Great Spaces: Historic Homes, Recently Renovated

In this month's Great Spaces section, we're running down a selection of recently renovated historic homes. From America's version of Versailles to the former home of Ike and Tina Turner, these architectural gems have been restored in pristine condition.

Versailles in New Jersey?

Mahwah, N.J.'s beloved Crocker Mansion is currently on the market, with recent renovations taking the already stunning space to new heights. The elaborate home was the dream of George Crocker, son of railroad magnate Charles Crocker. Located in the Darlington metro area, the 58-room, three-story mansion is listed with both the National Register of Historic Places and the New Jersey Register of Historic Places.

One-hundred years after its original construction, the Mahwah mansion was completely renovated, a process that took over seven years so that the original architectural strategy and materials were pristinely preserved. During the renovation, an additional 12,000 square feet of living space was added.

Known to some as the American Versailles, the home—which looks more like a castle or perhaps a college campus than a private residence—features a theater, billiard room with bar, poker room, game room, a luxury spa with lap pool, an outdoor pool with cabana, an eight-car garage, staff quarters with five suites and a lounge, and a great hall with a 30-foot-high ceiling and a 1906 Aeolian Player Pipe Organ, one of the only existing ones in the U.S.

Listed by: Special Properties/Christie’s International Real Estate
Photos: Special Properties/Christie’s International Real Estate

Historic Greek Revival

Located in Lakeville, Conn., this Grecian revival is all stunning stone and sweeping lawn. Renovated for convenience with original architecture preserved, the historic five-bedroom home, built in 1845, is known as Belle Vallee. With 10 spacious rooms and 5,157 square feet of living space, the estate also includes a three-car carriage house with a large studio apartment situated above. The main house includes a state-of-the-art kitchen and a wet bar, as well as formal living and dining rooms.

Out back, a new saltwater pool offers pastoral views to the west.

Listed for: $2,495,000
Listed by: Patricia Best, Best & Cavallaro Real Estate
Photos by: Ren Nickson

Mod Mid-Century Masterpiece on Astral Drive

Looking to drop 5 mill or more on your own architectural masterpiece? The Loring House, named after original owner Hollywood choreographer Eugene Loring, is currently on the market in Los Angeles' posh Astral Drive. The 1958 mid-century modern masterpiece was designed by iconic architect Richard Neutra, who was commissioned by Loring himself.

Renovated with the original design intact, the home includes five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a placid in-ground pool, and a two-story, two bedroom guest house with an art studio. The space sits atop a knoll and can be reached by a long winding drive. Sweeping walls of glass allow many of the rooms to overlook the pool.

Listed for: $5,625,000
Listed by: Steve Frankel, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
Photos by: Jeff Ong

Ike and Tina Turner's Historic Los Angeles Home

This legendary, historic mid-century spot was once home to Ike and Tina Turner. Artfully remodeled, the four-bedroom, five-bathroom home is located in the historic View Park—one of the largest national registered historic districts in California. Enter through the house's original double front doors, custom-made for Tina Turner herself. Just shy of 3,000 square feet, the space has a flowing open living and dining concept, with walls of glass overlooking the patio.

Out back, a customized pool roosts beside a cabana, fire pit and outdoor bath. The master suite features its own private luxurious bath, walk-in closet and direct access to outdoors.

Listed for: $1,448,000
Listed by: Team ECHO Real Estate
Photos by: Rancho Photos

Hawaiiana in Palm Springs

Aloha lovers, rejoice! This painstakingly restored tiki-themed Hawaiiana condo in Palm Springs, Calif., sets the standard for Polynesian-inspired mid-century modern spaces. A Class I Historic Site, the two-bedroom condo features re-purposed vintage materials salvaged from now-defunct tiki-themed Royal Hawaiian establishments. Features include original terrazzo tiles along the entryway to the kitchen/bar/dining area, original windows and glass sliders perfectly preserved, original recessed ceiling light fixtures, bamboo wall paneling and tikis galore.

Outside, a custom lava rock planter runs along the perimeter of the rear patio, with a custom-made tiki totem fountain on the rear patio.

Listed for: $419,000
Listed by: Jacquie Owens, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
Photos by: MonCherie Fotography