HISTORY
Idylease opened on New Year’s Day in 1903 as a resort and health retreat in Newfoundland, New Jersey. The building was designed around a hilltop setting, broad verandas, large leaded-glass windows and public rooms typical of the resort era.
Thomas Edison is among the names recorded in the Idylease guest register.
THE BUILDING TODAY
Idylease remains in active use as a resident hotel and guest house. Private rooms, common areas, kitchen facilities, a dining room and the restored entrance hall continue to serve the building’s present-day use.
Original architectural details and materials remain throughout the house, including woodwork, hardware, plaster detailing and period lighting.
HISTORIC DESIGNATION
Idylease was designated West Milford’s first local historic landmark in 1988. The property is one of the surviving examples of the resort-era development that once served the Highlands region of northern New Jersey.
THE ESTATE AND ARCHIVE
The building stands within a 98-acre estate and tree farm. The Idylease archive includes historic photographs, documents and other material relating to the property, its guests and its long use in Newfoundland.
Transmultimedia operates from production studios at Idylease, where web, design, photography and documentary work are produced from the Newfoundland property.