Statement of Significance (as of designation - November 13, 1966):
This large, rambling brick and frame structure is associated with one of America's earliest and most important iron producing enterprises. A charcoal iron furnace was established here in 1739, and except for a hiatus after the Revolution, manufacturing continued until 1890. The manor, begun around 1810 as the ironmaster's residence, was presented to the state in the 1930s.

Condition:
The 1740s Red Farmhouse, reportedly the oldest building in Ringwood and part of the National Historic Landmark District, needs a new roof and complete restoration. It sits adjacent to the first interstate ever built in this country (the secret road built from West Point to Morristown by MG Nathaniel Greene, under orders of General Washington). The Smith-West House and the chicken house attached to it suffer from benign neglect and are slowly falling into disrepair. The metal roof is sound but the structure needs stabilization and restoration to make it accessible for adaptive reuse. The Van Dunk House, an integral part of the Manor Close is currently boarded up and is not maintained. A bridge associated with this structure that crosses the Ringwood River below Sallies Pond Dam requires urgent attention. Its cast iron railing was hit by a fallen tree and bent. The site is overgrown and needs maintenance. Sallies Pond is an integral feature of the Ringwood Estate. It brings the viewer’s eye to the infinity to which the property extended. It should be dredged and restored to its former splendor. Presently, the shoreline is being restored, but the lake is silted in. The Sallie’s Pond Dam is slated for restoration in 2004. When complete, it will look exactly like the original. Estimated costs: $1,000,000.

Recommendation/Change since last report:
Condition assessment reports, replacement of roof on Red House, and repair, restoration, and stabilization as needed for all the buildings and structures are recommended. The Van Dunk House could be a candidate for adaptive reuse.