31-07-2025
Sussex County's legendary Stanhope House shuts its doors after decades of live music
The Stanhope House, an iconic music venue and historical landmark in Sussex County, has shut its doors after decades of live entertainment, according to an announcement posted to Facebook July 30.
"Effective immediately (7/30/25) the decision has been made to close the Stanhope House," reads the post, adding that all tickets purchased through TicketLeap will be refunded through TicketLeap.
This abrupt closure comes after previous efforts by the owner Jon Klein to sell the property to a developer. The proposed project, which was rejected by the Borough Council in May 2024, would have built 40 or more apartments as well as a commercial space and an underground parking garage.
The venue, located at 45 Main St. in Stanhope, has been around since 1796 and built its name as "The Last Great American Roadhouse," with legendary musicians like Muddy Waters, Johnny Copeland and Rakim having taken the stage at one point or another.
The former private home, stagecoach stop, general store, post office, tavern, rooming house and hotel became well known in the early 1970s for its list of legendary Blues-Rock performers, according to the venue's official website, which reads, "If walls could talk, the old walls of the Stanhope House, the Last Great American Road House, would have some serious stories to tell."
In recent years, the business has struggled, with declining audiences being exacerbated by COVID. In addition, the site is in need of several repairs including to its roof, basement, plumbing and parking.
In the wake of its announcement, dozens of people have taken to the Stanhope House's social media with their reactions, one writing, "Very sad! I'll miss the Stanhope House. So many great memories."
"Thank you for all the great music you've provided over the many years ... legendary," said another, echoing hundreds of commenters who have dined, danced and even played there themselves over the years.
This article originally appeared on Stanhope House in Sussex County NJ has shut its doors
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