May is preservation month⏤a time to celebrate the care and craftsmanship that goes into protecting historic places for future generations. Here at the Woolverton Inn, we are very proud to honor stories, embrace adaptive reuse, and create spaces where past and present can live side by side.
At Woolverton Inn, we’ve made preservation a way of life⏤so much so that we are featured in the Historic Hotels of America’s Top 25 Adaptively Reuse List.
This month, we’re highlighting four of our most meaningful Woolverton Inn preservation projects. These transformations honor the past while making space for the future. Whether you’re dining in a reclaimed barn or relaxing on a porch with centuries-old charm, you’re experiencing history. From barn beams to slate roofs, here’s a look at how we’re preserving the structures here at Woolverton Inn.
Northridge Barn: From Farmland to Fine Dining
Originally built in the 1830s, the barn on our property once served as part of Woolverton’s working farmland. After three years of painstaking restoration, this rustic structure has been adaptively reused into Northridge Restaurant—a standout adaptive reuse restaurant in New Jersey, even mentioned in the New York Times.
Featuring custom woodwork, period-inspired lighting, and structural elements salvaged from the original barn, Northridge is now a full-service restaurant and event venue that has quickly become a favorite for countryside wedding venues in NJ and local food lovers alike.
The Carriage House: Historic Utility, Modern Hospitality
The Carriage House, built in the 1800s, has evolved from a place to store horse-drawn carriages to its current form as a versatile guest space. Over the years, it has functioned as a storage space, studio apartment over a 6-car garage, a real estate office, and home to former owners. Today, it includes:
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An elegant, two bedroom bridal suite upstairs
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A pet-friendly, accessible cottage on the ground level
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The innkeepers’ apartment, currently undergoing thoughtful updates
This building exemplifies the value of adaptive reuse, providing comfort and flexibility while retaining its historic character.
The Manor House: Roof, Porch & Preservation Details
The Woolverton Inn’s 1792 Manor House has always stood as the heart of the property. Its original slate mansard roof and gracious front porch are certainly two of its more defining features. Over time, both elements required expert restoration to maintain their structural integrity and historical character.
The slate roof, a hallmark of French design, was carefully restored to preserve its distinctive silhouette and weatherproof durability. Meanwhile, efforts were in place to rebuild the front porch, with attention to its original design and timeless appeal. These touches may not be obvious to just any eye, but they are essential to protecting the history and hospitality woven into every stay at Woolverton Inn.
We’re proud to encourage guests to experience the charm of a bygone era at one of Stockton’s only welcoming, historic inns.
Stone Patios, Peaceful Pastures & Outdoor Legacy
Our preservation efforts extend well beyond the walls of our buildings. The stone bar and back patio blend historic stonework with modern comfort. Our wonderful contractors collected stone found around the property to construct the outdoor bar, pictured. Once a wedding location for Julia Child and a favorite gathering space, the side and back of the property have been meticulously updated over the past 10 years. Blooming irises, peonies, roses and begonias fill the surrounding gardens.
Another project, the fountain was a new addition, and one of the first projects Mary and Mario decided to undertake. After the project, several years ago now, Mary recalls a guest saying, “I feel my blood pressure go down just watching the sheep.” That spirit inspired us to preserve the views, fencing, and landscaping that maintain the tranquil, pastoral setting our guests know and love.
Why Woolverton Inn Preservation Projects Matter
Preservation isn’t about freezing time (though the feeling of stepping back in time is a total bonus). It’s about creating continuity. By thoughtfully restoring and reimagining our buildings and grounds, we ensure that Woolverton Inn remains one of the most romantic inns in New Jersey for generations to come. Preservation isn’t just about restoring old buildings. It’s about appreciation for the effort and energy that went into creating a space, the respect for the people who have come before us, and the investment in future generations.
Happy Preservation Month from all of us at Woolverton Inn. Come experience history with us.