John Bartholf House

John Bartholf House seen in 2015

The John Bartholf House, also known as Amberfields, is a historic Dutch Colonial house located at 1122 Ramapo Valley Road in Mahwah, Bergen County, New Jersey.  

History and architecture

The house was built in the mid-18th century, likely around 1750, and represents a typical Bergen Dutch sandstone farmhouse. It features many characteristic elements of the style, including:

• Sandstone construction: The house is built from locally quarried red sandstone, a common building material in the region during that period.
• Gambrel roof: The distinctive gambrel roofline, with its two slopes on each side, provides more headroom on the upper floor and was a popular feature in Dutch Colonial architecture.  
• Dutch door: The front entrance likely featured a traditional Dutch door, split horizontally to allow the top half to be opened for ventilation while the bottom half remained closed.
• Interior layout: The interior likely followed a traditional central hall plan, with rooms arranged symmetrically on either side.

John Bartholf and his descendants

While the exact construction date and builder remain uncertain, the house is named after John Bartholf, a prominent member of a family that settled in the Mahwah area in the early 18th century. The Bartholfs were farmers and landowners, and their descendants continued to occupy the house and surrounding property for several generations.

Later years

Over the years, the John Bartholf House underwent several alterations and additions, reflecting changing needs and tastes. In the 20th century, it was converted into apartments. Despite these modifications, the house retains much of its original character and historic fabric.

The John Bartholf House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, recognizing its architectural significance and its association with the early settlement and development of Mahwah. It stands as a reminder of the area's rich Dutch heritage and agricultural past.

Further research

• Mahwah Museum: The Mahwah Museum may have additional information about the John Bartholf House and the Bartholf family.
• Bergen County Historical Society: This organization holds resources related to the history of Bergen County, including architectural records and genealogical information.  
• National Register of Historic Places: The official nomination form for the John Bartholf House provides detailed architectural and historical information.