237 Underhill Road
Dear Future Homeowner,
For the past ten years, this hasn't just been our house; it has been our sanctuary, our gathering place, and a constant source of joy and awe. As we downsize, our greatest hope is to find someone who will love it as much as we have. We wanted to share a bit of its magic with you.
We came to this home from New England, having spent many years in Maine, and my husband came to it from his native Britain. Perhaps that is why this house spoke to us so instantly. It has a quiet, castle-like stature—solid and enduring, nestled into its natural landscape as if it grew there. It reminded us of where we came from, and it became exactly where we belonged.
What we will miss most are the incredible views. From the front, you enjoy a stunning, unobstructed vista of the New York City skyline—a dynamic painting that changes with the light and seasons. From the back, you look out on a private, botanical-like garden, a world of mature trees, blooms, and winding stone paths that has been our labor of love.
This leads to the second gift of this home: total privacy. The house is perfectly situated. You can enjoy the views in every room without ever needing to close the blinds, and the secluded backyard is your own hidden paradise. It is, above all else, peaceful and tranquil—a word we returned to often, whether we were reading quietly by the fire or simply watching the light shift across the skyline.
And for families, this home is a dream. Our daughter grew up here, and the house seemed made for childhood wonder. We held annual Easter egg hunts for the neighborhood children in our secret garden backyard—the joy of watching little ones discover hidden treasures among the blooms is seared into our hearts. There is a tree house that has hosted countless adventures, sledding right on our driveway after a fresh snow, and a basketball hoop at the top of the driveway for friendly games that often stretched into dusk. This wasn't just where we lived; it was where our daughter and her friends made their most cherished memories.
It's a home built for connection. The spacious, well-crafted rooms have hosted countless memories, from intimate family dinners to weekend-long gatherings with 16 out-of-state friends. The massive bedrooms and the expansive, fully functional basement (which made us the popular "hang-out house" for our daughter and her friends) provide flexible space for every need.
But perhaps the heart of our social life has been the outdoor spaces. We have distinct patio areas for every mood: a front patio for quiet conversations with friends, a fire pit circle for laughter and s'mores, and a magnificent house-length back patio. There, as professors, we've easily hosted 40-50 guests for legendary annual parties with our students and colleagues, grilling under the stars with the city lights twinkling in the distance. For the ultimate private moment, the "crow's nest" deck nestled in the trees offers a one-of-a-kind perch for morning coffee or evening wine as you watch the city breathe.
Throughout it all, the home has been a quiet, peaceful retreat. The solid, original woodwork, gorgeous brass fixtures, and the satisfying weight of every door speak to its quality and craft. It is a relaxing haven to return to at the end of any day.
We leave behind a wonderful, friendly street that is welcoming a new generation, with young families moving in as we empty-nesters move on.
We are passing on more than a property; we are passing on a backdrop for a beautiful life.
This home is ready for your next chapter—be it lively gatherings, peaceful mornings, or simply enjoying a view that never gets old.
We hope you will find here, as we did, a home that feels like it was waiting for you all along.
With our very best wishes,
The Current Homeowners of 237 Underhill
Reel Estate
Video Walkthrough of 237 Underhill Rd., South Orange NJ
ARRIVING HOME
Visit this home in person for a free copy of the 237 Underhill Rd edition of our magazine Arriving Home
Perched high among the trees with sweeping, unobstructed views of the NYC skyline, this five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath home is a rare and breathtaking retreat. With a quiet, castle-like presence, it feels both timeless and deeply connected to its natural surroundings, offering a level of privacy and tranquility that is truly exceptional. Thoughtfully transformed into a picture perfect creative sanctuary, the home is filled with expansive, yet well-proportioned rooms designed for both everyday living and memorable gatherings. Four floors of living in this architectural gem, with massive bedrooms and a flexible lower level that provides space for work, play, and hosting with ease. The true magic unfolds outdoors. The grounds have been lovingly curated into a botanical garden, where winding paths, mature plantings, and seasonal blooms create a sense of discovery at every turn. A charming patio sets the stage for al fresco dining under twinkle lights, while multiple gathering areas invite connection, play and relaxation. Tucked above it all, a private deck offers a spectacular vantage point, an unforgettable setting for morning coffee or evening wine as the city glows in the distance. From sunrise to twilight, the ever-changing skyline view is nothing short of mesmerizing. Whether entertaining or enjoying a quiet moment, this home offers a rare blend of beauty, privacy, and inspiration, just moments from vibrant downtown South Orange, and the energy of New York City.
Floorplan
NYC IN DIFFERENT SEASONS
Photos taken by the Seller
BACKYARD & GARDEN
Photos taken by the Seller
Property Archive
Property Information
237 Underhill Road South Orange NJ 07079
Listing Price: $1,395,000
5 Bedrooms
3 Full Bathrooms
2 Half Bathrooms
2 Built-in Garage
Lot Size: 0.40 acres
Property Style: Colonial
Ideal Closing: 7/30/2026
Estimated Taxes: $33,480* / 2025*
*Inquire with tax assessor for 2026 numbers
FAVORITE FEATURES
Magical Views
Sweeping, year-round views of the New York City skyline from the front of the home and serene, garden-like vistas from the rear windows featuring mature trees and curated plantings.
Exceptional Privacy
Thoughtfully positioned on the property to provide complete privacy from neighboring homes, allowing for open views without the need for window coverings.
Ideal for Entertaining
Designed for hosting with ease, the home comfortably accommodates large gatherings, overnight guests, and extended visits with friends and family.
Quiet and Peaceful Setting
A calm, tranquil atmosphere both indoors and outdoors creates a restorative environment at the end of the day.
Welcoming Neighborhood
A friendly street with a mix of longtime residents and newer families, creating a vibrant and evolving community feel.
Timeless Craftsmanship
Beautiful original architectural details, rich woodwork, substantial doors, and restored brass hardware reflect the home’s enduring quality and character.
Botanical Garden Grounds
Professionally designed landscaping with seasonal blooms, stone walls, curving pathways, and evening lighting. A crow’s nest deck nestled among the trees offers an extraordinary vantage point for sunrise coffee or evening skyline views.
Generous Living Space
Large bedrooms and a versatile lower level provide flexible options for recreation, work, or gathering, making the home well suited for evolving lifestyle needs.
Multiple Outdoor Living Areas
Distinct patio spaces include a welcoming front terrace, a fire pit gathering area, and an expansive rear patio ideal for dining, entertaining, and large celebrations.
UPDATES
2026
• Third floor bathroom: paint and new fixtures
2025
• Deck improvement
2024
• Back patio improvement
• Slate roof maintenance/repair
2023
• Basement remodel
2022
• Laundry improvements
• Kitchen improvements
• Second floor bathroom remodel
2021
• Front patio improvement
• Slate roof maintenance/repair
2019
• Sunroom interior remodel
• Gas boiler
2018
• Upper AC
2017
• Slate roof maintenance/repair
2002
• Hot water heater
Other
• Lower AC (late 1990s)
APPROXIMATE MONTHLY UTILITIES
Electric/Gas(PSEG):
$420 (2025, includes heat)
American Water:
$50(Last 4 months)
South Orange Disposal Trash pick up:
$57/$83
1x 50-gallon drum 2x week/2 x 50-gallon drums 2 x week
City of South Orange Sewer line:
$29 /month
2025 – single bill of $350 for the year
Downloadable Documents
Map
Map to South Orange Train Station
Map to Jitney
Contact Information
Denise Payne
Realtor® / Sales Associate
Direct: (973) 544-8484
Office: (973) 376-0033
Keller Williams Premier Properties
518 Millburn Avenue, Short Hills NJ