Alpine ‘Chateau de la Roche’ sells for $17.7 million, New Jersey’s priciest home deal in three years
Versailles-style, 25,700-square-foot estate in gated Rio Vista enclave closes after price reductions; buyer’s identity not disclosed
A Versailles-inspired mansion in Alpine, New Jersey, known as Chateau de la Roche, has sold for $17.7 million, marking the largest residential sale in the state in three years and the most expensive transaction in Alpine’s Rio Vista community since January 2022.
The 25,700-square-foot limestone, travertine and cast stone estate sits on about 2 acres in the gated enclave roughly a half-hour from Manhattan. The home, completed in 2017, was built atop blasted bedrock and was named Chateau de la Roche — French for "rock castle" — in reference to a massive boulder removed to make way for the foundation.
David and Mindy Kwon purchased the land in 2011 for $3.95 million and spent four years constructing the residence with designs by Zampolin & Associates Architects. The property combines Old World architectural details with resort-style amenities, including seven bedrooms and 10.5 bathrooms, a grand staircase topped by a crystal chandelier, a 15-seat theater, a wine cellar, a library, a billiards room, a conservatory, two indoor plunge pools, an outdoor pool and spa, a sauna and a steam room, and two bars.
Denise Albanese of Christie’s Mahwah-Saddle River Sales Gallery, who served as listing agent and interior designer, described the home’s mix of scale and warmth. "The overall grandeur of the home is very impressive with its soaring ceilings and detailed moldings throughout, and at the same time the home is warm and inviting," she said. Albanese also said the closing figure reflected the property’s craftsmanship and unique finishes. "I believe it sold at this price because of its quality craftsmanship and exquisite finishes and details and special amenities. It’s one of a kind," she added.
The property first hit the market in 2021 with an asking price of $25 million. The price was reduced to $22.49 million in 2023 before the sale closed this week for $17.7 million. The Kwons have declined to comment on the sale; Albanese confirmed the sellers are downsizing.
The buyer’s identity was not disclosed. The buyer was represented by Richard Orlando and Jason Pierce of Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty and by Taylor Lucyk of Christie’s International Real Estate Group. Albanese declined to identify the buyer.
Christie’s International Real Estate Group reported that the closing is the highest residential sale in New Jersey since January 2022. Alpine, an affluent suburban community across the Hudson River from New York City, has long been among the state’s most expensive ZIP codes and a locus for high-end residential deals, particularly for large, custom estates.
The sale highlights activity at the top end of the state’s housing market, where bespoke properties often undergo extended listing periods and price revisions before finding buyers. The transaction closed Tuesday, according to Christie’s and the listing brokerage.