Joseph Dorset Taylor and Mary Holmes Taylor, for whom this house was built, had been married in 1849. Both resided in New York where Joseph was a very prosperous merchant who worked with his uncle, Mary’s father. Both had been proud descendants of the Taylors of Marlpit Hall which had remained in Mary’s side of the family members. After their marriage, Joseph and Mary decided to move back to Middletown and construct a grand home on the family members homestead.

The building encompasses some 130 rooms on three main floors, plus rooftop and lower-level rooms. In the main portion, there are 96 rooms, which include what once were 17 master suites and 19 baths. Each of the baths was decorated and furnished in a different period and had gold-plated or silver-plated fixtures.

Are you ready for the holiday season warm-up? Why? Because November in Monmouth County is filled with all-American celebrations that set the stage for upcoming holidays. Begin the month at Historic Allaire Village …

Experience life in a 19th Century industrial community during your visit to the Historic Village at Allaire. Costumed Historic Interpreters will demonstrate their crafts such as blacksmithing, carpentry or quilting using authentic 19th Century methods, while explaining their skills. Get a taste for 19th Century food preparation as the ladies of our Food Ways Guild demonstrate the art of cooking in the early 1800′s using authentic Receipts . Join our local Militia Unit and experience the formations and drills used in post Colonial New Jersey.

Find Upcoming Events this Weekend, October 8th-10th.

Find Local Events and Upcoming Entertainment Activities for this Weekend, September 17-19.