Imagine finding a slice of European elegance, complete with its own vineyard, right here in New Jersey! This isn't a dream; it's the reality of a stunning Atlantic Highlands home that recently captured the hearts (and wallets) of eager buyers. But what makes this property so irresistible? Let's delve into the details of this unique residence.
Published on January 18, 2026, by Allison Pries of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, the story revolves around a remarkable property affectionately known as the Tower House. The name itself hints at the European influence, perhaps alluding to renowned French wine estates – a fitting association considering the presence of a working winery on the grounds. But here's where it gets controversial... is the name really just about the wine? Or is there something more?
The truth is, the name is also quite literal. The house boasts a magnificent 35-foot tower, meticulously crafted with hand-cut bricks imported directly from England. Perched atop a bluff overlooking the breathtaking Atlantic Ocean and the iconic New York City skyline, this home truly lives up to its grand moniker.
Deborah James of Serhant New Jersey LLC, the listing agent, perfectly encapsulates the property's allure: "I’ve been doing this for a very long time, and I have not seen anything that comes close to this architecturally and with the combination of elevation, the views, and the working vineyard. It’s amazing!" Her enthusiasm clearly resonated with potential buyers.
The four-bedroom, four-bathroom home was listed on December 3rd for $2.85 million. And this is the part most people miss... the speed at which this property was snatched up! "Within an hour, I had my first call," James revealed. "And I got a full-price offer within a day!" The demand didn't stop there; multiple offers poured in, and the house was under contract within a mere week. What does it say about the market when a multi-million dollar home gets a full-price offer in 24 hours?
What makes it so special? The entrance alone is enough to transport you to another world. You step into the home through towering nine-foot-tall, arched Gothic doors, salvaged from a historic country chapel in England. The foyer features a limestone floor, each stone carrying echoes of the 17th or 18th century from a French chateau. Imagine the stories those stones could tell!
A short flight of stairs leads to the main level, where an open-concept living room, dining room, and kitchen bathed in natural light, thanks to expansive windows framing those stunning water and skyline views. Two bedrooms and two full bathrooms are located on the second level, providing ample space for family or guests.
The third level is dedicated to a luxurious 1,300-square-foot primary suite. This private oasis features a sprawling deck, a cozy gas fireplace, and a spa-like bathroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, a skylight above the shower, and a deep soaking tub. Talk about a room with a view! A gentleman's dressing area with two reach-in closets complements a custom 182-square-foot women's dressing room, complete with a chandelier. The third level also houses a gym, office space, and a reading room nestled within the tower itself, featuring charming arched windows.
The four-story home's lower level offers even more delights. A pub with soaring nine-foot ceilings and a 12-foot mahogany wet bar provides the perfect setting for entertaining. A fireplace adds warmth and ambiance, while the unobstructed water and skyline views continue to impress. A guest bedroom, bathroom, and a two-car garage complete this level.
Stepping outside, you'll find a series of decks, a patio, and an enchanting English garden. But the true gem is the vineyard, boasting 100 vines carefully cultivated by the homeowners. They harvest the grapes and bring them to a local business to be transformed into Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. A taste of Tuscany, right in New Jersey! "It’s almost like a dream," James rightly points out. "People want to move to Italy or Spain and have a vineyard. But here’s a vineyard less than an hour from Manhattan."
The Tower House has a rich history. Built in 1957 by the Nevitt family in a post-war modern architectural style, it was later purchased by the Izzy family in 1968. After relocating to Texas for a decade, Mrs. Izzy, at the age of 89, sold the home in 1989 to the Ward family, the current sellers. The Wards spent years modernizing the property, including expanding the kitchen. After a stint in London, the Wards returned to the home in 2000 and further enhanced it, drawing inspiration from their European travels and expanding the home to 3,700 square feet.
"Buyers today, more so than ever, are looking for a property that has a story, something with a history and that’s unique," James observes, highlighting the growing demand for character and authenticity in real estate.
Located just minutes from downtown Atlantic Highlands, the home offers convenient access to shopping, dining, and other amenities. "It’s not the most popular town in Monmouth County, like Rumson," James acknowledges. "But the downtown area in Atlantic Highlands has an old-fashioned creamery, a movie theater... it’s just a very charming, quaint town that not a lot of people are aware of yet." Could this be the next hidden gem of the Jersey Shore?
What do you think made this property so irresistible? Was it the European charm, the stunning views, the working vineyard, or the combination of all three? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Would you pay that much for a house with a vineyard in New Jersey?
