Blairsden and the Schiff Nature Preserve in Mendham share several historical and physical connections. Both properties were originally developed as grand country estates during the so-called "Country House Era" by socially prominent families that knew one another, and both properties are situated along the flowing waters of the North Branch of the Raritan River.
Landscape Tour Tickets are still available (see below).
Unable to Join? Please consider a donation in support of Schiff Natural Lands Trust.
DAYTIME LANDSCAPE TOURS
Times: 11:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
$45 per person
Arriving before all others, at either 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., our Landscape Tour guests will be treated to a tour of the grounds with historian and author W. Barry Thomson and landscape designer Ania Baas, an authority on Blairsden's original landscape architect, James Leal Greenleaf. Aided by archival photographs, the tour will showcase the estate's original landscape that was described by architectural critic Barr Ferree in his influential 1904 book, American Estates and Gardens, as "one of the most elaborate and extensive schemes of its kind ever carried out in America." The two tours are limited to 40 people each.
The landscape tour will be conducted in the event of light rain. Attendees are encouraged to bring an umbrella and wear appropriate shoes for uneven terrain, rain, and wet grass. Should the weather predictions include thunderstorms, heavy winds, or more than a 70% chance of steady rain, the landscape tour will be canceled. Guests may choose from several options; full refund, revert the fee to a Schiff membership or donate the fee to Schiff in support of our mission.
FARM TO TABLE DINNER TO INCLUDE CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION & GUIDED MANSION TOUR
$250 per person
Your evening will begin at 5 p.m. with a guided tour of the mansion and a champagne reception. After the tour, period cocktails will be served on the terrace overlooking Ravine Lake and the Somerset Hills. Famed Chef David Felton will once again delight us with his award-winning culinary talents featuring a three-course locally sourced seasonal menu highlighted by River Bend Farm beef (vegetarian/gluten free option available), along with an array of seasonal fruits and vegetables from Alstede Farms, and expertly paired fine wines from Sky Acres Winery. During the evening, guests will enjoy live music from the Chester Baroque Orchestra, works of art, and historical displays in the decorated rooms of the storied mansion. Works of art, centerpieces, and decorative pieces on display from our design partners will be available for sale during the evening. Proceeds from each sale will support Schiff Natural Lands Trust.
The Farm to Table Dinner to Include Champagne Reception & Guided Mansion Tour is an all-weather event - in case of rain, cocktails will be served inside.
FARM TO TABLE DINNER
$200 per person
Your evening will begin at 6 p.m. with period cocktails on the terrace overlooking Ravine Lake and the Somerset Hills. Cocktails will be followed by a three-course locally sourced seasonal menu featuring River Bend Farm beef (vegetarian/gluten free option available), along with an array of seasonal fruits and vegetables from Alstede Farms, and expertly paired fine wines from Sky Acres Winery. Guests can look forward to live music, works of art, and historical displays in the decorated rooms of the storied mansion. Works of art, centerpieces, and decorative pieces on display from our design partners will be available for sale during the evening. Proceeds from each sale will support Schiff Natural Lands Trust.
The Farm to Table Dinner to Include Champagne Reception & Guided Mansion Tour is an all-weather event - in case of rain, cocktails will be served inside.
This unique opportunity to support Schiff Natural Lands Trust's mission and legacy of maintaining precious open lands is limited to 150 guests, ages 21 and over. Cocktail attire encouraged. We regret to inform those with accessibility limitations; the venue and adjacent lawn presents accessibility challenges to include uneven terrain and the use of stairs for tours and bathroom access.
Blairsden, the iconic and historic estate in Peapack-Gladstone that has been described as "one of the finest examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in America," was designed by the prominent New York firm of Carrère & Hastings - architects of the New York Public Library. Blairsden was planned and built between 1897 and 1903 on the 500-acre country estate of Clinton Ledyard Blair, his wife Florence Osborne Jennings, and their four daughters.
