Natirar facts for kids
Natirar is a large estate in Somerset County, New Jersey, USA. It covers about 491 acres (nearly 2 square kilometers) across three towns: Peapack-Gladstone, Far Hills, and Bedminster. The name "Natirar" is actually "Raritan" spelled backward, named after the nearby Raritan River. The main buildings were built between 1910 and 1912. Today, Natirar is partly a public park and partly a private resort with a hotel, spa, and restaurant.
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Where is Natirar Located?
Natirar is found at the end of a long driveway, about 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) long. The estate stretches across parts of three different towns. Most of the main buildings and about 327 acres (1.3 square kilometers) are in Peapack-Gladstone. Another 124 acres (0.5 square kilometers) are in Far Hills, and 40 acres (0.16 square kilometers) are in Bedminster.
The main buildings are located south of Highland Avenue and east of Main Street/Peapack Road. They are also north of the North Branch of the Raritan River and west of Lake Road. The main entrance to Natirar is now close to where Peapack Road crosses the North Branch of the Raritan River. It is also near the New Jersey Transit's Gladstone Branch train line.
Natirar's History and Uses
Natirar was first built as a private home for Kate Macy Ladd (1863–1945) and her husband, Walter Graeme Ladd (1857–1933). Kate Macy Ladd inherited a large fortune from her family, who were involved in whaling, shipping, and oil.
From Home to Convalescent Center
After Mrs. Ladd passed away, the property became a special home for women. This "convalescent home" was a place where women could rest and recover. Kate Macy Ladd had started this home at Natirar in 1908.
According to her husband's will, the home was to be sold 50 years after his death. So, in 1983, the facility closed. Its money and property were given equally to five different schools.
Royal Ownership and Public Park
The property was then sold for $7.5 million to Hassan II, who was the King of Morocco. The King did not visit Natirar very often. Instead, his children lived there while they attended Princeton University.
After King Hassan II died, his son, King Mohammed VI, became the owner. In 2003, King Mohammed VI sold the property to Somerset County, New Jersey for $22 million. The county government now manages Natirar.
Current Uses: Park and Resort
Somerset County decided to lease about 90 acres (0.36 square kilometers) of the property. This leased area includes the main mansion and other buildings. A local resident named Bob Wojtowicz began plans to fix up the buildings.
The old carriage house on the property was turned into a restaurant called "90 Acres." An attached garage was also changed into a cooking school. This school offers classes and events to the public. The restaurant opened in late 2009.
Bob Wojtowicz also partnered with Miraval Resorts to turn the mansion into a resort. This resort will include a hotel and spa. The opening date for the Miraval-branded resort has not yet been announced.
Natirar County Park
Somerset County manages 404 acres (1.6 square kilometers) of the estate as Natirar, a county park. This park land is spread across the three towns: 247 acres (1 square kilometer) in Peapack-Gladstone, 124 acres (0.5 square kilometers) in Far Hills, and 40 acres (0.16 square kilometers) in Bedminster.
The park offers many natural features for visitors to enjoy. It has open grassy areas and peaceful woodlands. There is also access to the North Branch Raritan River, which flows through the property. Peapack Brook also runs through the park.
Natirar Park also includes old farm buildings and other historic homes. These buildings date back to the mid-1700s through the mid-1800s. However, these historic structures are not currently open to the public.
