117 MERCER ST Princeton, NJ 08540

Neighbors and tourists strolling the sidewalks of Princeton's historic Mercer Hill District catch a glimpse of the peaked glass roof extending from the back of this solid brick stunner and know that something special lies beyond the hedges of holly and the ring of rhododendron. Those lucky enough to pass beneath the white pergola will find an English-style conservatory overlooking a black-bottom pool and the branches of a weeping cherry tree draped over the surrounding brick patio. With its slate roof, dormer windows and handsome black shutters, the house is equally intriguing. A gracious foyer with paneled wainscoting receives guests, who will make their way to the sunken living room. Use the large gathering space for everything from elegant holiday parties to book club meetings. Through an arched doorway, the dining room is also sized for hosting and has two French doors opening to the pool. As if pulled from a novel, the library comes complete with a secret door built into the paneled walls. Handy to the garage, which is built of matching brick and capped with a cupola, is the kitchen with side-by-side commercial refrigerators and an adjoining breakfast or family room. The upper floors hold six bedrooms, five bathrooms and extra space for work and play. In addition to a cedar hall closet, the sunken master suite has a double-sided dressing room that was ahead of its time, as evidenced by custom shoe racks and more.