Born in Brent, England in 1976, David C. Felton knew at a young age that a passion for food and cooking would be his calling. As a young child, David was always in the kitchen helping out with whatever he could, even if for a few short seconds.
After graduating from Johnson and Wales University...
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Born in Brent, England in 1976, David C. Felton knew at a young age that a passion for food and cooking would be his calling. As a young child, David was always in the kitchen helping out with whatever he could, even if for a few short seconds.
After graduating from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Culinary Arts, David began an apprenticeship of his own design. He set out to journey around the country to live, work and most importantly, eat in as many diverse settings as he could. This culinary expedition led him through an impressive 48 out of the 50 US states. An early stop was in Kansas City, Missouri, where he worked under Chefs Michael Smith and Debbie Gold at the American Restaurant. They later recruited David as Chef de Cuisine to help them launch 40 Sardines a finalist for the James Beard Award Best New Restaurant. It was here that he was also honored as one of "America's Top Ten Sous Chefs" in a nationwide competition, sponsored by Bertolli Olive Oil.
Not satisfied with this career path, David came to New York City and connected with famed Manhattan chef Gary Robins. David joined Gary to help oversee the opening of the kitchen of The Biltmore Room which received a 3-star rating from The New York Times. However, David found himself searching for more and left The Biltmore Room to accept a teaching position at a small culinary school, The Natural Gourmet Institute of Health and Culinary Arts. While at The Institute, David re-discovered his zest for using local and sustainable food sources.
After working at The Institute for a few years, David realized he missed the long hours and crazy pace of kitchen life. He became Executive Chef of Blue in Surf City, New Jersey, which was named "Best of the Shore" by Philadelphia Magazine. David then became the Executive Chef of The Pluckemin Inn in Bedminster, NJ where he was finally at liberty to put his stamp on the food he creates.
Next David was the opening Executive Chef of Ninety Acres @ Natirar in Peapack-Gladstone NJ, this time a semifinalist for Best New Restaurant with the James Beard Awards. He ran the farm, restaurant & mansion catering for ten years, the majority of those under the auspice of being one of the top 25 restaurants in New Jersey. Also, during this time, he was giving the award of Food & Wine Magazine People's Best New Chef for the New York metro area.
The next chapter in David's life led him to Landmark Hospitality as the Executive Chef of The Hudson House, an event space, restaurant and soon to be rooftop bar all located on the water's edge in Jersey City. After opening and setting the high standards at Hudson House, David moved onto a research & development role with a food tech company in July of 2022. This new position allows him to spend quality time with his family, friends, garden, and motorcycle. This strategic move allows David to offer private catering for intimate dinners, cooking classes and more along with donating his time between various charities such as Distinguished Gentleman's Ride and of course the Schiff Natural Land Trust.
The 2023 Farm to Table Benefit Dinner will be lovingly prepared by Chef Felton. The fresh foods for the Farm to Table menu are curated within 10 miles of Schiff Nature Preserve. A vegetarian/gluten free menu option will be available. Thanks to an abundance of local family farms, we are delighted to present a menu leaning heavily on many NJ seasonal favorites like apples, squash, late tomatoes, jersey corn, and greens.
Each course will be expertly paired with wines from the award winning Sky Acres Winery in Bedminster. This event promises to be an unforgettable meal!
Bernardsville Printer Center for the exquisite displays
Chester Baroque Orchestra for their musical contribution to the promotional video
Mayor Mark Corigliano for the loan of the 1921 vintage Rolls Royce
Cree Wine Company for the reception champagne
Nicholas Gambrill Villa for the loan of "The Defiance" painting
Lyndy Hepplewhite for the design and installation of the table centerpieces
Melillo Equities for the use of the Blairsden mansion estate
Summit Soundz Entertainment for the AV equipment loan
Demetri Tashie for editing the promotional video
Andy von Aulock for the promotional video drone footage
Water Street Design for the gift bag stickers
Wendover Farm for their donation of lemon balm
The Women's Association for Morristown Medical Center for the stanchion loan
Michael Yamashita for photo use permission for the display boards
Schiff has proudly partnered with the following local design and retail partners to adorn the Blairsden mansion with an array of artwork, floral, and decorative pieces that will be available for sale during the evening. Proceeds from the sales of design pieces directly support the mission of Schiff Natural Lands Trust. Please join us in thanking our design partners for their artistic flair and generous support of Schiff’s fundraising efforts.
