“Extremely unique” New Jersey villa that cost  million to build will be auctioned with a reserve price of  million

“Extremely unique” New Jersey villa that cost $27 million to build will be auctioned with a reserve price of $10 million

Auction of mega mansion in New Jersey, Knowlton

Auction of mega mansion in New Jersey, Knowlton

A huge, custom-designed estate is currently up for auction in southern New Jersey. Although it cost its builders around $27 million to build, the reserve price is only $10 million.

The 37,000-square-foot property is located a 30-minute drive from Philadelphia on the border between Moorestown and Cinnaminson townships. Bids are currently being accepted until October 9, the Wall Street Journal first reported.

The owners of the mega-villa, pharmaceutical entrepreneurs Calvin and Orsula Knowlton, decided to go through an auction after they were unable to find a buyer through a conventional advertisement, the couple told the Journal.

The façade was inspired by Philadelphia's City Hall building. Kurfiss Sotheby's International RealtyThe façade was inspired by Philadelphia's City Hall building. Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty

The façade was inspired by Philadelphia’s City Hall building. Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty

An aerial view of the property. Kurfiss Sotheby's International RealtyAn aerial view of the property. Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty

An aerial view of the property. Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty

The large foyer. Kurfiss Sotheby's International RealtyThe large foyer. Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty

The large foyer. Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty

The Knowltons paid $640,000 for the property in 2017. Kurfiss Sotheby's International RealtyThe Knowltons paid $640,000 for the property in 2017. Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty

The Knowltons paid $640,000 for the property in 2017. Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty

The mansion is situated on a 7-hectare plot. Kurfiss Sotheby's International RealtyThe mansion is situated on a 7-hectare plot. Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty

The mansion is situated on a 7-hectare plot. Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty

The palatial dining room. Kurfiss Sotheby's International RealtyThe palatial dining room. Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty

The palatial dining room. Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty

The spacious kitchen. Kurfiss Sotheby's International RealtyThe spacious kitchen. Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty

The spacious kitchen. Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty

“It’s extremely unique, but it’s especially unique for this area and this particular market,” added Misha Haghani of auction house Paramount Realty USA, which is handling the sale in conjunction with Kevin Steiger of Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty. “It’s a home that has almost no comparables.”

The Knowltons paid $640,000 for the 28,000-square-foot property in 2017. Originally, they only wanted to restore and expand the early 19th-century farmhouse that stood on the property.

The farmhouse, as it turned out, was moldy beyond repair, and its demolition proved to be a bureaucratic nightmare involving the zoning and planning authorities of both municipalities.

The house is approximately 3700 square meters. Kurfiss Sotheby's International RealtyThe house is approximately 3700 square meters. Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty

The house is approximately 3700 square meters. Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty

One of seven bedrooms. Kurfiss Sotheby's International RealtyOne of seven bedrooms. Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty

One of seven bedrooms. Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty

One of 10 bathrooms. Kurfiss Sotheby's International RealtyOne of 10 bathrooms. Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty

One of 10 bathrooms. Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty

The golf simulator. Kurfiss Sotheby's International RealtyThe golf simulator. Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty

The golf simulator. Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty

A walk-in closet. Kurfiss Sotheby's International RealtyA walk-in closet. Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty

A walk-in closet. Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty

In 2018, construction finally began on the ultimately colossal and still-unfinished home project (the Knowltons eventually decided to stop work on the behemoth because its next owner might have different preferences), according to the Journal.

As it stands, the four-story residence boasts amenities like a chapel, home theater, wine cellar, six fireplaces, golf simulator and English-style pub. There’s even what Calvin Knowlton called “the largest reflecting pool I’ve ever seen,” a double-height ceiling foyer with two sweeping staircases, an expansive dining room and a sauna-equipped gym accessed via a “unique tube elevator” in the master suite bathroom, according to the listing.

The exterior was inspired by the Second Empire style City Hall building in Philadelphia.

Although the Knowltons moved into the mansion in 2022, they spend most of their time at their home on Amelia Island in northern Florida and are selling it because they expect to continue to spend most of their time there, they told the Journal.

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