia's historian, few structures connect us so directly to our past as the Vreeland House. When Dirk Vreeland laid the first stones, Bergen county was primarily agricultural, with Dutch settlers establishing homesteads throughout the region. His home reflects our earliest residents practicality, craftsmanship and resilience. The 1815 expansion coincided with America's growing prosperity following the War of 1812. The elegant Adam style details incorporated into the Dutch colonial framework represent a fascinating architectural hybrid. European traditions adapting to American sensibilities throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, as Lyonia transformed from rural outpost to commuter suburb, the Vreeland House remained a constant, a tangible reminder of our origins. The home's recognition by the Historic American building survey in 1936 acknowledged its significance to Lyonia and our understanding of early American domestic architecture.
To step inside today is to experience history as a living continuum. The next owner will become part of of that continuum, not merely occupying space but actively participating in preserving our shared heritage.
For those who value authenticity, craftsmanship and connection to the past, there can be no more meaningful investment than becoming the next steward of the Vreeland House for the next chapter Historic, iconic, timeless Waiting for Scott Selleck The Selec Group KW City Views Realty, 201-970-3960 sl s e l l e c k@gmail.com.
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