The Gloria Crest Estate

Nestled on a quiet street in the historic neighborhood of Englewood, New Jersey, the Gloria Crest Estate (also nicknamed the “White House of Englewood”) sits in her Mediterranean-inspired splendor waiting for a new owner to take her off the market. The Michelle Pais Group has listed the historic home, rumored to have been owned by Gloria Swanson herself, for $9.99 million USD. 

Only five miles from Manhattan, the Gloria Crest Estate was built in 1926 by Stefan Poniatowski for his wife Edith. At the time, the neighborhood was known as “the bedroom of Wall Street” and many historic homes dating back to the Roaring Twenties can still be found there. As a descendant of Polish royalty, Stefan spared no expense on the five-acre, 24,000-square-foot estate that boasts eight bedrooms, nine full baths and five half baths. The couple’s time in the glorious home was cut short in 1929 when the stock market crashed and Stefan lost most of his fortune. Since then, Gloria Crest has been home to many owners and is back on the market with a steep price reduction. 

At the time of the crash, all of the furnishings in the home were put up for auction. It is said that 2,500 people showed up on the day of the auction, some purchased the treasures inside and others went to look at the mansion they had heard so much about. Stefan even sold his family heirlooms, some dating back to the Chinese Han dynasty. Edith wrote diary entries describing her experiences in the home during their last year of ownership. Her published journal entries also describe how much she missed her home after she and Stefan settled into a condo on 67th Street in Manhattan. 

The Gloria Crest Estate is a sumptuous mix of old and new. The interior of the home boasts Tiffany glass skylights, gilded moldings, original wood paneling and a mantle that could rival those found in centuries-old European estates. The home features modern amenities that include a home theater, private gym, home office, hot tub and eight-car garage. There is no limit to the sprawling 360-degree views that can be seen from almost any room in the home. The five acres also house a private lake with waterfalls that can be seen from the cabana. Perfect for summer, the home also comes equipped with an infinity pool.

Not only is the Gloria Crest Estate a historic treasure but so is the neighborhood it is located in. Bergen County is known for its well-respected community, private schools, famed eateries and its flourishing downtown neighborhood. The perfect blend of privacy yet close proximity to town, this home is fit for anyone who wants to make the move to the suburbs. 

In 2013, the owners of the home won an award from the Englewood Historical Society for the work they have done to preserve and maintain the interior and exterior details of Gloria Crest. The lucky new owners of this estate will rest assured that they will be contributing to the storied past of one of America’s last great estates. 

The Gloria Crest Estate is currently listed on the market at $9.99 million by the Michelle Pais Group. For more information, please contact 908-686-1200.