Set on 92 sprawling acres with scenic views of the Ramapo Mountains, Mt. Saint Francis served as a home and an inspirational center of ministry for the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for nearly 80 years. With the Sisters’ recent relocation, this entire property in the historical center of Ringwood Borough has entered the market, offering both residential and commercial possibilities.
At the heart of the tranquil grounds, which include 71 acres of open land, is a gothic-style 19th century stone manor and eight additional buildings and facilities. The property is being offered at $9,350,000 and represented by commercial agent Gina Ospina and luxury residential specialist William Boswell with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Franklin Lakes.
This partially wooded property with rolling topography is situated within a district protected by the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act, making high-density construction unlikely. However, this former inspirational center of ministry provides potential for uses such as a luxurious residential estate, a group retreat or an educational facility with boarding. All buildings and grounds are in excellent condition.
Constructed circa 1890 as a personal residence, the three-story Victorian manor has an immaculately maintained stone exterior and an original interior that has only received minor additions such as drop ceilings, sheetrock and carpets – an easy restoration project, if so desired. Flourishes include gold finishes, copper trimming, stained glass windows, grand archways, stately doors, and decorative woodwork.
The spacious manor features 25 rooms, including two first-floor bathrooms; a second-floor bathroom that offers two showers, two sinks, two toilets and a laundry area; and a full bathroom on the third floor that has three toilets, three sinks and a bathtub. Other rooms include a sunroom, first-floor kitchen, second-floor kitchenette, two foyers, attic, full basement and ample storage space. An elevator services all three floors. There is a fireplace on the first floor and steam heating and air conditioning throughout. The home spans approximately 27,000 square feet and over 3,000 feet of plush frontage.
The other major buildings on the property include:
A two-story, three bedroom, two full-bath house with aluminum siding. Includes dining room, kitchen, living room, second-floor kitchenette, sitting room, storage areas, full basement, and one-car detached garage.
A three-story residence hall with brick exterior. Features 26 bedrooms, 16 bathrooms (sink and toilet), two main bathrooms (two tubs, two showers, one toilet), foyer, living room, dining room, kitchen, two kitchenettes, office area, supply room, sun room, outside deck, basement with utility rooms, storage areas and a two-car attached garage. Includes elevator that goes from basement to third floor, dumb waiter that goes from basement to first floor and air-conditioning.
A second residence hall that is two stories and features brick, cement shakes and a stucco finish. Includes 24 bedrooms; two full bathrooms; two half-baths; two bathrooms that each have a pair of toilets and sinks; two bathrooms that each have two sets of showers, toilets and sinks; an office; meeting room; storage areas; laundry room; air-conditioning; wheelchair ramp; and chair lift for stairs.
A log-sided, T-shaped conference center with four large meeting rooms, four bathrooms, storage rooms and air-conditioning.