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Standing atop the hill where South Middlebush and Blackwells Mills
Roads meet, with a spectacular view of the Franklin countryside,
fields and woods, of the Six-Mile Run Valley, the sunsets may have
been one reason Peter Van Liew settled on this site back in the
1700's, and why Joseph Suydam later built part of the house that
is seen today. The newest and largest portion of the house was built in 1875. Although the most recent long term owner of the
house was named French, the house has been named |
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after its two founders builders, Van Liew-Suydam.The ornate woodworking on the porch and walls clearly demonstrates a perfect example of the architecture of a 19th century Victorian farmhouse. 
On
September 27, 1988, the State of New Jersey sold the house to Franklin
Township for $100. The house and property have been leased to
the Meadows Foundation, currently in the process of restoring
the house for community use, eventually serving as a library,
fine arts gallery, and meeting space. This restoration effort
has required replacement of all major systems in the house. Major
projects remain including exterior siding & painting, porch
reconstruction, interior walls,
finishing and decorating. Volunteers are always welcome!
Open
house tours of the Van Liew-Suydam house are held the Second
Sunday of each month. The Second Sunday hour tours have been suspended until further notice.
 Van Liew-Suydam House
280 South Middlebush Road
Somerset, NJ 08873
tel. (732) 828-7418
Map & directions
On
October 2, 2005, The Meadows hosted the Grand Re-Opening and Public
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Van Liew-Suydam house
Special Events included: Van Liew Suydam History
and Restoration with special guests of the Van Liew Suydam homestead,
and an Antique Tractor and Farm Equipment Exhibition.
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