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Standing atop the hill where South Middlebush and Blackwells Mills
Roads meet, with a spectacular view of the Franklin countryside,
fields and woods, of the Six-Mile Run Valley, the sunsets may have
been one reason Peter Van Liew settled on this site back in the
1700's, and why Joseph Suydam later built part of the house that
is seen today. The newest and largest portion of the house was built in 1875. Although the most recent long term owner of the
house was named French, the house has been named |
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 after its two founders builders, Van Liew-Suydam.The ornate woodworking on the porch and walls clearly demonstrates a perfect example of the architecture of a 19th century Victorian farmhouse.
On
September 27, 1988, the State of New Jersey sold the house to Franklin
Township for $100. The house and property have been leased to
the Meadows Foundation, currently in the process of restoring
the house for community use, eventually serving as a library,
fine arts gallery, and meeting space. This restoration effort
has required replacement of all major systems in the house. Major
projects remain including exterior siding & painting, porch
reconstruction, interior walls,
finishing and decorating. Volunteers are always welcome!
 Open
house tours of the Van Liew-Suydam house are held the Second
Sunday of each month. The Second Sunday hour tours have been suspended until further notice.
Van Liew-Suydam House
280 South Middlebush Road
Somerset, NJ 08873
tel. (732) 828-7418
Map & directions
Resident Caretaker wanted for the historic
Van-Liew Suydam House!
If you enjoy history and are handy at dealing with the problems of living in your own residence, this might be an opportunity for you to put the “Care” in Caretaker. For more information, please read the attached information and contact the Meadows at:
(732) 846-3345. Now restored inside and out, this property is available for rental.
APRIL 30- SPRINGTIME TEA"Tea for Two" is a wonderful ditty, but can't match the wonderful "Springtime Tea" that we are planning for you on Sat., April 30, 2 p.m. Van Liew Suydam House, which will be decorated for the occasion. We'll have delectable tea sandwiches from the famous Teaberry's in Flemington, scones, 4 kinds of tea, all the fixins', entertainment, and prizes. Tix are $25/person and MUST be paid for in advance. A flyer about this is attached too. If you can't open the attachments please let me know and I'll send you the information in another fashion. For more information
Reed Organ photo by: Florence Holdeman
Sunset photo by: Belinda Karpf.
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