VNACJ Hosts Sneak Peek of the 2011 Stately Home By-The-Sea Designer Show House

The Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey (VNACJ) hosted a sneak peek cocktail party to celebrate this year’s Stately Homes By-the-Sea Designer Show House- the Holly Hill estate on Navesink River Road in Locust.

The event kicked-off the 6-week countdown during which the house will be completely redesigned and then opened for public viewing. The party show cased the foundation for the transformation by offering a glimpse of the "before" picture of Holly Hill.

More than 35 of the nation's and local area's top interior designers, decorators and landscape artists began working their magic on Feb 25. transforming  a different room or portion of the grounds.

“We have a good mix of designers. We not only bring in popular designers from places like New York City and Florida, but we also like to highlight local designers,” said Mindy Minerva, one of the show house co-chairs. “We also support local business by purchasing products and items used in the house.” 

According to a released statement, the house is going to be completely redesigned into a home that “reflects the history and bucolic setting of the estate while incorporating the contemporary elements of elegant 21st century living.”

Holly Hill is a historic country estate located featuring a beautiful view of the Navesink and beyond. Thomas Brown, a former New Jersey state senator and superior court judge, built the home in 1934. The 30-room, handmade brick Georgian style house sit on 12 acres and retains many of its original features.

The current homeowner, Elaine Chevalier, is a long time supporter of the VNA and wanted to help them out by lending out her home for this great event. After redesign showcase is completed, the house will go on the market for sale. 

Although the house sets a tone of its own, this is the first year that the committee is “not dictating creative license,” Minerva said. In years past, they have suggested a direction and required a story-board to demonstrate what each designer planned for their room. With Holly Hill, the designers have complete creative freedom. “This is the first year that we are doing this. We trust that the designers we have chosen will do a great job,” said Minerva. 

Students in the Design Program at Brookdale Community College also will be designing a room in the house. “Their room last time was one of my favorites!” said Minerva.

The house will be available for viewing from May 3 through June 12, 2011. Hours of Operation at Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00-4:00 p.m. General Admission is $35.

All profit will benefit the VNACJ. Founded in 1912,  VNACJ has grown into the largest voluntary, non-profit home care agency in New Jersey, serving more than 120,000 individuals each year.