Branch Home - A modern general store in Far Hills, NJ providing hand curated selection of home decor, groceries, plants, and more. With a keen eye for modern, rustic, farmhouse aesthetics, a love of nature, fine textiles, good quality food and beverages, combined with a desire to provide a sense of community, visiting Branch Home is a treat for all who enter.
Capital Garden Products - A UK based company and the established experts in outdoor antique and contemporary finishes. For over 25 years, they have designed and exclusively manufactured in fiberglass for its lightness and ability to withstand the test of time.
Classic Home & Garden - Karen Waldron- Classic Home & Garden at 49 Route 202 in Far Hills, NJ is an Interior and Exterior Home Furnishings Boutique and Gift shop. We specialize in assisting the homeowner in space planning, decorating, and accessorizing their home and garden. all weather fabrics for custom indoor /outdoor cushions and upholstery services.
F. Gerald New - A jewelry and gift shop founded in 1941 located in Chatham and Harding Township NJ where one can find a wide array of fine pieces for all occasions. Whether it be giftware & home goods, ideas for men, tabletop & décor, wedding registry or baby items, a visit to F. Gerald New is bound to delight.
Julian Gage Antiques - Located in the historic village of Oldwick, Julian Gage is considered by many to be the premier Fine Home Furnishings shopping destination in New Jersey. Our 5,500 square foot converted 1865 church building houses a wide assortment of 18th and 19th century English and Chinese antiques as well as 20th century vintage English reproduction furniture. We also have a large collection of fine art, lighting, decorative home accessories, garden decor, rare leather books and fine art photography. We are committed to providing impeccable customer service and look forward to working with you at our store to make your home furnishings shopping a fun and rewarding experience.
Larger Cross - A lifestyle shop inspired by seasonal country living. Larger Cross offers a mix of beautifully made, timeless products for your home and garden, new home furnishings, one-of-a-kind antiques, practical housewares, and garden supplies. Called one of Veranda's "50 Most Beautiful Shops in the World". Located in Oldwick, NJ and open Wednesday - Saturday, 11:00 - 5:00, and by appointment.
Meli Melo Home - Méli Mélo which translates to "a little bit of this and a little bit of that" is a perfect name for a decorating service that mixes beautiful objects that reflect today's relaxed lifestyle with a sense of luxury and comfort. Whether you are decorating/styling a house to call home or staging a home that entices a new buyer or welcomes seasonal guests for the holidays, consider contacting us at Meli Melo Home to consult.
NYTaylor Designs - NYTaylor Designs is owned and operated by Nancy Taylor, who has spent much of her career in the luxury fashion and home industry. It is here that she found a special creativity which she combines with her impeccable taste level and attention to detail to make even the most modest dwelling come alive. NYTaylor Designs was formed out of a love of fashion, style, and a passion for living. The balance of creativity and personality is at the core of each of her designs. This allows her to reach a unique statement of commitment to each client to bring a personal story to every project.
Well Design Interiors - Well Design Interiors offers full service interior design services, an art gallery, occasional pop up shoppes, as well as virtual design to suit your project needs and budget. Well Design Interiors designs for every aesthetic through the eyes of their clients and incorporates a fresh, balanced perspective into every home to make it a place their clients will love and be comfortable in.
We are so very thrilled to have the support of our Event Sponsors to ensure the success of Schiff's Annual Farm to Table Benefit Dinner. Please join us in thanking them for their generous support.
