The historic Demarest-Lyle House in Tenafly, a prominent local landmark that most recently operated as the Spring House restaurant, has officially been listed for sale. Located at 91 W. Clinton Ave., the 6,200-square-foot property is being marketed as a turnkey restaurant and event space, presenting a rare commercial transition in the heart of the borough.
The Kislak Co., a Woodbridge-based commercial real estate brokerage firm, announced the exclusive listing. According to Kislak Co. representatives, the offering is highly unique because the sale includes a valuable retail consumption liquor license, all furniture, fixtures, kitchen equipment, and an on-site Airstream trailer. The 18th-century structure sits on a half-acre lot directly adjacent to Tenafly’s municipal center and civic green space, positioning it within walking distance of the downtown commercial district.
Historical records from the Borough of Tenafly indicate that the original structure on the tract may date as far back as 1794 and was named for David Demarest. Over the past two centuries, the building has served various community functions, operating as a municipal center and professional offices before undergoing extensive renovations by the owners of the Spring House to convert it into a premier dining establishment.
The property features significant dining capacity, with indoor seating for 172 patrons and outdoor seating accommodated on a landscaped patio for up to 120 guests. Additionally, the site features 47 dedicated on-site parking spaces, a critical asset for dining establishments in Bergen County's bustling downtown districts where street parking is often limited.
Commercial real estate representatives emphasize that the property's location and turnkey status will allow a new owner-operator to resume operations quickly. The list price for the historic property is currently available upon request through the listing brokerage.