Demarest, New Jersey, and neighboring Alpine are communities with reputations that precede them. This leafy corner of Bergen County, set west of the Hudson River and over the Palisades, has long been desirable for its small-town atmosphere and easy access to Manhattan.
Along the edge of these two boroughs, a plot of land once owned by Henry Clay Frick II has been transformed into The Woodlands, a gated community of 24 townhomes that couples the area’s timeless draws with the modern convenience of turnkey new construction. The greens of the neighboring Alpine Country Club, as well as a 15-acre wooded preserve protected by conservation easement, guard against adjacent development, ensuring The Woodlands remains tranquil and private in perpetuity.
Despite its proximity to nearby shopping and dining, not to mention New York City, entering The Woodlands feels like a journey into a fairy-tale world. “You drive over a beautiful stone bridge, cross a small brook, and as you come through the gates, you’ll see all the different birds — sometimes I’ve even seen a mom and a baby deer walk in through the preserve,” said Taryn Byron, the Corcoran Infinity agent representing The Woodlands’ current listings.
The Woodlands:
This new gated community of 24 townhouse residences brings inspired turnkey living to one of the most sought-after corners of Bergen County.
Four different floorplans are available at The Woodlands, ranging in size from the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath “Edgewood” to the four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath “Cambridge,” the latter boasting 5,114 square feet. These graceful residences showcase coveted features at every turn — think great rooms with 24-foot ceilings, double-height windows, and cutting-edge home automations like smart lighting and thermostats. Kitchens feature imported Italian cabinetry and appliances by Sub-Zero and Wolf. Each home has flexible spaces configurable as home offices, media rooms, libraries, gym spaces, or playrooms, allowing each resident to tailor the space for their lifestyle.
Buyers have the option of purchasing their home furnished, or alternatively, Byron can connect them with an interior designer to infuse their personal style. “A couple turned the front entry/dining area into an art gallery,” shared Byron. “They have a beautiful art collection, so the designer helped them put together a space to display it. She found this incredible leather-wrapped table — the final result is just spectacular.”
With a shared pool, fitness center, and a clubhouse, The Woodlands has plenty to keep residents entertained without ever leaving its gates. And with maintenance included in dues, the living truly couldn’t be easier. “There’s no need to do any landscaping, snow removal, or pool maintenance, because it’s all taken care of,” Byron explained. “It feels like owning a country house without the work.”
When you do leave The Woodlands, nowhere seems far. You can reach Midtown Manhattan in under half an hour, or head north to the Hudson Valley or the Catskills with ease. Closer to home, it’s just a five-minute drive to Closter Plaza, which is a shopping center anchored by national retailers as well as an epicenter of suburban life, being home to a movie theater, several eateries, and the Closter Performing Arts School, offering dance, art, and music lessons for kids. For date night, Byron, a Bergen County expert and local, recommends Dimora in Norwood, as well as the steakhouses Sofia in Englewood and 130 Club in Tenafly, all just a short drive away.
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Discover The Woodlands with Corcoran Infinity.
BY INHABIT EDITORS
BROKER ASSOCIATE, REALTOR
Exceptional Living in North Jersey
Taryn Byron