George Crocker purchases the Darling estate for an undisclosed amount. The local Ramsey Journal notes his arrival as a significant event, highlighting Crocker's prominence and the potential impact on the town.

Crocker plans to build a grand mansion 185 feet above the original Darling house. He commissions architect James Brite to design a 45,000-square-foot Jacobean-style mansion, inspired by Bramshill House in England. Construction of roads and infrastructure begins under the direction of Theodor Shuart.

The estate includes 60 head of Jersey cattle, work and carriage horses, a kennel, sheep, and chickens. It also grows vines and vegetables, with produce sold in New York City.

Emerson McMillin, a prominent banker, purchases the mansion after George Crocker's death. Under McMillin’s ownership, the mansion becomes a symbol of wealth and prestige, with the estate maintaining its agricultural operations and opulent lifestyle.

Emerson McMillin passes away, and the mansion is sold to the Darlington Development Company. The estate undergoes a transformative shift, evolving into a private refuge for the elite as it is reimagined as the Darlington Golf and Country Club in 1925.

The mansion becomes the primary edifice of the Darlington Golf and Country Club, offering leisure and recreation to the local elite. Its grounds are developed into one of the area’s most exclusive country clubs.

The mansion transitions to serve as the Immaculate Conception Seminary, part of Seton Hall University. Known during this period as the Crocker-McMillin Mansion-Immaculate Conception Seminary, the building becomes a hub for academic and religious instruction.

The Immaculate Conception Seminary vacates the mansion. The estate’s future remains uncertain, but its legacy continues to resonate through the town.

The mansion is officially listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places, recognizing its architectural and cultural significance.

The mansion is placed on the National Register of Historic Places, solidifying its status as a landmark of historical importance.

The mansion is purchased by a private buyer who embarks on an extensive restoration project. This renovation carefully preserves much of the original architectural beauty while modernizing systems and adding new living space.

Over the course of the renovation, the mansion is restored to its former grandeur. The project includes:

• Preservation of original architectural features: The team of architects, designers, and craftsmen retain the mansion’s historical essence.

• Restoration of original materials, including rare woodwork and intricately carved features, some created by Italian wood carvers renowned for their works in the Italian Parliament, the Ritz-Carlton, and the Waldorf-Astoria.

• Expansion: An additional 12,000 square feet of living space is added, combining old-world craftsmanship with modern amenities.

The mansion is sold for $26 million, setting the record for the highest price ever paid for a home in New Jersey at the time.

Now fully restored, the mansion serves as a private residence while also being recognized as a historic landmark, celebrating over a century of history and architectural excellence. The mansion stands as a testament to the vision of its past owners and the skilled craftsmen who brought it into the 21st century.