Storybook cottage in the woods! Almost five acres in New Jersey. $299,000

Hidden deep within the tranquil forests of Stockholm, New Jersey, lies a cottage so enchanting it feels lifted from the pages of a fairy tale. Set on 4.92 acres of pristine woodland—along with an additional 1.76-acre lot across the road—this c. 1943 retreat is the kind of place where imagination comes alive. The moment you catch sight of its tall stone chimney and rustic cedar siding, it becomes easy to picture woodland creatures, Hansel and Gretel, or even the Three Bears wandering out from behind the trees. This is not just a house; it is a world of its own, tucked away from everyday life and surrounded by storybook scenery.

Approaching the property means journeying down a long, wooded driveway lined with mature trees that open gradually to reveal the cottage. The sense of seclusion is immediate and absolute. The only sounds are the whispers of leaves overhead, the soft hum of birds, and the gentle trickle of water from your very own pond—a rare natural feature that enhances the property’s serene, magical atmosphere. The cottage itself sits quietly among the trees, offering complete privacy and an undeniable sense of enchantment.

Built in 1943, the home reflects the rustic craftsmanship and simplicity that define true woodland retreats. Its most striking exterior feature is the towering stone chimney, giving the cottage a timeless, European woodland feel. Once inside, the warmth of natural materials embraces you. Wood-paneled walls, exposed beams, a stone wood-burning fireplace, and plenty of windows create an interior that feels organic and connected to the landscape around it. Light filters gently through the trees and into the home, creating a cozy yet airy atmosphere.The living room, anchored by the magnificent stone fireplace, serves as the heart of the cottage. Here, crackling winter fires and quiet summer mornings share the same space, making it a room that welcomes every season. A vaulted ceiling lifts the room upward, adding dimension while maintaining the snug, cabin-like feel that makes this property so appealing. Whether used as a year-round home or a beloved weekend escape, the cottage provides a comforting refuge from the rush of modern life.

The layout includes two bedrooms and one full bathroom, making it perfectly suited for intimate living or peaceful getaways. Natural materials continue throughout, adding texture and authenticity to every room. Each space offers windows framing woodland views, creating the effect of living among the trees rather than simply adjacent to them.

Connected to the home—but with its own separate exterior entrance—is an unfinished bonus room with exciting potential. Whether envisioned as a guest room, creative studio, office, or a hobby space, this additional area provides flexibility for expanding the home’s usable space. With the warmth of cedar siding, updated systems over the years, and thoughtful additions such as a generator hookup, the cottage has been maintained with care while preserving its original character.Outside, the beauty of the property unfolds in every direction. The pond, nestled among the trees, adds an element of serenity and charm rarely found in modern properties. The surrounding forest invites exploration—wander through the trees, skim stones across the water’s surface, gather around a firepit, or simply sit and listen to the quiet hum of the woods. The extra lot across the street opens even more possibilities, offering additional privacy or space for future projects.

Despite its delightful seclusion, the cottage enjoys an ideal location close to an impressive array of outdoor activities. Silver Lake State Park—a fascinating historic site that once served as a YMCA summer camp—is just down the road. Mountain Creek Ski Resort, multiple golf courses, hiking trails, and an indoor ice rink provide year-round ways to enjoy the region’s natural beauty. With access to Route 23 and a direct NYC bus stop only minutes away, this woodland hideaway remains surprisingly connected.

This cottage is more than a home—it is a place to breathe, unwind, and reconnect with the simple magic of nature. Quiet, private, and filled with fairy-tale charm, it is a true hidden gem offering the chance to step into a storybook world all your own.