The Shrewsbury Historical Society’s annual Autumn Harvest Party at the home of Dr. Stephen Chagares and his wife Marianne drew earlier this week more than 150 guests to an afternoon of gracious friendship while raising funds for the maintenance and upkeep of the Historical Society museum located on Sycamore Ave.
Guests got a glimpse into the history of Lone Oaks and how the Chagares home is the perfect blend of history and modern living at the highest standard.
Lone Oak, so named because the massive oak which once graced the front yard of the estate on Sycamore avenue was the oldest oak in Monmouth County, was owned by the Chimento family and was designed by Sharon Chimento Archbold of Belle Époque Design.
Sending her regrets for not being able to attend this year’s Autumn Harvest, Archbold also expressed her honor for sharing the story of Lone Oak Manor and the vision behind its restoration.
The Chimento family acquired the estate which had stood abandoned for many years after a devastating fire. The new owners made numerous attempts to save the existing structure, but when it became clear too much of the original historic site had been lost, the decision was made to rebuild it, preserving its original chimneys, now the enduring symbols of the home’s past. The Chimentos poured both tradition and commitment into creating the present residence, designing it to suit modern living of the highest standard while never forgetting its past.
As result, visitors to Lone Oak can appreciate the paneled walls and original brick fireplaces along with the mill work which was selected to echo the character of the original manor. Modern features were integrated to bring the estate to a new era and elegance of function. The three-car garage offers 21st century practicality yet maintains the estate’s sense of scale.
The porte-cochere provides a stately welcome with its blend of both elegance and function, and an elevator offers comfort and accessibility among the various levels of the home. Inside, the houses feature a formal kitchen designed by Belle Epoque as both a showpiece and a gathering place with its high-end appliances, expansive workspace and custom cabinetry to reflect a family’s home entertainment plans. A wet bar compliments the entertaining ares of the downstairs, while upstairs a laundry brings modern convenience to daily life. A combination of both the old and new harmonizes to create a timeless lifestyle.
Archbold also pointed out that once renewed, Lone Oak has been established as a luxury rental as well as a model of a family residence. Expressing appreciation to the Chagares family for what they have brought to the estate and for opening their home to benefit the Society and enable residents to share its beauty and elegance, Archbold noted that “their stewardship ensures that the manor is one again part of the community fabric, not simply a house but as a living piece of Shrewsbury heritage.”
The designer concluded with the fact because of the kindness and generosity of the Chagares family in opening their home, “it stands as proof that from what was lost something enduring and beautiful can rise again.”
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