Former New Jersey Boy Scouts Camp Hits the Market for $3.3 Million—50 Years After Being Transformed Into Stunning Private Estate

A stunning New Jersey retreat that was once home to a Boy Scouts camp has hit the market for $3.3 million—more than five decades after it was transformed into a private estate.

The property, which is currently owned by private wealth advisor Tony Pio Costa and sits on a picturesque 70 acres, began its journey as a legacy compound back in the 1970s when local businessman Don Wheeler turned it into a retreat for his family.

But in the 1950s and 1960s, the extraordinary property was used as a popular Boy Scouts camp, known as Camp Aheka—and many remnants from that time remain on the estate to this day.

The property is still home to a large structure where camp counselors once rested, as well as the dock and boathouse, while a communal dining area that boasts a cozy stone fireplace, and an adjoining snack stand can also be found on the lush land.

In addition to its rustic history, the home also has something of a celebrity status—having been used as a filming site for an array of movies, TV commercials, and even Super Bowl ads.

Costa snapped up the abode in 2021 for $990,000 and has spent the last several years transforming it.

His revamps saw him adding new windows and a new roof to the dining hall, sweeping away overgrown trees, and upgrading the main home.

The result, he says, is an unparalleled property that has served as a sanctuary for his family for the past few years—complete with a stunning private lake that can be used for all manner of water sports.

He told The Bergen Record, “I personally didn’t live there. My son did for some time while he was in the process of building a new house, and he said that he almost wished he never built the other house because it’s so spectacular.

“I just think it’s a fabulous piece of property. It was in disrepair and we brought it back to nearly 100%, with the exclusion of the outbuildings, but the main house was really brought up to speed,” he added.

The main house, which sits on the side of the lake, sprawls across 6,000 square feet and boats six bedrooms and seven bathrooms.

Throughout the home, there are charming touches of stone and dark wood that accentuate its open floor plan.

According to the listing, it “spans three levels and features a modern kitchen, refinished hardwood floors, a game room above the garage, and a new bar on the lower level.”

On the second floor, there are four bedrooms. The third floor features two more bedrooms that offer sweeping views of the lake.

Additionally, the property offers a potentially lucrative business opportunity for anyone eager to earn some extra income.

According to the listing, there is a renovated carriage house on the property with a garage, a studio apartment, a boathouse, and another two-bedroom home, which is currently being rented out for $2,700 a month.

The property also offers a wealth of outdoor activities, with the description noting that there is “direct access to hiking trails” from the main residence, which also boasts proximity to “top restaurants and shopping.”

“This iconic property offers unmatched privacy, charm, and accessibility,” it goes on. “Featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials, this remarkable property is truly one of a kind.”

Additionally, the estate is located just 30 miles from New York City, meaning that it could serve as a primary residence for anyone who regularly commutes into the Big Apple.

With all that on offer, listing agent Megan Lavenburg, of Century 21 The Crossing, admits she’s stunned.

“There’s just so many possibilities on this property that it’s unbelievable, and it’s shocking to me that it’s not sold yet,” she told the Bergen Record. “It’s the deal of a century.”