Welcome to 551 Prospect Street — a stunning Victorian that beautifully blends timeless architectural detail with thoughtful modern updates. Set on an almost ½-acre property with your own private wooded trails, this home offers a rare combination of historic elegance and serene, park-like living — just moments from Maplewood Village and the train to NYC.

Step onto the inviting mahogany front porch, perfect for morning coffee. Inside, the gracious foyer, reminiscent of a Brooklyn brownstone, features 2 large coat closets and original hardwood parquet floors. High ceilings and oversized windows throughout fill the home with natural light. The spacious living room with wood-burning fireplace and coffered ceiling, and sunlit dining room with beautiful windows set the stage for entertaining. The renovated kitchen with island opens to a large deck overlooking the fenced backyard and tranquil wooded lot beyond.

Upstairs are four bright bedrooms with newer Pella windows, oversized closets, and an extra-large linen closet. The renovated full bath with tub completes this level. The third-floor primary suite is a true retreat with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, mini-split for added comfort, full bath with clawfoot soaking tub and tiled shower, plus 2 very generous closets. Finally, the partially finished basement boasts tall ceilings, laundry room, a full bath, and direct walk-out access to the serene backyard. A newer roof with warranty, and whole house water filter add to the upgrades.

This exceptional home captures the essence of Maplewood living — historic charm, modern updates, and a connection to nature in a central location.

551 Prospect List of Improvements

2025

• March – Kitchen cabinets painted and refinished; kitchen and living room repainte
• August – Master bedroom and meditation room painted; third-floor bathroom repainted; attic ceiling and staircase to attic painted; basement and second-floor bathrooms re-caulked and painted

2024

• February – Video camera inserted into main drain to inspect for invasive roots or damage (no problems found)
• New valves and water pump installed
•  New drain hardware installed in second-floor bathtub

2023

• October – Exterior trim refinished
• December – Front porch stairs repaired and replaced

2022

•  Interior of house painted; plaster cracks repaired
• Repairs made to front porch with damaged planks replaced

2021

• New stove, dishwasher, and refrigerator installed

2020

• June – Deck resealed and railing painted; new front porch light installed; porch ceiling fan installed
• July – New whole-house water filter installed; storm door installed on basement door

2019

• May – New roof and sub-roof installed on the entire house; new gutters installed
• Wave ventilation system installed
• Dehumidifier installed under front porch
• June – Rear deck refinished and painted
• August – Basement floor and walls repainted; basement stairs stripped, sanded, painted, and new carpet installed
• December – New kitchen countertops installed; new exhaust hood over stove installedKitchen painted; new sink and faucets in second-floor bath; tile repaired in second-floor bathtub
• December – Lower landing on deck stairs replaced and stairs straightened

Dear future homeowners

We have had 19 very happy years in this house, raised our daughter, made friends and continued communting to New York for work and pleasure.

This is a unique place in our view because it combines the small town living with a very artistic and vibrant community. There are a large number of music/thater/art events organized in Maplewood/South Orange that we all three have enjoyed over the years.

Our daughter was two years old when we moved here and says: “This is a wonderful place to grow up” and we agree.

Walking to town for a coffee and pastry at the famously delicious Able Baker or any number of  restaurants, is a treat. 

We also very much enjoyed the extensive sidewalks in this area that allowed for beautiful walks in all seasons.

Maplewood is spectacular and colorful in the Spring and green and lush in the Summer.

Our yard was a labor of love for us. My husband, Bob, planted a few trees from a pencil size, and we maintained a walk in the back woods, so we can visit it often. It was a place of great wonder for all the kids around us. We cared for the old trees on the property with the help of a great arborist from Save Atree.

Our third floor suite functioned more as an apartment for guests, or a growing teen, which were both very enjoyable. The first floor large, tall living room hosted many beautiful parties and on the open deck from the kitchen we never ceased to be amazed by the different season colors.

Bob always said that the walk to the train is like a walk through a park, and coming back from New York was a welcome respite from the bustle of the city.

We hope you will grow into loving this place as much as we did and we wish you a wonderful time of exploration and new beginnings.

Warm regards,

Bob, Madalina and Lara