Shaun
There is a perfect home for you on CRAFTSMAN ROW in Madison just listed at just over $500K but in this market let's see what the owner will take. Call me today to discuss> 973-723-3666

My blog on Trulia has photos of both Craftsmans that I sold last year. Let me know if this is the type of home you are looking for.

http://www.trulia.com/blog/anne_shearman/

Hi Shaun.
The Fairwoods section of Madison has the most number of Craftsman and recently I listed one on Forest that sold for $540K. It was adorable. Contact me with # of bedrooms and baths required and I will keep you posted on ones in your price ($500K). The Morristown Headquarters area would also have a selection. Have you previewed any in this area?

Shaun,
I know I'm joining this conversation a little late, but thought I would add to it. This area (Morris, Essex, Union, Passaic counties) does not have many arts and crafts style homes under the $500k mark. Unfortunately, Madison has held its value for a lot of reasons... 1) train line with commute to NYC, 2) highly rated school systems, 3) downtown area, 4) proximity to 3 colleges/universities, 5) proximity to the new Jets training facility in Florham Park... As you follow the train line people tend to start east and work their way west.

If you are looking outside of Madison (I saw Chatham and Mountain Lakes on the list), you still have the same problems. Mountain Lakes is even harded as it's a much smaller bedroom community with one of the highest rated school systems in NJ.

Westfield does have a few more to offer. Have you thought about expanding your search to include the traditional colonial style home? There are a lot of older homes in these areas that will give you the charm and character you are looking for. And it will open the search up for you.

In the interim to your answering that question, you also didn't state if you were looking for "move in" condition or mention anything about bedrooms, baths, lot size, etc. So without knowing your true taste, it's hard to really make recommendations.

I did however look through and found a few properties that might interest you, including one in Madison. It's probably one you've seen already, but let me know if I am on the right track, or if you would like additional help with your search. I am recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a member of the Historic Real Estate Program, and can help you with finding that right "house".

http://emailrpt.gsmls.com/public/show_public_report_rpt.do?r…

Good luck with your search!
Lisa Tempesta, Broker-Salesperson
Realtor® -Associate
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage / 2200 Rt. 10 West, Parsippany, NJ 07054
(973) 267-3030 x 129 / (973) 267-4161 fax / (973) 668-6322 cell
skype id lisa.tempesta / text 9736686322
connect with me on linkedin.com / plaxo.com / facebook.com

thanks for everyone's responses. It looks like there are a few in Westfield that are in my price range. And to answer Bill's question - I think the Arts and Crafts style is the same as a Craftsmans Cottage/Bungalow.

I know there are a few in Mountain Lakes too -- but they are out of our price range.

I would ideally find something in Madison or Chatham (close commute) so I think I will keep on searching...
Thanks.

The key is vigilance. They do come up periodically. Here is one, but unfortunately in Madison so the price is too high:

http://emailrpt.gsmls.com/public/show_public_report_rpt.do?r…

However they do come up. Send me your e-mail and I'll set up a custom search that will send you any Craftsmen that hits the market.

Here's another one and it's a short sale. Too bad it's a 5 hour commute:

http://emailrpt.gsmls.com/public/show_public_report_rpt.do?r…

-Marc
Marc Paolella
Relocation Director
Member, Worldwide ERC
Licensed Realtor NJ
Licensed Appraiser NJ & NY
Century 21 Joe Tekula Realtors
Agent of the Year 2008
Owner: Sands Appraisal Service, Inc.
Phone (direct): (973) 584-4235
web: http://www.marcpaolella.com

Shaun: I can't help a bit in your search but I'm curious. What is craftsman/bungalow style house? I THINK I know what the American Arts & Crafts movement was and what houses of that style look like. They were built between 1890 and 1920, more or less. I'd say that Don Hansen's last pick was typical of that genre.

Hey, the Octagon was perfect but of a much earlier period. I've NEVER seen anything like it. If you bought that one, you could always use the old line at your parties, "Head for the round house, Nell, they can't corner you there!"

Anyway, the exchange brightened my day.

Best wishes with your search.

Bill Holt

Shaun,
It is a tough find. Not many around to start with and even fewer hitting the market. They do come on but rarely.
I did search for you to see if any of these homes would be of interest. They are not true craftman style homes but they are of the genre.
Morris County - http://emailrpt.gsmls.com/public/show_public_report_rpt.do?r…

Essex County- http://emailrpt.gsmls.com/public/show_public_report_rpt.do?r…

Union County- http://emailrpt.gsmls.com/public/show_public_report_rpt.do?r…

Let me know if any of these appeal to you. I love older architecturally significant homes and would love to help you find a special home. You can contact me at my website. http://www.c21newbeginningsrealty.com.
Good luck.