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Trenton House |
It was a wrong turn that led to my discovery of the house in Trenton or “Trenton House” as I later dubbed it. My family and I were on our way back from lunch with friends when we missed a turn and ended up on Hamilton Avenue in Trenton. We drove a short distance looking for a way to get back on track when a flash of purple caught my eye. I turned to see an amazing building with purple shutters and ivy covering the walls. My husband didn’t want to stop in an unfamiliar area but I later convinced him to bring me back.
Trenton House from the street |
What a fascinating green and purple oasis this was in the middle of a rundown city! There was a vacant lot next to the building and I snuck around construction barriers into the lot to get a better look. There were birdhouses, angels, cherubs and other interesting doodads all over the front and side of the house. There were vines of many different species climbing up the walls and window boxes with a multitude of flowers spilling over the sides. One of the most striking aspects of this house is that it is half of a duplex. There is a line painted down the middle with this incredible house on the left side, while the right side is vacant. It is painted industrial gray with crumbling steps, boarded-up windows, and a padlock on the door. What a surreal contrast.
Entrance to Trenton House |
I have since become friends with the owners, Allen and Jose, who have lived in the house for the past 29 years. They continually add new touches and plants. They move and change things as they are inspired by new artistic ideas. They call me as various things are blooming and as they add new touches. The men who created this living work of art are just as fascinating as their gardens. They are very gracious and often invite people for a tour and even offer refreshments to their guests. When asked if they worry about vandalism or theft, they say that nobody has ever so much as picked a leaf or in any way disturbed the house or garden. People seem to regard it as a sacred place that is guarded by the angels that grace the walls and adorn the garden.
Lighted Seating - Evening |
They have painted oriental rugs on the steps and floor. Intricate wrought iron tables and chairs painted with an antique finish of greens, purples and white are placed throughout the gardens. They have created several levels throughout the gardens and a meandering path ends at a small Koi pond in the back corner of the property. There is a carousel horse hanging above. The vines on trellises overhead enclose all of the gardens and the incredible variety of plants complete the feeling of a lush, tropical paradise. In the evening they have tiny lights sprinkled throughout along with candles lining the paths. Speakers hidden throughout provide a backdrop of bird and animal sounds as well as music by Sarah Brightman.
Climbing Rose View |
When people see the photographs of “Trenton House” they ask if the scenes are from someplace exotic like New Orleans, Paris, or Venice. They are always shocked to learn that it is actually in Trenton New Jersey. Several of the images of the house are among my most popular photographs. An article featuring my photographs of this home appears in the April/May issue of DesignNJ magazine.To see more photos of this amazing home and gardens go to My Galleries-->Flowers and Gardens-->Trenton House.
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