Glamorous past of silent film star’s luxury love nest
PATRIARCH of America’s ‘royal family’, the Kennedys, Joseph P Kennedy Snr wasn’t just known for his wealth, his business acumen and his politics – he was also a notorious womaniser.
Although one thing he could never be accused of was financial meanness.
When his business dealings with Hollywood film studios in the late 1930s brought him together with movie star Gloria Swanson, he bought his glamorous mistress an equally stunning New Jersey mansion.
The property, named Gloria Crest, allowed Kennedy to continue his three-year affair with the star of the silent screen without having to travel to the West Coast.
It has been on the market several times with no takers so has now been re-listed with a discount of almost 75%.
Built in 1926 by Count Stefan Poniatowski, heir to the Polish throne, the eight-bedroom 14-bath mansion was designed to look like an Italian villa in the Renaissance Revival style.
Often referred to as the White House of Englewood, its five-acre grounds feature sweeping lawns, botanical gardens, a lake with waterfall, orchard and gorgeous infinity pool and spa.
A grand marble foyer with double staircase leads to multiple living rooms, while a large chef’s kitchen has a floating island and impressive stained-glass ceiling. The three-room master bedroom suite has a sitting area and fireplace, and bathroom with marble soaking tub.
Gloria Crest is currently listed with Signature Realty New Jersey for $8,750,000. signaturerealtynj.com/