Tulipwood (home)

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Tulipwood in 2006

Tulipwood is an historic home at 1165 Hamilton Street in Somerset, New Jersey.

[edit] Williams family

The property has been owned by the family of Mary Maclay Pentz Williams since 1877. An 8-1/4 acre portion of the original 121-acre (0.49 km²) tract, was granted to Stephen Guion Williams by Perry P. Williams executor of the last will and testament of Mary Williams on February 28, 1891. Tulipwood was built for Stephen Guion Williams in 1892 and was the third house built by Williams family members at the site. Stephen Williams was the son of John Stanton Williams and Mary Maclay Pentz. The Williams family owned the Williams & Guion Black Star Line.

[edit] Design

Tulipwood was designed by J. August Lienau, the son of Detlef Lienau. Lineau was married to Elizabeth Williams, the sister of Stephen Guion Williams. Lienau also designed a home directly to the East of Tulipwood known as Shady Rest which is now Somerset Manor South at 1135 Hamilton Street. Shady rest was built for Mary M. Williams. He also built a home for himself and his wife Elizabeth to the West of Tulipwood known as Merrynook. Merrynook is located at 1201 Hamilton Street and housed the Art Institute of New Jersey. Merrynook and Shady Rest are extant with major modifications. Since 1920 Tulipwood has been the home of Leigh W. Kimball and his family. Kimball's grandson, Christopher Lehman was the last resident of Tulipwood before its purchase by the Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey in 2003 for preservation. The house is now being preserved by the Meadows Foundation.